El Segundo is a fantastic city and we hope it’s the right fit for you. If not or if you want to explore the neighboring cities, visit our community pages below for information on real estate, neighborhoods, schools and more. See what the cities of Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Redondo, Torrance and others have to offer.
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As many of my clients are first time home buyers, the process of the termite inspection and termite/wood destroying pest repair process is often a bit confusing. Unlike any traditional repair requests that come up during the escrow process, the termite inspection and repairs are generally agreed upon prior to acceptance and are therefore contractual and non-negotiable during escrow.
During the offer there are two times the inspection and work can be mentioned. The Residential Purchase Agreement specifies whether an inspection will be performed and who will pay for it. Another document called the WPA or wood destroying pest addendum can also be included in the offer and goes into greater detail explaining what will be inspected, who will pay for it, and if there is any work needed per the inspection, who pays for the work. Most often sellers agree to pay for both the inspection and, what’s known as, section 1 recommendations. This often includes wood repair, spot treatment and sometimes fumigation (tenting). Every negotiation is different and some will not agree to pay for an inspection or the work. Regardless I advise my sellers to have an inspection even if they are paying for it themselves as simply put…it makes a big unknown more understood and decisions can then be based on the results. There are a number of challenges and problems that can be caused by the termite uncertainty and I’ve listed several here.
South Bay Public Open Houses – January 25th and 26th
Redondo Beach Open Houses
Neighboring Cities Open Houses
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With the extremely tight inventory of homes for sale in the South Bay, many buyers approach me looking for off market, or pocket listings. Pocket 
listings and exclusive listings are the hot trend at the moment as eager buyers clamor for a chance to purchase a home without all of the competition. In this market knowing about it first may not ultimately make a difference, but it certainly helps. Many agents seem to be trying to keep listings private as well in the hopes that perhaps they can represent both buyer and seller, which is much easier if fewer agents know that the home is for sale. So what do the terms actually mean? A pocket listing can be anything from a realtor simply knowing about a home that a seller might consider selling and not having a listing agreement, to something coming to the market but not yet on the MLS, to the intentional withholding of the listing from the MLS. Sign up for information on El Segundo pocket listings.
But is it beneficial to the seller? In terms of price, exposure, etc. the answer is generally no. The more exposure the home gets, the more potential buyers see it, and the likelihood that it will sell for a better price and with more favorable terms for the seller. Eliminate that competition and generally speaking the chances of such favorable terms decrease.
There are very legitimate reasons for exclusive or “pocket” listings and for keeping the property off the market…..work being completed, tenant issues, or simply a seller who doesn’t want the world touring their home. Seller’s just need to be sure that the reasons for keeping a home off of the South Bay MLS are beneficial to them….and not just to the listing agents.
Whether keeping a listing from the MLS is good or bad for the seller ultimately depends on the situation and whose best interest is the primary reason, but working with a top local realtor who has the network and knowledge to seek out these possible opportunities is certainly key for the buyer.
If you’re looking for a home in El Segundo but feel priced out of the market you may want to consider 770 West Imperial #32 priced at $342,900. This two bed/1 bath condo in the Pacific Sands building is just a short bike ride to Dockwieler Beach and has been upgraded with granite counters, newer cabinetry and may be an ideal fit for the right El Segundo home buyer. To see more information view the details of 770 W Imperial AV # 32, El Segundo 90245
What is an appraisal?
What does an appraiser do?
Why would a person need a home appraisal?
What is the difference between an appraisal and a home inspection?
What is the difference between an Appraisal and a Comparative Market Analysis?
What does the appraisal report contain?
After completing the report, what assurance is there that the value indicated is valid?
How are appraisers certified?
Who do appraisers work for?
Where does an appraiser get the information used to estimate value?
Why do I need a professional appraisal?
How do I get ready for the appraiser?
What is ”Market Value”?
Who Actually Owns the Appraisal Report?
Which home renovations add the most to the price?
An appraisal is a thought process leading to an opinion of value. This opinion or estimate is arrived at through a formal process that typically uses the three ”common approaches to value”. They are the Cost Approach – which is what it would cost to replace the improvements, less physical deterioration and other factors, plus the land value. There is the Sales Comparison Approach – which involves making a comparison to other similar, nearby properties which have recently sold. The Sales Comparison Approach is normally the most accurate and best indicator of value for a residential property. The third approach is the Income Approach, which is of most importance in appraising income producing properties – it involves estimating what an investor would pay based on the income produced by the property.
An appraiser provides a professional, unbiased opinion of market value, to be used in making real estate decisions. Appraisers present their formal analysis in appraisal reports.
There are many reasons to obtain an appraisal with the most common reason being real estate and mortgage transactions. Other reasons for ordering an appraisal include:
The appraiser is not a home inspector nor does he/she do a complete home inspection. An inspection is a third-party evaluation of the accessible structure and mechanical systems of a house, from the roof to the foundation. The standard home inspector’s report will include an evaluation of the condition of the home’s heating system, central air conditioning system (temperature permitting), interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic, and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement, and visible structure.
