Show us a house that isn’t selling and we will show you any number of things that haven’t been happening with the sellers or the real estate agent. It isn’t often that a property sits on the market very long these days, especially in San Diego where inventory has been on a decline while demand continues to rise.
- You suggested a price for your home and your agent agreed. Do you ever tell a doctor how to fix you? I’m guessing no, but sometimes you mention a thing or two you read on WebMD and they tell you why your self prognosis doesn’t work. Similar things happen to Realtors® every day! If you tell your agent what you want to price your home for and they quickly agree, they may not be looking out for your best interest. This is an old trick used by agents to “win” a listing. An agent agrees to price your home a certain way, has you sign a listing agreement and then suggest you lower the price later on. Of COURSE if someone told you they could sell your home for more money you’d go with it, right? WRONG. You hire an agent for their expertise. Keep your ears open for the honest truth about your home and the market.
- You were keeping secrets. You don’t have to tell your friends about the mold in the bathroom during a dinner party, but when it comes to your agent, disclose all. There’s a slight water leak when it rains, TELL THEM. There’s a crack that keeps coming back on the exterior, LET ‘EM KNOW. You have 211 porcelain dolls in the garage, OK, wait, don’t tell anyone about that.
- You didn’t hire someone with expertise in contracts. Understanding terms, conditions and timelines are the bread and butter of a transaction. Your agent should not only have experience, but be detail oriented and skillful with contracts. Check out Our Story if you haven’t heard how Matt and Michelle became a team, it has EVERYTHING to do with this point! **Do not confuse this with providing legal advice as only a Real Estate Attorney can do this.***
- You cut corners. Suggestions were made and you went with the option that required the least amount of effort (and money) possible. We get it, but this is no time to skimp. Your agent said to have the cabinets sanded and stained, but you think you can get away with painting them yourself… sorry, but you are wrong. Buyers will notice, their agents will notice and you will get asked for a price reduction time and again.
- You were a little (or a lot) behind the schedule. When an agents agrees to list your home, they are on a time crunch. They have been following the market, know what’s hot, who’s looking and when it’s advantageous to list new properties. Everyone is busy, but the sale of your home means most to YOU and your wallet, so don’t forget to take responsibility for your deadlines because it could cost you in the end. Did you know the most critical time for a new listing is within the first two weeks?
- You didn’t hire a stager. On the very off chance that your homes looks like a page from Pottery Barn, you may be able to get away without this one, but if Martha Stewart has not decorated your home, hire a stager. This is all about appealing to the buyers, not what you find appealing, but what’s trending, what’s new and what flows best in your home. A stager will supply it all, use what you already have or use a mixture of both if applicable. (We hire a stager for all our listings at no charge to the client. Check out her work on Houzz: The Sellable Home.)
- You didn’t completely trust your agent. This should be carefully considered when choosing an agent. Sometimes it’s not enough that she is your mom’s friend from high school or the guy with his face plastered on the van you see driving up and down your neighborhood. Expect candid and honest answers from an agent(s) that really want to know your goals and how selling your home fits into them. **BRAGGING ALERT** We love our clients and regularly get updates about their family and the new memories they are making in their home. Check out some testimonials.
Thinking of selling? Maybe you are ready to list your home for the first time or you are re-listing after not being able to sell. Based on your home stats and the most recent homes sold/pending/active in your area, we will be able to give you a snapshot of how much your home is worth.
3 MONEY MAKING INCOME PROPERTIES
