What a Buyer Wants

 What are today's home buyers looking for? According to a survey* of  22,000 recent home buyers, they plan to be “more practical” in their next purchase, focusing on livable space rather than "unnecessary upgrades."  Extras such as pools, media rooms and even dining rooms are considered unnecessary luxuries, with the focus being more on such things as:

• Efficient use of space (e.g. cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling)
• More workable kitchens (islands are still quite popular)
• "Greener" features (insulation, high-efficiency appliances)
• Nearby walking paths and playgrounds

In the master bath, whirlpool tubs are giving way to soaker tubs. But both are secondary to oversized showers.

Some features that are still important to buyers, however, include a home office, minimum two-car garage, and master suite on the ground floor (if it's a two-story home).

Of course, I think most buyers these days (40% of whom are first-timers) are also looking for a good deal.  With interest rates and prices at historic lows, and with a small window of opportunity to cash in on the tax credits now available, what better time to be a buyer?  Feel free to browse current Chico properties for sale at my web site:  www.ChicoLaura.com

 * As cited in the L.A. Times.  To read the whole article, click here.

Bell Estates Beauty!

This gracious Mediterranean-style manor is nestled in 5 acres of Hartley walnut and fruit trees in the ever-popular NW Chico. Built in 1995 by Michael Watts, the spectacular 5 bdr, 4.5 bath main house is (per builder's plans) 5271 s.f., including a lower level that has the potential of being converted to separate living quarters. Guests will enjoy privacy and comfort in the detached 1164 s.f. cottage, and the sparkling gunite pool is perfect for entertaining. This beauty is offered at $1,399,000. See photos at the ChicoLaura web site, or Click here to view the Virtual Tour!

New Listing! 34 Via Verona Circle, Chico, CA

Talk about your unique home! This Chuck Priddy-designed home has the feel of a Frank Lloyd Wright beauty, wrapped around an ultra-contemporary inground gunite pool. Located on an extra-large lot at the end of a culdesac in North Chico, it has TOO many features to list here. So you'll just have to check out the VIRTUAL TOUR and the ChicoLaura WEB SITE to view the many photos and get more info. Offered at $412,000, this one is truly special!

New Listing at 20 Fairgate Lane in Chico!

"Sweet!" "Adorable!" "Charming!" These were just a few of the adjectives showered on my new listing during our MLS tour yesterday. This move-in ready two-bedroom, two-bath home is perfect for the first-time buyer or anyone wanting to live in a wonderful neighborhood close to our Chico downtown area and just one mile to CSUC. Offered at just $258,000. Check out the virtual tour here, or go to my ChicoLaura web site to view photos and read about the special features of this cutie! (Update 6-11-08: this sweet home had multiple offers and is now in escrow!)

Stateside

Back to reality and my lovely little ChicoTown. Our real estate market is beginning to hum back to life following the holidays and some pretty extreme storms. Currently we have 436 residential properties listed in our MLS, ranging from a 1 bdr 1 bath condo at $104,000 to a 4 bdr 3.5 bath home on 98 acres listed at $2,500,000. Our median price (of our active listings) is $347,950. Browse all current MLS listings at my web site, http://www.chicolaura.com/ . With interest rates hovering in the high 5% range and some great inventory, it's a wonderful time to be a buyer!