With the power of the Internet I receive many emails with questions from customers that are thinking about either selling or buying Real Estate. I am always happy to assist anyone with their inquires.
Since I do receive so many questions I decided to make this post about 5 of what I think are very good questions that I have received from Sellers of Residential Real Estate. I will also create a post in the near future with 5 of what I think are very good questions that I have received from Buyers of Residential Real Estate.
Questions that I Have Received from Sellers via the Internet:
1. When is the best time to sell my home?
JC: There really is not a "magic" time to sell any property. What all Sellers need to do is evaluate why they are selling. Some Home Owners are selling because they are moving up into larger homes, some are down sizing into smaller homes, and some may be relocating because of a new job transfer. The best time to sell your home is when you are absolutely ready.
2. How do I know what is the best price to list my home for?
JC: When I am preparing to list a property for sale for a client, I prepare a very detailed Market Analysis Report of their property. I include all comparable sales data within a designated time frame, all current active and pending comparable properties, and very detailed graphs and analysis of price changes of actual list prices versus actual sales prices. This gives my customers the data and knowledge that they need of an accurate price evaluation of their property with a suggested List Price.
My job is to make certain that my Seller customers sell their properties for the most money that they can sell for. Market Value.
3. Should I upgrade my home before I list it for sale?
JC: This depends on the condition of the home. Generally I do not suggest upgrading a home to list it for sale. Most buyers that are looking for a home that needs a little work will want to put "their own signature" on any remodel. However, if the home is truly a little worn, a new coat of paint and maybe some new carpeting can make a huge difference with how the home appears, not only in person, but also when photographed and/or filmed for Internet marketing. In these cases spending a little money can increase the overall sales price tremendously.
Freshly Painted & Newly Carpeted Home that I recently Sold with Multiple Bids for
Over List Price!
4. Are Open Houses necessary to sell my home?
JC: In almost all cases yes. Many buyers visit open houses of properties that they are interested in purchasing after viewing the property on one of the many Real Estate web sites that they have looked at on the Internet. While it may be a temporary inconvenience for some sellers, buyers want to physically see a property that they are thinking about making their next home for years to come. Photos and Virtual Tours are great tools to spark the interest of potential buyers, but ultimately buyers will want to see the home in person.
5. Should I get Inspections completed before I sell my home?
JC: This is a great question! In California the law requires that a Seller of a property disclose ALL material facts about a property that the Seller is aware of to potential Buyers. However, the law does not require that a Seller of a property obtain Professional Inspections performed by a third party. With that said, I do suggest that Sellers of Residential Real Estate spend a few dollars and at the very least obtain a Structural Pest Control Report from a Licensed Pest Control Operator. This will at least inform and educate the Seller if there are any issues such as dry wood termites, fungus damage caused by current or past water leaks, etc.
If the Seller does not do this, the Buyer will. All educated Buyers will conduct Professional Inspections because they want to know exactly what they are purchasing. And, in cases where there is Financing involved, the Lender may require what is referred to as "Section 1 Clearance". What this means is that the property will have to be Certified by a Licensed Pest Control Operator that the property is free and clear of any current "infestation or infection of dry wood termites in visible and accessible areas".
Stay tuned for my next entry with a Q & A for Buyers!
If you would like a Price Evaluation of Your Property, or a Property
that you are considering Purchasing, please contact Joe Carrero for more
information at his Official Real Estate Web Site: www.InteroCarrero.com Or simply email Joe at JCarrero@InteroRealEstate.com
Joe Carrero
Silicon Valley & Bay Area
Real Estate Specialist Since 1995
If you enjoy reading my Silicon Valley Real Estate Blog,
please recommend me on Google and recommend me to your friends on your
Social Networking Profiles. Thank You! JC
