November 6, 2024

The Laugesen Team, Failure is Never an Option

While it is okay to make mistakes and stumble along the way, those missteps soon become failures when one refuses to get back up and continue pushing forward. Rough patches come about in all aspects of life, but it is up to us to learn from those patches and power through.

As stated by Denise Laugesen of The Laugesen Team with Keller Williams Peninsula Estates, “Failure is not an option. I keep pushing on until I get it right, whatever that is!”

With Character and Charm

Denise was born in San Fransisco and has lived in Burlington and Hillsborough most of her life. She was first introduced to real estate at a very young age as she would frequently drag her mom to every possible open house in search of a new home. She explains that while living in an Eichler home as a child — despite her modern love for them — she did not like Eichlers as a child. “I wanted a home with character and charm… crazy right? Now I love Eichlers!”

At 22, she and her then-husband purchased their first home. Denise quickly remodeled it, sold it, and moved on to the next. She boasts that she has sold over 40 of her own homes in this way throughout her career — many of those houses being ones that she built from the ground up.

Denise shares that the most pivotal moment in her life was when she realized that she would unfortunately need to end her seven-year marriage. She explains that the decision gave her the inspiration and confidence to take a risk and make a change in her lifestyle and career. In hindsight, she can easily say that this was one of the best things she has done in her life.

“I immediately got my real estate license and jumped into the business. I realized early on that real estate is a 24/7 lifestyle. It was key to provide a nice lifestyle for my family.”

“I have always been driven and a self-starter and that mindset is essential for my real estate business. I have always wanted to control my successes and my real estate lifestyle provides that for me.”

Still Going Above and Beyond

Many, many things that can be considered “fulfilling” when working in real estate, and Denise as well as the rest of The Laugesen Team recognize this well. “First and foremost are the relationships you develop. Not only with your clients, but your other real estate associates, lenders, title officers, contractors, marketing vendors, and on and on. Many of those connections are dear friends of mine today.”

In addition to relationships, Denise adds that “the art of the deal” is also one of the most fulfilling parts of their work. “Finding out from our clients what they are looking for,” she describes. “It could be a sales price for their home or buying a dream home and being able to make that happen. The level of excitement and happiness our clients feel after we make their dreams come true is so satisfying, it’s like a drug and we want to create that with every transaction.”

She further explains that she continues to knock on doors to this day despite her 30 years in the business. “If our clients like a home, we will reach out to the homeowner and let them know we have a buyer either by knocking on the door or by sending a letter,” she elaborates. “We know many agents send letters that are looking for listings, but we are really looking to sell that specific home. We include the buyer’s names and photos, so we will be taken more seriously with homeowners.” Denise explains that she and The Laugesen Team have sold and listed many homes this way regardless of the magnitude of the sale.

Provided the seller approves it, they like to prep most of their listings. With Denise’s building and design background, they are able to create a home that speaks to a large community of buyers. “We sell a lifestyle when you purchase our listings. We work with some of the best photographers who capture the best lighting and best features of our homes. We have an amazing staging partner who knows our taste and works well with our team.”

The Laugesen Team is all about giving their clients the best. Stacy LaRosa, who joined The Laugesen Team three years ago, brings a strong background in mortgages to the table. Cortney Laugesen, Denise’s daughter, has been Denise’s business partner since 2009, and she has strong marketing and negotiating skills that she brings to the team.

As a general summary of how Denise and the rest of The Laugesen Team run their business: “Giving is Getting in this world.”

Blessed

For Denise, family is not just important, family is everything. “I am a mom to two amazing kids: Cortney, who has been my business partner since 2009, and my son Matthew, who is working in a startup in San Francisco.” She currently lives in Hillsborough with her two dogs.

“We are very blessed. Real estate and family are my life. When anyone asks me about a future in real estate and what that looks like, I remind them: it is not a career, it is a lifestyle.”

It is no surprise that Denise Laugesen and the rest of The Laugesen Team have found immense success in their business. By pushing forward through every challenge, they will never know failure.

“I am beyond blessed and I know and appreciate that, and I am reminded every day how lucky I am. I have an amazing supportive family, I have quality clients, and many have become my friends. I love real estate. Every side of a transaction, every step involved in creating successful transactions, and most of all, my team — they are in the trenches with me and give it their all. I get up every day and I am excited to make things happen, that is my success.”

