Real Estate Today by Santa Maria Times

CENTRAL

COAST

Real EstateToday

A SUPPLEMENT OF LEE CENTRAL COAST NEWSPAPERS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

OWN NEW IN SANTA MARIA Hurry! Final Phase Now Selling! No HOA & No Mello Roos!

New 1 & 2-Story Homes from the high $300,000s FHA & VA Financing Available

Traits of a Great Realtor..........................................................................................................................Page 6 Negotiating a Relocation .......................................................................................................................Page 10 Keeping Up with the Market.................................................................................................................Page 12

Featured Stories in this Edition

Lee Central Coast Newspapers | Friday, September 16, 2016 |

940 West Anthony Place | Santa Maria | 805.922.5552

Smarten Up Your Home Take control of your lights

Sure, it’s a whole lot easier to build a new home with all the cutting-edge tech built right into the walls, but things are a little bit more complicated if you’ve already found your dream home. Fortunately, there’s more than enough tech out there to bring your old home into the 21st century.

Color Ambiance Starter Kit ($200), which they bill as the best everyday smart light system. The kit has color adjustable bulbs that can shake up the mood of any room. The set is extremely compatible with most major smart home systems.

The most obvious place to start when kicking off your smart home project is taking control of your lights. It’s a handy feature and can allow you to fire on your lights when you’re headed home or turn everything off as you’re going to bed. The Wirecutter recommends the Philips Hue White and

Control the Temp (Or Let It Control Itself) Once you’re no longer

1811 S. Broadway, Santa Maria 110 S. Mary, Suite 6, Nipomo

www.C21Home.com

| Friday, September 16, 2016 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

ICE

D PR

CE EDU

BRE# 00874459

2634 Ree St- Craftsman 3bd/2ba home. This property has upgrades galore including birch hardwood floors throughout lower level, pecan wood stairwell, wood floors in bedrooms and much much more! Inviting front porch area in a desirable neighborhood. Property sits on a corner lot on a quiet street with hardly any traffic.

Yolanda Perez (805) 748-7514

REALTOR

BRE#01741813

4310 FOXENWOOD CIRCLE - Foxenwood Garden Villas IV. The finest and best built luxury homes on the Central Coast. Don’t miss this one! Two bedrooms and very spacious den/study. Knotty Alder entry door with transom half-moon window above. Upon entry look out into the through the vertical windows with OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 1-4PM atrium transom windows above.Vaulted ceilings, quality wood flooring in the dining room and living room, extensive 20 inch tile flooring in entry, kitchen, hallway, and laundry room. Viking kitchen appliances, upgraded Kraft Maid cabinetry with crown moldings, raised panel interior doors, Emtek door hardware, Award series dual pane vinyl windows with Low E glass, cultured stone fireplace, tubular skylights, Ipex overhead plumbing and so much more! And seller has added additional upgrades. Cozy sheltered patio, strikingly landscaped and looking out onto the expansive greenbelt. Beautiful club house with kitchen and fireplace. Pool, spa, covered patio and lots of area for socializing and nicely landscaped.- $534,900

Bette Naugle® Broker Associate

805.705.7497 lic #0427203

Thermostat. The Nest is capable of learning your habits and programming accordingly, while the EcoBee features additional sensors to get a better feel for the real temperature in your home. The Emerson is more affordable and easy to install, making it an excellent option if you’re dipping your toe into the smart

home water.

One System to Rule Them All

Companies like Google and Apple are launching larger ecosystems to connect all the devices in your home, and systems like the Samsung SmartThings Hub and the Wink Hub are capable of tying together several devices into one cohesive system.

1240 Murray Dr- River Oaks 3 bdrm 2 bath corner lot with fenced large RV drive space. Home has popular open floor plan, bonus room, formal dining area with breakfast bar, slider to rear yard off the kitchen, laminate and tile flooring, high ceilings, wide hallway, large master bedroom with slider door to rear yard, indoor laundry room, inviting from yard patio and no HOA but still offering great curb appeal. Walking distance to elementary school and walking trails at riverbed. Call your favorite Realtor today. $379,900

Business: (805) 934-2105

Kalua Kuhnle, Manager-Nipomo Office Pamela Hogue, Manager-Santa Maria & Lompoc Office

wandering around in the dark, the next step you may want to take is getting control of your thermostat. It’s not exactly the sexiest piece of tech in your house, but that just means it’s ripe for an upgrade. There are numerous options on the market, most notably the Nest Learning Thermostat, the EcoBee3 and the Emerson Sensi Wi-Fi

TWO Beautiful Homes on 1.2 Acres in Westrail Estates in Orcutt! The turn-key main home offers an open floor plan, wonderful upgrades & remodeling thru-out, 4 bedrooms, 4 baths. The impressive 2nd home offers a master bedroom, 2 baths, beautiful kitchen, & many amenities! $995,000 Lovely condominium in pristine College Gardens near Hancock D! College! 3Bd/2Ba, huge picture SOL window in LR looking out over the manicured gardens & pool. New kitchen counters, microwave, sink & faucet, newer carpet & more! $239,000 Beautifully remodeled home, 1 bedroom, 1 bath, ! G N plus detached studio! Move in condition!! New NDI E P E kitchen, New carpet, New dual pane windows, SAL New exterior stucco, New interior & exterior paint, 2 year roof certification, new washer & dryer, new refrigerator, & new landscaping! $239,000!

1152 Old Mill Lane - Here’s your opportunity to build that Dream Home that you’ve been thinking about for so long... approx. 10,000 sq.ft. lot, surrounded by newer homes and in an established neighborhood. You’ve probably been looking around and realize that there’s not a lot of buildable lots left so don’t hesitate to long or this one maybe gone also. Drive by today, then call your Realtor and get this started!

