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Jack McSweeney

ABR, CDPE, e-PRO, SRS, SRES

REMAX Estate Properties

Director Palos Verdes Peninsula Assoc. of Realtors

Phone: 310 346-0391 - DRE #01027223

Email: jack@mcsweeney.com

 Just Closed:

336 N Gaffey, San Pedro, CA  $1,500,000 (9/3/2020)

Call me to sell your property!  310 346-0391

SOLD!!  3021 W Carson Street, Torrance.    $730,000   April 2019

SOLD!
15607 Cordary Ave, Lawndale, CA $700,000 in April 2019

How to Prepare for a Home Appraisal

One of the last steps before selling your home is getting it appraised. This is usually ordered by the buyer’s lender, and is used to give an estimate of a property’s value, which can help a mortgage lender determine how much a buyer can borrow for the home, and can protect them from paying more than the house is worth.
What an Appraiser Looks For
The home’s worth is based on factors such as location, condition and comparables in the neighborhood, also called comps, which are houses similar to yours.
Don’t confuse a home appraisal with a home inspection. The appraisal determines the market value of a home, while an inspection looks for flaws in the roof, foundation and other areas of a home as a way to help buyers determine if a home is right for them and what they may need to fix.
To determine a home’s value, an appraiser will look at the total land or acreage, the condition of the property and any lead or peeling paint if the house was built before 1978. On the inside, they’ll be looking for a working furnace and air conditioner, number of rooms, garage, built-in appliance upgrades and in-ground pool.
How to Prepare
If you’re going to make upgrades, do them before an appraisal so that they can boost the value of your home before selling it.
The appraiser will also be looking for anything that needs to be repaired. Here are some things to check before ordering an appraisal:

• Electric garage door opener works
• Railings to raised decks are secured
• All utilities work and are safe
• Cracks in walls, ceiling or foundation are addressed
• Water intrusion through foundation is resolved
• Roof is in good shape and will last at least three years

Make as many repairs as you can before the appraisal to help ensure a higher home value.
Differences in Appraisers
Depending on the type of home loan the buyer is getting, appraisal requirements may differ. FHA loans, for example, require that some repairs must be completed before closing.
VA loans have their own appraisal inspection standards. They look at many health and safety concerns, including clean drinking water, a water heater and sewage system, a sound roof and foundation, the removal of pests and termites, and working electricity.

Unless it’s a glaring flaw or you’re a trained professional, you probably can’t tell if your home needs repairs. The home inspection is one of the most critical pieces of the buying and selling process. It’s good to know what to look for before any inspection. If you’re buying, you’ll have a better idea of what the inspector is looking for and if he or she misses anything. If you’re selling, you can have an idea of what to fix before your home goes on the market. It will take away the chance of surprises. 
Do you want to know more? Click here...

Buying Property in Another Country? What you Need to Know

Maybe you have a close family member living in Mexico. Or perhaps skiing in Vancouver is your favorite winter vacation spot. Maybe you have a child attending school in London. Or maybe you want to retire to the small town in China that your ancestors are from.

No matter what the reason may be, more and more Americans are looking to purchase property outside of the U.S. And as the world becomes an increasingly connected place, it’s become easier to do so.

According to the 2016 National Association of REALTORS® Profile of International Activity in U.S. Residential Real Estate, approximately 14 percent of REALTORS® reported that they had a client who was seeking to purchase property in another country, compared to six percent in the previous 12-month period. The report also revealed that 46 percent of Americans bought a home outside of the U.S. as a vacation or investment home.

Looking to spread your wings and explore homeownership in another corner of the world? Here are some important tips to keep in mind:

Find the right local real estate professional. You’ll need an excellent point person in the country you’re considering. The best way to find this person might be right here at home. Talk to your local real estate professional first - he or she might be part of a global network that has affiliates in other parts of the world.

Find out if there’s a real estate association representing your destination country in the U.S. These organizations are in the U.S. to support real estate transactions from and to their countries. They can be an incredible resource for your mission.

