5 Keys to Setting the Right Asking Price for Your Shadow Cliff Home

5 Keys to Setting the Right Asking Price for Your Shadow Cliff Home

Pricing your home appropriately from the beginning is critical to attracting buyers looking for homes for sale in Shadow Cliff Pleasanton. To get the right price, you need to evaluate your home objectively and consider market conditions. Read on for some tips on how to set the right asking price for your home. 

1. Put yourselves in the shoes of buyers

As a seller, it is normal to feel emotional over your home because it has sentimental value. However, the memories that your home holds are yours and should not affect the market price. This is where you have to place yourself in the shoes of a buyer. Prepare to be rational and think like a buyer. Look at your house from a group of Shadow Cliff Pleasanton homes for sale. Imagine which one you’d purchase if you were looking at them from the outside point of view.

2. Know the truth about comparables

What’s your home worth in Shadow Cliff? Well, it is worth what someone will pay for it. This will likely be the same as what they have paid for similar homes in the recent past. Most surely, buyers will visit other properties, and you should, too. Knowing the competition will help you price your home accurately. At the same time, looking at comparables on your market will give you an idea of what houses in your neighbourhood don’t sell for.

3. Work out a contingency plan before selling

Sellers usually have high expectations about their home’s appeal and most of them ask top dollar for their property. However, before putting your home on the market, it is always better to work out a contingency plan with your real estate agent. Have a plan B just in case your home doesn’t go for the desired price. Having a contingency plan will save you time and help you avoid unpleasant surprises down the road.

4. Don’t get too creative with your price

There are instances when sellers want to get creative with their asking price. However, if your home’s value is between $750k and $850k, there is no good reason why you should price your home at $787,777. Such an oddly specific figure will make buyers wonder why you chose that figure. Then the buyers will get curious about who the seller is, and so on. Remember that the goal is to showcase the property and not the seller. In fact, experts would say that it is best to keep the seller far in the background.

5. Appeal to the herd mentality

No buyer will want to be the only one interested in a property since real estate has high stakes. That is why you should price your home on the lower end of the value range. Doing so will help you stimulate interest among more than one buyer and create a herd mentality. This would also be a good option if you are under pressure to sell quickly. 

Check out http://www.HomeValuesPleasanton.com for more home selling ideas, and for a free market evaluation of your home in Shadow Cliff.

If you are looking for a Pleasanton luxury REALTOR® who can help you sell or buy your dream luxury home, call me, Rhonda Fee, at 925-200-0827. You can also text 925-660-7110 with any of these codes: seller411, buyer411 or homesearch. With my extensive experience and knowledge of the Pleasanton luxury real estate market, combined with a track record of satisfied clients, your next transaction will be the best move you’ve ever made!

What You Need to Know about the Top 5 Real Estate Myths

What You Need to Know about the Top 5 Real Estate Myths

Selling your home to buyers looking for Del Prado Pleasanton homes for sale requires research in order to separate fact from fiction. With all the information readily available everywhere, it is easy to fall victim to home selling myths. This could drain you of your time and money. 

Here are the five real estate myths that you should know: 

#1: Curb appeal is no longer important once buyers are inside your home

The importance of curb appeal can never be downplayed when it comes to selling a home. Buyers will be less willing to enter your home if the outside does not appeal to them. 

Since most buyers drive by a home before deciding whether or not to look inside, you have to make a good first impression. Make sure you have spruced up the lawn and cleared the walkways and driveway of leaves and other debris. You may also put potted flowers, a wreath, or a pleasing welcome mat for added curb appeal.

#2: You need to spend money to make money

Many sellers mistakenly believe they can add value to their homes by making renovations and upgrades. These changes can make your home more attractive to buyers looking for real estate for sale in Del Prado Pleasanton CA. It can even boost the asking price a little. However, it doesn’t mean that you will automatically make back the money that you’ve spent. There are times when even the most popular renovations, like a bathroom or a kitchen, can end up as break even renovations.

#3: You need to wait for the right season to sell your home

Many would-be sellers allow months and months to pass by because they’ve been told that spring and summer are the best times to sell their homes. The idea of spring as a prime real estate season began because parents waited until the end of the school year to move. At present, home sales are no longer driven mainly by young families with school aged children. The other seasons are just as competitive.

#4: You’re better off selling your home on your own

Some sellers try to sell their properties without the help of a real estate agent thinking they are saving money usually intended for the agent’s commission. 

