Latest / Connor with Honor: AI, Real Estate and Real Life / Santa Clarita Open Houses presents Saugus CA real estate update with Brenda and Nash December 2024
Transcript
- 0:00SPEAKER_00: All right, let's jump right in and take a deep dive into Saugus Real Estate.
- 0:03SPEAKER_00: Today we're getting all our intel from Connor, a realtor out in Saugus.
- 0:08SPEAKER_00: He does these like daily vlogs about the market, so it's not just dry numbers, you know.
- 0:12SPEAKER_00: You get his personality, his opinions, the whole nine yards.
- 0:16SPEAKER_00: So for anyone listening who's thinking about buying a place in Saugus, this is like gold.
- 0:20SPEAKER_01: Really is.
- 0:20SPEAKER_01: It's almost like you have a buddy in the trenches giving you the real scoop.
- 0:23SPEAKER_00: Totally.
- 0:24SPEAKER_00: And Connor doesn't waste any time.
- 0:25SPEAKER_00: He kicks things off with 81 active listings in Saugus.
- 0:29SPEAKER_00: Condos, townhomes, single family homes, a little bit of everything, it seems.
- 0:33SPEAKER_00: Oh, and he also mentioned five properties just closed escrow last week.
- 0:38SPEAKER_01: Five closings in a week?
- 0:39SPEAKER_01: That's a good sign.
- 0:40SPEAKER_01: It tells me buyers are out there and sellers are willing to make deals.
- 0:44SPEAKER_00: Speaking of those closings, Connor pointed out that most were financed through FHA and VA loans.
- 0:49SPEAKER_00: What does that tell us about the market?
- 0:51SPEAKER_00: Is that significant for our listeners?
- 0:53SPEAKER_01: Absolutely.
- 0:54SPEAKER_01: Those loan types are great for folks with smaller down payments, especially first-time buyers or veterans.
- 0:59SPEAKER_01: So yeah, it definitely suggests SAGUS is a welcoming market for those folks.
- 1:03SPEAKER_00: Interesting.
- 1:03SPEAKER_00: Good inventory, buyers are biding, and financing options that could work in your favor.
- 1:09SPEAKER_00: But Connor doesn't just focus on SAGUS.
- 1:11SPEAKER_00: He zooms out to the entire Santa Clarita Valley.
- 1:14SPEAKER_00: And things get even more interesting.
- 1:16SPEAKER_00: 26 new listings just this week, plus 38 price changes.
- 1:21SPEAKER_00: And get this 25 properties went under contract.
- 1:24SPEAKER_01: Whoa, that's a lot of movement, especially those price changes, seeing that many in a week.
- 1:28SPEAKER_01: It tells me sellers are getting serious.
- 1:30SPEAKER_01: As we get closer to the end of the year, they're definitely making moves to attract buyers.
- 1:34SPEAKER_00: So this could be good news for our listener, right?
- 1:36SPEAKER_00: More options to choose from, maybe some room to negotiate on price.
- 1:39SPEAKER_01: Yeah, potentially, but it also means there's probably going to be more competition.
- 1:43SPEAKER_01: It's a dynamic market, that's for sure, which is why understanding these little details is so important.
- 1:48SPEAKER_00: Aaron Powell Well, speaking of details, Connor really drilled down on online presence for sellers.
- 1:53SPEAKER_00: He even used this fancy term.
- 1:55SPEAKER_00: Syndication, I think he called it.
- 1:57SPEAKER_00: He mentioned Zillow, Trulia, Redfin, Bovodo, like all the big real estate websites.
- 2:02SPEAKER_00: He even went on a bit of a rant about agents who don't take that seriously.
- 2:06SPEAKER_00: So why should our listener care about syndication or whatever it's called?
- 2:10SPEAKER_01: Well, it basically means getting a property listed on as many of those sites as possible.
- 2:15SPEAKER_01: It's great for sellers because it gets them more exposure, but for buyers, it can get a little tricky.
- 2:20SPEAKER_00: Oh, how so?
- 2:22SPEAKER_01: Well, you might see the same listing on Zillow with one price and then on Redfin with another.
