Spring has traditionally been the best time to sell a home, but with the ever-evolving real estate market, sellers in Spring 2024 need smart strategies to navigate these changes successfully. If you're contemplating selling your home this season, here's why it could be a great decision: Understanding Market Dynamics High Demand: Despite varying mortgage rates, buyer demand remains strong, particularly with rates trending downward. Your home could be exactly what buyers are looking for. Seller’s Market Continues: The inventory of homes for sale is still low, maintaining a seller's market. Your property won’t just be another listing but a sought-after opportunity for buyers. Price Appreciation: Home prices are not falling; they continue to rise. Selling now means you could capitalize on this trend for a lucrative sale. Why Selling This Spring Makes Sense Equity Advantages: Many homeowners have seen significant equity growth in their properties over the last few years. This equity can be a game-changer when selling, providing financial flexibility for your next move. Emotional Considerations: Homes are more than assets; they’re part of our life stories. Selling in a market that recognizes the value of your home allows you to transition to the next chapter in your life with financial and emotional rewards. Maximizing Your Sale Choose the Right Partner: Selling a home involves intense and complex negotiations, as well as completing legally required documents that need to be delivered to your buyer. Working with an experienced real estate professional can simplify this process, helping you avoid common pitfalls and maximize your sale's potential. Preparation Is Key: Ensure your home is ready to impress with simple fixes and staging that highlights its potential. First impressions matter, and a well-presented home sells faster and for a better price. Take Action Now is the time to make your move. With strategic preparation and the right guidance, you can navigate the Spring 2024 market to successfully sell your home. Consider these steps: Assess Your Home’s Value: Understand the current market value of your home and how your equity position can benefit you. Prepare for the Market: Invest in making your home appeal to the widest audience. Small improvements can have a big impact on your sale. Select a Trusted Real Estate Agent: Partner with a professional who knows the market and can guide you through the selling process, ensuring you get the best possible outcome. Ready to Sell Your Home This Spring? If you're ready to take advantage of the Spring 2024 market, let's connect. With the right strategy and support, you can navigate the selling process for a successful and rewarding outcome. Contact Laura Dandoy at 909-228-4383 today to discuss how we can maximize your home's potential this spring.

Read more

Are you on the exciting journey of finding your perfect home? Don't navigate this adventure alone! A seasoned real estate agent is your key to success. From unforeseen hurdles to crucial negotiations, your agent is your trusted partner, dedicated to minimizing stress and maximizing results. Let them handle the complexities while you focus on envisioning your dream home.    Pre-Listing Activities Make appointment with seller for listing presentation   Send seller a written or e-mail confirmation of listing appointment & call to confirm   Review pre-appointment questions   Research all comparable currently listed properties   Research sales activity from MLS & public records databases for comparable properties   Research "Average Days on Market" for property of this type, price range & location   Download & review property tax roll information*   Prepare "Comparable Market Analysis" (CMA) to establish fair market value   Research property's ownership & deed type*   Research property's public record information for lot size & dimensions*   Verify legal names of owner(s) in county's public property records*   Prepare listing presentation package with above materials   Perform exterior "Curb Appeal Assessment" of subject property   Compile & assemble file on property   Review listing appointment checklist to ensure all steps & actions are completed   Contact title company and obtain relevant information from a property profile or preliminary report   Listing Appointment Presentation Give seller an overview of current market conditions & projections   Review agent's & company's credentials & accomplishments in the market   Present company's profile & position or "niche" in the marketplace   Present CMA to seller, incl. comparables, sold properties, current listings & expired listings   Offer pricing strategy based on professional judgment & current market conditions   Discuss goals with seller to market effectively   Discuss Compensation being paid to the Listing Broker, including the option to offer a cooperating commission to buyer’s agents and the amount, if any. Talk about the benefits and different strategies related to the offering to pay the buyer’s agent.   Explain power & benefits of Multiple Listing Service and office exclusive option and consequences   Explain power of web marketing, IDX & REALTOR.com   Explain the work you do "behind the scenes" & availability after hours and on weekends   Explain role in screening for qualified buyers in compliance with fair housing laws and principles & minimizing the inconvenience to seller from curiosity seekers   Present & discuss strategic master marketing plan   Explain different agency relationships & determine seller's preference   Review & explain all clauses in Listing Contract & Addenda, including Disclosure Regarding Real Estate Agency Relationships, and Advisories & obtain seller's signature   Prepare net sheet (estimate seller proceeds, CAR form ESP) based on listing price and loan information provided by seller   Discuss with seller if there is a current tenant, if so whether the property will be sold vacant or occupied. If the tenancy will be terminated and property is to be sold vacant, advise seller to consult with a qualified landlord tenant attorney to verify the process is done correctly and in a timely manner.    