Written & Featured on: https://www.realproducersmag.com/

By cortney

February 6, 2024

The Impact of Low Housing Inventory in The Bay Area

Denise & Cortney Laugesen here, bringing you the latest from our dynamic housing market.

The tides are turning in 2024, and it’s an exciting time for both buyers and sellers! With the stock market’s historic rally in 2023, there’s a fresh wave of enthusiasm among buyers. More money in pockets means more dreams turning into reality.

But here’s the twist: While interest rates are inching down from their recent highs (we all got a bit spoiled during COVID, didn’t we?), they’re still a factor to consider. The good news? Quality is key, and the market knows it!

Homes that stand out – those that are turnkey, brilliantly marketed, and represented by top-notch agents – are seeing unprecedented demand. Imagine lines out the door, eager to get a piece of our beautiful Bay Area!

For those plotting to buy this year, the stars are aligning, but preparation is crucial. With my team’s expertise, we’ll ensure you’re not just ready, but ahead of the game.

Ready to dive in? Let’s navigate this exciting market together. Call us, and let’s make your Bay Area home dreams a reality!

By cortney

January 8, 2024

2024 Mortgage Rate Predictions: Insights for the Bay Area’s Peninsula Real Estate Market

The Laugesen Team, specialists in the Bay Area’s Peninsula real estate market, is keenly observing the developments in mortgage rates as we enter 2024. The Federal Open Market Committee’s recent decision to maintain the benchmark federal funds rate steady for the third consecutive time at the end of 2023 is a pivotal development. This decision, leaving the rate between 5.25% and 5.5%, signals a potential pause in rate hikes, as noted by Fed Chairman Jerome Powell. Despite inflation still being above the Fed’s 2% target, the projections for 2024 suggest possible rate cuts by year’s end.

Experts are offering varied perspectives on the trajectory of mortgage rates for 2024. Danielle Hale from Realtor.com and other industry analysts like those from the National Association of Realtors and the Mortgage Bankers Association predict a gradual decrease in rates. They foresee mortgage rates potentially easing to near 6.5% by the end of the year, providing some relief to homebuyers. The current rates as of January 2024, with a 30-year fixed mortgage at 7.12% and a 15-year fixed-rate at 6.55%, are significantly higher than those in early 2022, indicating a shift in the lending landscape.

For the real estate market in the Peninsula, encompassing Redwood City, Hillsborough, San Mateo, and Burlingame, this could mean a slight easing of mortgage costs as the year progresses. Homebuyers might find more affordable options, and homeowners considering refinancing could see opportunities, especially if rates continue to drop. However, the decision to refinance should not only consider potential rate decreases but also the overall cost implications over the loan’s lifetime.

In the broader context, the Peninsula’s real estate market is likely to experience a balancing act. While slightly easing rates might not drastically alter market dynamics in the short term, they could provide a more favorable environment for buyers as the year progresses. Looking ahead, experts suggest that mortgage rates are likely to decline over the next few years, potentially leading to a more active housing market. Yet, the challenge of low housing inventory remains, likely keeping the market competitive.

As we navigate through 2024, the Laugesen Team remains committed to providing our clients with the most current insights and guidance. Whether you’re buying, selling, or considering refinancing in the dynamic Peninsula market, we are here to help you make informed decisions in this evolving landscape.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions. We love what we do and we are here to assist you in achieving your real estate goals in 2024

By cortney

April 24, 2023

Think Twice Before Waiting for Lower Home Prices or Interest Rates.

The dream of owning a home is something that most people aspire to achieve at some point in their lives. However, deciding when to take the plunge and purchase a home is often complicated by the desire to wait for lower home prices. While waiting for a better deal may seem like a wise choice, there are several factors to consider before deciding to hold off on buying a home.

First and foremost, it is important to understand that trying to time the housing market is risky. Home prices can be affected by a multitude of factors, such as the economy, interest rates, and supply and demand. Trying to predict how all of these factors will interact with one another can be challenging, if not impossible.

Furthermore, waiting for lower home prices may result in missed opportunities. For example, interest rates may rise, making it more difficult to secure a mortgage with a low-interest rate. Additionally, the cost of renting a home may increase, making buying sooner rather than later financially more attractive.

Another consideration is that regional and local factors can influence housing prices. While waiting for a dip in national housing prices may be tempting, your local market may not follow the same trend. Thus, the timing of purchasing a home may ultimately depend on where you live.

