Looking To Sell? Part 2

Point Loma San Diego Real Estate CA

Looking To Sell? Part Two

     

6. Stage Your Home: In order for the Buyer to see all the possibilities of each room in the home, it is a good idea to set the stage. Pack away the nick knacks or any decorations that might take away from seeing the home. Take down wall decorations or pictures. This will help showing the true size of the rooms as well.

7. Do Not Hover: So that the potential Buyer does not feel uncomfortable, it is a good idea for the seller to be gone from the property during showings or an open house. This way the Buyer can take their time as they consider whether this is the home for them.   

8. What is Next? Be ready for the next move. Are you going to buy another property? Are you going to rent a property for an extended time? You want to leave yourself plenty of time to make these arrangements. You may have a Buyer that will want to move into the property in a very short time period. You want to be ready so that the next move is as stress free as possible.

9. Flexibility is a Key Factor: Today’s market can pose many challenges for the Seller. Some markets have seen price declines and fewer buyers. The willingness to be flexible on both price and terms, and a willingness to negotiate, may ensure a sale that happens sooner than later or not at all. 

      

10. Stay Positive: In spite of today’s market, stay focused on the positive side. Pay attention to the feedback from potential buyers and your agent.  Most importantly, hang in there! Don’t be discouraged. There is a Buyer for your property.

Whether you are downsizing, moving up, avoiding foreclosure, moving closer to the job or schools, keep these tips in mind.  Your agent will help to make the process as stress free as possible.

Real Estate Proerty in Point Loma San Diego CA     

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Looking to Sell? The First in a 2 Part article: Helpful Advice

Point Loma San Diego Real Estate   

Helpful Advice for Sellers

The real estate market is constantly changing and poses many challenges for the seller. Selling is not a bad idea. The best price you get is the one you will get now.

1.       Make sure to employ a professional. With the constant changes in the real estate market, you will want someone who can help competitively price your property, work their plan of action to get the property sold, attract potential buyers and navigate through the contracts and paperwork.

2.       Disclose, Disclose, Disclose. All known facts about the property must be disclosed to the potential buyer. When in doubt, disclose.

3.       Determining Value. The market value of your home is not what you have in it or what you need out of it or based on memories or what the neighbor says. The true market value of home is what a buyer is willing to pay based on today’s market, competition, financing, location and condition. A property priced correctly from the beginning will have a much greater chance of getting offers. An overpriced property will go unseen.

4.       Keep emotion out of the equation. Sellers who attach too much sentimental value to the property experience missed opportunities to consider offers. Buyers will not recognize the value as the seller does. It becomes more difficult for the seller to make wise decisions.

5.       Stay Tuned. The professional you have hired will guide you through the marketing and paperwork of the sale, but it is important the seller understands the process and the contracts and disclosures involved.  Communicate often. Ask questions. Be involved in the process.

Stay tuned to next month’s blog for five more thoughts on Helpful Advice for Sellers.

As you consider your next move, be it selling or buying, contact me and let the journey begin.

Real Estate Property in PointLoma San Diego CA                      

To find homes in the Point Loma area CLICK HERE.               

December Tips

Point Loma San Diego RealEstate                   

December brings a lot of activity into play. To accommodate all the activity, friends and family, making time for planning and prevention could make the holidays less stressful.

To start, here are a few holiday shopping tips.

Make a list. List the people you need to shop for.  List how much you can spend on each one. Don’t forget to budget for wrapping, cards and, if necessary, shipping.

Shop around. Get on your favorite stores email lists for coupons and to receive notifications of special sales. Look for stores that offer price-matching policies. Some stores will match or beat their competitor’s prices. Some stores will offer limited time discounts.

Shop online. During the holidays, vendors will offer free shipping with any order placed, or with a minimum purchase price. Once you have completed your transaction be sure to double check items in your cart, shipping charges, and all information. Once the transaction is complete, don’t forget to print your receipt.

Real Estate Property inPoint Loma San Diego CA

This is also the time of year for preventative measures to fight the flu or cold. Many actions come from using common sense.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing. Throw the tissue away when done.

Wash your hands often with soap and water. If you are not able to wash, use a hand sanitizer.

Keep your hands off your face. This is a way germs can spread.

If possible, avoid close contact with people who are sick.

If you are sick with the flu, stay home to rest, especially if you have a fever. Limit contact with other people as much as possible.

Contact your doctor for further advice and for recommendations for remedies. There may be a need for a doctor visit as well.

To find homes in the Point Loma area, click here.                       

The Holidays

Point Loma San Diego Real Estate                  

Fall is here with winter around the corner. It gets a bit colder and we will have some rain, which for us in Southern California, is winter. Along with the change in season, the holidays are fast approaching. No sooner does school start in September and we start thinking about getting ready for the holidays.

There can be much to prepare. With the change in weather, we might start considering how to make our homes more “weather proof”. Fixing places that might have leaks that let cold air in and let warm air escape. It might be a time to spruce up the yards, getting them ready for the decorations that go out. Or we might put a fresh coat of paint on, fixing or replacing broken parts of the house, in anticipation of holiday visitors. That is just the house.

Then there is shopping and more shopping. So starts the lists. Lists for the grocery store, making sure we have the right foods for the visitor that may have food allergies or may be a bit picky. We put together the ads, looking for any and all coupons, to help with saving as much as we can along the way.

What are we saving for, you ask? So we will have plenty to shop for all those special gifts we give to everyone, be it family, friends, co-workers, bosses, or that person that has been in your service and deserves a token of appreciation, once again, scouring the ads for the best value and price.

There have been some that dare to break away from this tradition, starting a new one by creating and making their gifts. This is fun, especially for the small ones. It actually can be fun for everyone, making it an activity everyone can do together.

