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Information for Sellers
Information for Buyers
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Some Basic Information for Sellers
1. Selecting an Agent.
Surveys taken by the National Association of Realtors have shown that the general public perceives agents as pretty much offering the same services. This is unfortunate. Our individual differences can make a big difference to your net result!
Ten Questions Needing Answers
- Will my agent provide a detailed comparative market analysis?
- Will she provide a personalized marketing plan, a calendar?
- Should my home be photographed professionally? Virtual tour? Video?
- Will my home be viewed on the internet? From how many sites?
- Is my agent familiar with the neighborhood and its amenities? With the community?
- How do agent services differ? How can experience help?
- What advertising works the best?
- What do I need to do to prepare my home in order to get the best possible price?
- Will my agent help me oversee needed preparation? Inspections?
- Will my agent be a good negotiator, see that all statutory requirements are met, and oversee completion of the contract?
2. Paying Attention to Company Differences.
Coldwell Banker has better internal networking, a larger market share, vast educational and technical resources. Its advertising is more varied, more comprehensive, more widely read and distributed. Coldwell Banker International and the California (CaMoves.com) web sites are more regulated and receive considerably more action and "hits"
from prospective homebuyers from around the world, who would not have heard of another real estate company operating here. When you list your home with Coldwell Banker your home will be featured on California Moves.com, ColdwellBanker.com, MLSlistings.com (our local multiple listing service site), OpenHouse.com, REALTOR.com, NYTimes.com. Coldwell Banker also has formed relationships with Google, Yahoo, Trulia, and Zillow, to name a few. Previews listings may be further advertised in the IHT.com (International Herald Tribune), Coldwell Banker Previews.com, Forbes.com, etc. Coldwell Banker gets the action.
3. Understanding Commission Distribution.
Commissions in this area are the responsibility of the seller and are typically 5 to 6 percent percent, with one half of that percent directed to the buying side and the other half to the selling side. While legally negotiable, most of the solid companies and agents discourage commission reduction due to marketing costs and competition. It is more important for a seller to keep in mind that his agent is to not merely sell
the property, but to establish a situation bringing in the highest possible price thus gaining the
best possible net result (unless privacy or expediency is the priority). Sellers might also note
that many of the advertising costs are the responsibility of the agent, not his company.
4. Property Preparation.
Enough time should be allowed for getting the property into showing condition or, if needed, staged
by a professional. A pest report is usually provided by the seller as is a physical condition report.
These inspections are usually scheduled and overseen by the agent. Photographs need to be taken, websotes organized, brochures prepared, advertising arranged.
5. Recommended Improvements.
The most highly rated improvements to a home are generally considered to be (1) remodeled or upgraded kitchen, (2) spacious master suite (3) fresh paint and carpet, (4) remodeled baths, (4) re-roofing, if needed,
(5) landscaping. Most buyers are more desirous of purchasing properties with minimal up-front remodeling obstacles.
6. Professional Staging.
In our rapidly paced market, many sellers elect to have their properties professionally cleaned and staged. Valuables and personal items are removed, a neutral, depersonalized look is sought, allowing buyers to envision themselves as the new homeowners. Prospective buyers can more easily see the details of the residence and to visually insert their own belongings. Staging can be minimal with just a few recommendations effected, or comprehensive, with a home being completely repainted, carpeted, furnished and landscaped.
7. Why Me?
In order to keep more current with today's technology, I retain a media specialist who designs outstanding websites with HD photographs for each listed property. This website is linked to numerous sites, even some in addition to those provided by my company. Sellers shouldn't be satisfied with just a sale. A contract obtained via a quick sale agent, without proper exposure of the property, may leave dollars on the table and buyers en route. It's no longer all about location; it's about exposure too. Whether a home is modest or spectacular, maximum exposure is critical and can only be obtained through an agent and company creating optimum circumstances in order to get optimum results. That's my goal.
Make one simple call for any of the following presentations or handouts that might be of help to you. There is no obligation.
- Staging and Preparation of Your Home
- Providing You with a Market Analysis and Marketing Plan
- Downsizing Choices via Proposition 90
- Reviewing Home Buying Options including Income Tax Considerations
- 1031 Tax Exchange Considerations
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