We are The Cutka Team, Top Temecula Real Estate Agents servicing Buyers & Sellers throughout Southern California. More info click: http://cutkarealestate.com/ Lori Cutka 951.719.6132 Matt Cutka 951.219.6919 Big Block Realty, Inc *Winners Circle Members (top5%) Lori@thecutkateam.com Matt@thecutkateam.com 01408857/01885775 Get a glimpse here of who we are through this video then SUBSCRIBE to our channel for more information about the Housing Market in The Temecula Valley. Learn important tips about being a buyer & seller in today's market. Neighborhood information like Paseo Del Sol, Harveston, Crowne Hill, Morgan Hill & More. Tour Wineries to visit in Temecula Wine Country.

Jan. 22, 2025

7 Reasons Not to Move to Temecula, CA

 

7 Reasons Not to Move to Temecula, CA

Thinking of moving to Temecula, CA? I

n this video, I share with you the 7 reasons why you might want to know some of the downsides before relocating to Temecula, CA. From traffic to lack of shopping, I give you my top 7 reasons!

Whether you're considering Southern California or exploring real estate in Temecula, this video will give you the insights you need to make an informed decision. #temeculavalleyrealestate #temeculacalifornia #livingintemecula #movingtotemecula #toprealtors #firstimehomebuyers #Temeculaschools #highschoolsports #airportcommute #california #temeculawinery #temeculawinecountry #livingintemecula #movingtotemecula

On our Channel we give Home Seller tips & reminders, tips & info to Home Buyers & All things about living in The Temecula Valley. Want to know more about what events are Happening in Temecula?

Sign up HERE for our weekly email newsletter 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/s...

𝐋𝐄𝐓'𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐂𝐓 📲 Lori Cutka, REALTOR ® Phone 951.719.6132 📲 Matt Cutka, REALTOR ®Phone 951.219.6919 ✉️ Email: Lori@thecutkateam.com/ ✉️ Email: Matt@thecutkateam.com 🔴

Instagram:   / lori_cutka   CA DRE# 01408857 Big Block Realty, Inc DRE Lic. #0188575

Subscribe to our channel here: 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇✅ /

@thecutkateam7044

Website: https://www.cutkarealestate.com/

Facebook: / thecutkateam

Learn more about Temecula, California: https://www.visittemeculavalley.com https://www.busytourist.com/things-to... https://californiadreamin.com/blog/to... https://www.temeculawines.org/

Stay tuned for more videos of The Temecula Valley

Jan. 21, 2025

When Selling a Home, Who pays for Closing Costs

 

When Selling a Home in California, Who Pays for the Closing Costs?

 

We often get this question.....Who is responsible for paying the closing costs? So, understanding how

these costs are typically divided between the buyer & seller we hope is helpful

 

What Are Closing Costs?

Closing costs are a variety of fees and expenses that are incurred during the final stages of a real estate

transaction. These can include loan origination fees, title insurance, escrow fees, transfer taxes,

recording fees, and more. The total amount of closing costs can vary widely depending on the

property’s price, location, and other factors, but they generally range 1% of the home’s sale price for a

seller & up to 3% for a buyer, depending on their loan cirumstances.

 

The Seller’s Responsibilities

In California, sellers typically pay for the following closing costs:

1. Real Estate Agent Commissions: This is often the largest expense for the seller. Compensation

is negotiated with a Listing Agent at the time the listing agreement is signed. Compensation for

a Buyer's agent is agreed upon when a buyer's offer is negotiated. Both of these fees are

negotiable, but historically we see them range from 2.5-3% per agent.

2. Title Insurance (Owner’s Policy): Sellers customarily pay for the owner’s title insurance

policy, which protects the buyer against title issues.

3. Transfer Taxes: California imposes a documentary transfer tax, which is generally the seller’s

responsibility. This fee varies by county and city.

4. Escrow Fees (Split): Escrow fees are shared between the buyer and seller

5. Repairs or Credits: If repairs are requested based on the buyer’s inspection, the seller might

pay for these or offer a credit at closing.

6. Home Warranty: In some cases, sellers agree to provide a home warranty for the buyer, which

is a one-year service contract for repairs or replacements of certain systems and appliances.

 

The Buyer’s Responsibilities

Buyers are generally responsible for the following closing costs:

1. Loan Origination Fees: These are fees charged by the lender to process the buyer’s mortgage.

2. Title Insurance (Lender’s Policy): The lender’s title insurance policy is typically a buyer’s

expense.

3. Escrow Fees (Split): As mentioned earlier, these are often divided between the buyer and

seller.

4. Appraisal and Inspection Fees: Buyers usually cover the cost of appraisals and home

inspections.

5. Prepaid Costs: These include property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, and mortgage interest.Negotiating Closing Costs

Closing costs are often negotiable, and who pays for what can be determined during the negotiation

process. For example, a seller might agree to cover some of the buyer’s costs as an incentive to close

the deal quickly.