Sandi Frazier

805.406.4890 Lic #00611325

SOL

Diane Adams 805.570.9099 BRE#01103806

SALE PENDING

2336 NIGHTSHADE LANE, SANTA MARIA - Beautiful rare 4br/3ba 2 story home nestled in the gated community of Arborwalk. This home truly shows pride of ownership, Seller has just had new carpet installed and interior is very tastefully painted. The home has a tremendous amount of amenities, a Hague water system that puts out soft water throughout the house, Reverse Osmosis system, Granite counter tops, and Elegant floor tile, Seller is leaving Washer/Dryer which is conveniently located upstairs, and Refrigerator for new Buyer. Mr. Seller has also converted the garage as a Man Cave when not parking his vehicles inside and has redone floors with an Epoxy looks great. Also features gas Log Fireplace for those cool Santa Maria nights. This Gated Community also has a Playground and Outdoor Exercise Stations. Ideally Located close to Shopping and Services. This is a home that shows Beautifully, move in ready, and a must see for your fussiest Buyer! - $379,900

JOE “PAUL” GARCIA 805•878•3862 Realtor. lic. #00886743

Jopaulcentury21@verizon.net

HURRY!

Final Phase Now Selling !

Fall For A New Home! AWESOME AUTUMN EVENT.

Astounding Prices

on move-in ready homes.

Amazing Location

in the heart of Santa Maria.

Absolutely stunning designs

with price-included features.

There’s no time to waste! Harvest Glen has released the final homes of Phase 12. Don’t miss the opportunity to own a new home in a great Santa Maria location. Visit with us today for specific homesite details! Featuring four outstanding floorplans to choose from, the homes of Harvest Glen offer functional design, quality finishing at every turn, and stylish interiors for all to admire. Harvest Glen • Santa Maria Single Family Homes • 1 & 2 Story Designs 1,623 to 2,639 Sq Ft • 3-5 Bedrooms 3 Baths • Generous Family & Great Rooms 2-3 Car Garages Now Selling from the high $300,000s

805.922.5552

Model Homes Open Daily 10am to 6pm

Prices effective date of publication, subject to prior sale and availability. Square footage is approximate. Models do not reflect racial preference. Williams Homes, Inc. is a California Broker, License no. 01449126.

VA & FINAN FHA C AVAIL ING ABLE

Lee Central Coast Newspapers | Friday, September 16, 2016 |

Stop by this weekend and check out what makes Harvest Glen just right for you and your family.

NO MELLO-ROOS! NO HOA DUES!

Sell Your Home by Spring

The winter months provide sellers the perfect time to prepare their homes for a springtime sale. If this goal is important to you, there are plenty of ways to improve your home’s resale value while also making it more attractive to buyers. Follow the tips below to help map out your strategy for a spring sale.

In fact, Redfin, a company that provides web-based residential real estate database and brokerage services, found that listings with photos taken by a professional received 61 percent more views, and homes listed between $200,000 and $1 million sold for $3,400 to $11,200 more than similarly priced homes.

can look, sure, but they also want a little creative freedom. As a seller, consider paring down your closets and clearing off your kitchen countertops. Streamline your home’s entrance by making sure it is empty of shoes or toys, as this is the first area of your home’s interior that prospective buyers will see and judge.

Marketing Tips

Smart Staging

Make a Deadline

One of the best investments of your time and money as a seller is in marketing your home. This means having professional photos taken and working with your Realtor to craft unique, captivating copy for fliers and online listings.

Staging your home means something different than it did 15 years ago when homeowners would make sure their homes were full of furniture and wall decorations for a lived-in effect. Today’s buyers want to imagine how the house

If you want to sell your home by spring, do everything in your power to remind yourself of your goal. Set calendar updates on your smartphone to remind you often of steps that need to be taken to ready your home for the market.

1519 Canyon Dr, Santa Maria 3 bedroom 2 bath plus office space, built in 2005 with plenty of room for entertaining with the 1943 sq ft single level floor plan. Listed at $375,000

| Friday, September 16, 2016 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

Rain Tree Dr, Orcutt

Ask friends and family members over to have them help you with

putting up a fresh coat of paint or cleaning out your basement. Whatever

the tasks, make sure you stay on deadline to meet your spring goals.

PAUL RODRIGUEZ TEAM The Paul Rodriguez Team, and Keller Williams Coastal Valley

Welcome Andrea Cuce to our Team!

New Homes, Located in Sunrise Hills, 6 newly constructed single level homes, wood floors, soft close cabinets, tankless water heater quartz counter tops and much more. Approximately 1950 sq ft. First home will be ready soon. Starting in the low 500’s.

5765 Aquinnah Lane, Orcutt Mesa Verde Home, On top of the Hill with a view from every room! This 4 bed 3 bath, 3025 sq ft home was built in 2013 and is on a 10,864 square foot corner lot. Granite Counters, fireplace and loft/office space are just some of the other features this home has to offer.

4615 Quarterhorse Trail - Orcutt Beautiful Orcutt Estates Custom 4 Bedroom, 4 bath 4243 sq ft home on almost an acre. Open Kitchen and Family Room, large Office, 4 car garage, bonus room/craft room, custom BBQ Area and Outdoor Fireplace areas, Views and so much more! $1,175,000 Paul Rodriguez, Real Estate Consultant bre# 01416809

d: 805.310.5115 | c: 805.478.5504 paul@paulrodriguezhomes.com www.PaulRodriguezHomes.com

Contact Me to Start Using My Free Home Search App!

Andrea was born and raised here on the Central Coast, married for 20 years to her great husband Joey, and has two wonderful children. She brings knowledge in escrow, lending and has had her Real Estate License since 2004. Andrea’s Customer Service skills, Real Estate knowledge, and organization skills are an asset to our team and to our office!