If you’re not fluent in the language of the country in which you want to purchase a home, find someone who is. The language of real estate in particular varies from country to country so having an interpreter is essential.

Consider the value of the dollar where you’re headed. If the dollar is weak, you may want to hold off on your decision to purchase until the economic picture shifts. Conversely, if the dollar is faring well, you may want to accelerate your plans.

Enlist U.S. home search engines that have international listings - like realtor.com and LeadingRE.com. Not only will these sites provide you with listings to peruse, they’ll serve as a resource for information on currency and customs, and connect you with real estate professionals to work with.

So when it comes to your next home purchase, think global but enlist local resources. For more information on real estate listings, contact me.                

How Roof Materials Impact the Look and Feel of Your Home

Like a great hairdo, your roof plays a big role in the overall style and quality of your home. If you are deciding which roof to install on a new home or are replacing your present one, here’s how you can achieve beautiful curb appeal and functionality while staying within budget.
Asphalt Shingles
The most common residential roofing material used in the U.S., asphalt shingles are attractive and easy to install. With a life span of 20 – 25 years, they lack the longevity of more expensive materials. However, they come in a variety of colors that work well with many architectural styles, especially traditional suburban homes. And at a price of $75 to $90 per square (which covers 100 square feet), they are the most economical choice.
Clay or Concrete
Extremely durable and with a life span of 40 to 50 years, a clay or concrete roof is the go-to for Southwestern or Mediterranean style homes. Concrete tiles are less expensive than genuine clay, but both are very heavy and may require additional framing. At a cost of $300 to $500 per square, they add elegance at a hefty price.
Slate
Offering beauty and distinction to Colonial or European chateau-style homes, slate is durable, fire-resistant and may last for as long as 100 years. Available in several colors, a slate roof will cost about $5 to $8 per square foot.
Wood Shingles and Shake
At the other end of the fire-resistant spectrum, wood shingles and shake roofs are dangerous if not altogether banned in many areas. Handsome and rustic looking, they especially enhance the look of Cape Cod, Craftsman and Tudor homes. While some wood shingles are made with fie-resistant coating, the longevity of these roofs is 20-25 years. At a cost of $100 to $200 per square, they offer great aesthetics at a moderate price. But consider the life span and check local fire codes before selecting.
Synthetics
Made of rubber, plastic or polymer, synthetic roofing materials can mimic the color, look and texture of natural materials like slate and wood. Strong and fire-resistant and at a cost of about $300 per square, they are warrantied for up to 50 years and are a choice worth considering when your budget prohibits using the natural product.
Source: HGTV

5 Home Maintenance Projects for Your Home This Summer

Summer is often synonymous with relaxing. However, the sunny season is also a great time to catch up on your home maintenance. Below are five things to do to your home this summer.

Bathe the exterior. Summer brings long, warm days—perfect for giving your home’s exterior a bath. Cleaning your siding, roof and gutters can rid your home of unsightly grime and bacteria build-up. Choose a soft wash over a power wash, which can strip paint and remove shingles if done incorrectly.

Wash those windows. You may be flinging your windows open this summer, or closing them to blast that frosty A/C. However you choose to cool your home, take the time to give your windows a wash. Lather up some soap and polish the glass, wipe down the frames and remove the screens to give them a detailed clean. Holes or tears in your screens? Replace them to keep the bugs out.

Freshen the furnace filter. Now that your furnace is on summer vacation, open it up and inspect the filter. Full of unsightly dust? Clean or replace as needed.

Clean the porch or deck. If you have an exterior lounging area like a porch or deck, it likely has accumulated a bit of dust and dirt since you last used it. Sweep the dirt away, scrub away any hard stains and give the whole thing a solid mop. Still looking less-than-fresh? Consider a new paint job.

Mulch mania. If summers are dry in your area, consider upping your curb appeal with a fresh layer of mulch. This will help the ground retain moisture on sunny days, keep weeds at bay and tie the look of your yard together.

