What To Expect When Selling

I’m thinking about selling? What should I be considering?

Since the majority of houses sell quickly in the Bay Area, it’s essential to have your plans made for where you will go next. Are you going to rent an apartment or buy a condo? Are you moving to a retirement home and if so, which one. Are you going to relocate or buy a larger home?

If buying another property, find out if the funds you have are enough to make the move that you are considering. Home prices are high in the Bay Area, but prices are high in a some other American cities as well. So be sure to find out what property costs where you are going and if your mortgage broker thinks you’ll be approved for a larger loan.

I’m ready to sell. What are the first steps?

There is lots to do in preparing to sell a property.

Together we will walk around and through your property. You will make a list of repairs that can be done before selling. We’ll focus attention on the “curb appeal” of your property. Are there repairs or cosmetic changes–like paint or flowers–needed that will make your house look enticing to those driving up and coming in for the first time?

I will recommend that you remove a third or more of your belongs from your house. This will help you move later and will make your house show better. Typically, sellers put away small mementos, cooking utensils, books, toys, family photos and other items. Removing lots of personal stuff will make it easier for buyers to imagine themselves living in the house. Removing such items will make the house appear more spacious.

Many cosmetic changes are not expensive and will make the house show better. In fact, costly home improvements do not necessarily offer a good return on your investment when you sell. Attention to the basics like cleaning or replacing key appliances and painting walls can make any house more attractive.

How can you help me get the highest price for my house?

We’ll work together to set a sale price for your property. One of the biggest mistakes sellers make is pricing their property too high. Sellers get better results by pricing the property conservatively.

Pricing a property just right brings in many more visitors. The result is multiple offers and you getting the price you’d hoped for or more. It is also important to not get into a situation in which the price needs to be lowered. I will provide you with information on other properties that have sold in the area and my personal opinion.

I will advertise your property through multiple means, including as a featured property on this web site. An important way I advertise your home is to announce it to the many clients I have served in past years and keep in touch with. These are people who know me and are likely to pass on the word to interested friends and family.

What happens when the property is listed?

When the repairs and removing personal items are done, have the house cleaned from top to bottom. Then it is time to list it.

I recommend that sellers not be present when their property is being shown. The hours for showing your house will be arranged beforehand to make it easy for you.

Remaining in the house while it is being shown is thought of as one of the biggest mistakes sellers make. Buyers are more comfortable talking to their realtors and looking around the house without the owners present. Moreover, you want them to imagine themselves living in the house not visiting you in your house.

How will the offers be handled?

I will help you analyze the offers you receive and weed out buyers who are unlikely to qualify. In many cases it is wise to make a counter offer, and I will handle this and advise you through the entire process to ensure  that you get the best deal.

When should I make plans for moving?

Another common mistake sellers make is waiting too long to plan their move. Start by getting rid of possessions you don’t want to move by selling or donating them. Then start packing as much as you can of things you don’t use daily.  You’ll also want to reserve movers if you are planning on using movers.

What else should I have on my radar?

Selling a home will impact your federal and state tax returns. Before you sell, check with your tax consultant for information about what to do. They should have the most up to date advice about when to sell or how to document your expenses.

I’d be happy to give you a free estimate of what your property could sell for. Call me, Schuyler Oliver, at 510-280-2175 or contact me using the email box on the upper right side of this page.

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