- 2:26SPEAKER_01: And not all agents are created equal when it comes to marketing.
- 2:29SPEAKER_01: Some might have amazing photos and virtual tours, while others not so much.
- 2:34SPEAKER_00: So you're saying the way an agent markets a property online can actually affect my perception of it, maybe even how much I'm willing to pay.
- 2:40SPEAKER_01: Exactly.
- 2:41SPEAKER_01: Connor's little rant about agents who phone it in.
- 2:44SPEAKER_01: That's a red flag for you as a buyer.
- 2:46SPEAKER_01: Pay attention to how properties are presented online, those details matter.
- 2:50SPEAKER_00: Good point.
- 2:51SPEAKER_00: Online presence matters for buyers, A and D sellers, it seems.
- 2:55SPEAKER_00: But Connor doesn't just talk about the technical stuff, he also goes on this whole thing about authenticity in the real estate world.
- 3:02SPEAKER_00: He's clearly not a fan of those agents who treat it like a side hustle or rely on paid online reviews.
- 3:08SPEAKER_00: You can tell he's really passionate about this stuff.
- 3:11SPEAKER_01: He definitely is.
- 3:12SPEAKER_01: And while his opinions might be a bit strong for some, his point about data and market realities is spot on.
- 3:18SPEAKER_01: Don't fall for hype or flashy marketing.
- 3:21SPEAKER_01: Look for substance.
- 3:22SPEAKER_01: Like he said, reviewing comps is key.
- 3:25SPEAKER_00: Comps.
- 3:25SPEAKER_00: Now there's a term I'm sure some listeners might not be familiar with.
- 3:28SPEAKER_00: What exactly are comps and why are they so important?
- 3:31SPEAKER_01: Think of comps like a benchmark.
- 3:33SPEAKER_01: They show what similar houses in the same area actually sold for recently.
- 3:37SPEAKER_01: So for buyers, it helps you figure out if a listing is priced fairly.
- 3:40SPEAKER_00: So it's not just about falling in love with a house, it's about understanding its actual market value.
- 3:45SPEAKER_00: That makes sense.
- 3:46SPEAKER_00: Connor also briefly mentioned a client who was using their credit union for a mortgage.
- 3:50SPEAKER_00: And it kind of seemed like he was weighing the pros and cons of different financing options in his head.
- 3:55SPEAKER_01: Yeah, he did seem to lean towards mortgage brokers.
- 3:58SPEAKER_00: Okay, I'm all ears.
- 3:59SPEAKER_00: What's the advantage there?
- 4:01SPEAKER_00: Why might a mortgage broker be a better choice than a credit union?
- 4:04SPEAKER_01: Mortgage brokers have access to tons of different lenders, so they can often find you a better rate or more flexible terms.
- 4:11SPEAKER_01: It's like having a personal shopper for your mortgage.
- 4:14SPEAKER_00: So they do the legwork and find you the best deal.
- 4:17SPEAKER_01: Exactly.
- 4:17SPEAKER_01: But there's a trade-off.
- 4:19SPEAKER_01: Working with a mortgage broker might mean a bit more paperwork.
- 4:22SPEAKER_01: And credit unions can sometimes offer perks to their members.
- 4:25SPEAKER_01: So it really comes down to your individual situation and what's important to you.
- 4:29SPEAKER_00: No one size fits all approach.
- 4:31SPEAKER_00: Gotta weigh those options carefully.
- 4:34SPEAKER_00: Good advice.
- 4:35SPEAKER_00: And then just when you think we've covered everything, Connor drops this little bombshell for condo buyers.
- 4:40SPEAKER_00: It's something that's easy to miss in all the excitement of finding a place.
- 4:44SPEAKER_01: He's talking about those FHA and VA loan approvals for condos, right?
- 4:48SPEAKER_00: Yes.
- 4:49SPEAKER_00: Not all condo complexes are automatically approved for those loans.
- 4:52SPEAKER_00: And if you're counting on FHA or VA financing, that could really limit your options.
- 4:57SPEAKER_01: It's definitely something to think about early on.
- 5:00SPEAKER_01: Can you imagine finding the perfect condo only to realize it's not eligible for your loan?
