JW
© 2016 Julie Warner. All rights reserved.
CalBRE#00817925
JULIE WARNER
TIME TO SELL YOUR HOME?
I am a licensed Real Estate Specialist with more than 38 years experience. I know our markets inside and out, and I will do my best to make sure you receive top dollar for your home in the shortest amount of time!
SELLER TIDBITS
When Receiving an Offer
Keep in mind that you are out to get the best price and also the terms needed for a smooth transaction. If you focus solely on the price, you may overlook terms that could be favorable to you as a seller.
Example: the buyer offers to pay all Escrow and Title fees or having a pre-approval and accepting the property "AS IS" and will be responsible for any repairs. A buyer could offer you a fast close or an extended closing date to meet your needs better. All cash is always helpful to get around waiting for a Lender to approve Appraisals and buyers financial abilities for the most up to date interest rates.
Know Why You are Selling
If you know exactly why you are selling then it is easier for you to follow the right plan of action for getting what you want, in the time frame you want.
If you need to close and move on as soon as possible, you should know that getting the highest price possible is not your top priority. That means that you can get the highest price someone is willing to pay at that moment and a quick closing may be more of a priority and that the price is not the deciding factor. A buyer that can get you out of your property quickly can save you money in the long run.
It’s good for you to know how low you will go, in terms of the selling price. This will help to eliminate some of the offers that you might find offensive or ridiculous. Although you should consider all offers seriously, sometimes if you know your bottom line and stick to it, you can save yourself time with less stress.
Setting the Right Price
Price is the first thing buyers and other agents notice about your property. If you set your price too high, the chance of alienating buyers is higher. You want your home to be taken seriously, and the asking price reflects how serious you are about selling your home.
Getting the Highest Price in the Shortest Time
In order to get the highest price in the shortest time, you need to know how to market your home. The better you market your home, the more offers you will get. And the more offers you get, the more choices you have to get the price and terms you want.
The most important factor of marketing your home is pricing it right. Your price should be adjusted to reflect the market and your property’s worth. The key is to get as many people as possible checking out your fairly priced property. If your property is not priced fairly, there will be no buyers because your price is set too high.
Another important factor is the condition of your home. Make sure that your home looks ready to be sold. Fix any defects (peeling or faded paint, cracks, stains, etc.) Condition alone can sometimes prompt fast buying decisions. Not only should you fix any defects, but consider upgrading your home by making major repairs and cosmetic improvements before selling. A nice looking home triggers the emotional response that can lead to a financial response.
Terms are another factor that may be adjusted to attract buyers. If you insist on getting your asking price, think of what you can offer to the buyers. For example, improvements you’ve made or offering seller financing at a lower than market interest rate on a portion of the sale price. Convince them why they should be paying the price you have set.
Getting the word out about your home through internet marketing, personal marketing, advertising, signs and other means to capture the right buyers attention and direct them to your home is what a good real estate agent can do.
Making the Best First Impression
If you want buyers to be interested in your home, it should been seen at its best. A good first impression can influence a buyer both visually and emotionally prompting them to make an offer. What the buyer first sees is what they think of when they consider the asking price.
A bad first impression can lose potential buyers. Don’t show your property until it’s all fixed up. You do not want to give buyers the chance to use the negative first impression they have as means of negotiation.
Sellers should generally consider the following property enhancements before putting the home on the market:
Landscaping - Has the front yard been maintained? Are areas of the house visible to the street in good condition?
Cleaning or Redoing the driveway - Is your driveway cluttered with toys, tools, tire marks, trash etc.?
Painting - Does both the exterior and the interior look like they have been well taken care of?
Carpeting - Does the carpet have stains? Does it look old and dirty?