5 Things you can be doing now to help you sell your house later

Let's face it. While some days it sure feels like it, this shelter-in-place and coronavirus way of living is NOT going to last forever, I promise.
If you are looking for some things you can be doing to get your house ready to sell when this whole thing blows over, here's a few ideas:

1. Curb Appeal - Curb appeal is one of the most important things you can do when you are getting your house ready to sell. It is the first impression on a potential buyer - whether they are a drive-by or seeing the house in person for the first time. There are so many things you can do to increase the curb appeal of your home!

• Paint the front door. 
• Update your house numbers. 
• Change out your mailbox. 
• Pressure wash your driveway and walkway. 
• Add shutters! One of my clients who bought a house last year added the cutest homemade shutters to their house and it looks adorable!

2. Hardware or Lighting -  Check the hardware in your house - is it outdated or original to the house? There's so much that can be changed out - doorknobs, hinges, faucets, shower heads, and cabinet drawer pulls! When we moved into our house, we changed out all the doorknobs and hinges right away and it made a huge difference! It's such an easy change to do yourself and there are so many fun options to choose from now.

3. Declutter/Organize - Aren't these pictures of organized closets inspiring? I love organizing with baskets because it's SO easy to keep things clean! You don't necessarily have to keep everything "picked up", it just goes in the basket! I especially love the custom baskets with the name of what is written inside so it's easy to find things. There are so many ways to organize - like with the clear containers in the pantry or just neatly stacking towels and blankets. Start with de-cluttering and getting rid of items you don't use anymore and you will have extra space for organizing the items you do use!

 4. Landscaping - Spring is the perfect time to beautify your yard. There are so many easy landscaping projects you can do during this time to spruce up the exterior of your home. If you don't have a green thumb - check out this article by Sunset for landscaping with stone - there are some gorgeous ideas! Add a patio set for two or a potted plant for extra aesthetic!

5. Painting - Painting is an easy way to make a BIG difference to any space! Take advantage of your free time and paint anything - the exterior trim of your house, or an interior "accent" wall, or your front door! See this article for 28 inviting colors to paint your front door.


As always, I would love to hear your comments or questions!
530-391-1576
sarah@sarah-ratliff.com

How Coronavirus is Impacting the Housing Market

FewFew homes look their best in the dirty grays of late winter, which is, in part, why homebuying season coincides with the arrival of spring. This year, however, the crocuses that can make a house look that much nicer are showing up alongside the less reassuring news of a virus circling the globe.

The spread of COVID-19—the disease caused by the novel coronavirus—was officially declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11. It’s already claimed more than 83,000 lives worldwide. Shelter-in-place orders have been issued for cities across the country and almost 10 million Americans have filed for unemployment since the outbreak of the pandemic.

If you’re already in the market for a house, all the uncertainty might have you worried about the housing market. Will COVID-19 cause housing to collapse, as it did during the financial crisis in 2008?

Historically low inventory and rock-bottom mortgage rates would normally set the stage for a highly competitive homebuying season. While recessions normally have only a minor effect on the housing market, the coronavirus is making life and markets anything but normal.

Zillow conducted a study on housing during previous pandemics and concluded that while home sales dropped dramatically during an outbreak, home prices stayed about the same or suffered a slight decrease. This makes intuitive sense because it’s harder for prices to change when there are few transactions. In short, previous pandemics have simply put the housing market on pause.

Read the full article from Curbed here.

Real Estate and COVID 19

Coronavirus, COVD 19 - we are all in this together. 

I am so many things right now - small business owner, mother, wife, daughter, working from home with a 9 month old baby and trying to stay sane!

I have gotten a lot of questions from clients, friends, and family over the last few weeks regarding what is happening in the real estate market. No one can say for sure what will happen once this is all over, but for now, here are some FAQs, answered:

Sellers:

Is it a good time to sell my house?

• For now, the market is holding steady. There has not been a shift up or down in our local market. Demand is still high due to people having to or wanting to move for different reasons and inventory is still extremely low. 

How will buyers see my house?

• Right now, many Realtors, including myself, are offering virtual tours of your home so that buyers don't even have to leave their house to see yours! Or ask your agent to do a video walk through of the house for you so you can really get a feel for the layout. I have a lot of experience doing this with out-of-town clients and have had many put in offers this way. 

What can I be doing during this time to prepare to sell?