To a certain extent this depends on the realtor providing the CMA. The CMA relies on market trends and local knowledge of the market whereas the appraisal relies on specific, verifiable comparable sales. In addition, the appraisal looks at other factors like condition, location and construction costs. A CMA delivers a ”ball park figure.”An appraisal delivers a defensible and carefully documented opinion of value.
What does the appraisal report contain? Back to top
Each report must reflect a credible estimate of value and must identify the following:
After completing the report, what assurance is there that the value indicated is valid? Back to top
In communicating an appraisal report, each appraiser must ensure the following:
Most states require that real estate appraisers are state licensed or certified. The state licensed or certified appraiser is trained to render an unbiased opinion based upon extensive education and experience requirements. To become licensed or certified, appraisers must fulfill rigorous education and experience requirements. In addition, appraisers must abide by a strict industry code of ethics and comply with national standards of practice for real estate appraisal. The rules for developing an appraisal and reporting its results are insured by enforcement of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).
How are appraisers certified? Back to top
Regulations regarding licensing and certification of Real Estate Appraisers vary from state to state. However, licensing and certification is most often associated with many hours of coursework, tests and practical experience. Once an appraiser is licensed, he or she is required to take continuing education courses in order to keep the license current. To see the specific requirements for any state click here.
Who do appraisers work for? Back to top
Typically, appraisers are employed by lenders to estimate the value of real estate involved in a loan transaction. Appraisers also provide opinions in litigation cases, tax matters and investment decisions.
Where does an appraiser get the information used to estimate value? Back to top
Gathering data is one of the primary roles of an appraiser. Data can be divided into Specific and General. Specific data is gathered from the home itself. Location, condition, amenities, size and other specific data are gathered by the appraiser during an inspection.
General data is gathered from a number of sources. Local Multiple Listing Services (MLS) provide data on recently sold homes that might be used as comparables. Tax records and other public documents verify actual sales prices in a market. Flood zone data is gathered from FEMA data outlets, such as a la mode’s InterFlood product. And most importantly, the appraiser gathers general data from his or her past experience in creating appraisals for other properties in the same market.
Why do I need a professional appraisal? Back to top
Anytime the value of your home or other real property is being used to make a significant financial decision, an appraisal helps. If you’re selling your home, an appraisal helps you set the most appropriate value. If you’re buying, it makes sure you don’t overpay. If you’re engaged in an estate settlement or divorce, it ensures that property is divided fairly. A home is often the single, largest financial asset anybody owns. Knowing its true value means you can the right financial decisions.
How do I get ready for the appraiser? Back to top
The first step in most appraisals is the home inspection. During this process,the appraiser will come to your home and measure it, determine the layout of the rooms inside, confirm all aspects of the home’s general condition, and take several photos of your house for inclusion in the report. The best thing you can do to help is make sure the appraiser has easy access to the exterior of the house. Trim any bushes and move any items that would make it difficult to measure the structure. On the inside, make sure that the appraiser can easily access items like furnaces and water heaters.
The following Items, if available, will help your appraiser to provide a more accurate appraisal in a shorter period of time:
What is ”Market Value?” Back to top
Market value or fair market value is the most probable price that a property should bring (will sell for) in a competitive and open market under all conditions requisite to a fair sale, the buyer and seller, each acting prudently, knowledgeably and assuming the price is not affected by undue stimulus. Implicit in this definition is the consummation of a sale as of a specified date and the passing of title from seller to buyer under conditions whereby: (1) buyer and seller are typically
motivated; (2) both parties are well informed or well advised; (3) a reasonable time is allowed for exposure to the open market; (4) payment is made in terms of cash in U.S. dollars or in terms of financial arrangements comparable thereto; and (5) the price represents the normal consideration for the property sold unaffected by special or creative financing or sales concessions granted by anyone associated with the sale.
Who Actually Owns
the Appraisal Report? Back to top
In most real estate transactions, the appraisal is ordered by the lender. While the home buyer pays for the report as part of the closing costs, the lender retains the right to use the report or any information contained within. The home buyer is entitled to a copy of the report – it’s usually included with all of the other closing documents – but is not entitled to use the report for any other purpose without permission from the lender.
The exception to this rule is when a home owner engages an appraiser directly. In these cases, the appraiser may stipulate how the appraisal can be used; for PMI removal, or estate planning or tax challenges, for example. If not stipulated otherwise, the home owner can use the appraisal for any purpose.
Which home renovations add the most to the price? Back to top
The answer to this is different depending upon the location of the home. Different markets value amenities differently. In the South Bay that is true as well. Additions or renovations that enhance the view greatly add to value.
As a rule, the most value returned from renovating a home comes in the kitchen. According to one national survey, kitchen remodels returned an average of 88% of the investment. In other words, a $10,000 kitchen remodeling project would add approximately $8,800 to the value of the home.
Bathrooms were second, returning 85%.