Discuss with seller if there are any current adult occupants who are not the named sellers such as adult family members. If so, add C.A.R. form Tenant Occupied Property Addendum (TOPA)   Verify the name on RLA matches the name under current title. If seller is signing in a representative capacity, obtain all appropriate legal documentations (trust doc, letter of testamentary, board resolution, or operating agreement). Consult with and provide to title officer the appropriate document has been received to authorize sale by the entity.   Prepare detailed list of personal property that seller intends to take or leave, and whether there are items that will remain that are leased or liened    Discuss advantages of staging property   Once Property is Under Listing Agreement Confirm lot size via owner's copy of certified survey, if available   Prepare showing instructions for buyers' agents & showing times with seller   Discuss possible buyer financing alternatives & options with seller   Identify Home Owner Association manager, if applicable   Verify Homeowner Association Fees with manager (Homeowner Association Information Request, CAR Form HOA-IR)   Order copy of Homeowner Association documents required for the transaction, if applicable   Order NHD and any other reports and documents, as applicable   Verify security system, current term of service & whether owned or leased   Ascertain need for lead-based paint disclosure   Prepare detailed list of property amenities & assess market impact   Compile list of completed repairs & maintenance items   Have extra key made for lockbox   Verify if property has rental units involved. And if so:   *Obtain from seller current lease agreement and Income and Expense Statement, if required under TOPA or RIPA   *Provide Tenant Estoppel Certificate for tenant to verify rent and security deposit, if required under TOPA or RIPA   *Inform tenants of listing & discuss how showings will be handled. Obtain tenant signature on Keysafe/Lockbox addendum and Tenant Permission to Access Property, CAR Form KLA). Discuss serving Notice of Sale and Entry (CAR Form NSE) to make showing the showing process easier.   Arrange for installation of yard sign   Provide seller with Seller's Disclosure forms and advisories, such as Real Estate Transfer Disclosure Statement, CAR form TDS, Seller Property Questionnaire, CAR Form SPQ, Lead-Based Paint and Lead-Based Paint Hazards Disclosure, acknowledgment and Addendum for Pre-1978 Housing Sales, Leases, or Rentals, CAR Form LPD, Disclosure Information Advisory, CAR Form DIA, Statewide Buyer and Seller Advisory, CAR Form SBSA, and offer to address questions seller may have about completing any such forms   Review Curb Appeal Assessment & provide suggestions to improve salability   Review Interior Decor Assessment & suggest changes to shorten time on market   Load listing into transaction management software program   Provide seller a copy of the Listing Agreement at the time of execution Contact staging company, if agreed to by seller   Entering Property in Multiple Listing Service Database Prepare MLS Profile Sheet   Enter property data from Profile Sheet into MLS Listing Database   Proofread MLS database listing for accuracy - incl proper placement in map   Add property to company's Active Listings list   Provide seller the MLS link or profile sheet for the property   Take additional photos for upload into MLS & use in flyers   Draft listing remarks for public view and private agent remarks   Marketing The Listing Create print & Internet ads with seller's input   Coordinate showings with owners, tenants, & other REALTORS®   Return all calls   Install electronic lock box if authorized. Program agreed-to showing times   Prepare mailing & contact list   Generate mail-merge letters to contact list   Order "Just Listed" labels & reports   Prepare flyers & feedback forms   Review comparable MLS listings regularly to ensure property remains competitive   Prepare property marketing brochure for seller's review   Arrange for printing or copying of supply of marketing brochures or flyers   Place marketing brochures in all company agent mailboxes   Upload listing to company & agent Internet site, if applicable   Mail Out "Just Listed" notice to all neighborhood residents   Advise Network Referral Program of listing   Provide marketing data to buyers coming thru international relocation networks   Provide marketing data to buyers coming from referral network   Provide "Special Feature" cards for marketing, if applicable   Submit ads to company's participating Internet real estate sites   Price changes conveyed promptly to all Internet groups   Reprint/supply brochures promptly as needed   Loan information reviewed & updated in MLS as required   Feedback e-mails/faxes sent to buyers' agents after showings   Review weekly Market Study   Discuss feedback from showings with seller to determine if changes are needed   Place regular weekly update calls to seller to discuss marketing & pricing   Promptly enter price changes in MLS listing database   Receive & review all Residential Purchase Agreements (offers) submitted by buyers' agents   Evaluate offer(s), prepare Summary of Multiple Offers, CAR Form SUM-MO & prepare a "net sheet" for the owner for comparison purposes   The Offer and Contract Submit all offers received to the seller unless otherwise instructed in writing   Counsel seller on offers. Explain objective merits & weaknesses of each offer, including any special terms written in by buyer such as termite report, and any costs assigned to seller   Contact buyers' agents to review buyer's qualifications & discuss offer   Deliver Seller's Disclosures to buyer upon request & prior to offer if possible   Confirm buyer is pre-qualified by calling Loan Officer   Obtain pre-qualification letter on buyer from Loan Officer, if not submitted with offer   Negotiate