Moreover, delaying the purchase of a home can have hidden costs. For instance, if you continue renting, you may be losing out on the tax benefits of homeownership, such as mortgage interest deductions. Additionally, if you wait too long, you may end up spending more on rent than you would have spent on a mortgage payment.

Ultimately, the decision of when to purchase a home should be based on your personal circumstances and financial situation. If you have a stable job and plan to stay in the area for several years, buying a home may make sense regardless of current housing prices. Conversely, if you are uncertain about your future plans or your job stability, it may be wise to hold off on purchasing a home until your circumstances become clearer.

In conclusion, while waiting for lower home prices may seem like a sound strategy, it is important to consider the risks and hidden costs involved. Instead, focus on your personal circumstances and financial situation when deciding whether to purchase a home. By doing so, you will be better equipped to make an informed decision that is right for you.

IF YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT SELLING your Bay Area property, it is important you hire a real estate team of professionals with an extensive portfolio of home sales, a significant list of happy clients and a history of excellence.

The Laugesen Team has the experience, connections and creativity to list and sell your distinctive property successfully.

OUR INNOVATIVE AND PERSONALIZED APPROACH
• Pricing for Success
• Prepare for Top Sale
• Impressive Marketing
• State of the Art Technology
• Network with other High-End Agents

OUR RESULT-FOCUSED SERVICE
• Always available to show qualified buyers and agents.
• Schedule Open Houses and Broker’s Tour
• Follow-Up Quickly and Consistently
• Immediately respond to all leads.
• Encourage serious buyers to make serious offers.
• Facilitate the closing process to ensure a successful, competitively priced, stress-free sale.

By cortney

March 8, 2023

Steps to Home Loan Pre-Approval

If you’ve been thinking about buying a home, you probably know what you want—an island kitchen, a big backyard, a finished basement. Scrolling through the perfectly staged pictures in online listings can fuel your dreams, but your home-buying journey begins once you get pre-approved for a home loan.

Home loan pre-approval is the process of figuring out what kind of mortgage you may be eligible for and how much money a lender is willing to let you borrow. It allows you to shop smarter, make stronger offers, and have a better shot at getting your dream home. Let’s look at some actions you can take to get your pre-approval letter in hand.

Know when to get pre-approved

The best time to get pre-approved is when you’re ready to start looking for a home. It usually takes a few days to a week to receive pre-approval, but it could take longer if you undergo an income audit or other holdups. If you wait until you’ve found the home of your dreams, it may be too late to get pre-approved in time to put an offer in.

However, remember that mortgage pre-approval offers come with an expiration date. Most last for 90 days, but some may expire more quickly. Your pre-approval letter will state exactly how long the offer is good for.

Determine your monthly budget

The most important part of any major purchase is making sure that you’ll actually be able to make the monthly payments. Before you start applying for pre-approval, crunch the numbers and decide how much you feel comfortable spending each month. You may find that some lenders will approve you for a higher monthly payment, but having a defined budget in mind will help you choose the best offer for your needs and situation.

Check your credit score

Mortgage pre-approval usually requires a hard inquiry into your credit history. Therefore, it’s in your best interest to check your credit before lenders do, in case some issues impact your chances of getting pre-approved. Disputing errors and working with creditors to resolve other issues can bump your score before you start reaching out to lenders. If you’re applying for a conventional mortgage, you’ll generally need a credit score of at least 620 to qualify. If your score is lower, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t get pre-approval, but the higher your credit score, the lower your interest rate will be.

Calculate your debt-to-income ratio

Debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is the percentage of your gross monthly income that goes toward debt payments. That includes credit cards, student loans, car loans, etc.—and when you’re applying for pre-approval, it also includes the prospective mortgage payment. Lenders generally prefer borrowers with a DTI of 36% or lower. If your DTI is high enough to hurt your chances at pre-approval, you may need to take action to lower that number by refinancing, getting on an income-based repayment plan, or paying down debt more aggressively.

Collect any required documents

When you apply for pre-approval, your lender will be taking a comprehensive look at your financial situation. You should be prepared to provide the following documentation:

W-2 statements from the past 2 years (all employers)
Pay stubs
Bank statements from the past 2-3 months
Driver’s license or other legal identification
Social security card

Depending on your situation, you may also need:

Rental information and landlord references
Gift letters (if a loved one gives you money to put towards a down payment)

Shop around for a lender

These days, you aren’t limited to your local bank—you can shop for mortgage pre-approval online or in-person, and there’s no shortage of convenient options. Every lender has different guidelines and interest rate options, so comparing offers from multiple lenders can help you get the best deal possible. As we mentioned above, applying for pre-approval requires a hard credit inquiry, so your credit score may take a slight hit. However, if you submit all your applications within the same window of time (shoot for 14 days), your credit score will only get dinged once.

