Frequently Asked Questions By Home Sellers
Should we redecorate prior to putting the home on the market?
The biggest problem in redecorating arises because it is impossible to anticipate the taste of the people who will ultimately purchase your home. Take your cue from Relocation companies. Whenever they take a house into inventory, the order is to neutralize the home by removing wallpaper and strong decorative touches. Foremost is to make the home clean, bright and sparkling.
Is it possible to over-improve?
Absolutely! No matter how exquisite the landscaping, no matter how magnificent the heated pool with cabanna, if it’s the only one on the block with these improvements, they will not increase the value proportionately to their cost. The house will be compared to similar houses. Relatively speaking, only a minor adjustment will be made for unusual or excessive upgrades. Those special things should be done because you enjoy them. On the other hand, upgrades that raise your home to the level of those surrounding it, will give a dramatic return on your investment.
For a complete report on Cost vs. Value in Home Improvements, published by the National Association of Realtors, please contact Nancy to have the document emailed to you.
What is a Comparative Market Analysis of my home and how much will it cost?
A Comparative Market Analysis, or CMA, is a breakdown of recent sales data of homes similar, or comparable, to yours in a combination of size, location, and amenities. This comprehensive method allows me to detect slight market shifts and to identify emerging trends, which can affect the price of your home. There is no cost for a CMA. When I provide you with the CMA, I will also provide you with a Trends Report which shows five components for a statistical analysis of the current market, which I then customize to your home. This information helps me determine the best way to bring your home to market and have it sell for top dollar.
Why should I allow brokers’ caravan or public open houses?
The greater exposure a home gets to qualified buyers, the more likely it will sell quickly and at the highest possible price. Different agent know different buyers. Buyers coming to your open house may know other people who might be interested. Having open houses allows a lot of people to come through at one time and can actually decrease the number of showings at inconvenient times.
What is a lockbox and why should I allow it to be installed?
A Supra Box (lockbox) is a safe and convenient method for allowing Realtor®s and their prospective buyers to view your home, even if you are not there. Because I value your privacy and time, I will provide all agents with showing instructions, as per your direction. An added benefit of the Supra system is that every agent’s electronic key automatically logs their name and contact info, as well as the time they entered, and sends me an email within minutes of the opening of the lockbox. Unlike the old combination lockboxes, the Supra system gives you security, flexibility and peace of mind.
Can a Seller’s Agent, who has listed my home, represent me in the purchase of another home as a Buyers’ Agent?
Yes. Under a separate Disclosure Agreement, the agent can represent you as a Buyers' Agent on the purchase of your new home. Actually the confidentiality you receive from the Seller’s Agent is the same confidentiality you would receive from a Buyers' Agent. Contact Nancy to have a copy of the form emailed to you for your review.
How long would my house be on the market?
Unlike the past five years when many homes sold within days, it has been taking far longer for a listing to sell. In most areas, selling times average around three to five months. This five month mark is the accepted indicator of the transition from a seller’s market to a buyer’s market.
What makes you different from other realtors?
When you hire me, you hire my entire support team. This awesome team includes my Administrative Assistant, who is my right hand, a Short Sale negotiator/buyers agent assistant, a transaction coordinator who oversees all the contract administration during the escrow process and more! We work with Huntington Escrow and Lawyers Title and we even have an in-house lender who can assist you in getting financing for the replacement property after the sale of your home. Podley Property also has a full time marketing team that will assist in creating the perfect marketing for your home as well as an in-house lawyer to make sure we are in compliance in every step of the process in the sale of your home. As I have been buying and selling homes in Southern California for over 10 years, I have a great list of referrals for everything you might choose to do to your home before you sell or to your new home once you move in.