all offers on seller's behalf, including price, costs, and all time frames   Prepare & convey counter offers, acceptance or amendments to buyer's agent   Deliver copies of contracts to Escrow and all other necessary parties   If Buyer’s signed Offer to Purchase is acceptable to seller, obtain seller signatures and then deliver a copy to buyer's agent   Verify that the buyer has submitted the initial deposit to Escrow Holder   Deliver copies of fully signed Offer to Purchase contract to seller   Send copies of Offer to Purchase contract to lender   Provide copies of signed Offer to Purchase contract for office file   If additional offers are submitted between contract & closing, submit to seller and advise   Change status in MLS to "Pending" or “Active Under Contract” or similar status   Update transaction management program show "Sale Pending"   Provide credit report information to seller if property will be seller-financed   Buyer’s agent to refer buyer to loan broker or lender if buyer has not already made contacts, and if applicable follow-up as necessary   Buyer’s agent to coordinate with lender on Discount Points being locked in with dates   Deliver seller disclosures to buyer’s agent   Discuss with buyer the Buyer Inspection Advisory (BIA)   Fill out Buyer Inspection Election (BIE), Buyer Material Issues (BMI), Buyer Inspection Waiver (BIW), as applicable   Order septic system inspection, if applicable   Receive & review septic system report & assess any possible impact on sale   Deliver copy of septic system inspection report to buyer   Deliver Well Flow Test Report copies to buyer   Verify termite inspection ordered, if required   Verify mold inspection ordered, if required   Prepare timeline of events and calendar.  Notify buyer or seller client if contractual terms are not or have not been met and discuss consequences and potential actions, such as cancellation, delivery of notice to buyer or seller to perform.  Use as applicable, Notice to Buyer to Perform, CAR Form NBP, Notice to Seller to Perform, CAR Form, Demand to Close Escrow, CAR Form DCE, Cancellation of Contract, Release of Deposit and Joint Escrow Instructions, CAR Form CC   If not already done, conduct reasonably competent and diligent visual inspection and disclose material facts that may affect value and desirability of property using agent portion of TDS or Agent Visual Inspection Disclosure, CAR Form AVID. Review seller disclosures for inconsistencies   Tracking the Loan Process Follow Loan Processing All the Way through underwriting   Add lender & other vendors to your management program so agents, buyer & seller can track progress of sale   Contact lender weekly to ensure processing is on track   Relay final approval of buyer's loan application to seller   Home Inspection Coordinate buyer's professional home inspection with seller’s agent   Review home inspector's report with buyer   Enter completion into transaction management tracking software program   Explain to buyer the seller's responsibilities & explain any clauses in the contract   Use C.A.R. form Request for Repair (RR) to ask seller to make any repairs, give credit or reduce the purchase price   Negotiate RR and explain consequence of removing investigation contingency, and any other contingency, as term of the request process   Assist seller with identifying contractors to perform any agreed to repairs   Confirm with seller all repairs are final at least five days before Close of Escrow and that seller provided receipts for those repairs   The Appraisal Coordinate Appraisal appointment with seller’s agent   Provide comparable sales used in market pricing to Appraiser   Follow-up on appraisal   Enter completion into transaction management program   Assist seller or buyer in questioning appraisal report if it seems too low   Closing Preparations and Duties Coordinate closing process with buyer's agent & lender   Update closing forms & files   Ensure all parties have all forms & information needed to close the sale   Confirm with seller they will be available in person for the signing of closing docs, including the deed. If they will be not available, make alternative arrangements via Remote Online Notary and verify with title that is acceptable   Confirm closing date & time & notify all parties   Coordinate with title company in solving any title problems, such as obtaining Death Certificates or representative signer’s documentation   Work with buyer's agent in scheduling buyer's Final Verification of Property prior to closing   Request final closing figures from escrow holder   Receive & carefully review closing figures to ensure accuracy of preparation   Request copy of closing documents from escrow holder   Coordinate with escrow and title to verify that lender requirements have been met and documents, such as title policy have been obtained, to enable closing   Reviews all closing documents carefully for errors   Verify seller has received all closing documents   Coordinate closing with seller's next purchase & resolve any timing problems, if applicable   Have a "no surprises" closing so seller receives a net proceeds check at closing   Refer sellers to one of the best agents at their destination, if applicable   Change MLS status to Sold. Enter sale date, price, selling broker, etc.   Close out listing in your management program   Verify with seller all personal items and debris will be removed by close of escrow. Confirm all items included in the sale such as appliances will remain at closing   Follow Up After Closing Answer questions about filing claims with Home Warranty Company if requested   Respond to any calls & provide any information required from office files   Provide referrals to service providers that might assist clients with evaluating conditions   Offer to transmit communications to the other agent   If any dispute cannot be resolved between the parties, remind the parties to mediate before moving to arbitration or litigation, if required in the purchase agreement

Read more