“Personalized & Professional Service at its best” Visit our website at www.EraPollyRealEstate.com

Era Polly Broker/Owner

(805) 938-7474 | Toll Free:1-800-586-9457

Lic.# 01153650

(805) 878-2490

OFFICE LOCATION: 200 EAST CLARK AVE, ORCUTT, CA 93455

Sold NEW HOME IN PISMO BEACH! Beautiful single story perched on hilltop offering exceptional private & unencumbered views. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 2,150 sq ft, office/den bonus room, upgraded flooring & finishes, deck access from Master & great room, enjoy seascape framed by mountains surrounding Pismo Beach & so much more! $985,000. Call Rebecca Larsen at 268-2551. G

TIN LIS

in ready 3 bedroom, 2 bath, open & spacious features brand new gourmet kitchen with custom cabinets, center island, granite counters and top of the line stainless steal appliances, nice slate tile fireplace in living room, gorgeous wood laminate floors, new interior & exterior paint & so much more! Huge lot backs up to open space for added privacy! Near award winning Pine Grove Elementary & shopping. $389,000. Call Era Polly at 878-2490.

BEAUTIFULLY REMODELED IN ORCUTT! Super nice move

TIN LIS

G SA

NICE FIXER IN THE CLASSICS AT BRADLEY SQUARE! 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, approx. 2,037 sq ft, features separate family & dining area, living room with fireplace, Bring your tools & paintbrush! Needs TLC but has potential. Located near shopping & parks. $325,000. Call Louie Real at 478-9328.

DIN

TRADITIONS AT BRADLEY SQUARE! Exquisite & popular 3 bedroom, 2 bath, approx. 2,120 sq ft, kitchen has stainless steel appliances, pantry & breakfast bar open to large living/great room with fireplace, master has walk in closet with separate tub & shower, beautiful corner lot location, low maintenance & beautiful stone patio in the back & so much more! Close to shopping, restaurants & more! $454,900. Call Era Polly, 878-2490.

DIN

P LE

Marketing & Social Media Specialist

478-4090

ELEGANTLY UPGRADED IN PISMO BEACH! Move in ready 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, awesome kitchen offers Quartztile counter tops, contemporary backsplash & farmhouse sink, hand textured walls, custom window treatments fixtures & so much more. Shopping & restaurants nearby. $608,000. Call Rebecca Larsen, 268-3551.

P LE

TIN LIS

Lee Central Coast Newspapers | Friday, September 16, 2016 |

OWN YOUR OWN LAND IN NIPOMO! Super cute & clean 2 bedroom, 1 bath single wide on good size lot with nice private fenced yard surrounded by established oak trees in desirable Folkerts Oaks Mobile Home Estates! No space rent! $185,000. Call Era Polly at 878-2490.

PARKLAND COTTAGES! Super nice & spacious 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath, approx. 1,445 sq ft features many builder upgrades including high quality faux wood flooring, wood shutters throughout, kitchen has granite counters, stainless steel appliances, plenty of storage & walk in pantry, indoor laundry room & so much more! $334,900. Call Steve Wisz at 720-0604.

DIN

P LE

E ER

CHARMING HOME IN PASO ROBLES! 3 bedroom, 2 bath, approx. 1,609 sq ft, single story offers an enclosed patio sunroom, large living room, laundry room, newer roof, located in established neighborhood close to shopping & restaurants. RV Parking. $435,000. Call Rebecca Larsen, 268-3551.

NEW WITH VIEWS IN SAN LUIS OBISPO! Super nice 3 bedroom, 2 bath Craftsman style home offers contemporary finishes, dark cabinets and contrasting white tile conveying a metropolitan feel. Large fenced yard & surrounding mountain & downtown views from deck. $795,000. Call Rebecca Larsen, 268-3551.

OAKHILL ESTATES WITH VIEWS! Stunning 4 bedroom, 2 bath, approx. 3,655 sq ft has so much to offer. Huge cooks kitchen with granite & center island, separate formal dining, living room with fireplace, oversize master has gorgeous bath & large walk in closets, beautiful travertine tile floors, deep oversize 3 car garage & so much more! Secluded one acre backs up to open space has beautiful park like setting & offers mountain & ocean views. $998,000. Call Steve Wisz at 720-0604.

MOVE IN READY IN ORCUTT BLUFFS! Super nice 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, single story, 1 car garage, has new kitchen cabinets & counters, new top of the line appliances, new tile flooring & carpet, new LED lighting, refrigerator, washer & dryer included. HOA includes pool. $204,900. Call Louie Real at 478-9328.

From Mobile Homes to Mansions, We are Selling the Central Coast!

Clifford Rhea

Louie Real

Connie Real

Steve & Melissa Wisz

Brenda Hauenstein

Rebecca Larsen

John Morley

Lic.# 01421273

Lic.# 01507595

Lic.# 01514806

Lic.# 01457307 & Lic # 01464624

Lic.# 01463037

Lic.# 01730381

Lic.# 01168596

Realtor Associate

260-4154

Realtor Associate

478-9328

Realtor Associate

354-3554

Se Habla Español

Realtor Associates

720-0604

Realtor Associate

310-1283

Realtor Associate

268-3551

Realtor Associate

344-4440

Pam Adkisson

Lic.# 01757176

Traits of a Great Realtor A good Realtor relationship is critical to successfully selling or buying a home. Realtors can walk you through market trends, explain complicated transactional issues and connect you with key stakeholders such as appraisers, lenders and inspectors. But what should you be looking for when trying to find a Realtor to work for you? What type of experience and personality should he or she bring to the table? Read on for the four best traits of a great Realtor.