- 5:04SPEAKER_00: Oof, what a nightmare.
- 5:06SPEAKER_00: So how can our listener avoid that kind of heartbreak?
- 5:10SPEAKER_01: Connor recommended checking the FHRV approval status of any condo complex you're seriously considering.
- 5:17SPEAKER_01: And if it's not already approved, talk to your lender about a spot approval.
- 5:21SPEAKER_00: Spot approval, what's that?
- 5:23SPEAKER_01: It's basically getting pre-approved for a specific property, even if it's not on the official approved list.
- 5:29SPEAKER_01: It can give you a leg up in a competitive market and show sellers you're serious.
- 5:33SPEAKER_00: Like a secret weapon for condo buyer.
- 5:35SPEAKER_01: You got it.
- 5:36SPEAKER_01: Just another one of those insider tips that can make all the difference.
- 5:39SPEAKER_01: But we've only scratched the surface of Connor's insights.
- 5:42SPEAKER_01: Stay tuned for part two.
- 5:43SPEAKER_01: We'll be diving deeper into how to choose the right agent and exploring some specific neighborhoods in the Santa Clarita Valley.
- 5:49SPEAKER_01: It's going to be good.
- 5:50SPEAKER_00: All right, so we're back, still digging into Saugus Real Estate with Connor.
- 5:55SPEAKER_00: Before we get into specific neighborhoods, I want to go back to something he said about choosing an agent.
- 6:00SPEAKER_00: He made a big deal about finding someone who's truly dedicated to the profession, not just treating it like a sidekick.
- 6:06SPEAKER_01: He did, and it's so important.
- 6:08SPEAKER_01: I mean, buying or selling a home is a huge decision.
- 6:12SPEAKER_01: You don't want someone who's just dabbling in real estate, right?
- 6:15SPEAKER_00: Right.
- 6:15SPEAKER_00: So how can our listener spot the difference?
- 6:18SPEAKER_00: What red flag should they be looking for?
- 6:20SPEAKER_01: Well, Connor gave us some clues.
- 6:22SPEAKER_01: He warned against agents who rely too much on those paid online reviews, or those who have all the flashy marketing but no substance to back it up.
- 6:30SPEAKER_00: Okay.
- 6:31SPEAKER_00: So dig a little deeper, look for evidence of real expertise.
- 6:35SPEAKER_00: But what kind of evidence?
- 6:36SPEAKER_00: What are we talking about specifically?
- 6:38SPEAKER_01: Look at their track record.
- 6:39SPEAKER_01: How long have they been doing this?
- 6:40SPEAKER_01: Do they have a deep understanding of the local market?
- 6:42SPEAKER_01: Are they constantly learning and improving their skills?
- 6:45SPEAKER_01: Ask about their experience with different types of transactions, their negotiation strategies, how they communicate with clients, all that good stuff.
- 6:52SPEAKER_00: So it's not just about finding an agent who's nice and have a fancy website.
- 6:55SPEAKER_00: You want someone who knows their stuff and is invested in your success.
- 6:59SPEAKER_01: Absolutely.
- 7:00SPEAKER_01: Buying or selling a home can be stressful.
- 7:02SPEAKER_01: Having the right agent can make all the difference in the world.
- 7:05SPEAKER_00: No doubt.
- 7:06SPEAKER_00: And speaking of knowing their stuff, Connor spent a lot of time talking about comps, those comparable properties that have recently sold in the area.
- 7:14SPEAKER_00: He made it sound like understanding comps is crucial for both buyers and sellers.
- 7:19SPEAKER_01: It is.
- 7:20SPEAKER_01: For sellers, it helps them price their property realistically.
- 7:23SPEAKER_01: For buyers, it helps them figure out if the listing is a good deal.
- 7:27SPEAKER_00: So it's about grounding your decisions in data, not just emotions or wishful thinking.
- 7:32SPEAKER_01: Exactly.
- 7:33SPEAKER_01: Analyzing those comps can save you from overpaying as a buyer or undervaluing your property as a seller.
- 7:39SPEAKER_00: Smart.
- 7:40SPEAKER_00: Now, Connor also mentioned that not all agents are equal when it comes to online presence.
