Eight Steps to Selling Your Home
Define Your Requirements:
- Write down all of the reasons you’re selling your home
- Why do you want to sell your home?
- What do you expect to accomplish?
- What time of year or length of time you want to sell your home?
- What profit margin do you expect to gain by selling your home?
- Contact Blanca Arellano Adams to list your home
Name Your Price:
Determine the best possible selling price. Setting a fair asking price for your home will generate the most activity from other Real Estate Agents and buyers. You must take into account the condition of your home, what comparable homes in your neighborhood are selling for, and state of the overall market in your area. This is where Blanca’s expertise is invaluable at this step. Studies indicate that homes priced higher than 3 percent of their market value take longer to sell. An objective opinion of the selling price is essential to a quick sell.
Prepare Your Home:
This is the time to put your home into showroom condition. Remove piles of stuff in rooms, boxes in the garage and reduce the amount furniture if possible. It’s also time to repair any broken or missing lights, replace screens and repair sticking windows or doors. It’s time to break out of the owner mindset and think like a potential buyer. First impressions are important and the condition of your home will affect how quickly it sells. Yes, this next step is hard; however, removing family photos, mementoes and personalized items will help the potential buyer visualize the home as their own.
Marketing:
Now that you’re ready to sell, Blanca will setup a marketing strategy that is specific to your home. Social Media, Yard signs, Open houses, Agent-to-agent referrals, Direct mail marketing campaigns are just a few ways to get the word out when selling your home. In addition to listing your home on the MLS, Blanca will use a combination of these tactics to bring the most qualified buyers to your home.
Receive an Offer:
When you receive a written offer, Blanca will determine if potential buyer is prequalified or preapproved to purchase your home. Then she will review the proposed contract with you. The contract will list such items as: a Legal description of the property, Offer price, Down payment, Financing arrangements, Inspection rights and possible repair allowances, Settlement date, and any conditions or contingencies. At this moment, you have three options: accept the contract as is, accept it with changes (a counteroffer), or reject it. Remember: Once both parties have signed a written offer, the document becomes legally binding. If you have any questions or concerns, be certain to address them with Blanca right away.
Negotiate to Sell:
Most offers to purchase your home will require some negotiating to come to a win-win agreement. Blanca is well versed on the intricacies of the contracts used in California and will protect your best interest throughout the bargaining. Blanca also knows what each contract clause means, what you will net from the sale and what areas are easiest to negotiate. Some negotiable items: Price, Financing, Closing costs, Repairs, Landscaping, and Move-in date. Once both parties have agreed on the terms of the sale, Blanca will prepare a contract.
Prepare to Close:
Once you’ve accepted an offer when selling your home, you will need to make a list of all the things you and your buyer must do before closing. The property may need to be formally appraised, surveyed, inspected or repaired. Blanca can spearhead the effort and serve as your advocate when dealing with the buyer’s agent and service providers.
Close the Deal:
“Closing” refers to the meeting where ownership of the property is legally transferred to the buyer. Blanca will be present during the closing to guide you through the process and make sure everything goes as planned. By being present during the closing, she can mediate any last-minute issues that may arise.