The truth is, statistically, many sellers who try to sell their homes on their own cannot complete the sale without the service of a real estate agent. Sellers often net less when they go through the home selling process without a real estate agent.

#5: An open house is a sure way to move your home

People often think that the best way to sell the home is by way of an open house. This is sometimes true, but rarely. You see, many buyers come through the open house with their agent and are looking at other multiple homes on the same day. 

Others might be nosey neighbors or window shoppers rather than serious buyers. It is good to have open houses, but don’t rely on them to be what sells your home. The marketing your real estate agent does for you and the networking connections they have made in the real estate industry are much more effective. 

On the other hand, there are occasions where someone serious will come through the open house and your house is their dream! 

While open houses can help stir up interest, you must not rely on it to seal the deal.

Check out http://www.HomeValuesPleasanton.com for more home selling ideas, and for a free market evaluation of your home in Del Prado.

If you are looking for a Pleasanton luxury REALTOR® who can help you sell or buy your dream luxury home, call me, Rhonda Fee, at 925-200-0827. You can also text 925-660-7110 with any of these codes: seller411, buyer411 or homesearch. With my extensive experience and knowledge of the Pleasanton luxury real estate market, combined with a track record of satisfied clients, your next transaction will be the best move you’ve ever made!

The Biggest Turn-Offs for Homebuyers and How to Avoid Them

The Biggest Turn-Offs for Homebuyers and How to Avoid Them

If you are seriously considering selling your home for sale in Pleasanton CA to buyers you need to be aware of things that could add value to your property and help attract more attention. 

At the same time, you need to know the things that could send buyers running for the front door.

Read on for some major buyer turn offs that you need to avoid.

Bright walls

Paint can do wonders to a home. It is a low-cost but effective way of showcasing your property. While you don’t have to paint the whole house, you should cover rooms with existing bright or unique colors with something more neutral. Bold colors are highly personalized and can send buyers out the door. Remember that most buyers are more comfortable with neutral walls, both inside and out.

Cooking smells

Next to pet odor, buyers find cooking smells nearly as­­ offensive. Strong spices such as garlic, bacon and onions tend to linger long after the meal is over. To diffuse the smells, leave a window slightly open while cooking. You may boil some cinnamon in water to freshen up your home prior to showings. Also be careful with plug-ins and sprays because sometimes they can make the problem even worse for buyers who are sensitive to smells or allergenic to fresheners.

Outdated fixtures and appliances

Buyers of Pleasanton CA Birdland homes for sale will not be impressed by tarnished doorknobs, disco-era light fixtures, and ancient ceiling fans. Before showing your home to prospective buyers, you need to do something about the old fixtures in your home. Keep in mind that homes which have old fans, lights, ovens, and kitchen appliances can really turn a buyer off.

Sellers who hang around

Buyers don’t feel comfortable when sellers greet them at the front door, follow them around the house, and give unsolicited comments. They may feel like a guest in a stranger’s home or a patron at a museum. Buyers tend to be cautious and they don’t get enough time to really to delve into the property. To avoid annoying buyers, it is better if you will stay away from showings.

Misrepresenting a home

Most buyers looking for real estate listings in Birdland Pleasanton CA begin their search online. That is why sellers use photos and words to make their homes more attractive on the multiple listing services. However, there are times when pictures and words paint a false portrait. If the information about your home, neighborhood, or even transactional position is misrepresented, the sheer misrepresentation will definitely turn off buyers. Always keep in mind that buyers rely on sellers to be upfront and honest.

Irrational seller expectations

Another issue that can turn off buyers are irrational expectations from the seller. An unreasonable seller with irrational expectations is the last thing a buyer wants to argue with a seller about. With other similar properties on the marker, it would be easy for a buyer to just skip over to the next available home. To avoid this, check the other homes that are for sale in your area and price range. If your property has much less curb appeal or is much less updated than the other homes, don’t list it at the same price and expect it to sell.

Check out http://www.HomeValuesPleasanton.com for more home selling ideas, and for a free market evaluation of your home in Birdland Pleasanton CA.

If you are looking for a Pleasanton luxury REALTOR® who can help you sell or buy your dream luxury home, call me, Rhonda Fee, at 925-200-0827. You can also text 925-660-7110 with any of these codes: seller411, buyer411 or homesearch. With my extensive experience and knowledge of the Pleasanton luxury real estate market, combined with a track record of satisfied clients, your next transaction will be the best move you’ve ever made!

