All Blog Entries by Veronica Hicks 
Veronica Hicks is the expert in Orange Countys condominium market. By focusing her business exclusively on these unique communities, she has a thorough understanding of the appeal and benefits of this modern, metropolitan lifestyle.
There are currently 62 blog entries published by Veronica Hicks.
Ideal Time to Buy Real Estate?
Tuesday, November 16th, 2010 at 3:51pm. 115 Views, 0 Comments.
News of recovery, historically low mortgage rates and the overall feeling that the bottom is here or near, have many people wondering if now might be the ideal time to buy a first condo, trade up to a bigger condo, or simply invest in more real estate. Let’s face it, affordability is here when it comes to real estate. For those who have a steady source of income and have the cash or the ability to acquire a mortgage, there couldn’t be a better time to buy a condo.
What are the benefits of investing in real estate? First of all when investing in anything the best return is made when the original purchase it at, or near, its lowest value. Buying a condo in today’s conditions allows for more equity to be built over the long term…
Focus on the Kitchen
Monday, November 15th, 2010 at 1:22pm. 99 Views, 0 Comments.
Focus on the kitchen when considering a remodel of your condo. The kitchen is a focal point of the condo and is so much more than just a space in which to cook or clean dishes. A kitchen is a place where people sit and eat, pay bills, do homework and socialize. When a kitchen is comfortable and inviting, as well as functional, it will make your condo more appealing to potential condo buyers when you decide to sell.
Some details of a kitchen to consider:
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Add an island- An island provides extra counter space, extra eating space, and additional seating space. An island can expand the functionality of a kitchen.
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Comfortable seating- Instead of hard wood or metal choose upholstered seating for your stools and dining…
Is “Vacant” Good?
Thursday, November 11th, 2010 at 2:46pm. 111 Views, 0 Comments.
When selling real estate the question of whether a vacant condo is good for selling is a viable question, the answer, however, is not so easy. Many real estate professionals believe that a furnished condo sells better than an empty condo. Then of course there are those that disagree.
A furnished condo can show a potential buyer how a condo looks when lived in. The trick in this scenario is, of course, that the furnishings should be in good taste, simple and laid out in a way that makes good usage of the condo’s space. In addition the condo should be void of personal belongings like photos that can make the condo hard to envision someone else living in.
A recent article in zillow.com on how sellers can increase their property…
Are You Ready to Buy A Condo?
Wednesday, November 10th, 2010 at 12:38pm. 95 Views, 0 Comments.
Are you ready to buy a condo? Condo ownership is a big step and if there is one thing people have learned from the recent burst of the housing bubble it is that you need to be prepared to become a homebuyer. If you are ready to take advantage of the low mortgage rates that are available as well as the higher than normal inventories and condo prices that must be near or at the bottom here are some points to be familiar with before jumping into real estate ownership.
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Know the market in your area. Be aware of what condos are selling for and what you should expect to pay.
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Be prepared to acquire financing. Interview lenders, clean up your credit and get pre-approved for a loan.
- Once you know what you should expect to pay…
Is A Home Inspection Necessary?
Tuesday, November 9th, 2010 at 2:53pm. 113 Views, 0 Comments.
If you are buying a condo and are questioning if a home inspection is necessary, the simple answer is “yes”. Imagine closing on your new condo and moving in to find that the heat doesn’t work, the dishwasher leaks and the windows in your bedroom are so drafty that they feel open when they are shut tight. Of course these are extremes but knowing exactly what you are buying is important and will protect you in your real estate transaction.
Unless you have put your new condo under contract with a completely inexperienced Realtor, or have written the contract on a cocktail napkin, there will be an inspection contingency in your real estate contract. This means that you will have an inspection completed on the property, and a subsequent list…
Buying Real Estate? The Art of Negotiation
Friday, October 29th, 2010 at 1:35pm. 95 Views, 0 Comments.
When buying real estate there is a lot involved. Knowing the art of negotiation when it comes to buying a condo is important. Purchasing a property is a large investment and doing it right is of the utmost importance. When the ideal property is located the negotiation process begins, typically with a contract. Price, dates, fixtures, and more can all be items of negotiation.
When it comes down to it, negotiating the terms of buying or selling a condo can become emotional, with both sides feeling strongly about price, the closing date or what may or may not come with the condo. However, it is important to help guide the negotiation, not stand so firmly that “take it or leave it takes control”.
Certain things come into play in a…
Selling Your Condo? What Does it Smell Like?
Thursday, October 28th, 2010 at 2:54pm. 105 Views, 0 Comments.
If you are selling your condo you may want to think about what it smells like. We are all graced with the same five senses and smell can be an important one. The smell of a condo can be warm and inviting or assaulting, which reaction are you trying to achieve?
First off, if your condo smells like cigarette smoke you are at a huge disadvantage these days. Until the smell can be professionally removed, it would be hard to consider having it available for showings. If cigarette smoke is not an issue, consider what your condo does smell like.
While you do not want an overwhelming perfumed smell in your condo, you do want a fresh, natural scent. Air your condo out before an open house or before a showing. Pay attention to where your…
Overall A Positive Outlook on Real Estate
Wednesday, October 20th, 2010 at 2:10pm. 90 Views, 0 Comments.
While the economic recovery shows ups and downs, the overall picture of the housing market shows more positive data than negative. Looking at real estate data from the second quarter it is evident that home prices are stabilizing in more areas than not and home sales volume is up. The second quarter was stimulated largely by the homebuyer tax credit that was expiring and the historically low mortgage rates that continued to drop.
Home sales rose just over 9% in the second quarter of 2010, over a 15% increase in volume from the second quarter of 2009. The affordability factor is playing a large role in the purchasing of real estate, with homes considerably more affordable than they were at the peak of the market.
Home values have…
Remodeling May Be A Good Option
Wednesday, October 20th, 2010 at 1:54pm. 129 Views, 0 Comments.
Remodeling your condo may be a good option. The number of people remodeling their condo may be down, but the reality is that remodeling is much more affordable today than it was a few years ago due to a more competitive market, discounted supplies and lower interest rates. Traditionally kitchens and bathrooms are the highest items on a remodel list, but decks, doors and windows are up there as well, offering a higher return on the money that is invested in remodeling.
If you are considering remodeling your condo but are unsure of whether now is the right time or not it might be a good idea to sit down and make a list. Examine your condo and think about what your priorities are.
What needs to be improved for the health of your condo?…
Home Inspection, Think About it Before Selling
Tuesday, October 19th, 2010 at 1:10pm. 105 Views, 0 Comments.
When it comes to a home inspection it could be something to consider before selling a condo. While there are many people who perform an inspection before selling real estate, more often than not an inspection is performed as part of a contract. An inspection before a condo even hits the market can save a lot of headache and money in the long run.
An inspection on the front end can reveal any major problems that exist with a property, from faulty wiring and plumbing issues to leaky window seals and other condo issues. Chances are an inspection may not reveal much more than you expect, but knowing ahead of time allows you the option to make necessary repairs or advertise your condo honestly.
Today’s real estate market is a competitive…
