Rossetti Realty, Inc.
Rossetti Realty, Inc.
Articles of Interest
Ask your agent specific questions about the house before buying a home.
Question: What Kind of Questions Should I Ask Before Buying a Home?
* Offering price
* Condition of home
* Location of home
With the advent of Zillow.com and other online information centers, some of the data you would like to know can be found on the web, but much of that information is incorrect. For example, Zillow can't accurately compute value on homes in neighborhoods where the size and configuration is nonconforming. But it can give you a general idea of value.
Questions to Ask About Offering Price
Home buyers often compare prices of similar homes in the neighborhood before choosing a price, but the asking price may have very little to do with the actual value of the home or the price a buyer should offer.
- How much did the seller pay? While the seller's profit has nothing to do with the price of tea in China, it does help to know if values have gone up or down since the seller bought the home. If it's a foreclosure flipper, you might not be able to secure financing for 90 days.
- How much does the seller owe? If the seller owes more than the asking price, then you are looking at buying a short sale or the seller will need to bring cash to closing.
- How much have similar homes sold for in the neighborhood? This is your best indicator of value because your bank's appraiser will rely on those comparable sales to compute value.
- How many offers has the seller received? Some homes generate multiple offers. In that event, your offer will need to be very strong to survive the competition.
- How long has the home been on the market? You might be able to negotiate a discount on the price if the home has been on the market for 60 days or longer.
Ask Questions About the Condition of the Home Before Buying
If you know in advance that the home has structural issues or deferred maintenance, you might want to take those problems into consideration before choosing an offering price.
- How old is the roof? Newer roofs have a life expectancy of anywhere from 15 to 50 years or more, depending on its materials.
- What is the type of foundation? Raised foundations allow access under the home to reach plumbing and electrical, as do homes with basements. Slab foundations are more common in newer construction.
- Does the home have insulation in the walls and attic? In colder climates, insulation is more important, and each locale sets standards for the R factor.
- Have any appliances or systems been replaced and, if so, when? It's a plus factor if older plumbing and electrical have been updated. Moreover, some older appliances can't be repaired because parts are no longer available.
Ask Questions About the Location of the Home
In real estate, one routinely hears it's all about location, location, location. Homes in desirable areas are worth more than similar homes in locations not so desirable.
- What types of other properties are located nearby? One home I was showing in Folsom, CA, had a cement wall over the fence. Behind it was a towing company and plumbing company. Apartment buildings, commercial and industrial lower the value of residential around them.
- What are the neighborhood demographics? Some title companies can supply this information, but your best bet is to talk to the neighbors, followed by asking the agent about the area and doing research at the library.
- Where are the schools? Schools are a huge concern to parents with small children. In California, even if you buy a home within the boundaries of certain school districts, there is no guarantee your children will get in to that school.
- Are there nuisance factors? Traffic from nearby restaurants or stores may be an irritant. With freeways in the distance, you might not hear the noise during the day, but as night falls, the clatter and constant hum may get louder. Even barking dogs can drive a person nuts.
Things to Know Before You Sell!
What You Need to Know Before You Sell Your Home.
Before you sell your home, there are some basic things you should think about: is the house ready to sell? How do I set the price? How much am I going to make? These questions are all important, but the most important decision you will make regarding the sale of your home is to choose the right agent. A Realty Association agent has the experience and training to help you make the right choices. Remember, you don't know how important a good agent is until something goes wrong.
Should I Sell My Home Myself?
It's a question thousands of homeowners ask themselves every year. If you're one of them, you have some difficult decisions awaiting you. Selling your home can be a long and complex process, so it's important to think about all the potential implications — both positive and negative — before choosing to go it alone. To help you make the decision that's right for you, below is a list of some of the duties and responsibilities you would face as an independent "For Sale by Owner" home seller.
Pricing Your Home
Your first responsibility as an independent "For Sale by Owner" home seller is assigning your home an accurate value, meaning the highest price a ready, willing and able buyer will pay. As part of the decision, you need to consider comparable properties in your area, current market conditions, as well as the cost of financing and its availability. Remember that your listing should be in line with comparable properties and market trends — you don't want your home to linger on the market or sell for a lower price than you might have otherwise received. You should remember that "For Sale by Owner" typically attracts bargain hunters who may expect you to lower your price since they too are looking to save money on commissions.