Whatever the activity during this time, it’s good to stop and take a moment in reflection of what we are truly thankful for, being sure to express that to our family and friends.

If your journey during this time encompasses a move, whether buying or selling, it is a good time for this. Wondering why? I would be happy to explain.

Real Estate Property in Point Loma San Diego CA  is available. Feel free to contact me.

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Halloween Tips

Point Loma San Diego Real Estate 

Halloween is coming! It’s always good to be reminded of some Halloween Safety Tips.

ESCORTING TRICK-OR-TREATERS

Watch for the jack-o-lanterns with candles to make sure children don’t get too close with their long costumes or wigs.

Take plenty of light, a flashlight, glow sticks or glow bracelets, to make sure the path is visible, looking for debris or cracks or stairs.

Make sure costumes are safe, easily worn so as to not trip. Making sure props have blunt or smooth edges. Shoes should be worn at all times.

Teach children pedestrian safety and the importance of not talking to strangers.

CANDY ALTERNATIVES

If a child has food allergies or diabetes, you may want to consider giving a child a small toy or game. Other fun stuff might be temporary tattoos or glow sticks.

DRIVING ON HALLOWEEN

Can be a stressful experience with the sidewalks filled with walking children. The sun goes down and they may not be aware of the dangers.

Children should always be accompanied by an adult. But if you plan to drive, here are a few tips.

DRIVE SLOWLY

The focus will be on the children, possibly not watching for unexpected traffic.

BE PATIENT

Take your time, stop often as children run from house to house

GO AROUND

If possible stay away from busy streets or neighborhoods.

STAY ALERT

With children in dark colored costumes, they may not be as visible. Be aware of the surroundings at all times.

STAY HOME

Plan to do your trick-or-treating in the early part of the evening, even before the sun begins to set

ALTERNATIVES

If you don’t want your child out trick-or-treating, consider putting together a neighborhood party. This could be planned with other parents and could be a fun way to get to know your neighbor. Or contact a local church, school or club to find out times to participate in the party. There are fun haunted houses all throughout the city, which could be fun too.

 Real EstateProperty in Point Loma San Diego CA 

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Where Were You When The Lights Went Out?

Point Loma San Diego RealEstate       the blackout  of September 8, 2011 was a real eye opener for many people. It has been named “Blackout of 2011” as a time that will be remembered by all of us. The blackout affected about 1.4 million people in San Diego County, according to an article in NBC news. It also affected millions more in parts of Southern Orange County, Palm Springs, Arizona and Mexico. Schools and universities planned on not having classes the next day, Friday.

San Diego Gas & Electric did an amazing job keeping people informed and consequently getting the power back on. And, back on as soon as that evening for some, where power came back on by the early next morning for almost everyone. People were able to go back to work and the roads were manageable.

Real Estate Property inPoint Loma San Diego CA      there were many stories of what happened that evening. Some, getting stuck in elevators, some folks in care centers, needing evacuation or for some, just getting stuck in traffic as they made their way to their homes. There were also many stories of neighbors gathering, getting acquainted, checking up on each other. One story was of a condo complex gathering at the pool with their Tiki torches and enjoying a bar-b-que together.

It was also a time to think about how prepared we are for times of an emergency. The first consideration is to know how family will gather, especially if the home became unavailable.

As it turns out, there are many websites on the internet that provide excellent information for most any disaster. There is information about putting together emergency kits. Kits for elderly, children and even for your pets.     

Here are just a few you can check out:

Ready.gov

72hours.org

Fema.gov

Theepicenter.com

It made us think about how prepared we are. We have talked quite a bit since then. We will definitely be putting together our emergency kit.

For a search for Point Loma properties Click Here.

         

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Point Loma San Diego Real Estate                   

New Law Requires Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Homes

Sacramento – Starting July 1, 2011 new legislation will go into effect requiring homeowners to install carbon monoxide detectors in every California home; a move CAL FIRE officials say will save lives.

This is important for every household.

“Carbon monoxide is a silent killer, each year claiming the lives of an average of 480 people,” said Acting State Fire Marshal Tonya Hoover. “And sending more than 20,000 people to emergency rooms across the nation.”

Not only important but must be given the attention needed.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced from heaters, fireplaces, furnaces and many types of appliances and cooking devices. The best way for homeowners to stay protected from CO is to have a carbon monoxide detector installed on every floor and outside each sleeping area. A recent study found that nearly nine in 10 California households did not have a CO detector. “Having a CO detector is a small investment that really can help save your life and the lives of your family,” said Chief Hoover.

These can be purchased at home improvement stores and are not very expensive.

To help educate homeowners about the new law and to encourage them to install a carbon monoxide detector, CAL FIRE / Office of the State Fire Marshal is teaming up with fire departments across the state, the Home Safety Council, First Alert and Lowe’s to host “CO Saturday” on June 4. “CO Saturday” will be a special day-long safety celebration to teach families how to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Very worthwhile to check out. You should be able to find information online as well.

Though previous laws only required newly-constructed homes to have CO alarms, the state’s new Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act (Senate Bill 183) requires owners of all existing single-family homes with an attached garage or a fossil fuel source to install CO alarm devices within the home by July 1, 2011.

Owners of multi-family leased or rental dwellings, such as apartment buildings, have until January 1, 2013 to comply with the law.

For more information on how to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning visit the CAL FIRE website at www.fire.ca.gov. For more information on “CO Saturday”, please visit www.homesafetycouncil.org.

It is always better to be safe than sorry. It does not take much effort to be safe.

Real Estate Property inPoint Loma San Diego CA  should all take this into consideration.     

To find available property in the Point Loma area....click me.