• If you aren't quite ready to sell, but are finding yourself with extra time on your hands, now is an excellent time to start getting the house ready to sell! You could be: sorting things into keep, giveaway (donation), and trash. The local library would love the books you don't want! Finding contractors for projects such as painting - or DIY! Deep cleaning, such as dusting doors and baseboards, or cleaning your windows is always something that looks great in listing pictures. Or, get some sunshine and work on the backyard - plant flowers or do some weeding. 

Buyers:
Is now a good time to buy or should I wait?

• Some people may decide to wait until later this year to see what happens to the market. Right now, interest rates are still at historic lows and as long as your job is secure and you can afford the payment, why not continue with your dream to become a homeowner? There are some great homes on the market today!

Is now a good time to refinance?

• Refinance rates have gone up in the last few weeks due to mortgage holders trying to control the enormous amounts of people that are refinancing. It doesn't mean it's not a good time to refi - check with your mortgage holder and see if it's right for you. If you can save a point or more, it may be the right time. 

I noticed interest rates are down, then up again. What's up with that?

• Interest rates were recently down at record lows, but then shot back up when a huge number of people rushed to take advantage of the low rates. As I mentioned above, some lenders artificially raised rates to try to manage the refinance requests. Rates will most likely go down again as demand drops again. Talk to your local lender or compare mortgage rates here.

If you have any questions about what is going on with the current real estate market, I am here for you! Feel free to reach out to me: sarah@sarah-ratliff.com or 530-391-1576

5 Acres with views in Cameron Park

5 Acres on Wilkinson Road

Cameron Park

Gorgeous VIEWS of the Sierra Nevada mountain range and local views from this 5 acre property in the heart of Cameron Park! Build your dream home here, surrounding by high-end homes! Developers and builders: don't miss this opportunity for a potential subdivision. Utilities are in place on Wilkinson. Adjoining 5 acre parcel is also for sale. 

Offered for $575,000

Contact me today for more details!

sarah@sarah-ratliff.com

530-391-1576

Homes Sold in El Dorado Hills - February 2020

8176 Ryland Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762	$    487,000.00
3047 Latham Ln, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-4315	$    505,000.00
8181 Ryland Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-9452	$    505,000.00
3460 Mesa Verdes Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-4558	$    508,000.00
4845 Monte Mar Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-5025	$    510,000.00
1641 Francisco Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762	$    530,000.00
1689 Wyndham, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762	$    560,000.00
600 Mazza Ct, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-5451	$    575,000.00
4132 Bayberry Cir, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-7611	$    590,000.00
3032 Vila Flor Pl, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-7551	$    599,000.00
612 Mazza Ct, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-5451	$    604,000.00
807 Valencia Ct, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-8011	$    609,000.00
3222 Kensington Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-6922	$    610,000.00
3680 Rosecrest Cir, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-9522	$    615,000.00
5276 Garlenda Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-5533	$    620,000.00
2572 Wycliffe Way, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-8016	$    622,000.00
2089 Summer Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-6311	$    622,897.00
2147 Aiken Way, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-9567	$    625,000.00
8049 Grant Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762	$    634,765.00
2830 Felton Way, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-9565	$    635,000.00
3171 Fairchild Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762	$    635,000.00
5139 Brentford Way, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-8032	$    645,000.00
900 Landsdale Ct, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-8012	$    646,000.00
308 Summerfield Ct, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-9686	$    650,000.00
2038 Ranch Bluff Way, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-5005	$    650,000.00
3578 Stockwood Way, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-7843	$    659,000.00
1023 Jasmine Cir, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-6308	$    664,842.00
1248 Villagio Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-5529	$    665,000.00
1099 Bevinger Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-7669	$    670,000.00
1154 Uplands Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-3812	$    682,500.00
1036 AUTUMN SKY Way, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-5019	$    699,000.00
4807 Village Green Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-7675	$    720,000.00
4114 Fawn creek Way, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-9557	$    735,000.00
3085 Ridgeview Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-4340	$    739,800.00
1158 Manning Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-5839	$    760,000.00
6051 Penela Way, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-7570	$    785,000.00
1621 Encina Ct, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-3512	$    799,000.00
333 Stagestop Ct, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-3782	$    800,000.00
5317 Bantry Pl, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-7651	$    820,500.00
1593 Elmores Way, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762	$    831,995.00
2994 Aberdeen Ln, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-5682	$    840,000.00
5060 Skellig Rock Way, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-7691	$    849,000.00
3712 Sohair Ct, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-5651	$    870,000.00
342 Renoir Ct, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-5233	$    875,000.00
1067 Terracina Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-5425	$    875,000.00
4083 Aristotle Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762	$    934,000.00
6020 Ladero Way, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-7539	$    963,000.00
1414 Promontory Point, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762	$ 1,057,500.00
591 Lakecrest Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-3767	$ 1,143,500.00
1382 Crocker Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-3788	$ 1,175,000.00
610 Liguria Ct, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-5412	$ 1,180,000.00
2663 Highland Hills Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-5600	$ 1,190,000.00
3442 Greenview Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762	$ 1,370,000.00