- 7:45SPEAKER_00: Some are all over social media using video tours and professional photos, while others are kind of stuck in the past.
- 7:51SPEAKER_01: Yeah, it's more important than you might think.
- 7:54SPEAKER_01: A strong online presence can tell you a lot about an agent.
- 7:57SPEAKER_01: Are they proactive?
- 7:58SPEAKER_01: Are they engaged with the market?
- 8:00SPEAKER_01: Are they reaching a wider audience?
- 8:02SPEAKER_00: Aaron Powell So it's not just about having a website, it's about how they use technology to market those properties.
- 8:07SPEAKER_01: Exactly.
- 8:07SPEAKER_01: Look for those agents who are using video tours, professional photos, engaging social media content, all that good stuff.
- 8:13SPEAKER_00: Aaron Powell And he also cautioned against blindly trusting those online review sites, right?
- 8:18SPEAKER_01: Aaron Powell He did.
- 8:19SPEAKER_01: Reviews can be helpful, but take them with a grain of salt.
- 8:22SPEAKER_01: Some agents might try to game the system, you know, solicit positive reviews or have outdated information online.
- 8:28SPEAKER_01: It's always best to do your own research, talk to people who actually worked with them.
- 8:32SPEAKER_00: Aaron Powell Good advice.
- 8:33SPEAKER_00: So go beyond the surface, dig a little deeper, figure out if they're the real deal.
- 8:37SPEAKER_00: Now let's talk neighborhoods.
- 8:39SPEAKER_00: This is what I know our listeners are really excited about.
- 8:41SPEAKER_00: Connor mentioned Valencia, Stevenson Ranch, New Hall, Canyon Country, Castaic.
- 8:46SPEAKER_00: Even act in an agua dulce.
- 8:48SPEAKER_00: He covers a lot of ground.
- 8:50SPEAKER_01: He does, and his insights into these different communities are super valuable, especially for someone who's new to the area.
- 8:57SPEAKER_01: Each place has its own personality, its own price points, its own lifestyle.
- 9:01SPEAKER_00: It's like having a personal guide who can tell you which neighborhood fits you best.
- 9:05SPEAKER_01: Exactly.
- 9:05SPEAKER_01: For example, Connor talked about Valencia being popular with families, great schools, parks, master plan communities.
- 9:13SPEAKER_01: Stevenson Ranch tends to attract a more affluent crowd, larger homes, more upscale vibe.
- 9:19SPEAKER_01: Newall has that mix of historical charm and modern amenities.
- 9:23SPEAKER_01: And Canyon Country is a bit more affordable, a good entry point into the Santa Clarita Valley.
- 9:28SPEAKER_00: So many choices.
- 9:29SPEAKER_00: Sounds like there's something for everyone.
- 9:30SPEAKER_01: There really is, and that's why Connor's local knowledge is so helpful.
- 9:33SPEAKER_01: He gives you those little details that you wouldn't find just browsing online.
- 9:37SPEAKER_00: He did mention Castac, Acton, and Agua Dulce.
- 9:40SPEAKER_00: Those sound a bit more, I don't know, off-the-beaten path.
- 9:44SPEAKER_01: They are.
- 9:44SPEAKER_01: Castac is known for its lake, lots of outdoor activities.
- 9:47SPEAKER_01: Acton and Agua Dulce are more rural, more of an equestrian lifestyle.
- 9:52SPEAKER_01: So if you're looking for a quieter pace of life, maybe some space for your horses, those might be good options.
- 9:58SPEAKER_00: That's cool.
- 9:59SPEAKER_00: Options beyond the typical suburbs.
- 10:01SPEAKER_01: Absolutely.
- 10:01SPEAKER_01: And Connor knows these communities like the back of his hand.
- 10:04SPEAKER_01: He can help you broaden your search, maybe even uncover some hidden gems that you wouldn't have found on your own.
- 10:09SPEAKER_00: He's like a walking encyclopedia of Santa Clarita Valley Real Estate.
- 10:12SPEAKER_01: He really is.
- 10:13SPEAKER_00: All right, now let's shift gears a bit and talk about loans.