Choose a lender

Once you’ve made an offer on your dream home, it’s time to get official loan estimates from your list of pre-approved lenders. The lender should provide the estimate within three business days of receiving your application. It will include estimates for your monthly payment, interest rate, closing costs, and taxes and insurance, as well as details on how the loan works. (Keep in mind that if your financial situation has changed since you applied, your offer may also change.) Now you can compare estimates from different lenders and choose the best fit for your needs.

Mortgage pre-approval is a great first step to buying a home. Getting pre-approved gives you a clear idea of how much you can afford, as well as allows you time to correct your credit (if necessary) before actually taking on a loan. But perhaps most importantly, coming to the table with pre-approval shows that you’re serious about buying a home, helping you stand out from the crowd in a sea of prospective buyers.

The Laugesen Team has the experience, connections and creativity to list and sell your distinctive property successfully.

OUR INNOVATIVE AND PERSONALIZED APPROACH
• Pricing for Success
• Prepare for Top Sale
• Impressive Marketing
• State of the Art Technology
• Network with other High-End Agents

By cortney

March 2, 2023

Should You Rent or Buy a Home?

Renting or buying is one of the most common decisions people struggle to make when finding a new place to call home.

Aside from the sense of pride and accomplishment that comes with becoming a homeowner, many other reasons make buying the apparent choice.

But before we dive in, we know that buying a home comes at a cost that may seem out of reach to some. Therefore, we always encourage you to consult with an expert to find out your options.

Here are five of our best reasons to buy instead of rent.

#1. Your House, Your Choice

A lot of freedom comes with homeownership – like the freedom to do as you please within your own walls. Want to knock out the island in the kitchen to free up space for you and your family? Or paint over that awful-colored wallpaper plastered across the walls of the primary bath? You can do it. You can change anything you’d like, and you don’t have to ask permission from a landlord. Just be sure to keep building codes in mind for the more extreme projects.

Painting, remodeling, or adding on is all under your control, allowing you to turn your home into everything you want it to be.

#2. Say Goodbye to the Hassles of Apartment Life

If you’re familiar with apartment life, you know it doesn’t come without these frustrations.

Less Privacy: One of the biggest frustrations about living in an apartment is sharing walls with strangers. Hearing their favorite Netflix show or private conversations isn’t exactly the background noise you want when you’re trying to relax in the living room after a long day at work.

Parking: When living in an apartment, you are left with two main options for parking, street parking or a paid spot – and are we really sure of the better choice? Street parking, depending on where you live, can be a safety hazard as well as an inconvenience, and paying for a parking spot is just another charge to tack on the list, along with rent, utilities, electricity, and WiFi. Owning your own home makes parking one less thing to worry about.

Pet Fees: Having pets can limit your living opportunities if you rent an apartment. Some landlords will even ban pets, but others charge fees anywhere from $10-200 monthly. Owning your own home removes this, allowing you to welcome as many pets as possible.

Say goodbye to the hassles of apartment living when you buy instead of rent.

#3. Reap Tax Benefits

As discussed in our previous blog post, there are so many tax benefits to take advantage of when you become a homeowner. To name a few…

Mortgage Interest

Home Equity Loan Interest

Property Taxes

Discount Points

Mortgage Insurance (PMI)

Necessary Home Improvements

Home Office Expenses

These deductions can save you thousands of dollars when all is said and done.

#4. It’s Cheaper Long-Term

It’s no secret that the price of renting has increased across the nation at a fast pace. Last year, the average percentage increase in rent was 12.2% for new tenants and 3.5% for tenants making a lease renewal, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

One of the many benefits of becoming a homeowner is that your monthly mortgage payment won’t change {assuming you’ve chosen a fixed-rate mortgage).

Think of it this way. Each month as a renter, you are handing over your payment with nothing to show for it when you move out. But as a buyer, you are putting money on your mortgage in hopes of paying it off – thus building equity – and eventually even selling it for a profit someday.