Don’t settle for boring lighting! Here are three ways to get creative. Click here!

 

Jack McSweeney's Promo Video

Call Me first... 310 346-0391

Coming Soon!

West Torrance Single family Home

3BR, 2 Bath, !762 Sq.Ft

Remodeled $875,000

19507 Anza Ave, Torrance, CA 90503

Jack McSweeney, SRES, CDPE, e-Pro, PVS
RE/MAX Estate Properties

Cell: 310 346-0391

Licensed since 1989 / Lic#01027223
63 Malaga Cove Plaza
Palos Verdes Estates, CA., 90274
email: Jack@McSweeney.com

 

Just closed:
218 Vista del Sol. Redondo Beach, CA., 90277 1,600,000

FOR SALE in South Redondo Beach!

http://www.imagemaker360.com/149273

Call Me to see  310 346-0391

Check Out my Manhattan Village Real Estate Page.
http://ManhattanVillageRealEstate.com

New Listing coming in Hollywood Riviera

Coming in late June, 2016.
4 Br. 1.75 Baths in about 1650 sq.ft. Updated kitchen and bathrooms. Beautiful views from the front yard and only 1 1/2 blocks to the Torrance Beach ramp. Will be priced around $1.7 Million and is ready to recreate into your dream home. Jack McSweeney / REMAX Estate Properties / CalBRE #01027223 / 310 346-0391

SOLD Recently:

31316 Eaglehaven Circle, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA., 90275  $1,360,000

September, 2015

 

 

 

201 Via Navajo, Palos Verdes Estates, CA., 90274   $1.475.000

November, 2015

 

Call Jack McSweeney to sell your home!

310 346-0391

 

What Sellers Should Know About CMAs

Whether you are buying or selling a home, your real estate professional can give you a snapshot of the local market known as the competitive or comparative market analysis or CMA. These are convenient reports that help sellers choose a listing price and buyers to make competitive offers on a given home.

CMAs are generated from multiple listing service software and vary greatly depending on the search fields that are input by the real estate professional. Each quantifier makes the search increasingly specific - type of home (detached vs. attached), zip code, number of bedrooms, baths and living areas, square footage, and numerous other search criteria.

The result is a report that tells you which homes have recently sold, their selling prices, how long they were on the market and other information. The CMA will also tell you about homes in competition with yours that are similar in size, price, amenities, and location.


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Article by Realty Times

10 Reasons 2015 Will Rock for Real Estate

After a slowdown in the market this year, housing analysts and economists have high hopes for 2015. The real estate market is expected to build momentum across the board nest year, mostly because of a strengthening economy.
Here's a recap of some of the real estate forecasts for 2015:

1. Millennial force: Younger professionals are having more luck in the job market, which is expected to help more of them jump into home ownership in the new year. Overall, employment is on the rise, but jobs for Millennials — particularly those aged 25 to 29 — has risen by 3 percent. That's one percentage point above the nationwide rate. According to some forecasts, Millennials are expected to drive two-thirds of household formations over the next five years. The forecasted addition of 2.5 million jobs next year, as well as an increase in household formation, will likely drive more first-time home buyers into home ownership, according to realtor.com® projections.
2. Home prices stabilize: The double-digit price increases seen in 2013 have slowed, and more stable growth was the trend in 2014. As investors have retreated from the market, so have the rapid home prices in many markets. Home prices are expected to continue to edge up in 2015, with realtor.com® predicting a 4.5 percent gain. "After two years of abnormally high levels of home-price appreciation in 2012 and 2013, price increases moderated throughout 2014," realtor.com® notes in its 2014 Housing Review. "We are now experiencing increases in home prices consistent with long-term historical performance."
3. Mortgage rates rising: Interest rates the last few months have been dipping below 4 percent, lowering the borrowing costs of home buyers and refinancing home owners. However, don't expect the low rates to stick around much longer. Mortgage rates are expected to rise next year. Freddie Mac projects mortgage rates will likely average 4.6 percent but inch up to 5 percent by the end of 2015.
4. Return of the 3 percent down payment: New programs are popping up to help more buyers break into home ownership with lower down payments. In early December, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae announced conventional loan down-payment programs that will allow qualified first-time buyers to secure a fixed-rate mortgage with a 3 percent down payment. Prior to that, they needed at least 5 percent. Also, "there are many states as well as national programs, which offer grants that range from 1 to 5 percent to be used for a down payment or closing costs," writes Damian Maldonado, co-founder of American Financing Corp., at CNBC. "These easing loan standards will allow more first-time buyers to enter the market."
5. Housing affordability declines: Affordability for homes, based on home-price appreciation and rising mortgage interest rates, will likely fall by 5 percent to 10 percent in 2015, according to realtor.com® forecasts. However, the decline in affordability could be offset by an increase in salaries next year for many households. "When considering historical norms, housing affordability will continue to remain strong next year," realtor.com® notes in its report.
6. New-home sales rebound: Single-family new-home starts barely budged in 2014 compared to 2013, and new-home sales remain far from normal levels. But that could finally turn around in 2015. Sales of new homes are expected to rise 25 percent as single-family construction picks up traction in 2015. The National Association of REALTORS® projects single-family housing starts to rise to 820,000 in 2015, which is still below the 1 million historical average. In the latest new-home report, sales dipped 1.6 percent in November, but builders are remaining optimistic heading into the new year. "As the labor market and broader economy continue to strengthen, we can expect the housing sector to gain momentum heading into next year," says David Crowe, chief economist for the National Association of Home Builders.
7. Foreclosures recede to pre-recession levels: The number of foreclosures is expected to continue to fall in 2015, but expect them to still be elevated in some pockets across the country — particularly in judicial states where foreclosures must wind through the courts. Foreclosure filings have been on the decline for most of this year. From January through November, foreclosure filings fell about 172 percent compared to the same period one year prior, according to RealtyTrac data. "Every month so far this year, we've been down from a year ago," Daren Blomquist, vice president of RealtyTrac, said in a prior report. The only uptick has been in foreclosure auctions, which are up 5 percent in November compared to one year earlier. Foreclosures will likely fall to pre-crisis levels in 2015, Blomquist predicts.
8. Drop in oil prices will boost housing: Oil prices have plunged 45 percent since June, which could inadvertently provide a lift to the housing market. "Households in the U.S. spend more than $1,800 on energy-related costs annually, and 22 percent of that energy consumption is due to residential real estate," according to CoreLogic's 2015 Housing Outlook. "So while the drop in oil prices typically has been linked to a reduction in driving-related expenses, it clearly also reduced energy-related expenses for residential real estate."
9. Rent rises to outpace home-value growth: Rents likely will continue to rise in the new year, and an increase in rental costs in 2015 could outpace annual home-price gains. Expect the rental market to remain a "landlord's market" in 2015, with vacancy rates expected to stay below 5 percent in the new year, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. That should lead to demand pushing rents up even higher and keeping them above inflation, notes NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. Apartment rents are projected to increase 4 percent in 2014 and 4.1 percent in 2015.
10. Stronger economy leads to greater confidence: A stronger economy will likely lead to more demand for housing in 2015. "Overall, the economy finally appears to be gaining enough momentum to help provide the support that the housing market has needed for stronger recovery," Sam Khater, deputy chief economist at CoreLogic, notes in the company's 2015 Housing Outlook. "The combination of stronger employment growth and especially Millennial job growth makes for solid footing for the real estate market. Moreover, the recent drop in oil prices cannot be overstated, because not only does it directly lower the transportation and home energy costs for households, but it also improves consumer confidence. And confident consumers are more likely to spend on big ticket items, which is sweet music to the ears of the real estate market."

—By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine

605 Gertruda Avenue, Redondo Beach offered by Jack McSweeney | RE/MAX Es...