- 10:17SPEAKER_00: This can be a confusing topic, especially for first-time buyers.
- 10:21SPEAKER_00: Connor talked about FHA and VA loans, which are designed for folks with lower down payments.
- 10:26SPEAKER_01: Yeah, those can be great options for first-time buyers or veterans.
- 10:29SPEAKER_00: Definitely.
- 10:30SPEAKER_00: But it's important to understand how they work and if they're right for you.
- 10:34SPEAKER_00: Connor even told a story about a client who was thinking of using their credit union for financing.
- 10:40SPEAKER_00: And it seemed like he had some reservations about that.
- 10:42SPEAKER_01: He did.
- 10:42SPEAKER_01: While credit unions can be a good option, Connor seems to prefer mortgage brokers.
- 10:47SPEAKER_00: Especially in a competitive market.
- 10:48SPEAKER_01: Right.
- 10:49SPEAKER_01: Why do you think that is?
- 10:50SPEAKER_00: Hmm.
- 10:51SPEAKER_00: Well, maybe because mortgage brokers have access to more lenders.
- 10:55SPEAKER_01: Exactly.
- 10:56SPEAKER_01: They can shop around and find you a better rate or more flexible terms.
- 11:00SPEAKER_01: It's like having someone negotiate on your behalf.
- 11:02SPEAKER_00: Okay, that makes sense, but is there a downside?
- 11:05SPEAKER_01: There can be.
- 11:06SPEAKER_01: It might involve a bit more paperwork, maybe a slightly longer approval process.
- 11:10SPEAKER_01: And credit unions sometimes have perks for their members.
- 11:13SPEAKER_00: So it's a trade-off.
- 11:14SPEAKER_00: We've got to weigh those pros and cons.
- 11:16SPEAKER_01: Exactly.
- 11:16SPEAKER_01: There's no one right answer.
- 11:18SPEAKER_01: It all depends on your situation and what's important to you.
- 11:21SPEAKER_00: Before we move on to part three, where we'll dive into some specific strategies for navigating this market, I want to ask our listener, what's resonating with you so far?
- 11:29SPEAKER_00: What's standing out from all these insights from Connor?
- 11:33SPEAKER_00: Okay, so we've covered a ton of ground with Connor, all those insights about the Saugus market.
- 11:38SPEAKER_00: But now let's talk about you, the listener.
- 11:40SPEAKER_00: You're ready to buy a place maybe in Saugus, maybe somewhere else in the Santa Clarita Valley.
- 11:45SPEAKER_00: Where do you even begin?
- 11:47SPEAKER_00: How do you put all this knowledge into action?
- 11:49SPEAKER_01: Well, if you haven't already, start exploring those neighborhoods Connor mentioned: Valencia, Stevenson Ranch, New Hall, he's got videos on all of them.
- 11:57SPEAKER_01: Each one's got a different vibe, different price points.
- 11:59SPEAKER_01: Think about what kind of lifestyle you want, what's your budget, what are your must-haves, good schools, parks, easy commute.
- 12:08SPEAKER_00: Yeah, it's like trying on different hats.
- 12:09SPEAKER_00: You got to find the one that fits.
- 12:11SPEAKER_00: Connor's videos are great for that.
- 12:12SPEAKER_00: He gives you the inside scoop on each community.
- 12:15SPEAKER_01: He does.
- 12:15SPEAKER_01: And don't be shy about reaching out to him directly.
- 12:17SPEAKER_01: He seems like the kind of guy who genuinely wants to help people find the right place.
- 12:22SPEAKER_00: He does.
- 12:23SPEAKER_00: He's always encouraging viewers to ask questions.
- 12:26SPEAKER_00: Now let's talk strategy.
- 12:27SPEAKER_00: Connor kept saying how important it is to be prepared in this market, especially if you're using FHA or VA financing.
- 12:34SPEAKER_00: So what are some proactive steps our listener can take?
- 12:37SPEAKER_01: He made a really good point about condo approvals.
- 12:40SPEAKER_01: Not all complexes are FHA or VA approved.
- 12:43SPEAKER_01: And if you're planning on using one of those loans, that could really narrow down your options.