The Seller’s Guide to Emotionally Detaching from Your Pleasanton Home

The Seller’s Guide to Emotionally Detaching from Your Pleasanton Home

Having a deep emotional connection to your home can work against you if you are trying to sell your property to buyers looking for homes for sale in Shadow Cliff Pleasanton. 

While it is normal to have a strong attachment to your home, you have to avoid making decisions based on emotions. Unleashing your emotions during the process of the sale of your home can get in the way of the end result you desire. 

Read on for some tips on how to detach yourself emotionally from your home and get the best deal for your property: 

1. Make sure you are truly ready to sell

Before you show your home to buyers, make sure you are emotionally prepared for the home selling process. Consult with your trusted real estate agent. If you find yourself resisting your agent’s suggestions, it is a sign that you may not be ready to let go. Don’t force yourself. It will be better to wait until you are ready. 

2. See your home as a product to be marketed

It is difficult to see your home as a product if you are still attached to it. However, that’s what it really is when it is a home for sale - something you have to sell... it is a product. 

Most of the time, a seller who is not emotionally ready to sell will insist on setting a price that is higher than where other similar Shadow Cliff Pleasanton homes for sale have sold. This can sabotage the process and make your home languish on the market for months. In our fast paced Pleasanton real estate market, languishing for 30-days is a problem. Be sure not to set that trap for yourself.

3. Remove your personal items

Most of the time, sellers need to remove their personal property as part of the home staging process. This can be as basic as taking down diplomas, removing family pictures, or personal items such as religious statues and knick-knacks from your travels. 

When you remove your personal items, you help show your home in its best light and you get a head start on moving (who doesn’t love a head start on moving)! It is also a major step toward detaching because it makes your house feel less like your home and more like a product for sale. 

4. Consider all the new opportunities you will have in your new home

Another effective way to detach from your home is to think of all the possibilities that your new location has to offer. You could start researching online what the new location has to offer in terms of schools, churches, restaurants, cultural centers, shopping, medical centers, jobs, clubs, and civic and volunteer organizations. 

Talk about the activities that you and your family can do together in your new neighborhood. Believe that change can be a good thing and it will help you detach from your home for sale in Shadow Cliff Pleasanton. 

5. Get help from family and friends

Detaching from your home can be harder when you do it on your own. Don’t hesitate to ask for outside help because selling your home can be both physically and emotionally draining. Your family and friends can provide an objective pair of eyes and practical help and advice. They can help keep you on track and support you through the process. 

The best help you can ever receive is from a professional Shadow Cliff Pleasanton real estate agent with lots of experience in successfully selling homes. 

Check out http://www.HomeValuesPleasanton.com for more home selling ideas, and for a free market evaluation of your home in Shadow Cliff.

If you are looking for a Pleasanton luxury REALTOR® who can help you sell or buy your dream luxury home, call me, Rhonda Fee, at 925-200-0827. You can also text 925-660-7110 with any of these codes: seller411, buyer411 or homesearch. With my extensive experience and knowledge of the Pleasanton luxury real estate market, combined with a track record of satisfied clients, your next transaction will be the best move you’ve ever made!

Top 5 Keys to Increase Buyer Traffic to Your Home for Sale

Top 5 Keys to Increase Buyer Traffic to Your Home for Sale

If you are selling your home, you want to attract as many potential buyers of Del Prado Pleasanton homes for sale as possible. The more buyers that have interest in your home, the more likely someone will submit an offer. How can you convince prospective buyers to visit, and fall in love with your property? Here are a number of ways that you can do attract potential buyers to your home.

1. Boost the exterior appeal of your home

One sure way of attracting buyers is by improving your home’s curb appeal. To do this, get in your car, drive around the block, and take an objective look at your home. Check how the driveway looks. Make sure your landscaping, including all trees, plants, and shrubs are attractively maintained. Does the exterior of your house appeal to you? Remember that prospective home buyers may have been shopping around for Del Prado Pleasanton real estate for sale for quite some time. They have already seen several properties so you need to give them fresh impression of your home. 

2. Make necessary repairs

If there are minor problems with your home it is better to have them fixed as earlier as possible. Don’t wait until prospective buyers are already in your door. Since you are probably going to spend on repairs before your close your home, you might as well do it in time to boost the appeal of your home. Get rid of leaky faucets, a cracked windowpane, or a carpet stain. If you start taking care of repairs now, you will sell sooner and avoid the expense of last-minute rush jobs. 