#5. Settle Down with Peace of Mind

Aside from being able to make decisions about the appearance of your home and what you do with it – there is a sense of security that comes with being your own landlord. When you are renting, there is always the chance your landlord will choose not to extend your lease for many reasons, like selling the property or other circumstances, leaving you searching for a new place to call home. Owning a home makes it yours and offers the peace of mind you may not always feel as a renter.

We hope this blog post helped provide you with some of the very best reasons to buy a home. If you are looking for a real estate agent to help make your house-hunting experience a seamless and exciting one, don’t hesitate to contact . We look forward to helping you meet your real estate needs.

The Laugesen Team has the experience, connections and creativity to list and sell your distinctive property successfully.

OUR INNOVATIVE AND PERSONALIZED APPROACH
• Pricing for Success
• Prepare for Top Sale
• Impressive Marketing
• State of the Art Technology
• Network with other High-End Agents

By cortney

January 5, 2023

7 Steps to Successful Home Buying this 2023!

Is buying a house on your to-do list this 2023? We love helping our clients turn their dreams of homeownership into a reality!

It’s essential to develop good habits right away, so you’re ready when the right home comes along. Here are seven steps you can take right now to help ensure you don’t hit any roadblocks during your home-buying journey.

Step One

Your Finances

Getting your finances in order is the very first thing you need to do before you can consider buying a home. Start with these tips:

Open a “new home savings” account and start making deposits
Start paying down your debts and avoid opening any new credit accounts
Resolve to pay all of your monthly bills on time
Write down your budget and stick to it
Check your credit report and make sure it’s accurate

Each of these things takes time. The sooner you start, the better shape you’ll be in when you find your new home.

Step Two

Save for a Rainy Day

Get a better idea of whether you’ll be able to afford the home you want by pretending your bills have already gone up. Set the extra money aside each month to have an emergency fund saved before you buy a home.

Step Three

Set Realistic Expectations for a Successful Home Buy

Shopping for a home will be much more productive (and more fun!) if you have a clear idea of your goals. Make a list of all the features you want in a home and any that you don’t. This will help keep you from wasting time looking at places that aren’t right for you.

While it’s OK to make a “dream home” list, make sure you’re realistic about your “must-haves.” Trying to buy a champagne house on a bottled water budget will only lead to disappointment.

Step Four

Get a Great Agent

Whether you’re a first-time or experienced home buyer, working with a great real estate agent can have a considerable impact on a successful home buy. It’s essential to be picky about who you choose. Ask for recommendations from friends and family, check references, and read reviews before committing to a contract.

Step Five

Give Yourself Plenty of Time

Buying a home is a huge commitment. The last thing you want is to jump into something without thinking it through or feel pressured to buy something that’s not quite right. Make sure this doesn’t happen to you by leaving yourself plenty of time to explore your options.

Homes come on and off the market, so plan to set aside some time every week for home shopping. Visit open houses to have a good idea of what types of homes are currently available on the market.

Step Six

Be Prepared for a Successful Home Buy

The housing market moves fast, and if you’re not ready, you could miss out on your perfect home. Ensure you’re prepared by shopping for a mortgage ahead of time and making sure you’re pre-approved. Organize your tax and financial documents so you’re ready when it’s time to submit your mortgage application.

Step Seven

Be Flexible

While it’s great to have an idea of the type of home you want, don’t be too rigid about it. If you’re willing to have an open mind, you might find that the perfect home wasn’t what you expected. Going with the flow and being flexible is a key components to a successful home buy.

THE BOTTOM LINE FOR A SUCCESSFUL HOME BUY

Buying a home can seem like a scary task. With the right resources and guidance, you can and will be successful in buying a home.

By cortney

December 6, 2022

What Our Clients Say About Us!

Customer satisfaction is the primary goal of our real estate business. To that end, we are passionate about meeting and surpassing our client’s expectations. We are very fortunate to have formed excellent partnerships with many of our clients. And we’ve formed more than just working relationships with them; we have formed true friendships. Here’s what they’re saying about us.:

