Tip to Sellers Regarding Home Inspections

 

 

 

 

Buying a home is one of the most significant decisions and one of the biggest investments a buyer will ever make. A home inspection will give the buyer a clear, unbiased evaluation of a home's condition, answer any questions the buyer may have, and help to give them peace of mind.

 

An inspection of the home they are considering will help them make an informed decision during the purchase process.  It will also provide them with the information they will need for any repairs and maintenance their new home may require.  A professional home inspection will allow them to buy with confidence.

 

To help prevent delays and uncomfortable situations after you are in escrow,  I suggest that you walk through your home and view it through the eyes of a potential buyer.  For instance, you may think that your over-sized jetted bathtub is pretty spectacular and one of your biggest selling points.  You may be accustomed to people exclaiming "aahhh!" when they walk into your luxurious master suite bathroom and feel pretty darn good about that selling feature.

It's been my experience, however, that once the novelty of the spectacular bathroom wears off, theses tubs are seldom used.   At some point, the property sells and the home inspector arrives on the scene. What is the first thing he will do?  Fill that big tub up with water and turn on the jets! 

Imagine the face of the buyer and your own mortification as you both witness green moldy things floating around!  Moral of the story?  Clean your jets BEFORE you put your house on the market and address any potential "issues".  

Most buyers are still excited about the pending purchase at the time of the inspection.  My advice is to eliminate any unnecessary reasons for your buyer to feel disillusioned before you can move forward  to a successful closing.

 

Nancy Puder is the owner/broker of Signature Properties, a prestigious real estate firm in Arroyo Grande, CA. If you have questions concerning your real estate needs, you may contact Nancy at Nancy@NancyPuder.com or (805)710-2415 She always enjoys hearing from you!

Urban Real Estate Myths

In the crazy world of real estate, everyone seems to have an opinion or pre-set idea on how it all works.  Mainly because someone is always talking about real estate wherever you go.  Good market, bad market, shopping lines at the store, friends and family sharing experiences and giving advice and of course, the well-meaning but often inaccurate media.  Here are few common urban myths that should help you get a better idea of the real estate market.

 "We can always come down"

Truth - A well priced home will sell quicker and closer to market value, than one that is priced too high in the beginning.  Buyers today have access to the internet and do their own research on your property before they even come to see it in most cases.

 

"My neighbor says that we are priced too low for the neighborhood"

 

Truth - Your neighbor has an emotional stake in what your home sells for as it will affect how much their home is worth.  Let the professionals research your asking price based on facts.

"I heard prices are way up"

Truth - Yes it is true that in some geographical areas that were hit especially hard.  In other areas that remained more stable, price increases are more gradual.  Don't listen to generic or national statistics. Speak to a professional Realtor to determine was is going on in your own local market.

"I heard there is no money for buyers. Is that true?"

Truth - No. There is more mortgage money available than ever before.  Certain reality checks have been put back in place as opposed to pre-recession like the buyer actually has to have a job!

"I'm selling my home "as is".  That's the way they are taking it.."as is"

Truth - Yes, you have the right to sell your property "as is" as long as you disclose anything you know that may be considered a factor in the buyer's decision to buy and the buyer accepts your disclosures.  However, if issues arise during a home inspection, the buyer has the right to re-open negotiations.

Give me a call if you have any questions regarding your property.  I always enjoy hearing from you! 

Nancy Puder is the owner/broker of Signature Properties, a prestigious real estate firm in Arroyo Grande, CA. If you have questions concerning your real estate needs, you may contact Nancy at Nancy@NancyPuder.com or (805)710-2415. She always enjoys hearing from you!

What Buyers Really Want...

 

 

Overall factors in a buyer's decision on where to buy their home is quality of the neighborhood, convenience to their jobs, and affordability of the home.  Under fifty percent of buyers report that the school district is a top factor in choosing their neighborhood.  However, this percentage is lower than it was a a couple of years ago. The number of buyers concerned about the overall  neighborhood has also gone down.

 

The typical buyer today is planning to live in their home for fifteen years.  This is definitely up from a few years ago in when that same question was asked.  A few years ago, the typical buyer planned to live in the home ten years.  

 

When I started my real estate career over 30 years ago, the typical time that a buyer stayed in a home was five to seven years.  Could this mean that as a whole, we are beginning to view stability as a better goal, rather than becoming a real estate tycoon overnight?  

 

I believe that the recession was a reality check for all of us.  Maybe everyone was not seriously affected by the recession, but we all knew people who were.  All of a sudden, our homes didn't look so bad with a little repair here and little remodel there.

 

According to the latest reports, more married couples are buying, while the number of single buyers purchasing a home this past year has lowered.  That number is probably down because of tighter credit standards when getting a mortgage.

 

Navigating the real estate process is a complicated process.  If you want to have a good experience whether purchasing your first or your next home, be sure to choose a Realtor who truly is a professional rather than the guy or gal next door or someone you know who has a real estate license. There are great Realtors to choose from in your marketplace.  Be sure to choose a good one.

 

Nancy Puder is the owner/broker of Signature Properties, a prestigious real estate firm in Arroyo Grande, CA. If you have questions concerning your real estate needs, you may contact Nancy at Nancy@NancyPuder.com or (805)710-2415 She always enjoys hearing from you!