Southern California Home Sellers

A Realtor will simplify everything from helping you prepare your Southern California home to setting a competitive price and marketing the property to a successful conclusion. A qualified professional from our organization will guide you through the entire process. It is the key to a successful conclusion.

Pricing Your Home

Setting a competitive price on your property is critical. If priced competitively, one could have multiple offers including offers for more than the listed price. Price your home too low and you’ll lose money; price it too high and buyers will shy away. One of the professionals from our firm will be able to give you a Competitive Market Analysis for your home, which will help you determine the value of your property, as well as give advice on the condition of the present market.

There are many factors that will affect the selling price. The following should help you determine the price you can expect to receive:

• What are the prices (listing and selling) of similar homes in your area?
• What is the size, layout and condition of your home?
• What is the location of your home? Are you in a desirable area that is in demand?
• Does your home have amenities that are currently popular in the marketplace?
• What is the estimated appraisal?
• What is the experience of your Realtor?
• Is it a buyers’ market or a sellers’ market?

A Team Effort is Essential

The overwhelming majority of home sellers find it advantageous to team up with a real estate organization like Keystone Group Properties. Rather than attempt to learn about selling a home, most homeowners feel that it is better to entrust the sale of their biggest investment to a professional. There are a number of complexities of modern real estate transactions that should be considered, not to mention the access to the Multiple Listing Service, advertising, marketing and screening which are available to assist the seller. Advice can be given on the condition of the market at the time you are considering selling. Your Realtor will also be able to give you a Competitive Market Analysis for your particular property, which will help you determine the value of your property.

Marketing Your Property

An effective marketing program is essential when selling your home. This includes but is not limited to Internet advertisements; to classified advertisements; to promotional campaigns to knowing what the competition is and is not doing. If the home is priced right and properly prepared and the market favors sellers, the home could be sold in a short period of time. This includes marketing the higher end properties to high end individuals in other countries.

Preparation of the House is Essential

Preparation of the house for showing is one of the keys to a successful program. First impressions are key. Never underestimate the power of a positive showing. Our professional Realtors can advise you on simple and inexpensive ways to prepare your home.

The homeowner needs to look at their home unemotionally to be marketed while being aware of what they can and cannot do in order to concentrate on those items that will bring the best price.

The first thing a potential buyer sees is your home from the street – the first impression called “curb appeal.” Take care to:

• Remove any junk or clutter from the yard.
• Have a clean, crisp lawn (a bit of fertilizer makes for a greener lawn).
• Trim shrubbery and hedges.
• Wash decks and porches and make sure they are stained or painted.
• Clean and paint or stain your front door.
• All exterior lights should be operational.
• Exterior windows should be clean and operational.
• Clean out gutters and downspouts.
• Walkways should be swept and free of snow or ice during winter.
• Make sure the garage door is closed.

Most buyers do not have a vision – so help them. Present your home dressed in its best! Here are some minor investments which may have some major returns.

Paint – When it comes to preparing a house, painting gives you the best return for money spent.

Flooring – At the very least, all carpeting needs to be steam cleaned. Any worn, stained or foul smelling carpet should be replaced. Any flooring that is cracked or damaged should be replaced, if possible.

Clutter – If something is not necessary for your day-to-day life, box it up and store it or throw it out.

Closets – Closets need to be neat, clean, and organized.

Cleaning – The cleaner, the better. Dusting, washing, waxing, polishing everything will always make a good impression.

Lights – Clean the fixtures and make sure the bulbs work.

Windows – Replace any cracked windows.

GO ROOM TO ROOM

Entryway:

• Clean and polish everything.
• Make sure it is well lit.
• Make sure it is clutter free.

Bedrooms:

• Arrange the furniture for the flow of traffic.
• Make sure it is clutter free.

Living Room/Family Room/Den:

• Arrange the furniture for the flow of traffic and to give the illusion of space.
• Remove ashes from fireplaces and wood stoves.
• Make sure all light switches work.
• Clean the drapes.
• Mop and/or polish the floors

Storage Areas

• Basement, garage and attic
• Remove all junk and clutter
• Try a dehumidifier if any area is damp.
• Make sure these areas are well lit.

FINISHING TOUCHES

The homeowner will normally be given only a short time or a few hours’ notice before showing the home. It is therefore essential you show your home with some finishing touches to show your home in the best possible light.

Light and Bright – whether day or night, a well-lit house gives a “welcome home” impression. So turn on all the lights, indoor and outdoor. Open all curtains and drapes to let in maximum light. Your home looks more cheerful and it also prevents harsh shadows.

Out of Sight – prospective buyers may feel like intruders if you are home during a showing. Allow the Realtor the opportunity to speak freely with buyers and emphasize your home’s best features. If possible, take a walk, visit the library, go shopping or take the kids to the park. If you cannot leave, try to remain out of sight and do not accompany the buyers from room to room.

The Scent of Success – Scented sprays are too obvious and may be found offensive. For a pleasing fragrance, add a few drops of vanilla extract on a stove burner or boil water and add some cinnamon. Open windows as appropriate for more of a freshness. Refrigerator cookies are quick and easy to bake, as well as lighting a scented candle prior to a showing. Both will make your home more attractive.

Waste Not – Empty the trash in the kitchen and any other waste baskets before a showing. Garbage does not send a positive message, even in small amounts.

Comfort Counts – Make sure the thermostat is set such that the house is at a comfortable temperature. Turn off the television and turn soft, melodious music on.

Pets – It is best to try and take your pets with you while your home is being shown. If that is not possible, keep them outside. Animals under foot will put a damper on a showing.

THE OFFER AND CLOSING

It is important to respond to any offer as soon as possible. The Realtor will assist you in evaluating multiple offers. It is your final decision. If you intend to accept an offer or make a counter-offer, it is suggested it be done as soon as possible. Recognize the prospective buyer can withdraw his or her offer any time prior to you accepting the offer.

Any changes to the offer or counter-offers requires written approval by all parties for the contract to be enforceable. This also allows either party to change their mind and drop out of the transaction.

MOVING ON

It doesn’t matter if you have moved once or several times, it is never an easy task. There is a lot of emotion associated with selling a home. The following are some tips you may find helpful.

• Notify the post office of a forwarding address.
• Cancel subscriptions that would not be forwarded.
• Arrange for new checking account if needed.
• Arrange for utilities and telephone at your new location.
• Plan for needs of children and pets during the move
• Plan for sufficient cash/travelers checks during the move.
• Are you packing/moving yourself or will a professional mover handle the move?
• Once you are reasonably sure you will be proceeding with the sale, begin weeding out your possessions.
• Pack one room at a time.
• Keep the weight of your boxes reasonable.
• Start packing and marking every box according to contents and room it will go in.
• If bubble wrap is not available, use towels and blankets to wrap fragile items.
• If possible, pack audio-video and computer equipment in their original boxes.
• Do not pack valuables, carry them with you.