 |
Call us today!
1-877-313-3287 |
 |
San Clemente Real Estate and Homes for Sale |
Find a Home for Sale in San Clemente  |
|
|
|
 |
San Clemente, California
Real Estate and Homes for Sale
We are a leading provider of San Clemente Real Estate Home Buying and Selling Services.
Contact us today to Buy or Sell Real Estate, and Properties in or around San Clemente.
|
| |
|
|
HOME SELLING TIPS
If your goal is selling your house in the least amount of time for the most amount of money, then you should seriously consider hiring one of our professional real estate agents. Our professional agents will meet with you to determine your objectives, set realistic goals and develop a strategic marketing plan to ensure the best possible results.
With more than 36 years real estate and financing experience, and our commitment to the highest levels of customer service, we are simply your best choice to accomplishing your goals. We know the process and market so well, we make the process simple. Allow us to help you sell your home.
Make necessary repairs: It is best done before receiving offers on your home. First because they are no longer a concern during home inspections, and second they may often be repairs that can bring higher value to the buyer. At the very least if you get repair estimates up front, you will not be surprised during a home inspection with costs you had not anticipated.
Termite inspection: Knowing what you dealing with up front is always best in a real estate transaction. Although this is optional, if you live a more termite prone area, this will very often avoid huge problems later. This will make the buyers more confident and create less concern later when you are proactive like this.
Pre sale home inspection: Often times repairs or unanticipated costs can wreak havoc in a selling transaction. It's always better to know the potential roadblocks before getting there. You can make any necessary repairs before buyers become concerned and possibly cancel a purchase contract.
Manuals and warranties: Since any smart buyer will want to know how everything operates in their new home, you should get together all manuals, and warranties for all the major appliances, water heater, smoke detectors, and alarm systems and other items that will remain with the house after the sale.
Proper Disclosure: Proper completion of a property disclosure form provided by your agent is an important step in the selling process. Take the time to be sure you do not forget any issues or problems, however minor you may think, that might create liability for you after the sale is complete. Remember full disclosure is always the best policy, if there is any question as to whether you should disclose something then disclose. You can never over disclose, this ultimately protects you as the seller from future problems or "litigation"!
Pricing: Setting the price correctly from the very beginning is a vital step in a successful sale. Often times, when priced right, you will end up with multiple offers, which may likely result in driving the final price higher.
Prepare the home: Make sure your home is market ready at least 1 to 2 weeks before you begin showing it. This will result in less stress and better listing and marketing photos.
Consider Staging your Home: Remove unnecessary personal items and begin packing your home for your future move. The more open you make your home , the more spacious and attractive your home will appear to potential buyers, and will assist in bringing you the top dollar for your home.
Flexibility about showings: While It is a bit disruptive to have a house ready to show at the last moment, it should always be about finding the right buyer, right now! The more buyers that see your home, the sooner the home will sell, and likely the better the choice of more qualified buyers.
Know your numbers: Your should be well prepared for potential offers. Know in advance what selling price and terms you are most comfortable with.
Be price flexible: If a home has been on the market for 30 days or more without an offer, it is most often the price that is driving away prospective buyers. You should be prepared to lower your asking price if necessary. Be flexible!
Eliminate clutter: Buyers want to picture themselves living in the home, not you, so eliminate ALL unnecessary clutter even if it means getting a storage space temporarily. Pack away most if not all of personal photos, and any unnecessary small decorative items. Make the home less personal so your prospective buyers can see their vision of the home. It works!
Keep it clean: When your home is on the market keep it in showing condition. You never know when the right buyer is going to walk through the door. A clean house makes a great first impression and shows a prospective buyer the home has been well maintained. Perception is reality in their eyes. You never get a second chance to make a first impression!
Eliminate odors: Clean the carpets, drapes and eliminate cooking odors, pet odors or other smells that may turn off a buyer. Open the window whenever possible.
Bright Idea: Change all bubs to the highest wattage bulbs possible to make rooms seem brighter, especially basements and other dark areas of the home. Replace ALL burnt out bulbs.
Make repairs: Some repairs while minor to you can leave a bad first impression on a prospective buyer. Fix all squeaking doors, torn screens, cracked or missing caulking, or even dripping faucets. These unrepaired items may tell the buyer the house is not well maintained.