Responsive

| Friday, September 16, 2016 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

FEATURED LISTING

When it comes to buying or selling a home, constant communication is key. That’s why finding a Realtor who is quick to answer your questions through phone, email or text is invaluable. You may have questions

about making an offer or repairing a certain part of your home for resale value. A great Realtor will be able to answer your questions with responsive, constructive feedback.

High-Energy

Real estate is a competitive industry that takes long hours and substantial energy to master. Look for a Realtor with unlimited enthusiasm for the industry and a passion for clients. You want a professional in your corner who is willing to work tirelessly for you. An energetic Realtor fits the bill for your needs as you navigate the process of buying or selling your home.

Inquisitive By Nature

Find a Realtor who asks you great questions. This is a sign of them caring

about your interests and leveraging them to find you a great deal. If you are a buyer, your Realtor should be asking you about your budget, new home requirements and neighborhood desirability. If you’re selling your home, you should be answering questions about asking price and your home’s most distinctive features.

A Quiet Confidence

When seeking a Realtor, you’re looking for someone who has succeeded in the profession but who is not overly boisterous about their achievements. This type of quiet confidence can be an enduring trait that helps you trust their abilities, character and approach to making deals. Don’t be shy about asking them for references to back up their success.

629 Northbrook - This home is located in Stonebrook

one of the few gated communities is Lompoc. A quiet, well maintained subdivision with greenbelts, walking trails, and picnic areas. This lovely 3 BD, 2.5 BA home has vaulted ceilings and lots of lofty windows making it light and bright. The living room and family room are separated by a two sided fireplace, perfect for taking the chill off on those cool winter evenings. The kitchen is open to the family room so the cook can interact with family or guests. There is a spacious Master suite with walk in closet, double sinks, soaking tub, and separate glass shower. Don’t miss this one, homes in this neighborhood don’t last long. - $360,000.

Pamela Stevens (C) 805-757-9664

Looking to build your dream home?

This beautiful 1.25 acre Santa Ynez lot is ready to go. Located on Hill Haven just off Mission with lovely views of the hills and valley. New 70 gal/min well, water meter in for the sprinkler system, electric on lot, septic system designed just waiting for house placement. Call for more information. - $550,000.

“ASK FOR STEVENS”

531 North H Street Lompoc, Ca

RESULTS YOU CAN TAKE TO THE BANK

Tni LeBlanc, Realtor, JD CalBRE #01871795

www.SantaMariaRealEstateBlog.com

tni@mintprop.com (e-mail) (805) 878-9879 (mobile/text)

FOUR BEDROOM HOMES 2415 Locust Street • $369,900

CHARMING CUSTOM HOMES 939 Camelot Drive • $559,000 E

D Y TE NIT GA MU M CO

W NE

www.2415Locust.info

Hidden Gem in the Hidden Pines Gated Community! Move-in Ready. Mediterranean Built New in 1998 has 4 Bedrooms + an Office/Bonus Room & Owned Solar Panels for You to Enjoy!

www.939Camelot.com

Two Story Home with Cathedral Ceilings at Entry & Beautiful Diagonally Set Tile Flooring in the Main Living Areas. Ceilings scraped in Sunny & Spacious Living and Dining Room. 4 Bedroom, 3 Bath, 2733 SF. Home Built in 1987.

GE IA T RR TRIC A C IS D

1854 Melanie Ct. • $419,900

IST

TL US

www.851Tabitha.info

River Oaks Beauty with Almost a Quarter Acre Lot (.23 ac) that Backs to the Riverbed. Walking Trail with a Balcony and Patio for you to Enjoy the View. Master Suite on the Main Level of this 3 Bedroom PLUS Office/Loft Currently Used as a 4th Bedroom, 2.5 Bath Home Built New in 2002.

www.1021Speed.com

ED AT TIV LLER O M SE

www.625ElAcebo.com

Built New in 2002, 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath, 1548 SF Split Floorplan Home on a 6098 SF Lot. Great Room Floorplan in the Main Living Area with Gas Fireplace, Kitchen Island with Breakfast Bar & Sliding Glass Door Access to Backyard.

580 Parkview N. • $275,000 ED

IST

TL US

www.1402ViaHielo.info

1234 E. Creston Street • $299,900

F OA

www.580Northpoint.info

New Carpet & Fresh Paint in this Move-in Ready, 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath Townhome in the Northpoint Community Nestled in the Center of Orcutt with Lush Greenbelts, Clubhouse, Pool, and Tennis Courts.

www.607TiffanyA.com

No Monthly HOA Dues! Built in 1987, 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 1023 SF home with attached 2 car garage.

ING

H NO

Corner Lot, 2 Bed 2 Bath w/ Central A/C in Casa Del Rio. $747.39 Space Rent includes Water, Sewer & Trash. Partially Gated Community Has Clubhouse, Pool & Spa.

607 Tiffany Drive • $282,000

www.1234Creston.com

Updated Northeast Home. Ceilings and walls retextured. High end wood laminate installed throughout home, windows and sliding glass door have been upgraded to dual pane.

RANCH PROPERTY CH AN E R WS R AC VIE 83 W/

Sweetwater Vista Ranch • $1,199,000 www.SweetwaterVistaRanch.com

Private Peaceful 83 acre Ranch Retreat surrounded by a 14,000 acre Wildlife Refuge. The home was built in 1990 and includes a 1600 sq. ft. wraparound covered porch to enjoy your views. Includes six pastures, horse barn, stable, separate tack room, round pen, arena, hay barn and a shop. The land may be subdividable into 4 parcels and a remainder check with Kern County. Ideally located 5 miles off Highway 166/33, 38 miles west of I5, and 70 miles east of Santa Maria. The Bitter Creek Condor and Endangered Species Refuge, the Los Padres Forest, and Ballinger Canyon Campground are all close by for your enjoyment.

*Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed or verified by Broker.

Lee Central Coast Newspapers | Friday, September 16, 2016 |

www.2508Ellen.com

Corner Lot 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 2364 sq.ft. home with gorgeous engineered hardwood flooring throughout. Two living spaces; a formal living/dining room and an open floor plan in the family room, kitchen and breakfast areas.

TWO BEDROOM HOMES

ITY

2508 Ellen Lane • $419,900

OLD NSDO CO

www.1854Melanie.com

Addicted to HGTV? This Home Has the Updates You Want! Kitchen Remodel with Brand New Shaker Style White Cabinets with Granite Slab Counters and Stainless Steel Appliances. Cathedral Ceilings in Great Room, Floor Plan Open to Kitchen, Indoor Laundry with Oversized Pantry and More.

M OM

www.3536Drake.com Custom TriLevel Evergreen Acres Orcutt Home Built in 1961 with 4 Bedrooms PLUS an Office, 2.5 Baths, 2590 SF, and a ParkLike Backyard Setting on Over a Third of an Acre (.36) Lot. County says granny unit a possibility.

625 El Acebo • $379,900

NEW LISTINGS 1402 Via Hielo • $59,900

T LO

BRADLEY SQUARE AREA HOMES

TL US

Art Deco Style Home with original oak hardwood and parquet flooring, an abundance of windows and light, coved ceilings and plaster walls, and a period wood-burning fireplace decorate the charming living area.

RIVER OAKS HOMES 851 Tabitha Lane • $415,000

3536 Drake Drive • $489,900

1021 Speed Street • $378,000

| Friday, September 16, 2016 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

The Condo Market When buying in an urban area, it’s best to consider the pros and cons of purchasing a condominium. Some of the world’s up-and-coming cities are experiencing big booms in the condo market because of accessibility to downtown attractions and the convenience of having only a small area to maintain. The target market of condos is comprised of young adults who are focused on their careers rather than raising kids, but many developers are working hard to design condos more fit for

families, too. There are many factors to consider when deciding between a house and condo for your urban purchase. Talk them through with your Realtor to make sure you understand everything that goes into condo living.

What Is a Condo?

Consider a condo as a hybrid between an apartment and a house. When buying one, you own it outright and can make many of the same updates you can make to a home. There may be

limitations on exactly what you can update as far as any structural changes, so you will need to check with your condo owner’s association for rules and regulations. Many elements of living in a condo are similar to an apartment. You will likely share walls and outdoor areas with your neighbors. This can either be a good or bad thing, depending on what you consider to be too little privacy. Also, most condos are situated in high-rise buildings, so you may have someone living above you.

Benefits of Condo Life

Depending on the location of the condo, you will likely find lower prices than singlefamily homes in the same neighborhood. That’s because condos generally have fewer square feet. You also may end up paying less in annual real estate taxes because of this size factor. Most condos come with little to no yard. This means less time maintaining an outdoor space. Most condo owners pay dues to an association to take care of maintenance, both indoor and out.

Cons of Condo Life

While having a maintenance staff to make general repairs is nice, the costs of maintaining membership in a condo association can add up in a hurry. Some associations charge more than $1,000 per month, depending on what is included in the agreement. Another potential con to keep in mind when considering the purchase of a condo is re-sale. Condos can be harder to sell than houses, especially if many of your neighbors are selling at the same time.

2540 Professional Parkway Santa Maria Cal BRE #01103054

3 Bed 3 Bath Lompoc $790,000 Luxurious 3,500 sqft home on quiet culdesac in foothills. Master offers 2 walkin closets, steam room, & soaker tub. Solar panels purchased w/ warranty. MLS#1070691 Les Grim

(805) 9341000 N ew Lo er w e! ic Pr

3 Bed 2 Bath Santa Maria $424,900

Centrally located condo situated close to schools, shopping, Hancock JC & wellknown PCPA. Great for investor or first time buyer. FHA approved. MLS#1068956 Craig & Sue Noble

Beautiful custom home. Guest quarters has separate entrance! Features hardwood floors, newer carpet, sun room, Spanish tiled courtyard & fruit trees. MLS#1069402 Jose Uriarte III

4 Bed 3 Bath Santa Maria $549,900

3 Bed 2 Bath Santa Maria $325,000

Very comfortable home located in a culdesac. Freshly painted, new carpet & movein ready. Near Patterson Rd. School, shopping, parks & NO HOA. MLS#1069077 Carol Siri

Come look at this beautifully updated home! Priced right with granite counters in remodeled kitchen. Tastefully remodeled bathrooms. MLS#1070535 Maria Cieri

3 Bed 2 Bath Santa Maria $569,900

3 Bed 4 Bath Santa Maria $650,000

Great traditional 2story property w/ plenty of land. Features include, family room, den w/ fireplace, office/bonus room, & dualpane windows. MLS#1069096 Jose Uriarte III

Two story home situated on culdsac lot in Hancock Park. Ample space for entertaining & 2 private decks provide delightful views of the Coastal Foothills. MLS#1070846 Sue & Craig Noble

Go to www.cbpremieronline.com to see other amazing properties

Lee Central Coast Newspapers | Friday, September 16, 2016 |

2 Bed 1 Bath Santa Maria $164,900

| Friday, September 16, 2016 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

A10

Negotiating a Relocation Maybe it’s time for a career change, or maybe your current company has asked you to relocate for a promotion. When it comes to moving for work, you may be able to negotiate some extra perks in your relocation package. Moving can be downright stressful and expensive, especially if it’s to an area where you have no friends or family members for support. You can receive relocation assistance in temporary housing allowances, home-finding trips, storage

and home marketing support. Every little bit can count in your relocation package, so be sure to fully understand what you can expect before you pack your bags.

