Getting the Highest Price in the Shortest Time

It is most important to have a Real Estate Professional that you trust and have faith in to do the job of completely marketing and selling your home. Interview 2 or 3 agents and have them present their marketing plans for selling your home. Ask for references or referrals.

In order to get the highest price in the shortest time, your Agent needs to know how to market your home. The better the marketing of your home, the more offers you will get. And the more offers you get, the more choices you have to get the price and terms you want.

The most important factor of marketing your home is pricing it right. The price should be adjusted to reflect the market, and the property's worth. The key is to get many people checking out your property at a fair price instead of having no buyers because your price is set too high. Your Realtor should do a market analysis of comparable home sales in your neighborhood. In addition, you should visit Open Houses and tour neighborhoods to see your competition.

Another important factor is the condition of your home. Make sure that your home looks ready to be sold. Fix any defects (peeling or faded paint, cracks, stains, etc.) Condition alone can sometimes prompt fast buying decisions. Not only should you fix any defects, but consider upgrading your home by making major repairs and cosmetic improvements before selling. A nice looking home triggers the emotional response that can lead to a financial response.

When your agent presents you with an Offer to Purchase your home. Learn how to negotiate the best terms for all parties involved. Terms are another factor, which may be adjusted to attract buyers. If you insist on getting your asking price, think of what you can offer to the buyers, for example, improvements you've made, or even offering seller financing at a lower than market interest rate on a portion of the sale price.

First Impressions- Dressing your Home for a Successful Sale

If you want buyers to be interested in your home, you need to show it in its best light. A good first impression can influence a buyer into making an offer; it influences a buyer emotionally and visually. In addition, what the buyer first sees is what they think of when they consider the asking price.

A bad first impression can dissuade a potential buyer. Don't show your property until it's all fixed up. You do not want to give buyers the chance to use the negative first impression they have as means of negotiation.

Typically, there are some general fix ups that need to be done both outside and on the inside. As a seller, you should consider the following:

*Landscaping - Has the front yard been maintained? Are areas of the house visible to the street in good condition?
*Cleaning or Redoing the driveway - Is your driveway cluttered with toys, tools, trash etc.?
*Painting - Does both the exterior and the interior look like they have been well taken care of?
*Carpeting - Does the carpet have stains or look old and dirty?

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Finding the Right Agent

Not all agents work the same way. The most important attribute of an agent is that he/she is well connected to the real estate industry. He/she should know the market and provide information on past sales, current listings, his or her marketing plan, and at least 4 solid references. In addition, you also want to look for an agent that is honest, assertive, and one that best understands your needs.

Try to go with a local agent. They can better serve your needs; they are familiar with what the local market condition is, the local prices are, and what's hot or not in your community.

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What is your Home Criteria List?

Buying a home will probably rank as one of the biggest personal investments one can make. Working with your Agent, being organized and in control will contribute significantly to getting the best home deal possible.

Before you can build a plan of action, take the time to lay the groundwork for your decision-making process.

First, ask yourself how much can you afford to pay for a home. If you're not sure on the price range, find a lender and get preapproved. Preapproved will let you know how much you can afford so that you can look for homes in your price range. Getting pre-approved helps you know exactly what you qualify for and at what rate. You know how large your monthly mortgage payments will be and you know how much you will have for a down payment. Once you are pre-approved, you avoid the frustration of finding homes that you think are perfect, but are not in your price range.

Second, ask yourself where you want to live and what is the best location for you and/or your family. This is your Criteria List.
Things to consider:

*Location, location, location – the #1 rule in finding a home
*Types of homes: for example condos, town homes, co-ops, newly constructed homes etc.
*Neighborhoods – a local agent will know the neighborhoods
* Home size, number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and sq. footage
*Home conditions – are you willing to do some cosmetic fix-ups or do you want move-in condition
*Home style – ranch, Spanish, contemporary
*View homes, swimming pools, privacy, close to town – all important
*Convenience for all family members
*Proximity to work, school, and school districts and transportation
*Local transportation

Getting a Legitimate Lender and Getting Pre-Approved

Most lenders can pre-qualify you for a mortgage over the phone; however, some homebuyers prefer a face-to-face meeting. Based on general questions about your income, debt, assets, and credit history, lenders can estimate how much mortgage in which you quality.
Being pre-qualified and pre-approved are different things. Pre-approval means that you have applied for a mortgage; you have filled out the mortgage application, received your credit report, and verified your employment, assets, etc. When you are pre-approved, you know exactly what the maximum loan amount will be.

A pre-qualified letter is not a verification of a loan, however, it is a very helpful tool when presenting an offer to a seller to show that you have talked to a lender and that you know how much your can afford as a borrower. It gives you credibility as an interested buyer.

Legitimate lenders include: banks, mortgage bankers, credit unions, savings and loan associations, mortgage brokers, and online lenders.

Importance of a Home Inspection

As a homebuyer, you are entitled to know exactly what you are getting when purchasing your home. Don't take for granted what you see and what the seller or the listing agent tells you. A professional home inspection is something you MUST do, whether you are buying an existing home or a new one. An inspection is an opportunity to have an expert look closely at the property you are considering purchasing and getting both an oral and written opinion as to its condition.

Beforehand, make sure the report will be done by a professional organization, such as a local trade organization or a national trade organization such as ASHI (American Society of Home Inspection). Not only should you never skip an inspection, but also you and your Agent should go along with the inspector during inspection. This provides a chance to ask questions about the property and get answers that are not biased. In addition, the oral comments are typically more revealing and detailed than what you will find on the written report. Once the inspection is complete, review the inspection report carefully with your Agent.

Your Agent can recommend professional and reputable Home Inspectors.

Why Use a Buyer's Agent?

A Buyer’s Agents represents you and not the seller. Interview several Realtors to determine the one that will best represent you as your Buyer’s Agent. Below is my list of services and pledge to you, as your Realtor to make your home buying process goes as smoothly as possible and earns your respect as your client for life.

1. Together we will list the criteria for your new home purchase. i.e.: location, size, price
2. I will actively search properties in the MLS that fit your criteria, as well as homes that sellers are thinking about selling and also through my extensive networking system.
3. I will send you information on properties that fit your criteria and I will preview any other homes that may be of interest.
4. Together we will go out and view your selected homes.
5. Together we will review and compare homes and I will create a market analysis of comps for the area.
6. Together we will write up an offer on your selected home and I will present the offer to the seller or seller’s agent.
7. I will negotiate ferociously on your behalf, answering all of your questions with competence and on a timely manner.
8. Upon a successfully negotiated purchase, I will then be the liaison between the escrow officer and your lender (if any).
9. I will be available for all inspections on the property and negotiate any further credit and/or repairs on the home.
10. I’ll be at escrow for document signing and look forward to
presenting you with keys to your new home!

I appreciate your consideration for an interview as your Agent.

Most Sincerely,

Bunny DeLorie
Prudential Calif Realty
1170 Coast Village Road
Santa Barbara, CA 93108
Phone 805.570.9181