 

Conclusion

Understanding who pays for closing costs when selling a home in California is important for planning

your finances and ensuring a smooth transaction. While sellers typically cover significant expenses like

real estate agent compensation, title insurance, and transfer taxes, buyers have their share of costs as

well. Always consult with your real estate agent and escrow officer to understand the specifics of your

transaction and to negotiate terms that work best for you.

 

Jan. 13, 2025

Selling Home: Staged or Empty?

Selling a Home Empty vs Staged

 

Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of selling a home empty versus

staged:

• Empty homes are cost-effective and practical for sellers prioritizing

convenience.

• Staged homes typically attract more attention and sell faster but come

with additional costs and

effort.

Selling a Staged Home

 

Pros:

 

1. Creates Emotional Connection: Staging helps buyers envision

themselves living in the home, often leading to quicker and higher offers.

2. Highlights Potential: Staged homes show how to use spaces effectively,

especially awkward or small areas.

3. Improves Online Appeal: Professionally staged homes tend to

photograph better, making them more attractive in online listings.

4. Perceived Value: Staging can make the home appear more luxurious,

justifying a higher asking price.

5. Minimizes Flaws: Strategically placed furniture and decor can draw

attention away from minor imperfections.

 

Cons:

 

1. Cost of Staging: Hiring professionals or renting furniture can be

expensive, especially for larger homes or extended selling periods.

2. Ongoing Maintenance: The home must remain tidy and staged for

showings, which requires effort and attention.

3. Not Always Necessary: In a hot seller’s market, staging might not

significantly impact the sale price or timeline.

4. Can Feel Artificial: Overly staged homes might feel impersonal, which

could deter buyers looking for authenticity.

 

Selling a Home Empty

Pros:

 

1. Buyers See the Space Clearly: Without furniture, buyers can see the full

dimensions of the rooms and visualize how their own furniture will fit.

2. Easier to Prepare: There’s no need for staging or maintaining the look of

the home, saving time and effort.

3. Cost Savings: You avoid the expense of hiring a professional staging

company or renting furniture.

4. Focus on Features: Without distractions, buyers may pay more attention

to the home’s architectural features, layout, and finishes.

5. Move-In Ready: An empty home signals that it’s ready for immediate

occupancy, which may appeal to some buyers

 

Cons:

 

1.Lacks Emotional Appeal:

Empty homes can feel cold and uninviting, making it harder for buyers to

imagine living there.

2. Imperfections Stand Out: Without furniture to distract or cover flaws,

minor imperfections like scuffed walls or worn flooring become more

noticeable.

3. Can Feel Smaller: Paradoxically, empty rooms can seem smaller and

harder for buyers to understand how to use the space.

4. Photographs May Be Less Attractive: Empty rooms can appear bland or

uninspiring in online listings compared to staged spaces.

The best choice depends on your target market, the home’s condition, and

your budget.

investment.

 

The best choice depends on your target market, the home’s condition, and your budget.

 

For high-value homes or competitive markets, staging is often worth the Investment!

Dec. 18, 2024

Temecula's BEST Wineries

Which Temecula Wineries are the Best?

If you are a local, you know you have your favorites....But, if you are looking to come to Temecula, CA for wine tasting and have never been, here are some tips & some of MY favorites.

There are 45 Temecula Valley wineries to choose from and constantly more coming in.

You are not going to go wrong anywhere you choose. Depending on what you are in the mood for, they all have different experiences to offer.

Hopefully my tips and favorites here, prompt you to want to come to Temecula, CA for our wine tasting & wine drinking experience or try somewhere new that you haven't been to before. Cheers!

#temeculavalleyrealestate #temeculacalifornia #livingintemecula #movingtotemecula #toprealtors #firstimehomebuyers #Temeculaschools #highschoolsports #airportcommute #california #temeculawinery #temeculawinecountry

On our Channel we give Home Seller tips & reminders, tips & info to Home Buyers & All things about living in The Temecula Valley. Want to know more about what events are Happening in Temecula?

Sign up HERE for our weekly email newsletter 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇 https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/5aDrJSz/Newslettersignup

𝐋𝐄𝐓'𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐂𝐓 📲 Lori Cutka, REALTOR ® Phone 951.719.6132 📲 Matt Cutka, REALTOR ®Phone 951.219.6919 ✉️ Email: Lori@thecutkateam.com/ ✉️ Email: Matt@thecutkateam.com 🔴 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lori_cutka/ CA DRE# 01408857 Big Block Realty, Inc DRE Lic. #0188575

Subscribe to our channel here: 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇✅

/ @thecutkateam7044 Website: https://www.cutkarealestate.com/

Facebook: / thecutkateam Learn more about Temecula, California:

https://www.visittemeculavalley.com https://www.busytourist.com/things-to...

https://californiadreamin.com/blog/to...

https://www.temeculawines.org/

Stay tuned for more videos of The Temecula Valley

Dec. 4, 2024

Buying a Home & Selling a Home at the Same Time

Buying a Home & Selling a Home at the Same Time | Ways to do it!