“Denise is a fantastic realtor who has helped me to purchase and sell 4 different properties in Hillsborough and Burlingame. She did a phenomenal job on all 4 of those transactions and went far beyond the scope of her realtor responsibilities. When I locked myself out of my home at 2:00 am, Denise answered my call on the first ring and brought me a key to get in (at 2:00 am!!!). When there was a sudden leak in my irrigation system while I was out of town, Denise handled it right away. She and her daughter, Cortney, actually dug a hole in the ground to find where it was coming from and had it fixed right away. Denise also has a lot of networking power and knows how to quickly find buyers. She is also a shrewd negotiator and gets the best possible sales price. She also has expert attention to all of the contractual details of a sales/purchase contract. She’s also very responsive and when I make a request of her, all I have to do is text her one time, and it’s very quickly done. Denise is also one of the nicest people I’ve ever known, so it’s a pleasure doing business with her. I can’t recommend her enough for your real estate needs. “

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

– KB Burlingame

“Had a wonderful experience selling our home with Denise Laugesen and her team at Keller Williams. We were referred to Denise, and right off the bat, we were impressed with her review of our home and proposal on her approach to the prep, marketing and sale of our home. Denise was very familiar with our specific market and had excellent comparables to help us understand and align on our goals for the sale. Denise also listened and worked hard to meet our specific needs when it came to supporting on the prep for the sale. We were also very happy with the robust communication we had during the entire process. She was always reachable and supportive for any needs that arose over the course of the process. We also had a great experience with her team, who were also very professional and supportive. Denise also has a great group of contractors she uses for the sale prep work. In the end the process went smoothly, quickly and our result was great! We would have no hesitation in recommending Denise and her team.”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

– Felice Stahl

“Thank you very much to Denise Laugesen and her strong team at Keller Williams. 26 years ago Denise, now our “go to” real estate professional, helped me when I bought the house she just helped us sell – now so many years later. She, her partner Cortney, and their team, including the prepping subcontractors and stagers, are seasoned professionals who know the market and how to work with it to maximize success. Once we said “go” to Denise, they took off and, finessed pivoting in the rapidly changing market of early 2022 to create success for us. Denise and Cortney know what it takes in a changing market to succeed. With seasoned knowledge, experience, planning, persistence, professionalism, regular communication throughout, and a strong support team, all worked together to achieve a win for us. We strongly recommend Denise and her team.!”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

– KH

“Stacy LaRosa is the ultimate professional, a mover and a shaker. Stacy assisted in listing and selling my home in San Mateo. From the moment she stepped foot into the home, she knew what needed to be done to prepare and make it ready to market and sell.
Stacy followed through from vendor coordination to staging to the sale of the home. She obtained an offer over asking with a 14-day close of escrow, ALL CASH.

At times, things were not going according to plan but she handled it with ease, making sure that I was always informed and kept in the loop.

The Laugesen Team is amazing and clearly knows how to market and sell the property.”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

– Liz Horn

“Believe me – call them first. Denise and her team are excellent. As a mom of three young kids, I needed quite a bit of help getting the house ready to sell. Denise and Cortney came to view the home on a Saturday, and we had and we made a master plan while sitting at our dining room table. Their advice for what to fix or change was spot on. They coordinated with all the contractors. I am essentially color blind so I relied on them to choose everything from the paint colors to the yard plants. The house looked amazing! After two short months, we were on the market. Since Denise and Cortney have lived in the area their whole lives, they have an extensive network of agents to work with and excellent insight into the housing market in that area. Our San Mateo Park house was on the market and sold in a week for over asking. The Laugesen Team has high-quality partners and the results are clear as the pictures and photos are excellent, the home staging was excellent. If you are selling your home – call the Laugesen Team to get top sales prices and the best experience.”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

– Susan Weiver

“Selling a house and buying another concurrently in the Bay Area can always be tricky. When you decide to do that at the height of a global pandemic, you sign up for a wild ride. We were on this ride for several months this year, and could not have had a better guide and companion than Denise. From day one she was highly driven to stage our house and market it broadly to maximum effect. As we entered a contingent contract on our purchase, she helped us navigate between multiple potential buyers, while carefully managing the timelines of both transactions toward successful sequential closings. Throughout this process, she handled all the necessary steps, while also giving us daily updates that kept us well-informed and grounded. There was never any doubt that she was 100% in our corner, willing to do whatever it took to make things happen for us. She has stood by us from beginning to end, and remains with us now, as a valued adviser and friend long after both deals are done. Thank you Denise and the entire Laugesen Team!”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

– Eldad Persky

Is there a 6th star? I would give it!

When we decided to buy our next home in Hillsborough, we asked around and it seemed that all roads led to Denise & Cortney. Denise helped us as sellers and buyers, and her understanding of the local market is unrivaled. She marketed our house broad and wide, and got us multiple bids quickly and efficiently.