What to Look For

Atlas Van Lines’ Annual Corporate Relocation Survey gives professionals some insights into what to expect in their relocation package. These include: Sixty-five percent of firms surveyed offer relocated

employees full reimbursement; Eighty-seven percent of firms have a formal relocation policy; More than half (52 percent) of all relocations are new hires; Seventy-two percent of firm respondents give employees two weeks or less to accept an offer to relocate; and More than 50 percent of companies reimburse or pay to pack all items, move an automobile, move exercise equipment, move a

second automobile and unpack all items.

Everything is Negotiable

New job seekers or transferees should be prepared to negotiate a relocation package should it not meet their needs. Do your research on cost of living and housing prices related to your new prospective area and be sure your package makes sense financially. A major item to consider negotiating is the temporary

housing policy. Can you get more time out of your employer when it comes to renting a home before you find one to buy? Also, will the company cover moving expenses such as truck rentals, gas, insurance and supplies? These facets are generally negotiable, especially if you’re a strong candidate. Any research you can conduct on your own prior to moving can help you understand how much you are willing to accept in a relocation package.

Locally Owned, Internationally Connected, Globally Conscious

LOMPOC OFFICE

531 North “H” Street Lompoc, CA 93436

805.735.3481

www.theccrg.com Francine Silva

Anneline Van Dyke

Zuzu Aceves

Jim Bowen

Pamela Grant

ORCUTT OFFICE

805.614.7811 SOUTH COUNTY OFFICE

805.489.2229 SHELL BEACH OFFICE

805.779.7800 Andrea Wiley

Jesse Crowder

LOMPOC

Ingrid Turcotte

$274,900

Pamela Stevens

Debbie McComb

LOMPOC

Ramona Rogers

Luis Salas

$332,900 LOMPOC

Tina Ancheta

Maria Slizys

$360,000

Many upgrades done within the last year-new roof, carpet, doors,dishwasher, fridge, interior & exterior paint, new outlets thru out, new ceiling & light fixtures. New side cement driveway.Backyard w/ patio area & garden.

Newer Briar Creek 3 BR home w/ 2 car garage. Popular floor plan w/ all bedrooms upstairs. 2 full BA & 1 half BA. Large open kitchen w/granite counter tops & stainless steel appliances. Cozy patio is low maintenance w/ lattice for the climbing vines and bark.

Well maintained Stonebrook home w/ greenbelts & picnic areas. This 3 BR, 2.5 BA home has vaulted ceilings and lots of lofty windows. Living room & family room are separated by 2 sided fireplace. Spacious Master suite w/ walk in closet, double sinks, soaking tub & separate shower.

ANNELINE VAN DYKE

FRANCINE SILVA

PAMELA STEVENS

805.735.3481

Katy Cope

LOMPOC

Toni Ostini

SAN LUIS OBISPO OFFICE

805.782.6000

OFFICE MANAGER

$1,199,000 LOMPOC

$350,000

Panoramic views From this secluded 3 BR 2 BA hill top ranch. Located in the Santa Rita Hills AVA, this 8.6 acre ranch is plantable to premium grapes & has been developed into a series of irrigated terraces.Stone floor to ceiling fireplace.Fruit tree orchard. Greenhouse & 1 bedroom guest home.

3 BR 2 BA home near Cabrillo & Buena Vista schools.Separate converted garage. Roof replaced in 2013. Updated kitchen w/ stainless steel appliances & updated baths. Hardwood floors and stone fireplace. Sunroom and backyard w/ spa.

FRANCINE SILVA

RAMONA ROGERS

805.735.3481

ORCUTT OFFICE

145 South Gray Street, Ste. 201 Old Orcutt, CA 93455

805.614.7811 Jean Studer

Dillon Stach

Julie Walker

Lincoln White

Kathy Mansell

Martha Beckman

LOMPOC OFFICE

ASSOCIATE MANAGER

805.735.3481 SOUTH COUNTY OFFICE

in the heart of Old Town Orcutt…

805.489.2229 SHELL BEACH OFFICE

Locally Owned, Internationally Connected, Globally Conscious

805.779.7800 SAN LUIS OBISPO OFFICE

www.theccrg.com

SANTA MARIA

805.782.6000

$599,000 SANTA MARIA

$839,000

Exceptional single level Orcutt Kimberly Estates home on .92 acres w/ tennis court & 800 sq ft separate home theater room. Formal living room w/ views. Quartz counter tops & custom cabinets. Dining room leads to game room w/ wet bar!

JEAN STUDER

JULIE WALKER

805.614.7811

SANTA MARIA

$350,000

Spacious single level La Ventana end unit available! This home is semi attached with 3 lrg BRs & 2 lrg BAs! Vaulted ceilings, open concept living, dining & kitchen area. Beautiful fireplace in living room. Back patio & drought tolerant landscaping. The HOA covers the landscaping in the front, gate, clubhouse & pool. JULIE WALKER 805.614.7811

SANTA MARIA

$299,900 SANTA MARIA

Located across the street from beautiful Waller Park, this home has 1 BR, 1 BA,office & indoor laundry room. Laminate flooring throughout the living room, dining area & kitchen. Private back yard. Being sold AS IS. Rental agreement in place till 5/12/17. JULIE WALKER

$529,900

Custom built home on .61 acres across from Waller Park. Detailed wood work and Japanese Shoji doors have been added to this 3 BR, 2 1/2 BA home. Lrg master BR w/updated walk in shower. Formal dining area & separate dining nook. Well cared for garden area & chicken coop.