Navigating through buying a home at the same time selling a home has a lot of moving parts to it.

BUT the good news is, there are ways to do it where it is not so scary and the transition can give you more peace of mind.

We help our clients through this process every step of the way. Helping buyers and sellers of Real Estate in the Temecula Valley is what we do!

#temeculavalleyrealestate #temeculacalifornia #livingintemecula #movingtotemecula #toprealtors #firstimehomebuyers #Temeculaschools #highschoolsports #airportcommute #california

On our Channel we give Home Seller tips & reminders, tips & info to Home Buyers & All things about living in The Temecula Valley.

Want to know more about what events are Happening in Temecula?

Sign up HERE for our weekly email newsletter 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇 https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/5aDrJSz/Newslettersignup

𝐋𝐄𝐓'𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐂𝐓 📲 Lori Cutka, REALTOR ® Phone 951.719.6132 📲 Matt Cutka, REALTOR ®Phone 951.219.6919 ✉️ Email: Lori@thecutkateam.com/ ✉️ Email: Matt@thecutkateam.com 🔴 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lori_cutka/ CA DRE# 01408857 Big Block Realty, Inc DRE Lic. #0188575

Subscribe to our channel here: 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇✅

/ @thecutkateam7044 Website:

https://www.cutkarealestate.com/

Facebook: / thecutkateam

Learn more about Temecula, California:

https://www.visittemeculavalley.com https://www.busytourist.com/things-to... https://californiadreamin.com/blog/to... https://www.temeculawines.org/

Stay tuned for more videos of The Temecula Valley

Dec. 4, 2024

Real Estate Taxes in Temecula

Real Estate Taxes in Temecula, CA | What is the Real Estate Tax Percentage?

You CANNOT answer this question with a flat percentage. Real Estate taxes in Riverside county (The Temecula Valley) have a flat fee percentage for the assessed value, plus special assessments that can include mello roos.

Not every home in the Temecula Valley has the same tax percentage. Figuring out Real Estate taxes in Temecula, CA can be more complicated than most understand.

Home's Assessed Value X Base Rate Tax % + Special Assessments =Total Tax

We help our clients through this process every step of the way. Helping buyers and sellers of Real Estate in the Temecula Valley is what we do!

#temeculavalleyrealestate #temeculacalifornia #livingintemecula #movingtotemecula #toprealtors #firstimehomebuyers #Temeculaschools #highschoolsports #airportcommute #california

On our Channel we give Home Seller tips & reminders, tips & info to Home Buyers & All things about living in The Temecula Valley. Want to know more about what events are Happening in Temecula?

Sign up HERE for our weekly email newsletter 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇 https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/5aDrJSz/Newslettersignup

𝐋𝐄𝐓'𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐂𝐓 📲 Lori Cutka, REALTOR ® Phone 951.719.6132 📲 Matt Cutka, REALTOR ®Phone 951.219.6919

✉️ Email: Lori@thecutkateam.com/ ✉️ Email: Matt@thecutkateam.com

🔴 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lori_cutka/

CA DRE# 01408857 Big Block Realty, Inc DRE Lic. #0188575

Subscribe to our channel here: 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇✅

/ @thecutkateam7044

Website: https://www.cutkarealestate.com/

Facebook: / thecutkateam

Learn more about Temecula, California:

https://www.visittemeculavalley.com https://www.busytourist.com/things-to... https://californiadreamin.com/blog/to... https://www.temeculawines.org/

Stay tuned for more videos of The Temecula Valley

Nov. 14, 2024

Temecula vs. Murrieta

Living in & selling Real Estate in the Temecula Valley for 21 years has given me 1st hand insight on what the differences are between Living in Temecula, California vs. Murrieta, California.

Are you considering making a move to the Temecula Valley? If so, here are some things to consider when comparing living in Temecula vs. Murrieta. #temeculavalleyrealestate #temeculacalifornia #livingintemecula #movingtotemecula #toprealtors #firstimehomebuyers #Temeculaschools #highschoolsports #airportcommute #californa

On our Channel we give Home Seller tips & reminders, tips & info to Home Buyers & All things about living in The Temecula Valley.

Want to know more about what events are Happening in Temecula?

Sign up HERE for our weekly email newsletter 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/s...

