What I Think About When I Ready Your Home for Sale

Getting a home ready for sale takes more than tidying up a few rooms, cutting the lawn and taking some photos. Well, at least for me it does. I have a routine that I follow prior to uploading the listing in the MLS to help insure not only your home is ready, but you, the seller, is ready for the market; and this is not a complete list…

  • Does my client, the seller, have a replacement property ready to move to once her current home closes escrow? I don’t want her to be homeless, and I want to be ready to negotiate closing dates to accommodate her.
  • Are there other homes actively for sale in the seller’s neighborhood? How are they doing? What do they look like inside?
  • Have there been any sales like my client’s listing recently? How does my client’s home compare to those? How long did it take for those to sell?
  • What has the housing market in the seller’s area been like in general? How will it affect my client?
  • Does my seller’s home have any unique features or qualities? Does it have better light or less nearby noise than others in the area?
  • Does the home need any fixes or upgrades? If so, can the seller afford them? What can I do to mitigate for these if the seller can’t afford to fix or upgrade?
  • What kind of buyer will this home appeal to most? How can I prepare it so that this buyer is targeted above the others if need be? Does it make sense to target specific buyers?
  • Does the home need de-cluttering or cleaning prior to going on the market? Can the seller help with this? Does the seller need to have a garage sale or an estate sale before going on the market?
  • Does my seller have special needs or limitations while her home is actively on the market for sale? Any pets or children? Do I need to be present when a buyer schedules a showing?
  • Does my client need help with staging his home? A lot of help or just a little? What can they afford? Is he okay with me staging his home for him?
  • How will my client’s home look best in photos? What story do I want to tell with the photos?
  • Does the seller have a time frame for selling they are working with? How does that affect price, outcome, length of time on market, etc.? Is the seller aware of all this?
  • Does the seller know what to expect when offers start to come in? Are they ready for what happens once escrow starts and the inspection period begins?

And so much more!

My goal is to make sure your home leaves a lasting impression with buyers and to make sure you understand the process and the options you have; not only as you ready your home for sale, but during the listing period, during negotiations and escrow, too. It’s a complete package of a successful sale!

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Buying a Condo? Things to Consider

Attached homes like condos and townhomes can be less expensive than detached single family homes which makes them more affordable for more people. That is one of the things that makes them very attractive to first time buyers, investors, etc. If you are considering purchasing a condo, and especially if this will be your first home purchase, take the time to consider the following as you go home shopping:

  • A condo as a first home is not usually a long-term investment, but you should still think long-term when purchasing. This means you will want to consider its re-sale value to insure your ability to move up in the future.
  • Do you want an upper or lower level unit? Lower level units may have easier access/no stairs but you may be able to hear your upstairs neighbors. The upper unit may have high ceilings where the lower level may not.
  • Almost all condo communities have common amenities and association fees to cover their maintenance. These costs usually go up slightly each year.
  • You and your guests will need a place to park your car. Do you need a garage? Will a carport suffice? Is there convenient guest parking? Homes with carports only can be less expensive.
  • If the community is older, is it well-maintained? Normally older communities are less dense, the buildings are not so close together and there may be more parking. However you may be more attracted to the floor plans and interiors of the newer condo complexes.
  • Gated communities can be more secure, but the association fees are usually higher.
  • Is the complex surrounded by other condo complexes or are there more single family homes nearby? A condo complex with fewer other condo complexes around will usually hold its value longer and the value may be higher.
  • Does the condo and its location suit your lifestyle? Can you see yourself living there, coming and going to work as well as shopping, dining, etc? Is it close to your favorite places? Do you need easy freeway access?
  • Do you need a patio or yard space for you, your kids or your pets? If you have pets, the community may have rules and restrictions about pets.
  • Can you afford a two-bedroom condo? If you can afford the second bedroom or den, it may be easier to sell in the future PLUS I am sure you will find a use for it once you move in.
  • There may be rules, restrictions or guidelines that may not be attractive or practical to you, the future homeowner. Do your best to investigate any rules before you fall in love with the condo.
  • Employ the help of a seasoned real estate agent like myself to assist you and guide yo through the process!

This is not a complete list, and once you begin narrowing your search, I am sure there will be other points to consider. Call me today 949.525.5905.

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