Find Your Home's Value
If you live in San Diego and would like a more detailed, free home evaluation please call me so that we may schedule an appointment an I can do a walk through of your home.
Choosing the right Realtor to work with in San Diego is very important to make sure that your needs are met and your best interest in being cared for. I suggest that you interview the Realtor that you are thinking of using to ensure that your personalities match, you trust the person that is watching out for your biggest investment and that you find a Realtor that will work hard for you.
Seller Real Estate Transaction:
- Escrow is opened and buyer deposits "Good Faith Deposit" into escrow
- Seller gives escrow documents and information such as:
- addresses of lien holders
- tax receipts
- equipment warranties
- home warranty contracts (if any)
- any leases and/or rental agreements - Seller approves and signs the escrow instructions, grant deed and other related documents required to close the escrow
- Seller orders inspections, receives clearances and approves final reports and/or repairs to the property as required by the terms of the purchase and sale agreement
- Buyer and Seller fulfill any remaining conditions specified in the contract and/or escrow instructions; approves the pay off demands and/or beneficiary's statements
- Buyer and Seller approve any final changes by signing amendments to the escrow instructions or contract
What Can I do to Get My Home Ready?
A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION CAN HELP SELL YOUR HOME
You can help your Realtor when you are showing your home to prospective buyers by remembering that first impressions are the most lasting and the most important to the sale of your home!
Part of the seller's responsibility is to keep their home looking it's best so that it can leave a great first impression on any prospective buyers that view the home
YOUR HOME'S EXTERIOR CREATES THE PROSPECTIVE BUYER'S FIRST IMPRESSION
Since the exterior of your home is the first thing a prospective buyer sees, a little time and effort can make a big difference in the impression your home creates. And pay big dividends when the sale is made
Use this check list to make sure your home's exterior looks its best:
Lawn is well cut and neatly trimmed around the walks and drive
Shrubs are trimmed and dead trees and branches are eliminated
All debris is disposed of and toys and lawn equipment are neatly stored
Fences and gates are repaired and repainted, if necessary
The roof, gutters and downspout are in good repair
Driveways and sidewalks are washed down and checked for cracking and crumbling
Cracked windows and torn screens are replaced. Screens, windows and window sills are washed
Doorbell and all exterior lights are in good working order
If you have planned to paint the house within the coming year, consider painting the house before showing it. A new paint job, well done, will normally enhance the sale value a good deal more than the cost of the paint
If your home's exterior looks clean, orderly and in good repair, that's the impression your house will first convey
A SPOTLESS INTERIOR WILL GREATLY ADD TO YOUR HOME'S FIRST IMPRESSION
Dirt and clutter inside your can greatly take away from your home's strong points. Have great start with a full house cleaning from top to bottom. Store unused or unnecessary items in closets and storage areas or hold a garage sale. Eliminate clutter and your home will look more spacious - an important selling point
Take an inspection tour of your home, observing it through a potential buyer's eyes
Walls are clean and free of smudges, fingerprints and dents
Woodwork and wallpaper are inspected for problem areas; wallpaper is cleaned and woodwork is waxed
Badly worn furniture is temporarily stored in attic or basement
Curtains and drapes are freshly laundered or cleaned
Rugs and carpets are shampooed. Floors are waxed
Loose doorknobs, sticking doors, windows and warped drawers are repaired
Leaky faucets are fixed. Water discoloration in sink is eliminated
Loose stair banisters are tightened and steps are free of objects
Light fixtures are in good working order. Discolored or cracked switchplates are replaced
Closets, shelves and drawers are organized to display spaciousness
Clothing is hung neatly and shoes and other objects are neatly arranged
Bathrooms are sparkling clean. Tub and shower caulking is repaired
Bedrooms are neat. Bedspreads and curtains are attractive
The kitchen is clean and tidy, including cupboards, stove and oven
The basement, attic and garage are clean and well organized
Mirrors, picture frames and glasses covering pictures are clean
Mirrors are strategically placed to create an impression of added space in problem areas
Lamp shades are in good condition
Electrical connections are plugged in
Consider painting walls and replacing carpeting if cleaning doesn't do the trick.
It is also important to keep lighting in mind when you show your home. Good lighting will make your home seem more cheery and spacious
OVER-IMPROVING DOESN'T PAY
A lot of buyers want to make the home "theirs" after they move in. It is sometimes best to let them see the potential in your home with their eyes and thoughts
Showing your home is all important to its sale, and there are many ways you can help your Realtor do his or her job successfully
HERE ARE SOME LAST-MINUTE DETAILS THAT WILL MAXIMIZE YOUR HOME'S SELLING POTENTIAL
The television and radio are turned off or low enough to allow the salesperson and buyer(s) to talk, free of disturbances
Children and pets are sent outdoors to play or otherwise entertained to eliminate confusion and to keep the prospect's attention focused positively on your house
Bad odors are eliminated. Air freshener is used before the potential buyer arrives, especially if you have pets or if the house has been closed up for some time
The house has adequate lighting (during daytime drapes are open; at night plenty of lights are on, including the porch light)
Wood is stored next to the fireplace for appeal
The kitchen sink is free of dishes
Magazines and children's toys are in order
Fresh flowers are arranged tastefully around the house
WHAT YOU CAN DO WHILE YOUR HOUSE IS BEING SHOWN
Be courteous, but don't force conversation with the potential buyer(s), let you home speak to them
Ask your Realtor if your presence is necessary, sometimes it is uncomfortable for you to be there
Never apologize for the appearance of your home. Let your Realtor answer any objections
Leave it to your Realtor to emphasize the features of your home
Make sure your Realtor knows where you are so you may answer questions, but don't tag along
Let your Realtor discuss price, terms, possession and other factors with the potential buyer(s)
Your Realtor has the experience and training necessary to bring negotiations to a successful conclusion. And, if you've followed the guidelines provided, you'll know you've already done your part by making sure your home creates a good first impression.