Marketing Your Home
Independent "For Sale by Owner" home sellers must also market their
properties to the public.
That means:
Putting up signage that is consistent with local ordinances.
Developing and paying for display and classified ads in your local newspapers.
Holding open houses.
Working to ensure your home gets good word-of-mouth
exposure among your friends, neighbors and community organizations.
Showing Your Home Work to screen the "buyers" from the "lookers" — curiosity-seekers are common at "For Sale by Owner" homes. You should also pre-qualify potential buyers to ensure they can afford to buy your home. When the time comes to negotiate, you'll need to be prepared and informed. Try to resolve any doubts your buyers might have, work to keep their interest high and make a final agreement as quickly and efficiently as possible. Once an offer is made, agree on the price and terms, respond to objections and try to be responsive and flexible to legitimate concerns. Drawing Up The Contract
As an independent "For Sale by Owner" home seller, you would be responsible for all
showings of your home. With that in mind, always encourage prospects to make an
appointment, and discourage drop-ins.
Every independent "For Sale by Owner" home seller should have an attorney or other qualified individual to preside over all agreements. That individual will draw up the contract and manage any material defects in your property to the purchaser. Handle the sale proceedings and closing. He or she might also help you set the closing date and time. You should be sure to include a list of items you want written in to the contract, including personal property that is to remain with the home (the refrigerator, microwave oven, dishwasher, etc.), or items excluded in the sale. Also remember that as the seller, you are obligated by law to disclose any defects.
Is a Realty Association Professional a Better Choice? A Realty Association agent can help you sell your home faster and for the best price by:
- Pricing your home accurately by conducting a Comparative Market Analysis. - Advertising your home in the most visible outlets in your area. - Accessing out-of-town buyers through the nationwide network co-operating brokers. - Suggesting easy ways to make your home more attractive to potential buyers. - Exploring alternative financing methods that can help relieve a - Scanning the Multiple Listing Service to locate active buyers through - Acting as a third-party negotiator between you and the buyer, making sure the - Screening prospects so you don't have to expose your family to any stranger - Think of the services that your Realty Association agent provides as an investment, Is My Home Priced To Sell?
Selling your own home takes a lot of hard work and know-how. Making even a small mistake can spell serious trouble. By working with a Realty Association professional, you gain the services of an experienced agent with advanced training in residential sales. Not only does that free you from the time consuming tasks involved with selling your home, it gives you the added expertise to help maximize the profit from your home.
This research will help support the price with comparable facts and statistics.
- Holding open houses.
potential buyer's financing concerns.
a special nationwide network of resources.
selling price and the buying price are optimal for both parties.
that knocks at your door.
one that immediately pays for itself in the quick, efficient and successful sale of your home.
The right price means a successful sale. Pricing your home is both an art and a science. Achieving optimal price is the result both of objective research into comparable properties and a gut feeling about your property and the current market. The right price should:
- Attract buyers.
- Allow you to earn the most money possible.
- Help you sell as quickly as possible.
The simple fact is, price is the number one factor that most homebuyers use to determine which homes they want to view. And it's important to remember that, although the price is set by you, the value of the home is determined by the buyer. Try to avoid allowing your enthusiasm to impact your better judgment — overpricing is a common mistake that can cost you in the end.
Factors Affecting Your Asking Price
- How quickly you need to sell.
- The amount of competition in your price category and area.
- The availability, flexibility and affordability of financing.
- The sale prices of similar homes sold in your area during the past six months to one year.
Factors That Should Not Affect Your Asking Price
- The original cost of the property — price is determined by today's market.
- Any investments you've made in improvements.
- The cost to build your home today.
- Emotional attachment.
- The opinions of friends and neighbors.
Problems That Can Arise From Overpricing?
- You might help sell similar homes that are priced lower.
- Your home may stay on the market longer.
- You could lose market interest and qualified buyers.
- You might create a negative impression of the property.