𝐋𝐄𝐓'𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐂𝐓 📲 Lori Cutka, REALTOR ® Phone 951.719.6132 📲 Matt Cutka, REALTOR ®Phone 951.219.6919 ✉️ Email: Lori@thecutkateam.com/ ✉️ Email: Matt@thecutkateam.com

🔴 Instagram:   / lori_cutka   CA DRE# 01408857 Big Block Realty, Inc DRE Lic. #0188575

Subscribe to our channel here: 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇✅ /

@thecutkateam7044 Website: https://www.cutkarealestate.com/ Facebook: / thecutkateam Learn more about Temecula, California: https://www.visittemeculavalley.com https://www.busytourist.com/things-to... https://californiadreamin.com/blog/to... https://www.temeculawines.org/

Stay tuned for more videos of The Temecula Valley

Nov. 6, 2024

Retiring in Temecula, CA

Retiring in Temecula, CA| Affordable Housing, Great Location, Activities & More!

Retiring in Temecula, CA| Affordable Housing, Great Location, Activities & More!

#temeculavalleyrealestate #temeculacalifornia #livingintemecula #movingtotemecula #toprealtors #firstimehomebuyers #retiringinparadise #retiringincalifornia #retirement #retirementplanning #retirementgoals

On our Channel we give Home Seller tips & reminders, tips & info to Home Buyers & All things about living in The Temecula Valley. Want to know more about what events are Happening in Temecula?

Sign up HERE for our weekly email newsletter 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/s...

𝐋𝐄𝐓'𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐂𝐓 📲 Lori Cutka, REALTOR ® Phone 951.719.6132 📲 Matt Cutka, REALTOR ®Phone 951.219.6919 ✉️ Email: Lori@thecutkateam.com/ ✉️ Email: Matt@thecutkateam.com 🔴 Instagram:   / lori_cutka   CA DRE# 01408857 Big Block Realty, Inc DRE Lic. #0188575

Subscribe to our channel here: 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇

✅ / @thecutkateam7044 Website: https://www.cutkarealestate.com/ Facebook: / thecutkateam

Learn more about Temecula, California: https://www.visittemeculavalley.com https://www.busytourist.com/things-to... https://californiadreamin.com/blog/to... https://www.temeculawines.org/

Stay tuned for more videos of The Temecula Valley

Nov. 6, 2024

The Truth About Living in Temecula

The Truth About Living in Temecula

The Truth about living in Temecula, CA.

I highlight 6 key factors to know if you are considering moving to Temecula, CA. #temeculavalleyrealestate #temeculacalifornia #livingintemecula #movingtotemecula #toprealtors #firstimehomebuyers #Temeculaschools #highschoolsports #airportcommute #californa

On our Channel we give Home Seller tips & reminders, tips & info to Home Buyers & All things about living in The Temecula Valley. Want to know more about what events are Happening in Temecula?

Sign up HERE for our weekly email newsletter 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/s...

𝐋𝐄𝐓'𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐂𝐓 📲 Lori Cutka, REALTOR ® Phone 951.719.6132 📲 Matt Cutka, REALTOR ®Phone 951.219.6919 ✉️ Email: Lori@thecutkateam.com/ ✉️ Email: Matt@thecutkateam.com 🔴 Instagram:   / lori_cutka   CA DRE# 01408857 Big Block Realty, Inc DRE Lic. #0188575

Subscribe to our channel here: 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇✅ / @thecutkateam7044 Website: https://www.cutkarealestate.com/ Facebook: / thecutkateam Learn more about Temecula, California: https://www.visittemeculavalley.com https://www.busytourist.com/things-to... https://californiadreamin.com/blog/to... https://www.temeculawines.org/

Stay tuned for more videos of The Temecula Valley

Sept. 16, 2024

Tour of Anasazi - Redhawk Community

Home tour | 33037 Anasazi Dr. |South Temecula community of Redhawk. We LOVE showing off all of our beautiful Temecula Homes FOR SALE. This one is no exception. Tour this home in the Redhawk community in South Temecula. Homes with views are sought after, so this home we know will capture alot of attention from buyers. If you are looking for a larger Temecula home near a Golf Course then look no further! #redhawk #temeculavalleyrealestate #temeculavalley #temeculacalifornia #viewhome #temecularealtor On our Channel we give Home Seller tips & reminders, along with tips & info to Home Buyers. Lori Cutka, REALTOR ® Phone 951.719.6132 Matt Cutka, REALTOR ®Phone 951.219.6919 Email: Lori@thecutkateam.com/ Email: Matt@thecutkateam.com CA DRE# 01408857 Big Block Realty, Inc DRE Lic. #0188575 Subscribe to our channel here: 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇✅    / @thecutkateam7044   Website: https://www.cutkarealestate.com/ Facebook:   / thecutkateam   Learn more about Temecula, California: https://www.visittemeculavalley.com https://www.busytourist.com/things-to... https://californiadreamin.com/blog/to... https://www.temeculawines.org/ Stay tuned for more videos of our Temecula Valley Listings