Common House Selling Questions
Table of Contents:
Should I Use a Real Estate Agent?
Navigating the complexities of selling a home can be challenging, and while there are pros and cons to using a real estate agent, the benefits far outweigh any drawbacks. Here’s why you need me to guide you through your home sale:
Expert Guidance
First and foremost, I can provide expert guidance throughout the entire home selling process. From listing your home to coordinating professional photography and showings, I ensure that your property is marketed effectively. I handle all the details, allowing you to focus on your move.
Market Knowledge
With access to extensive local market data, I can price your home accurately to attract serious buyers. Proper pricing is crucial for a successful sale, and my insights into the market trends and comparable sales in your area will position your home competitively. This isn’t just an automated system spitting out a random number. This is a comprehensive home valuation that compares the area, property features, upgrades and more.
Comprehensive Marketing
I leverage a multi-faceted marketing strategy to maximize your home’s exposure. This includes online listings, social media promotion, and traditional marketing methods. High-quality photos and engaging descriptions are key components that I meticulously manage to showcase your home in the best possible light.
Seamless Transaction
From the initial listing to the final closing, I walk you through every step of the process. My goal is to make your home sale as smooth and stress-free as possible. I handle negotiations, paperwork, and coordinate with all parties involved to ensure everything proceeds without a hitch.
Proven Track Record
According to Bankrate, agents typically command a 5 to 6% commission, which on a $250,000 home equates to $12,500 to $15,000. While this may seem significant, the value of my services goes beyond the commission. I aim to achieve the best possible sale price for your home, often offsetting the cost of the commission through my expertise and negotiation skills.
Thorough Vetting and Customer Service
When choosing an agent, it’s essential to vet them thoroughly. My track record speaks for itself. With 18 years of sales and marketing experience, including top rankings among Arizona REALTORS, I have consistently delivered exceptional results. My team of professionals is ready to handle any repairs or upgrades, ensuring your home is market-ready.
Why Choose Me?
- Top Rankings: Ranked in the top 3% out of 54,000 Arizona REALTORS in 2023 and top 1% in Maricopa County in 2022.
- Professional Team: Access to a reliable team of plumbers, cleaners, electricians, and more for any necessary home improvements.
- Extensive Experience: 18 years in sales and marketing, with a strong background in mortgage loans and ad campaign management.
- Stellar Reviews: A 5-star rating on Google for five consecutive years, reflecting my commitment to excellent customer service.
- Research and Negotiation Skills: I am thorough in my research and a skilled negotiator, ensuring you get the best deal possible.
- Accessibility: I am always available to answer your calls and provide support whenever needed.
Selling your home is a significant decision, and having the right agent by your side can make all the difference. Trust me to handle your home sale with professionalism, expertise, and a touch of fun.
Do I Need to Stage My Home?
You want to sell your home for the highest possible price and with the best terms. Whether you should stage your home depends on its unique characteristics. Staging can be beneficial for some homes but may make no difference for others. With costs averaging between $1,500 and $2,000 per month, it can be an expensive gamble. The layout of your home significantly influences the effectiveness of staging. I will need to evaluate your home’s layout and features to determine if staging is necessary. If it is, the latest trend is virtual staging, which comes at no extra cost with my listings that require it.
What is Virtual Staging?
Virtual staging is a modern, cost-effective solution for showcasing a property’s full potential by digitally enhancing photos of empty or sparsely furnished rooms. Using advanced software, professional designers add furniture, decor, and other elements to create visually appealing images that help prospective buyers envision how the space can be utilized. See the example below of a virtual staged photo on one of my listings.
How Can I Prepare My House for Sale?
Think HGTV when it comes to preparing your home to be sold. You want it to look clean, inviting and minimalistic. You can either clean your home really well or hire me and I will have my professional cleaners come through and make it picture perfect.
The next step is deciding what furniture should stay and what might need to be tucked away somewhere. If you have a large couch that makes the room look incredibly small, then it has to go. If you have a large poster on the wall featuring the Backstreet Boys, then it has to go! I can provide a better understanding when I come over to evaluate and get it ready to be sold.
Can I Leave Family Photos on The Wall?
When you’re selling your home, it is never a good idea to leave family photos on the wall or anywhere else for that matter. It makes it difficult for a buyer to walk through your home and visualize it being their own home. Buyer’s are evaluating where their furniture will go and what it will fell like in the home after they move in. Feelings are a big part of what pushes someone to purchase your home over another one down the street. So pack your photos away first.
