With your home still being one of your best long-term investments, every little bit definitely helps—things like upkeep, maintenance and boosting the curb appeal. Since first impressions are lasting impressions, neighborhood values are affected by the homes therein. Many Web sites offer their top 10 lists of inexpensive tips for amping curb appeal for your investment. Most agree that the number one fix is to keep the exterior clean and neat, with power washing working minor miracles. The list continues with paint upkeep and landscaping. Keeping trees and shrubs trimmed and adding some flowers creates an inviting path, both for the eyes and for the feet.
Every little bit helps in the housing market too. Boosted, no doubt, by the deadline for closing escrow before June 30 to qualify for the federal tax credit for a home purchase, sales of homes in Orange County in June hit a four-year high. In addition, with 3,423 Orange County residences closing escrow, that is up 15 percent from June 2009. Sales of homes in Orange County in the second quarter had an increase of 44 percent over the first quarter.1
Overall, home prices and sales are up in 44 percent of Orange County.2 Indeed, it appears that positive perceptions of the housing market will help maintain a positive trend forward. Maintaining buyer interest and demand by maintaining the overall impression of the investment value of Orange County homes and communities will also contribute to a continuing positive trend.
Your Coldwell Banker professional can help you protect and maintain your investment. Our concierge can point you in the right direction for a multitude of services. Contact any one of our agents and visit www.OCViewOnline.com today to search our fine properties.
1“ OC Home Sales hit 4-year high.” OCRegister.com, July 13, 2010.
http://lansner.ocregister.com/2010/07/13/o-c-home-sales-hit-4-year-high/72475
2 “Home sales, prices up in 44% of O.C.” OCRegister.com, July 9, 2010.
http://lansner.ocregister.com/2010/07/09/home-sales-prices-up-in-44-of-o-c/72091