805.614.7811 JULIE WALKER

805.614.7811

A11

Lake Marie Estates single level home in quiet neighborhood on .72 acres. Large 4 bedroom/2 bath, 2000 sq. ft. home with formal dining and living rooms. Built in BBQ in the kitchen area. Large master suite with French doors to the back yard.

Lee Central Coast Newspapers | Friday, September 16, 2016 |

Visit our NEW Branch location

Keeping Up with the Market Depending on where you’re buying, the real estate market can vary greatly. In some regions, you could lowball a seller to try to get a good deal on a property. In some larger cities, you could find yourself in a bidding war with multiple buyers trying to snag a house or condo. The Kansas City Regional Association of Realtors has put together a few tips to make sure you can keep up with the pace.

Don’t be surprised when the inspections come

The association notes buyers and sellers need to be ready to deal with the

inspection and resolution process. If there are several buyers competing with multiple offers and the bids are above list price, some buyers will be more hesitant to push repair issues during the negotiation phase, for fear the property will just be relisted and sold to someone else. For potential sellers, the association notes a common attitude is an arrogance of sorts and unwillingness to budge on repairs in the negotiation process, since they know the property is already fairly valuable. Not surprisingly, the best approach falls in the middle. “This line of thinking

from either party can sink a transaction fast,” the association notes. “Statistics indicate that homes that come back on the market after inspections often sell at a lower price and/or take longer to sell. Sellers should note that all the findings on an inspection report will and should be shared with all future buyers. ... In most cases, the sellers will be expected to do some repairs, especially when safety issues come into play, but that doesn’t give the buyer free reign to be unreasonable.”

Have your ducks in a row to move quickly

Before you get to negotiating, you need to be

A12

| Friday, September 16, 2016 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

832 Pauline Court, Orcutt3 bedroom 2 bath home with wood floors, family room with fireplace and slider to side yard. Spacious living room with slider to backyard. Updated kitchen, newer roof, windows and new furnace to be installed prior to close. Approx 1,330 sq ft. Walking distance to Alice Shaw school. Reduced to $355,000. To view call either Sue Lixey, Realtor 478-5728 or John Lixey, Realtor 345-7069. 1289 La Loma, Nipomo“Country Living at it’s Best” 4 bedroom 3 bath home with 3 car garage located on beautifully maintained 1 acre lot. Tile roof, sunny and open floor plan. Living room with wood floors, stone fireplace with raised hearth. Dining room with wood floors and floor to ceiling windows with views of front yard. Kitchen with oversized eating area and private patio off kitchen, Indoor laundry. Split floor plan 2 bedrooms with jack & jill bathroom. Master bedroom with Plantation shutters, slider to backyard and patio. Master bathroom with dual sinks, his & her closets, separate tub and shower. $664,000. Call Sue to view 478-5728. 1424 Marsala Ave, Santa Maria4 bedroom 3 bath home. Upgraded with crown molding, plantation shutters throughout, additional patio area. Open floor plan Kitchen opens to Family room with built-in bookcases, fireplace with gas logs. Formal dining Indoor laundry room with cabinets and sink, Master bedroom with slider to back patio, master bathroom with dual sinks, separate tub and shower, walk-in closet. Approx 2,354 sq ft. $419,000. Call Sue to view 478-5728.

Keller Williams Coastal Valley Sue Lixey, Realtor BRE# 01082974 (805) 478-5728 sue@suelixey.com

ready to jump when you find something you love. The association recommends working with a real estate agent familiar with the market you’re trying to crack, and to make it clear you want to move quickly on specific properties of interest. They recommend leaning on your agent to “cut through the clutter” and find the right options. For sellers, its important to be ready to move quickly if needed, and have the home in a condition ready to show and sell. Move out any clutter in advance, to save time later. © Fotolia

Whether Buying or Selling ... Call Me I Am Here To Help. It Will Be The Best MOVE You’ll Ever Make Over 25 Years Experience

Call Sue at (805) 478-5728 Sue Lixey, Realtor BRE# 01082974

(805) 478-5728

sue@suelixey.com

Renting Before Buying

Learn What You Like

in different parts of town. Learn about the local government and what kind of local development is planned. This type of information will be helpful when you’re ready to make your buying decision.

Save Up Money

Moving to a new city can be an expensive endeavor. Unless you’re receiving financial assistance from a new employer, you will have to foot the bill for moving, not to mention expenses such as furniture or appliances. Why add to your financial stress by plopping down thousands of dollars for a down payment? It may be better to save your money during this initial moving transition, as well as during the year or two you plan to rent. These savings will be ideal when the time comes to take the plunge into buying a home.

A13

One of the major

benefits of renting before you buy a home in a new city is that it gives you a chance to explore — and enjoy — different neighborhoods and areas. You may rent a home or condominium in one location only to find that a suburb 15 miles away from the city is actually much more affordable and in line with your living style. Let’s say you live in your new city for three months and find out you dislike the weather and miss your family back home. Being locked into a 30-year mortgage can make for a challenging situation compared to being bound to a sixmonth lease. There is no substitute for experience, so the more you can live and learn in your city, the more knowledgeable you will be about what you love and hate about the area. Study local neighborhoods. Eat at restaurants

Lee Central Coast Newspapers | Friday, September 16, 2016 |

Many potential stressors may be waiting for you in a new city. There is the unfamiliarity of how to get around, not to mention the transition of finding new friends and meeting new colleagues. One of the easiest ways to lessen some of these challenges can be to rent before buying a home. Renting lets you ease into the process of learning a new city. Forget about making repairs or renovations to your place during this critical shift in your life. The stress of being a homeowner can be enough to push you over the edge. Every person and family is different, so consult with your local Realtor on the pros and cons of both renting and owning before you make a decision. Read on for a few reasons why renting may make sense for you.

