Staging video for 1106 N. Cordova

This is a really rough look at the living room staging for 1106 N. Cordova in Burbank.  This is my first "sequenced" video and I promise to improve my technique before posting anything else.  But at any rate, you can see the big difference that staging makes.

1106 N. Cordova, Burbank closed today and here's how it went

1106 N. Cordova Street in Burbank closed escrow today.  We had two offers very quickly after putting it on the market at the end of May, and it sold over list price at $464,000. The transaction went very smoothly -- I wish all transactions could go this well!

Here's how we got offers over listing so quickly: 1) The sellers had the home expertly upgraded.  No, it wasn't a flip in the classic sense as the owners had lived there 17 years until they bought a bigger house last summer.  They spent some money, and it showed. 2) It was beautifully staged. (That's the living room, above.) I thought this was essential as the house was small and I knew furniture would make it look bigger.  I'll post a before-and-after video soon. 3) I marketed the hell out of this.

The inspection went pretty well as far as inspections go, although the water heater conked out and the sellers had to replace it. The buyer, her agent and his team were really on top of things and responded to everything in a reasonable, timely manner.  And we had a back-up offer.

However, there's pain in every escrow.  The only pain here was with the appraisal.  As I said in a previous post, the first appraisal came in low.  Even though the buyer was putting down a hefty sum, Wells Fargo balked.  The buyer changed lenders (Great Western), we had a second appraisal that came in to value, and the lender got the loan done in two weeks (!!!).  And everybody is happy!

Appraisal problems

Appraisal problems are a fact of life in the real estate market these days, and I just had one. My listing at 1106 N. Cordova in Burbank appraised through Wells Fargo* for $14,000 less than what it is in escrow for.  The buyer had already waived the appraisal contingency, but the sellers and I wanted her to feel good about her purchase, so we cooperated with a second appraisal with her new lender, Great Western.  This time, I met the appraiser and brought area comparables along with the final cost sheet prepared by the contractor who had done the updates.  I also sent the appraiser copies of the other offers we'd received so he could see the range the "market" was willing to pay for the house.  Sure enough, this time the appraisal came out right at the sales price.  I'm sorry the buyer had to pay for two appraisals, but I'm sure she now feels even better about the purchase of this cute home.

*Note that I'm bashing the big banks once again.  Yes, this is a common theme of this blog.

Burbank home is in escrow

The sellers of 1106 N. Cordova, Burbank received multiple offers and accepted one this a.m. Of course, the house is still available for backup offers.  I am thrilled to have had a listing that was so nicely redone and I am grateful that the sellers took my advice and had it professionally staged.  More details on this escrow as it goes along.

Open house on Sunday, 6/5, 2 - 5 - 1106 N. Cordova, Burbank 91505

This beauty is open today from 2 to 5. It is listed for $459,000.  Features: updated and redone throughout, 2 beds, 1 bath, fabulous Magnolia Park neighborhood, new a/c, new windows, new interior and exterior paint, new light fixtures, fireplace, refinished hardwoods, big backyard, and a regular sale! There's nothing else in this stellar neighborhood in this condition for this price. Come visit me and special guest Steve (who'll be there with his playlist, of course). More pics can be found at www.JudyGraff.com.

Judy's house hunters' iTunes iMix! Any suggestions for this list?

Real estate shouldn't be all blood, sweat, tears and money.  And you need some tunes for the car as you're driving to all those open houses, right? About five years ago, I put together the following house-related song list for home buyers and sellers. (Sorry, no hip-hop -- I'm old -- but feel free to suggest...). You can go on my website and click on links that will take you right to iTunes if you'd like to buy these, or just create a list on your own. I hope you enjoy this list as much as I enjoyed putting it together. I welcome your suggestions for home-related iMix no. 2.

1. Baby, Let's Play House - Elvis

2. Blue House - Marcia Ball

3. This House - Yellow Man

4. Who Says You Can't Go Home - Bon Jovi

5. Home - Alexi Murdoch

6. Come On-A My House - Rosemary Clooney

7. Red House - Jimi Hendrix

8. Going Home - Sly & Robbie

9. Happy House - Siouxsie and the Banshees

10. Home - Bonnie Raitt

11. House of Blue Lights - Commander Cody

12. Home - Lene Lovich

13. I'm Coming Home - The Spinners

14. House Where Nobody Lives - Tom Waits

15. Take Me Home, Country Roads - Toots and the Maytals

16. Our House - Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young

17. Bring it on Home to Me - Sam Cooke 18. Don't it Make You Want to go Home - Joe Tex (suggested by Robert Hilburn when I sent him the original list.) And by the way, husband Steve, former radio dj, will be guesting at tomorrow's open house at 1106 N. Cordova with his special playlist.

My new listing at 1106 N. Cordova, Burbank - gorgeous 2+1 for $459,000

Here's my gorgeous new listing at 1106 N. Cordova Street, right smack in the heart of Burbank's desirable Magnolia Park neighborhood. This home was professionally renovated and features a large kitchen with dining area, lots of cabinets and plenty of counter space.  Beautiful glass block tile adds a contemporary flavor.  The remodeled bathroom features subway tile, brushed nickel finishes, and all new fixtures.  A fireplace in the living room, gorgeous hardwood floors, and crown molding all add a warm feel.  Central A/C and heating were just installed, as were all the windows, the sliding door and all light fixtures.  Relax on the covered porch in the huge backyard yard – there's plenty of room for a pool or expansion. Both the exterior and interior have been freshly painted, and new landscaping has been added in front. This home is in a location that can’t be beat.  Very close to Porto’s, all the shops on Magnolia Boulevard, and the Burbank bike path.  Short distance to studios. Award-winning Roosevelt School nearby.  Don't miss out on this rare move-in ready gem. And it's a regular sale, not a short sale or REO!

Our first public open house will be on Sunday, June 5, from 2 to 5.  There will be broker caravans on Thursday, June 2, from 9:30 to 12 and Friday, June 3, from 11:30 to 1:30.  Please visit my website at www.judygraff.com for more info and pictures!