- 12:47SPEAKER_00: So before you fall in love with a condo, make sure it works with your financing plan.
- 12:51SPEAKER_00: How can our listener check that early on?
- 12:53SPEAKER_01: Just ask the listing agent or do a quick search online, it's pretty easy.
- 12:57SPEAKER_01: And remember Connor's tip about spot approvals.
- 13:00SPEAKER_00: Oh, yeah, that's a good one.
- 13:01SPEAKER_00: Remind us what that is and why it's so helpful.
- 13:04SPEAKER_01: Basically, it's getting pre-approved for a specific property, even if it's not on the official FHA or VA approved list.
- 13:11SPEAKER_01: It shows sellers you're serious and it can give you an edge if there are multiple offers.
- 13:16SPEAKER_00: Like a fast track to getting your offer accepted.
- 13:18SPEAKER_01: Exactly.
- 13:19SPEAKER_00: Connor also talked about the market cycle and how it can affect your decisions.
- 13:22SPEAKER_00: He said that towards the end of the year, sellers tend to get more motivated.
- 13:26SPEAKER_01: Yeah, they do.
- 13:27SPEAKER_01: And that can be a good thing for buyers who are ready to move quickly.
- 13:31SPEAKER_00: So no time for procrastination.
- 13:33SPEAKER_00: What are some signs that a seller might be extra motivated?
- 13:37SPEAKER_01: Price drops are a big one.
- 13:38SPEAKER_01: If a property's been on the market for a while and the price starts going down, that's a good indicator that they're ready to make a deal.
- 13:44SPEAKER_00: Like they're waving a big flag that says, Come and get it.
- 13:46SPEAKER_01: Exactly.
- 13:47SPEAKER_01: You might also see things like flexible closing dates.
- 13:50SPEAKER_01: Maybe they'll help with closing costs, or even throw in some appliances or furniture.
- 13:56SPEAKER_00: Oh, the little extras that sweeten the deal.
- 13:58SPEAKER_00: God, I love those.
- 13:59SPEAKER_01: Mm-hmm.
- 14:00SPEAKER_00: I also like how Connor encouraged buyers to think outside the box, to not just focus on the most popular neighborhoods.
- 14:06SPEAKER_00: He hinted at some hidden gems in those less traveled parts of the San Clarita Valley.
- 14:11SPEAKER_00: What advice would you give to someone who's open to exploring those off-the-beaten path options?
- 14:17SPEAKER_01: I'd say go for it.
- 14:18SPEAKER_01: Don't be afraid to venture beyond the familiar.
- 14:21SPEAKER_01: You might be surprised at what you find, and Connor's videos can be a great guide.
- 14:25SPEAKER_00: They really can.
- 14:26SPEAKER_00: And lastly, Connor left us with this thought-provoking question about the different types of buyers and sellers out there.
- 14:33SPEAKER_00: He said some sellers are super motivated and ready to negotiate, while others are more patient.
- 14:37SPEAKER_00: They'll hold out for the right price.
- 14:39SPEAKER_01: He did, and it's important to be aware of that as a buyer.
- 14:42SPEAKER_01: Know your limits, be strategic.
- 14:44SPEAKER_01: If you're not comfortable with the bidding war, you might have to wait for a property that's priced more realistically.
- 14:49SPEAKER_00: So know what you want and know when to walk away.
- 14:54SPEAKER_00: Well, I think we've covered just about everything, from market trends and choosing an agent to financing options and negotiating.
- 15:01SPEAKER_00: I hope you, the listener, feel ready to take that next step in your home buying journey.
- 15:05SPEAKER_01: Me too.
- 15:06SPEAKER_01: Connor's insights have been amazing, and I definitely encourage you to keep following his updates.
- 15:11SPEAKER_01: It's an exciting process, sometimes a little overwhelming, but finding that perfect place is so rewarding.
- 15:17SPEAKER_00: It is.
- 15:17SPEAKER_00: Remember, knowledge is power, and with Connor's guidance, you'll be making informed decisions every step of the way.
- 15:23SPEAKER_00: Thanks for joining us on this deep dives and happy house hunting.