1. Commit To The Selling Process. By timing the sale and pricing of your property realistically you can maximize your net dollars. "Testing the Market" is usually a frustrating experience for everyone. Make a plan, check sold prices (which are the real gauge of the market) not listed prices, be aware of tax consequences, and listen to the advice of your Vintage Realty Professional.
2. Hire a Seller's Agent. Open listings and for sale by owner represent a very small percent of all homes sold. You need full-time assistance and representation from an educated experienced professional to navigate the marketing, sale, and closing on your transaction.
3. Clean Up / Fix Up / Get Inspections. Painting and corrective maintenance can sell your home faster at a higher price. Buyers often want to just move-in and feel they are too busy to do small things. They are often willing to pay more for homes in top move-in condition. Have your broker order pest, roof / home inspections before you go on the market. It is a financial and emotional shock to find out, just prior to close of escrow, that your home needs a new roof or has termites and dry rot.
4. Price Your Home Right - The First Time. Over pricing is the reason most houses don't sell in a reasonable period of time. You will save time and aggravation if you listen to your competent broker's advice on realistic pricing. Homes that are overpriced at the beginning of the marketing process loose the 'new listing excitement" from buyers and their agents rapidly and often end up selling for less than they would have, if priced properly at the beginning of the marketing process.
5. Time and Marketing Correctly. If you have the luxury, get the home ready for sale to hit the market in prime selling season. Check with the broker to see when that usually occurs, so that your home is available for sale when most buyers are in the market.
6. It's Good To Go, If It's Ready To Show. Your home must be available to be seen when buyers want to see it. That could mean a short notice for showing. It also means a lock box, so brokers can show the property if you are not around. A sign generates interest, but far and away the best source of buyers are brokers who belong to the MLS (Multiple Listings Service). To access the largest pool of qualified buyers, the MLS is a critical tool in the marketing process. DO NOT show your property to a buyer without the buyer's broker or agent present.
7. Plan For Your Move. Your new buyer will be anxious to move in when escrow closes, so plan your move. Explore the possibilities for your new living situation, whether you are going to buy or rent. Check with at least three movers to compare their lead time and price quotes. Don't expect to call a mover on Monday and have them move you on Tuesday. Check storage space facilities and prices if necessary, as well as moving box prices.
8. Pre-Approved Buyers Only. Expect to get a pre-approval letter from a lender at the same time you get the offer to purchase from the buyer's agent. The buyer must be able to financially conclude the transaction; the pre-approval letter is the estimate by the lender of the buyer's demonstrable finanacial ability. It also tells you that the buyer is serious about their purchase.
9. Negotiate Smartly and Promptly. The price, contract conditions, and terms of the offer are the guiding foundation of the transaction. Try to cover your bases at the beginning, not in the middle or end. Everything should be written and clearly understood by all parties to the transaction so that misunderstandings don't sidetrack your sale. Respond promptly to the offer, get any questions answered immediatly and let your broker do their job for you. Try to understand the buyer's needs and focus, so that you can turn the transaction into a Win/Win agreement benefiting both the buyer and seller.
Your broker is a key player in smoothing out the
transaction bumps in consultation with you,
handling any problems that might arise.
10. Be Process Pro-Active. Your transaction won't magically close by itself. There will be details to be resolved and problems to be solved. Your broker should have the education and experience to assist you throughout the process. However, the seller's best result will come about by being aware of all aspects of the process and asking as many questions as needed before and during the marketing and transactions process.
Contact Info:
Robb Sturgess, Broker/Owner
275 Rose Ave Suite 203
Pleasanton, CA 94566
925-368-3449
EMAIL