A14 | Friday, September 16, 2016 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

Lee Central Coast Newspapers | Friday, September 16, 2016 |

A15

“The Top Independent Brokerage on the Central Coast”

pool! / w e i r ke Ma a L s u o i Luxur

Wendy Teixeira

R E A L T O R ®

or! d n e l p Style S h s i n Spa

CalBRE #01345995

( 805 ) 310 - 3505

wendyteixeira@aol.com

CALL ME FOR MY EXCLUSIVE

10 POINT MARKETING PLAN

GUARANTEED TO MAKE

YOUR HOME SELL!

! Garage V R / w k Park Hancoc

anny r G h t e wi Hom

| Friday, September 16, 2016 | Lee Central Coast Newspapers

e Hom

WWW.1514JEFFREY.COM

WWW.687SANDYDALE.COM

Hancock Park-three master suites and office located on a cul de sac!This great home has the owner’s suite complete with lots of storage and a fireplace downstairs as well as a secondary suite along with nicely sized office, wet bar, formal living and family rooms, too. One more bedroom and bath are located upstairs for additional privacy-great for long time guests. The backyard $639,000 features drought tolerant turf for the putting green.

T type of property is rare! The one story, four bedroom home This features an updated kitchen, great family room and nicely sized bedrooms all on 1.25 acres. The attached granny unit has one bedroom, a kitchenette and a huge walk in closet. $630,000

reat! t e R n tai Moun

! room d e B y4 Read

A16

WWW.2277BERRYESSA.COM

Gorgeous 4000+ sq.ft. home with lots of light, elegantly appointed living room with hard wood floors. Home features plantation shutters, crown molding, dual pane windows and recessed lighting throughout. Updated gourmet style kitchen, family room and wet bar allow for large gatherings. Beautiful backyard oasis including recently refurbish pool and spa. Lake Marie at is finest. $1,175,000

WWW.4701APPALOOSATRAIL.COM ThisWestrails home features 4 spacious BRs, 3 BAs, a guest quarters area with separate (downstairs) entrance. There is a large family room, game room, formal dining room, and the gourmet kitchen is complete with island and granite counters… and that’s just downstairs! Upstairs the master suite offers a dumb-waiter, cedar-lined closets, fireplace, remodeled bath & enclosed sun room. All this and so much more on the one acre lot, a 3-car garage, a garden area, horse corral and tack room. $859,999

acres + 3 n o

WWW.2101EASTBETTERAVIA.COM

WWW.801SMCCLELLAND.COM

This two story home features 4 bedrooms and the master er suite and guest bedroom/bath are downstairs! Enjoy the in ground ound pool, two stall barn and tack room along with an additional large shop/barn with an additional two car garage area and fenced pastures for horses. $775,000

Step back in time in the Historic Carriage District in this amazingly maintained home built in 1929. Over 4,000 sq ft of original features, arched niches, hand forged wrought iron and hand painted tiles. One bedroom and bath are situated downstairs off the oversized living room with Douglas fir beams and railings.The formal dining room has arched glass doors, original hard wood flooring and original light fixtures. Enjoy two entertaining areas - one downstairs and another upstairs complete with wet bar, dining area, fireplace and family room with a sweeping staircase entry. Upstairs you’ll find two master suites, one with its own balcony and mezzanine overlooking the family room. $769,000

! eauty B l l i h Oak

WWW.729PIONEER.COM

WWW.2890TEPUSQUETRD.COM

WWW.5866OAKHILL.COM

Beautifully remodeled 4 bedroom home in Pioneer Village. Home features scraped and coved ceilings with crown molding and LED lighting throughout. Gorgeous remodeled kitchen with 5 burner stove and glass tile backsplash. Oversized master suite with travertine shower, granite counters and walk in closet. Backyard features built in gas BBQ and covered patio. $449,900

Tucked away inTepusquet you’ll find a move in ready 4 bedroom, 4 1/2 home situated on over 7 oak dotted acres with stunning hillside views from almost every window. The kitchen offers gorgeous granite, incredible storage and a generous working island open to the family room, dining room and spacious deck. With a beautiful cathedral ceiling in the front living room and library, you’ll feel as though you’re at a mountain get-a-way. One bedroom and full bath is located downstairs and additional bedrooms are located upstairs --including two master suites. Enjoy sunny days floating in the in ground pool or under the stars in the hot tub. With an attached two car garage and detached shop, you can bring your hobbies with you. $789,000

Exceptional 5,000 square foot Colonial home in the distinctive gated community of Oakhill Estates. Home features 5 bedrooms, 6 baths, and a 3 car garage all on a little over one acre of beautifully manicured grounds! $1,250,000

Sold

! ential t o P t n opme Devel

le ing Sa d n e P

ays! in 2 d

3 bedroom, 2 bath cutie on a large corner lot with circular drive, Beautiful vacant lot ready for a new home. original hardwood flooring and lots of charm! $300,000

C A L L 805 - 310 - 3505

$100,000

! ward A t i r ric Me Histo

ng! Pendi

This three bedroom, 2 1/2 bath home has several projects started, it just needs your finishing touches! Remodeled kitchen with new cabinetry, appliances and lighting... it just needs flooring and a few items to finish it off nicely. Great location, lovely backyard. Indoor launder too. Good bones! $359,000

Lots! t n a c a 6V

This 9+ acre parcel has possibilities and is currently residentially 6 vacant lots available on Sunrise and Bradley Road. All lots must zoned! Other possible conditional uses include churches,, be purchased together. Call Wendy for additional information. schools, retirement centers.... Check with the county for $150,000 per lot. possible uses! Located at the west side of the bottom of the Bradley Dip. Price is $1,000,000

• “Exactly who you need to get exactly what you want.” • W W W. C A L LW E N DY. CO M