In the purchase of our new home, she was respectful of our time, our budget and our needs and brought us on and off-market leads that were exactly what we had profiled. she was able to find us our perfect home and guide us through the purchase to a quick close. Little did we know that that was just the beginning of our relationship with Denise! We have stayed in touch and she has been our mentor for all things Hillsborough, and has continuously helped us through difficult remodeling work through her expansive network and relationships.

My husband and I appreciate everything Denise has done for us, and we cannot imagine having done it without her!! We will never work with another agent in the Bay Area and have referred several friends and family to her, all of which were super-happy with her as well!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

– Ayelet Steinitz

“I can’t say enough good things about Cortney Laugesen. With her guidance, my husband and I were able to buy the very first house we offered for. She is extremely well-connected and has been able to give excellent recommendations for local businesses to do work at our new home. If you’re looking to buy a home in San Mateo, call Cortney — she’s the best!”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

– Katherin Goodman

“I cannot speak highly enough of Denise, Stacy, and their whole team. Her professionalism, knowledge, honesty, integrity, and strong work ethic were very much appreciated and respected. She is meticulous, honest, great with people and has a wealth of knowledge of the industry and the area.

She turned our somewhat tired little North Shoreview house into a showstopper that anyone would be happy to live in (including me once it was done 😉). Her design sense and eye for what buyers want, truly helped to transform our property. All the while sticking to the agreed-upon budget. Her ideas and Rolodex of contacts and contractors helped us sell our house for much more than expected. She took charge and took care of everything, which made an already stressful time, that much easier on us. We would recommend her to anyone looking to buy or sell their home!!”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

– Valerie Zahn

“Fate smiled upon us when we happened to meet Denise and Stacy randomly at an open house. We could tell from a quick chat that they were vastly knowledgeable and friendly. As first-time home buyers, we had a million questions and constantly changed aspects of the search. They were more than accommodating, got their whole team involved, and were priceless resources in the end. There aren’t enough good things we could say about them and their team. We never felt neglected; they were on top of EVERY DETAIL (I seriously don’t know how they were able to keep track of everything), they tactfully offered up their opinions which we were thankful we could rely on (what’s good for resale, what’s trendy, etc), they connected us with contractors that have been wonderful to work with so far (also way cheaper than other bids we received). The whole experience was great and we will continue to rely on them for future home sales/purchases. Can’t recommend them enough.”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

– Caleb

“Denise and team are very skilled in understanding what interests buyers, and how to market properties and drive to closure at a price that is aligned with the local market. No fluff, gets to the point, stays focused, and is always professional.

They handled everything, even the coordination of contractor services that were timely, fairly priced, and done with high quality.

Highest recommendations for the Laugesen Team!”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

– Tom Monaghan

The Laugesen Team has the experience, connections and creativity to list and sell your distinctive property successfully.

OUR INNOVATIVE AND PERSONALIZED APPROACH
• Pricing for Success
• Prepare for Top Sale
• Impressive Marketing
• State of the Art Technology
• Network with other High-End Agents

By cortney

November 28, 2022

WAYS TO GET A BETTER INTEREST RATE!

I should’ve bought a house last year when interest rates were low.

Maybe that’s true, but you can’t go back now! Don’t let the should’ves, could’ves, would’ves stand in the way of achieving your dream of homeownership! We can’t predict what will happen in the real estate market over the next few months, but I can tell you this. Owning your home helps to create your overall wealth!

Here are 3 ways to get a better interest rate and save money on your next mortgage:

1. Look into a temporary rate buydown

A temporary interest rate buydown is not a long-term solution but is a way to temporarily lower your interest rate for the first few years of the loan. This financing tool allows you to reduce the cost of your mortgage payment in exchange for an up-front cash deposit. Talk with your lender to learn more and see if a temporary rate buydown is a good option for you!

2. Improve your credit score

Your credit score plays a huge role in qualifying for a mortgage and can also help you get a better interest rate. Lenders typically view a high credit score as an indicator that you’ll be a strong and safe borrower. Improving your credit can help you to get a lower interest rate, as your lender will feel more confident that you’ll be responsible with new credit. Start by disputing errors if necessary, making payments on time, and paying down your credit balances to boost your credit.