Should I Make Any Repairs or Updates Before Listing?
This depends on the types of repairs. If we’re talking about something that is easy to fix such as holes, paint, carpet, flooring etc. These are all easy things to fix or improve. Carpets will be cleaned and stretched if necessary, holes can be filled and painted quite easily. They are not time consuming or costly.
If you have a more serious issue that you can’t afford to fix, then it is just simply disclosed on the seller property disclosure statement and discounted in the price of the home or offered as a credit at close for the repair after escrow has closed.
What is My Home’s Current Market Value?
Great question! You can’t just simply rely on what a property search website says. An instant home value calculator does not take into account comparable sales near your property, home upgrades or unique property features much like an appraiser would do. These are all extremely important factors and could cost you thousands of dollars if you listed your home at the wrong price. This will also give you a much more favorable expectation for what your home is truly worth. For a more detailed explanation and to get an estimate of your home’s true value, please go to my home valuation page.
When is the Best Time to List My House for Sale?
Here in Arizona it is best to sell your home during the spring and summer. However, this is not always true because it is heavily dependent on the overall market, interest rates, job changes, the type of home and area etc. Typically the majority of buyer’s want to purchase when kids are out of school, but sometimes it is necessary to buy a home when there is a change in job or family size. It is best to check with me to see what kind of a market we are in.
How Long Does it Take to Sell a House?
The time that it takes to sell a house is dependent on many different factors such as the state of the economy, housing market, price of your property, number of available homes for sale (inventory levels), location, and even the month that you list. The number of buyers looking in each price range is a big factor for multiple offers. There are more buyers looking for homes that are less expensive, so more affordable listings do not sit as long. When we are in an inventory shortage, this can cause the prices of homes in the lower ranges to increase exponentially with multiple offers. Typically more people are moving during the spring and summer as well in most markets.
Homes listed for sale over $1M are typically on the market anywhere from 6 months to a year and a half. Homes listed for sale in the $400K – $600K range are typically on the market right now between 30 – 60 days. Homes listed for sale in the $600K – $1M are typically on the market for 60 – 90 days. Anything under $400K is typically sold within 30 days.
Do You Have a Team?
The Solo Agent Advantage: Personalized Service with a Smile!
In the world of real estate, some agents work with a team of fellow REALTORS® and assistants to maximize their time. This setup often occurs with experienced professionals who have built a large client base. While a team approach can have its perks, it often feels like you’re navigating a corporate call center rather than working with a dedicated real estate professional.
Imagine calling for support and being transferred to various people, each knowing just a piece of your situation. You might feel like you’re dealing with a call center rather than a local expert. This can be frustrating, especially when you’re making one of the most significant financial decisions of your life.
Why Choose a Solo Agent?
Personalized Attention: When you work with me, you’re getting a dedicated professional who will be with you every step of the way. You won’t be shuffled around from person to person. I take the time to understand your needs, answer your questions, and provide tailored advice specific to your situation.
Consistent Communication: One of the most significant advantages of working with a solo agent is consistent communication. You’ll always know who to contact, and I’ll always be familiar with the details of your transaction. No need to repeat your story multiple times – I’m always up to speed.
Direct Expertise: With a solo agent, you’re not just a number. You’re a valued client. I bring 18 years of sales and marketing experience directly to your transaction, ensuring you benefit from my extensive knowledge and skills.
Personal Touch: Working with me means you get a personal touch that large teams simply can’t offer. I pride myself on my fun personality and ability to connect with my clients. Your home sale isn’t just another file on my desk; it’s a priority.
A Real Estate Experience Like No Other
- Availability: I answer my phone. Whether you have a quick question or need detailed advice, I’m here for you.
- Attention to Detail: From listing your home to coordinating photography and showings, I handle every aspect of the process with care and precision.
- Strong Negotiation Skills: My thorough research and negotiation skills ensure you get the best possible deal.
- Dedicated Support: With me, you’re not just another transaction. You’re a client I’m committed to supporting throughout your real estate journey.
So, if you prefer a more personalized, attentive, and straightforward real estate experience, choosing a solo agent like me is the way to go. Let’s make your home selling process not only successful but also enjoyable!