3. Add incentives

Another way to generate a lot of interest to your home is by adding incentives. These incentives can make a difference in your home sale. Consider throwing in popular incentives like a home theater system, a pool table or new flooring. Just remember to properly include all of your upgrades on the seller disclosures.

4. Make your home an easy show

Avoid being too restrictive on viewing times. Keep in mind that the more time available for the agent to show the home, the larger number of potential home buyers can see your property. Also remember to have a key available for your trusted real estate agent. This way, your agent can still have access to your home even when you are not there or are unavailable. 

5. Make buyers feel at home

If you want to make a lasting impression on buyers of homes for sale in Del Prado Pleasanton, make sure to stage areas that you want to highlight within your home. Consider having an attractive place settings and a centerpiece on the dining room table. You may also place a reading light next to an armchair or display fruit or jars on the kitchen counter along with an open cookbook. If you want to appeal to the buyer’s sense of smell, try offering freshly baked treats and placing firewood or pinecones in or next to the fireplace. 

Check out http://www.HomeValuesPleasanton.com for more home selling ideas, and for a free market evaluation of your home in Del Prado.

If you are looking for a Pleasanton luxury REALTOR® who can help you sell or buy your dream luxury home, call me, Rhonda Fee, at 925-200-0827. You can also text 925-660-7110 with any of these codes: seller411, buyer411 or homesearch. With my extensive experience and knowledge of the Pleasanton luxury real estate market, combined with a track record of satisfied clients, your next transaction will be the best move you’ve ever made!

Top 5 Tips in Choosing the Best Offer in a Bidding War

Top 5 Tips in Choosing the Best Offer in a Bidding War

Sellers who receive competing offers to purchase from buyers of homes for sale in Birdland Pleasanton CA are now faced with an interesting problem - how do you know which offer is the best? 

To answer this, you will need to review each offer carefully to determine its strengths and drawbacks. Doing so will help you minimize the fallout and increase the likelihood of success. Your trusted real estate agent can provide you an estimated seller’s net sheet on each individual offer. This is very helpful in comparing offers side-by-side.

Read on for some tips to help you evaluate the offers .

1. Set baselines

Setting baselines is one of the best ways to help you select the best offer on your home. If you are receiving several offers from buyers looking for real estate for sale in Birdland Pleasanton CA , it is best to determine which terms matter most to you. If the price is your highest consideration, you may need to be flexible on your desired closing date. 

If you want to be sure that the transaction won’t fall apart because the buyer can’t get a mortgage, your trusted real estate agent should speak with the buyer’s lender to find out how they were pre-approved. Some lenders will provide a much more in depth approval than others and it is worth the phone call. 

2. Check all legal documents

Before you choose any offer, make sure you have gone through each document carefully. Ensure that you understand the actual contract that you will be signing. Be familiar with the legal aspects of the contract, including important things like the amount of earnest money deposit being held in escrow, the amount of money the buyer will be mortgaging, the closing date and any other inserted contingencies.

3. Don’t take offers personally

Selling your home is not just a business transaction, it is also an emotional process. It is normal for you to feel attached to your home. However, avoid feeling offended if your real estate agent informs you that a buyer complained about some features of your home, justifying a lowball offer. Take it as a sign that the buyer is truly interested and those comments are just part of the negotiation tactics. 

4. Beware of pitfalls

Receiving multiple offers can be exhilarating, but be careful not to let it go to your head. Too much drama and delay can cause some buyers to lose interest and withdraw their offers. Working with an experienced real estate agent who has successfully dealt with houses for sale in Birdland Pleasanton CA will help you steer clear of common seller pitfalls. Have a master negotiator who fights for your best interests and also realizes the delicate balance of negotiating.

5. Be flexible

If you receive an unacceptable offer through your real estate agent, do not reject it right away. Instead, ask questions to determine what is really most important to the buyer and check if you can meet that need. 

For instance, if you learn that the buyer has to move as soon as possible, this may allow you to be firm on the price but offer to close quicker. Remember that the secret to successfully negotiating the sale is to remain flexible.

Check out http://www.HomeValuesPleasanton.com for more home selling ideas, and for a free market evaluation of your home in Birdland.

If you are looking for a Pleasanton luxury REALTOR® who can help you sell or buy your dream luxury home, call me, Rhonda Fee, at 925-200-0827. You can also text 925-660-7110 with any of these codes: seller411, buyer411 or homesearch. With my extensive experience and knowledge of the Pleasanton luxury real estate market, combined with a track record of satisfied clients, your next transaction will be the best move you’ve ever made!