3. Make a larger down payment

The more money you put down on a home, the better your chances are of getting a lower interest rate on your mortgage. Making a sizable down payment will give you a lower loan-to-value ratio (LTV), and lenders will see you as less risky of a borrower since you have more stake in the property.

One of the first steps in the home-buying process is to work with a mortgage lender to get your finances in order. If you need a lender in SEATTLE, send me a message, and I’d be happy to connect you with a couple of my preferred lenders!

The Laugesen Team has the experience, connections and creativity to list and sell your distinctive property successfully.

OUR INNOVATIVE AND PERSONALIZED APPROACH
• Pricing for Success
• Prepare for Top Sale
• Impressive Marketing
• State of the Art Technology
• Network with other High-End Agents

By cortney

November 23, 2022

ARE OPEN HOUSES WORTH IT?

Before Covid-19, open houses seemed to be a Sunday staple activity for would-be homebuyers. However, as the pandemic put a halt to almost all in-person activities, the number of open houses dwindled—sellers didn’t want strangers in their homes, and buyers didn’t want to be in the company of too many people.

Although just 4 percent of buyers purchase their homes through open houses, 41 percent still visit open houses as their first step in the home-buying process. To overcome this hurdle, REALTORS® began providing virtual open houses for their clients. And due to the lack of inventory during these past two years, it surprisingly became more commonplace for buyers to purchase a home sight unseen.

As of July 2022, the number of existing homes sold fell for the fifth consecutive month. This slowdown has impacted the number of days a home has been on the market forcing price reductions, which has resulted in an increase in available inventory in some real estate markets. Additionally, 44 percent of agents have reported that with this increase, they have observed a downturn in bidding wars. Hence, buyers who had been sitting on the sidelines waiting for a shift for more favorable market conditions are now beginning to return to the home buying process, and REALTORS® realized the need to conduct open houses on a more regular basis.

Making the Most of Open Houses

Buyers

With busy schedules and day-to-day juggling activities, attending open houses may be more suitable for a buyer’s lifestyle as they begin the homebuying process. The flexibility it offers to view homes at their own pace is often a desirable option. Open houses are great tools for homebuyers to obtain as much information about a home in a more relaxed, stress-free environment.

Sellers

The benefits of having an open house will increase the overall foot traffic into your home and create more visibility. The more exposure your home receives, the more likely you’ll receive multiple offers, possibly driving the sales price higher.

To make the most of an open house remember:

Buyers should come prepared with questions to ask their realtors essential information about the home and take notes for later review to help in decision-making.
Staging and elevating the home’s curb appeal is critical to creating a lasting positive first impression which has been shown to increase the sale price by an average of 7 percent.

The Laugesen Team has the experience, connections and creativity to list and sell your distinctive property successfully.

OUR INNOVATIVE AND PERSONALIZED APPROACH
• Pricing for Success
• Prepare for Top Sale
• Impressive Marketing
• State of the Art Technology
• Network with other High-End Agents

By cortney

Author: cortney

Step One

Your Finances

Step Two

Save for a Rainy Day

Step Three

Set Realistic Expectations for a Successful Home Buy

Step Four

Get a Great Agent

Step Five

Give Yourself Plenty of Time

Step Six

Be Prepared for a Successful Home Buy

Step Seven

Be Flexible

THE BOTTOM LINE FOR A SUCCESSFUL HOME BUY

I should’ve bought a house last year when interest rates were low.

Here are 3 ways to get a better interest rate and save money on your next mortgage:

1. Look into a temporary rate buydown

2. Improve your credit score

3. Make a larger down payment

The more money you put down on a home, the better your chances are of getting a lower interest rate on your mortgage. Making a sizable down payment will give you a lower loan-to-value ratio (LTV), and lenders will see you as less risky of a borrower since you have more stake in the property.

One of the first steps in the home-buying process is to work with a mortgage lender to get your finances in order. If you need a lender in SEATTLE, send me a message, and I’d be happy to connect you with a couple of my preferred lenders!

Making the Most of Open Houses

Buyers

Sellers

The benefits of having an open house will increase the overall foot traffic into your home and create more visibility. The more exposure your home receives, the more likely you’ll receive multiple offers, possibly driving the sales price higher.

To make the most of an open house remember:

Buyers should come prepared with questions to ask their realtors essential information about the home and take notes for later review to help in decision-making.

Staging and elevating the home’s curb appeal is critical to creating a lasting positive first impression which has been shown to increase the sale price by an average of 7 percent.

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