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I'm thinking about selling, what's the first step?
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Find out how much you home is worth. I’ll prepare a comparative market analysis which gives you information on how much homes sell for in your area. Based upon your square footage, improvements and condition, a sales and list price can be estimated. Also, the average time of the market and marketing strategies can be explained. Call me at 760-717-8737 or email me to get the process started.
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If you are planning to buy a home, get pre-qualified by a lender. This helps you determine what price range you can afford. Better yet, get started on the pre-approval process.
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Select an Agent. Hire an experienced and successful Realtor to represent you. Experienced Agents know what to expect and can help you through the unique challenges of selling. A top-producing agent indicates good systems are at work. Remember, the person you hire will be negotiating for you.
(Questions to ask perspective agents) |
I want to know the value of my property. What do I do?
There are two ways. Click here, (Free Market Snapshot) complete the form. We will search for comparable properties that have sold in your area in the Multiple Listing Service, prepare a market analysis and email this information to you. The analysis will be an approximation. For a more detailed report, call 760-717-8737 or email me to schedule an appointment to tour your property. I will give you a more comprehensive list and sales price analysis based upon the comps, condition and square footage of your home. From this, we calculate your estimated net proceeds after typical expenses at close.
Who pays the agents & how much commission do you charge?
 In California, the seller typically pays the commission to the buyer’s and seller’s agent. Industry standard is a commission of a total of 6.0%. 3% goes to the buyer’s Broker and 2.55% to the sellers agent (me) and .45% to Keller Williams or the Broker. This pays for the marketing and other expenses that are inherent to buying or selling a house, including advertising and marketing costs associated with ensuring maximum exposure of the clients home.
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What do you do that other agents don't?
Let’s face it, companies that serve consumer needs faster, better and cheaper will prevail in this time of evolving new technology. But to complement high tech, we must not forget the ‘high touch’ of customer service. I’ve built my company on this very philosophy.
Working with the seller to make a marketing plan to stand out from the crowd. We provide information to buyers and sellers quickly through the internet. Our signs have been thoughtfully created to maximize visual impact. Powerful client management programs keep information moving quickly, efficiently and on schedule. Our Internet Division enables those who wish to search for homes and communicate on-line possible.
Time is money! When you list with me, we immediately begin marketing. You do not wait for days until a post is placed on the property or a brochure is produced. Even with this technology, we are still known best for our outstanding customer service, our commitment and our dedication to the client’s best interest. We use technology to complement our staff, not replace them.
Our innovative marketing help us sell homes faster, easier and inexpensively. This separates us from our competitors and makes us unique.
How do agents show my property?
Agents have a lock box key. This keypad fits into a lock box attached to your door, rail or water pipe. Every time an agent uses it, information about the agent is recorded. Once the code is entered, a house key is ejected from the box. It is smart to have a lock box on your property to allow easy access for maximum showings. The more showings, the quicker the sale, the higher the price.
Agents call you directly to schedule an appointment to show your home. Install an answering machine so they can leave messages. When you know someone is coming, try to leave. This way, the buyer feels free to ask questions of his agent and discuss your home openly without offending you. If you can't leave, stay out of the way and do not offer information unless asked. Remember, agents know what their Buyers are looking for and will council them accordingly.
Be flexible for showing appointments. The more difficult you make it for agents to schedule times, the less likely they are to show your property. Often Buyers can't see your home until after work in the evenings, so try to be patient and accommodating.
How's the market?
Interest rates continue to stay at a 40 yr low, enabling buyers to continue purchasing and upgrading, even while the economy is suffering. Rates are volatile and you will want to work with a lender to lock in a rate while they are still at this historical low!
Homeownership offers great tax benefits, enhances our quality of life and offers a smart hedge against stock market volatility. Today's affordable interest rates offer an incentive to invest now. Possible rate hikes could be anticipated in 2009, however, buyers continue to purchase since real estate is considered a safer investment then stocks even in this economy! Market time is much longer then San Diego has been experiencing, gone are the 2 day listings with multiple offers. But, houses continue to sell within 90 days if homes are priced right and even sooner if priced aggresively. Depending on your needs for an immediate move or a wait and see, there are still many buyers for San Diego's market.
How can I prepare my home for maximum profit?
Clean up your front yard
The first impression (curb appeal) is vital. Your lawn should be trimmed, watered and fertilized, walkways swept, the front door cleaned, and have a doorbell that works. New door hardware and new light fixtures invite perspective Buyers in. Plant some flowers and purchase flower pots to frame the entryway. Take the pots with you when you move.
Inside Decor
 Buyers need to visualize what their furniture will look like in your home. They look for spaciousness. Therefore, less is more. Place excessive furniture and personal belonging in storage. Remove pictures. Clean or replace drapes that are in poor condition. Clean or replace your carpets. Remove outdated wallpaper and paint dirty walls a neutral color. Remove counter clutter. A few minutes of inconvenience can add value to your property. |
Cleanliness
Your home should look and smell clean. Keep the floors vacuumed and picked up. No dishes in the sink. Make your beds, organize your closets and cabinets.
Light, Bright
Keep the drapes open. Buyers like to see open, bright and airy homes. Clean the windows. Keep the heater on in the winter, the air conditioner in the summer and most importantly, turn on all lights!
Fix Little Things
Loose doorknobs or cabinets pulls, sticking doors and drawers, wobbly hinges, stuck windows -- are all negative factors. Take a few minutes to check and repair all these items.
Rear Yard
Water, fertilize, trim. Repair loose fence boards, try to create a sense of privacy with some patio furniture, plants, and even a small fountain has the ability to mask unwanted noise.
What are the tax laws on capital gains?
 Tax Free Capital Gains
In sales of principal residences, gains up to $500,000 for married couples ($250,000 for singles or couples filing separately) are tax-free. This generous break can be "recycled" every two years. You must have owned the home and used it as your primary residence for at least two of the five years preceding the sale.
Buy a Fixer and Hold it for Profit
Now is the time to do it! You can purchase and live in the house for two years, do repairs and then pay no federal taxes on profits up to $500,000 for married couples ($250,000 for singles). Like the profit? Buy another house and do it again! We never now when the government will change this great rule. A buyers market is the time to buy!!!
Exclude Gains Under The New Rule
Are you sitting on a hefty gain that could be excluded under the new rules? Think seriously about selling. Replace the house with a less expensive one and invest the leftover cash. Don't waste time. This rule is so favorable, it's almost too good to be true!
Hint: On expensive properties, another option is to sell now and pay gains on the profit above $500,000 ($250,000 for singles). Then, repurchase and watch your tax free equity grow (the re-purchase adjusts your basis back down) because you fall under the ceiling again. Always consult your accountant or tax attorney prior to selling.
What questions should I ask when interviewing agents?
- What are your average days on the market before sale? Quicker is better!
- What percentage of list price do your listings sell for? A higher percentage usually means better marketing and a more experienced negotiator.
- How many buyers are you currently working with? Obviously, the more buyers your agent works with, the better the chance your home will sell quickly.
- Do you have an assistant? Who will help you when your agent is out of the office at an appointment, or if an emergency arises?
- What technological advantages do you offer? Tell me about your computer technology, digital advantages and internet marketing strategies.
- Ask for a reference list of past clients to contact. Although a track record doesn't guarantee future performance, I can't think of a more meaningful measure of a qualified professional.
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