- You could lose money as a result of making extra mortgage payments while incurring taxes,
insurance and unplanned maintenance costs.
- You may have to accept less money.
- A potential buyer may face appraisal and financing problems as a result of the inflated price.
A Realty Association Professional Can Help You Price Your Home Right.
With a mix of real-world experience and advanced training, a Realty Association
agent has the tools necessary to calculate the fair-market value of your home based
on both the marketplace and personal considerations such as your must-sell date.
Remember, the right price is the key to a successful sale. So work with a
Realty Association professional to price your home accurately the first time.
Is My Home Ready To Sell?
Giving Your Home the On-the-Market-Makeover You work with a Realty Association professional because he or she is best able to sell your home quickly and profitably. But remember, your relationship is a partnership. While they market your property and screen potential buyers, it's up to you to give your home a sprucing up that can go a long way towards a speedy sale.
Before The Showing Begins Hint: First Impressions are Lasting Impressions The exterior of your home often determines how buyers will view the interior, so:
- Make sure the front entrance is clean and inviting. - Paint or replace your front door if it's faded or worn. - Add some paint to shutters, trim and any other outside feature showing signs of wear.
Hint: Beauty is More than Skin Deep Buyers often see the surface condition of your home as a sign of what's underneath, so:
- Keep windows and floors clean. - Replace faded wallpaper and glue any areas that have come away from the wall. - Repair worn woodwork. - Repaint scarred or dirty walls in a neutral color. - Steam clean carpeting or replace it if necessary. - Repair loose knobs, sticking doors and windows, warped cabinet drawers, broken light switches and other minor flaws. - Check and repair caulking in bathtubs and showers.
Hint: Accentuate the Positive Try to see your home with a fresh perspective and arrange each room to bring our its best attributes, including:
- Open draperies and curtains to let the light in during the showing. - Remove all unnecessary clutter from your attic, basement and closets to better display spacious rooms (consider storage or a garage sale to dispose of extraneous items). - Arrange all your rooms neatly and remove excess furniture. - Keep fresh, clean towels in the bathroom. - Use candles or air freshener to give rooms a pleasant scent.
Hint: Put Your Home in the Best Light Strategically lighting your home, even during daytime showings, can create a cozy mood and highlight positive attributes of each rooms, so:
- Avoid the use of overhead lighting that makes rooms look washed out and lifeless. - Be creative and arrange lamps to help smaller rooms seem larger, and large - Use lighting to highlight the "living areas" of your home, such as a pair of - Put the spotlight on the strengths and potential of your home. - Create the right mood and atmosphere given the room's function, color scheme, etc. - Accent the positive aspects and unique features of each area of your home. - Define the space. - Bring the room to life.
rooms more intimate.
chairs near a fireplace, or a table in a breakfast area.
After The Showing Begins - Try not to be present during showings. - If you are home, never apologize for the appearance of your house. - Only your Realty Association professional should discuss any objections and subjects such as price, terms, possession and other factors with the buyers.
Hint: Leave the Selling to the Professional Buyers often feel uncomfortable in the presence of a homeowner, so:
Hint: Keep the Disturbances Down Potential homebuyers have a lot to take in, so minimize the distractions:
- Pipe in classical, jazz or soft rock music, but keep the volume low. - If possible, turn off the ringer on your phone during showings. - Keep cats, dogs, litter boxes and feeding dishes out of the way, preferably out of the house. Hint: Create a Homey Atmosphere Buyers try to picture themselves and their family - Create a pleasant aroma by baking cookies or bread, or placing cornmeal in a - Keep the heat or air conditioner at comfortable levels. - If you have a fireplace, light it during wintertime showings. Hint: Have Records Available - Even if a buyer doesn't study them, having records available can make - Have copies of your gas, electric and water bill from the last 12 months available. - Be ready to show all home improvement and repair bills.
living in your home, so:
warm oven on the day of the showing.
it clear you are conscientious and have nothing to hide.
"Home Staging" - article link.
Contact us for more details!
David Rossetti - Realtor
Phone: (850) 591-6161 Fax: (850) 926-1611 Email: wakullahomes@gmail.com
