What Are the Common Obstacles Home Sellers Face?

What Are the Common Obstacles Home Sellers Face? 

Selling homes for sale in Shadow Cliff Pleasanton can be stressful. Many unexpected challenges can arise faster than you can address them. Inexperienced homeowners can end up confused and frustrated. That is why you need to hire a trusted and experienced real estate agent to help you through the process. Your agent will also advise and help you with the common obstacles in selling a home since they already have extensive experience in handling such issues.

Below are the top 5 challenges that homeowners face when selling their home.

1. Handling emotions

Selling a home is not just a financial transaction, it is also an emotional experience. Various emotions can surface when you sell your home. Among these are excitement, uncertainty, anxiety, and stress. Knowing how to manage your emotions can help make the home selling process smoother. One important tip is to be certain that you really want to sell your home before you get started.

2. Choosing an agent

Sellers, especially first-timers, usually have a hard time choosing the right real estate agent. With several real estate agents to choose from, how can you be sure you are selecting the right one? Work with someone who has a great track record. You should also learn how to interview prospective agents in a way that you will really get to know them and arrive at the best decision. The right agent can help you overcome the challenges of home selling. He or she can also give you an idea of your home’s worth in Shadow Cliff.

3. Preparing the home for the sale

Before you show your home to potential buyers, you have to ensure it is in good condition. Remember to clean and cover up dingy walls with a fresh coat of paint. If the carpet is already showing obvious signs of wear and tear, it might be better to replace it. Maintain a clean and polished appearance for every open house or showing. Avoid putting the house on the market prematurely as buyers will not appreciate a cluttered home. It is always better to complete all home repairs before putting your home on the market.

4. Dealing with unrealistic home buyers

Another challenge that home sellers usually face is dealing with unrealistic buyers with low ball offers or other demands. Many buyers will want to offer a homeowner less than what their home is worth. If you do not know how to manage low ball offers, this can give you added stress. There are also some buyers who want the home to be in move-in ready condition because they are not interested in doing any repair work to the home before moving in. This scenario can frustrate a seller who has not factored in the cost of repairs and maintenance to the asking price of their home for sale.

5. Closing the deal

Many sellers think that closing the deal seems easy compared to the other stages of home selling. However, there are many things that can delay closing. One common problem that can happen before closing is a buyer getting disapproved for their home loan. There are several factors that can lead to a buyer getting disapproved for a mortgage by the lender. Although this is beyond the seller’s power, it is still a possible problem that must be dealt with.

You don’t need to go through all these obstacles and handle the stress of selling a home by yourself. Remember, your agent’s job is to make your life easier by anticipating these obstacles and helping you avoid or solve them. Hiring a real estate agent will prove to be useful and worth it in terms of saving you time and stress as well as helping you close the deal successfully.

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 to Ask When Interviewing a Del Prado Real Estate Agent

What to Ask When Interviewing a Del Prado Real Estate Agent

Selling your home to buyers looking for Del Prado Pleasanton homes for sale is not easy. Having an experienced and hardworking real estate agent by your side can make the home selling process smoother. To find the right agent, you need to probe deeper and ask a wide range of questions before making any decision. 

Here are five questions that sellers should ask prospective real estate agents:

1. Do you have experience in selling homes in Pleasanton and what is your success rate?

Although it may seem like an obvious place to start, many sellers still neglect to ask potential agents about their work experience. Though a new real estate agent can certainly be motivated and eager to please, sellers should look for an agent who has a good and established track record in dealing with real estate for sale in Pleasanton. A professional with years of experience will have the knowledge and skill to comfortably handle Del Prado transactions from listing to closing. 

2. What is the price range of the homes you have sold?

Asking this question will help you determine if the agent is familiar with how to market your Del Prado home for sale. While you might already have a figure in mind for your home’s price, inquiring about the range of homes that the agent has sold will indicate whether he or she typically represent homes in that price range. 

3. How will you communicate with me?

During the home selling process, you will be hearing from your agent often. Make sure to discuss their means of communication and how often they communicate with their clients prior to hiring an agent. You can verify what the agent says by looking at how he or she has communicated with you thus far. If the agent has not shown any respect for your preferences, has failed to follow up, or has been sloppy with emails and texts, then you better start interviewing someone else.

4. What are the negative aspects of my home?

You know an agent is the right one if he or she could name several potential drawbacks to selling your home. This could include repairs, location, and other important details. Do not look for someone who gives you a rainbows and unicorns response. Seek out a real estate agent with a realistic but tactful approach.

5. How much do you charge? Are you willing to negotiate?

This question does not mean that you are going for the cheapest agent. As a seller, you have know what is included in the agent’s fees. Remember that you are looking for a good negotiator and value for your money. A good agent will have no difficulty in justifying his or her price. 

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!

5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Sell Your Birdland Home by Yourself

5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Sell Your Birdland Home by Yourself

Are you thinking of selling your home to buyers of homes for sale in Birdland Pleasanton CA? Are you planning to do it by yourself? Well, a number of homeowners have considered selling their home on their own but most who do find little success in trying. Why? It is because the home selling process is extremely time consuming and exhausting. Aside from that, there are several disadvantages of selling your home without the knowledge and expertise of an agent.

Read to know the downsides of selling your home without the help and guidance of a real estate professional.

Getting less for your home

According to statistics, FSBOs sell for significantly less than homes which were sold with the help of real estate agents. This is because getting an accurate list price is critical to the successful sale of a home. Real estate professionals who deal with Birdland Pleasanton homes for sale are experts in their fields and have extensive local knowledge of the market. They are always on the lookout for comparable properties and they have a keen sense of how the marker is doing. Since they have access to multiple listing service, they can also check past sales. If you try to sell your home by yourself, you might have difficulty in determining the most accurate price to start at, when to reduce the price, and an appropriate price to accept during negotiations.

Security and safety risks

Another disadvantage of selling your home by yourself is that you expose your home to a higher level of risk associated with security and safety. Although majority of buyers may have genuine interest in your home, your property may become an easy target for theft and burglaries. That is why extra security measures should always be taken to avoid this scenario.

The emotional aspect of the sale

When selling homes, the emotional aspect is often overlooked. However, it is an extremely important part of the process. Are you prepared to hear a lot about your home’s shortcoming from buyers trying to negotiate a lower sales price? What will you do if your home does not receive any interest at all? Having a real estate agent will help you have a more objective view of your home’s value.

Screening potential buyers

Without a real estate agent, you must be prepared and willing to screen your own buyers. You have to be extra careful because you would not want to negotiate with someone who was never qualified for the home in the first place. If you do not know how to pre-screen prospects, you will waste time talking to people who are not serious buyers

Taking charge of sales and marketing responsibilities

Some sellers who choose to sell their homes by themselves underestimate the amount of effort required to market their homes. If you want to attract buyers looking for real estate for sale in Birdland Pleasanton, you should be prepared to keep your home clean, clutter-free, and show-ready at all times. You also need to take good photos of your home and write effective sales descriptions. Without an agent you will be responsible for all the paperwork, the marketing and advertising, and the showings. Aside from the time consuming process, you must also be prepared for all legal, financial and other issues associated with the sale of a home.

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!

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!