The best thing I can offer my sellers in any market is my integrity, market knowledge, negotiation skills and transaction facilitation expertise. The bottom line is you want to sell your home in a timely manner, for the right price with the least amount of "drama". Knowing your home's value is just the start. Getting to the finish line is what needs to be accomplished.
Selling your home is this market can be challenging. Here are some home selling tips to help you navigate the process:
1. Are you ready to sell your home?
Home values aren't what they used to be. What you would like to sell your Oxnard home for and what your Oxnard home will sell for may be two different values. At the end of the day your home is worth what a buyer is willing to pay for it. Buyers are looking for market priced homes that reflect the condition, location and value of the area. Are you ready to sell your home at it's current value, even if it's not the value you anticipated? Do you understand the responsibilities associated with a possible "short sale?"
2. Is your home ready to sell?
The value of your home is based on the price, location and condition. The location of your home can't be changed. But the price should reflect the condition of your home. Your list price should reflect the level of repairs necessary. Market priced homes with the least amount of repairs attract the most buyers. Depending on the age of your home, normal wear and tear should reflect easy fixes for repairs. If your home is outdated, needs new flooring, new painting throughout, needs new landscaping or is cluttered, expect buyers with a "vulture" mentality. They're looking for the "kill." If you don't have a budget for even quick fixes at least do what can be done. Ask yourself, "Would I buy this home for this price?" Make sure you're home is clean and presentable for selling. Ideally, to bring in the best offer you want to make sure your home is above the competition.
3. Are you ready to show your home?
Selling your home can be an inconvenience to the entire household. Having strangers trample through your house until it sells can be inconvenient, annoying and frustrating. If your home is priced attractively be prepared for traffic. Consider the needs of your household in determining what times your home is available to show. Consider where your household will go when agents show up with or without buyers or at "open house" showings on Saturdays or Sundays. Make sure you have a showing plan that is well thought out and do-able. Make sure everyone is on board and on task with helping to get your home sold.
4. Are you prepared to sell your home?
Even well priced homes in the best condition can take time to sell. Do you have an exit strategy? Are you prepared for however long or short it takes to sell your home? Are you prepared to move? Accepting an offer is exciting! I haven't met a seller yet that enjoyed the moving process (You can certainly be my first). Start packing things that can be packed and get ready for those yard sales (I can post your yard sale information on my Facebook page).
5. Are you ready for the unexpected?
The home selling process can involve the "unexpected." There are things that can be controlled in the process and things that can't. Even with the most precautions the unexpected can happen. Some times the journey to the destination isn't what was expected. If you trust and have confidence in the ability of your agent, even the unexpected is manageable.
Selling your home can be challenging in any market. I hope you choose me as your agent so you can confidently know that you have someone who is up for the challenge.