Average Sales Price: $738,609

Contact me for more info:

sarah@sarah-ratliff.com

530-391-1576

New Prices in Shingle Springs

4554 and 4562 French Creek Road

Shingle Springs

These 2 gorgeous homes are owned by the same person and used to be marketed by us as one "multi - generational property for $799,888.

Now, re-branded and listed as 2 separate homes, they are back on the market for a reduced price! 

Take a look:

4554 French Creek Road

Now offered for $425,000

This home has DOWNSTAIRS MASTER with sitting area or huge walk-in closet! Major Garage/Shop amenities on a .88 acre lot. Fresh interior paint & new carpet. Detached garage includes a multipurpose building with shop, attic loft, bathroom PLUS multiple rooms perfect for a car enthusiast, hobby or home-based business. Outdoor kitchen and covered loggia for entertaining. Covered carport with plenty of room for all your toys plus another separate outbuilding with bathroom!! Great location only 3 mins/1.5 miles to HWY 50!

4562 French Creek Road

Now offered for $325,000

Multi- level home is possible 2 Beds, 2 full baths with wood burning fireplace and 4 car garage w/ 12' Door for RV parking! GORGEOUS local views off the deck will make you feel right as though you are way out in the country, even though you're only a few miles from the highway. Great location 5 mins to HWY 50, and short driving distance to Buckeye Elementary School.

Contact me today for details about these homes!

Sarah@sarah-ratliff.com

530-391-1576

Just Listed in Beautiful Sterlingshire!

2299 Loch Way

El Dorado Hills

By the Discover Joy in Real Estate Team

4 Beds | 3 Baths | 3272 Square Feet

 

.95 Acre Lot | Built in 1193 

Modern southwestern influenced architecture in Sterlingshire! This carefully planned house incorporates the hillside to take in the natural surroundings and has been meticulously maintained by original owners. The airy and light minimalist design and large windows evoke a sense of serenity and tranquility on the almost 1 acre lot! Saltillo tile floors are a perfect complement to the tall white washed pine ceilings. Designed for passive solar with large overhangs on the south to provide shade in the summer and extensive windows on the front to warm the interior in the winter. Relax or entertain on your covered patio with fireplace and watch the wildlife! Sterlingshire is a quiet, established, upscale neighborhood with large custom homes on wooded lots, a walking path along Allegheny Creek and close to HWY 50, shopping and dining.

Offered for $849,900

Contact us today for details:

sarah@sarah-ratliff.com

530-3911-576

Single Story Home on 54+ Acres - Shingle Springs

4921 Byrd Foote Lane, Shingle Springs

This single story home sits on just over 54 acres, which is made up of 4 separate parcels and the great thing is - the property can be purchased as a whole or as any combination of the 4 properties! 

Features of the entire property include:

• Gorgeous views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains

• Views of the Sacramento Valley

• Building pad on top and 2 separate entrances and roads to the top

• Pasture and wetlands with seasonal stream and year round pond

• Strong well and 200 amp service

• White vinyl fencing and a barn

• Fantastic location close to HWY 50

• 2530 Sq Ft Home with views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains from almost every room in the house and the deck!

Contact me today for more information:

530-391-1576

sarah@sarah-ratliff.com

Homes Sold in El Dorado Hills - November 2019

Average Sales Price: $771,029

1016 Emerald Hills Ct, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-4002	$    390,000.00
6526 Primavera Ln, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762	$    401,035.00
756 Bonita Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-3508	$    425,000.00
2067 Wood Mar Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-3718	$    435,000.00
3368 Alyssum Cir, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762	$    445,000.00
3717 Mariposa Springs Drive, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762	$    462,500.00
3816 PARK Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762	$    465,000.00
2863 Stanford Ln, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762	$    485,000.00
3823 Park Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-4568	$    485,000.00
1559 Haydin Pl, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762	$    491,373.00
807 Michael Point Ct, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-5029	$    499,900.00
3489 Patterson Way, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762	$    500,000.00
2623 Tam O Shanter Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-4017	$    513,500.00
4107 Ironwood Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-7536	$    534,000.00
3774 Waldwick Cir, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-6253	$    550,000.00
2007 Santa Rita Ln, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-5074	$    550,000.00
2240 Muratura Way, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-5453	$    580,000.00
7012 Cinnamon Teal Way, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-6306	$    585,000.00
2561 Riviera Cir, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-4009	$    585,000.00
3261 Haskell Way, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-8010	$    590,000.00
2038 Beckett Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-5200	$    622,000.00
748 Bonita Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762	$    632,500.00
3643 Devon Way, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762	$    633,720.00
5740 Gelston Way, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-5208	$    640,000.00
2562 Templeton Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-5843	$    640,000.00
5143 Brentford Way, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-8032	$    642,500.00
3006 Whistling Way, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762	$    647,853.00
9611 Pamela St, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762	$    650,000.00
3095 Latham Ln, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-4315	$    659,000.00
1147 Bevinger Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-7731	$    674,500.00
3116 Aldridge Way, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762	$    685,000.00
2504 Stratford Cir, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-5906	$    695,000.00
1028 Manning Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762	$    710,000.00
4105 Bancroft Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762	$    715,000.00
5048 Trailside Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-9455	$    729,000.00
1508 Southridge Ct, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-7240	$    730,000.00
2575 Stratford Cir, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-5910	$    735,000.00
223 Almond Ridge Ct, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-9555	$    740,000.00
1112 Turquoise Way, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762	$    745,000.00
3600 Piedra Montana Rd, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-9405	$    750,000.00
1991 Shelby Cir, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-4263	$    750,000.00
2089 Beckett Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-5200	$    750,000.00
2343 Beckett Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-5213	$    765,000.00
2634 Lakeridge Oaks Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-3942	$    767,500.00
2991 Schooner Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-3791	$    774,000.00
3965 Meadow Wood Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-7546	$    779,000.00
2393 Beckett Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-5213	$    810,000.00
226 Gunston Ct, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762	$    820,000.00
3588 Terra Alta Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-9373	$    873,500.00
1671 Deerhorn Ln, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762	$    900,000.00
607 Calabria Ct, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-3961	$    901,000.00
1027 Venezia Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-3966	$    960,000.00
1020 Hogarth Way, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762	$    979,000.00
1510 SALMON FALLS Rd, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762	$    980,000.00
470 Encina Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762	$ 1,000,000.00
93 Powers Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-4493	$ 1,095,000.00
4024 Greenview Drive, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762	$ 1,095,000.00
2521 Clarksville Rd, Rescue, CA 95672-9606	$ 1,100,000.00
815 Castec Way, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762	$ 1,152,500.00
5059 Da Vinci Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-5220	$ 1,450,000.00
1570 Elmores Way, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-4187	$ 1,500,000.00
466 Montridge Way, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-7207	$ 1,925,000.00
4573 Greenview Dr, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-7711	$ 2,800,000.00

How to Find (And Keep!) Fire Insurance

New in Gated Cameron Estates

3375 Strolling Hills Road

Cameron Park

Offered by the Discover Joy in Real Estate Team

This estate home with OWNED SOLAR on 5 acres embodies quality, craftsmanship & style in sought-after gated Cameron Estates. From its castle-like turret & brick exterior to its private entry gate, this home's detailed architecture is sophisticated & timeless. 

Warmth exudes from every corner of the home with an the extra-large chef's kitchen and family room with insert fireplace. The DOWNSTAIRS MASTER SUITE is a private and generous retreat! Cozy Den/Office has ceiling detail and built-ins. Upstairs has an Ensuite plus 2 additional bedrooms, bonus room and bathroom. Generous storage in large closets and 2nd floor storage room. 

Outside is a picture book setting for entertaining with Pebble Tech pool, waterfall, spa, bocce ball court, fire pit, covered patio and pruned oaks on park-like grounds. Orchard with 30 trees, EXTRA DEEP Garage and RV Parking round out the package! Would make a wonderful equestrian property. Excellent location only 1.2 miles to HWY 50 and in a great school district!

Offered for $1,199,000

5 Bedroom | 4 Bathrooms 

4046 SqFt | 5.04 Acre Lot

Contact me today for details regarding this beautiful home!

sarah@sarah-ratliff.com

530-391-1576