Clean the yard: Keep the yard well maintained. Just cutting the grass, removing the leaves, trimming the plants and shrubs can make a great first impression. Planting flowers in the yard or near the front door can make a bigger difference then you think.
Make it shine: The home should be as clean as possible. All toys or games picked up and put in there proper place. A clean home is an essential part of any successful open house. Remember it's all about first impressions, and a messy home will turn off a buyer faster than anything.
Bake Cookies: The fresh smell of baked cookies makes the home feel inviting and warm.
Yard work: The lawn should be mowed and be sure any toys, games or yard equipment are all put away properly.
Serve refreshments: Preparing cookies, coffee, soft drinks or other simple snacks can be just the ticket to make people feel at home. Make sure the kitchen is cleaned up at all times and use disposable cups and plates.
Lock up valuables: All money, jewelry, or other items of value should always be put away in a safe and secure place. Although a real estate agent will be on site during an open house, no agent will be able to watch everyone at all times.
Turn on lights: This is a simple, but effective way to brighten up the home as much as possible. Even in the daytime, this will make a difference in the overall appearance to prospective buyers.
Remove pets: Pets should be brought to a neighbors house, or take them with you while you leave for the open house If that's not possible, cats or dogs should be in a crate or at least confine them to one room (a basement, bath or garage). You should let the salesperson know where to find them.
Leave the house: It's awkward and uncomfortable for prospective buyers to look in your closets and give honest open feedback about your home with you standing there.
- Fresh or silk flowers for a touch of color.
- Simple things like fresh towels, and new guest soaps in every bath make an impact.
- Use potpourri or fresh baked goods are great for a homey smell.
- Set the table with good dishes and even lit candles.
- Remove a major piece of furniture in key rooms to create a sense of more space.
- Put away kitchen appliances and personal bathroom items to give the sense of more counter space.
- Light the fireplace, or at least put a basket of flowers there if it's not usable.
- Put away most if not all personal family photos, mementos, and distinctive artwork.
- Turn on lawn sprinklers for 30 minutes prior to the open house to make the lawn shine.
Closing date: Make sure the date the buyer wants to take title of the home is reasonable for you and your family.
Date of possession: This may or may not be different from the closing date, make sure the date the buyer wants to move in is comfortable for you.
Good Faith Deposit: You should ask for the largest deposit possible, however most areas have a "customary amount". Keep in mind, whatever the amount; this is the money that may be forfeited by the buyer should they back out of the transaction after contingencies are removed. A larger deposit is best, and a good indication of a more serious buyer.
Included or excluded items: Some items may not automatically be included in a sale transaction, and the agreement must include whether an item is to stay or go with the seller. Check the list of items that the buyer expects to remain with the property and be sure it is acceptable. If not make sure it is excluded. If you want it make sure it is excluded in writing do not assume. Anything physically attached to the property is considered a fixture which is affixed to the real property you are selling. If you consider it personal property exclude the item specifically not only on the listing agreement but on a counter to any purchase agreement.
Repairs: Try to determine what any requested repairs may cost and whether you are willing to do the work, or would rather lower the purchase price to account for it.
Contingencies: See what other factors the buyer wants met before the contract is final-home or termite inspections, selling another home, loan approval, review of the contract by an attorney etc. Set comfortable time limits on contingencies so that they will not drag on unnecessarily.
Contract expiration date: This will be the time you have to accept, decline or counter the prospective buyers offer.
To determine how much money you will actually make from the sale of your home, simply add up your closing costs and subtract them from the sale price of the house.
| Closing Costs for Sellers | |
| Existing payoff (ALL loans) | |
| Property taxes | |
| HOA dues, or other items | |
| Escrow or Closing fees | |
| Title Policy Fees | |
| Home inspections | |
| Attorney's fees | |
| Survey charge | |
| Transfer taxes or other government registration fees | |
| Broker commissions | |
| NET Total | |
Give your forwarding address to the post office, usually two to four weeks ahead of the move.
Notify your credit card companies, magazine subscriptions, and bank of the change of address.
Develop a list of friends, relatives, and business colleagues who need to be notified of the move.
Arrange to have utilities disconnected at your old home and connected at your new one.
Cancel the newspaper.
Check insurance coverage for moved items. Usually movers only cover what they pack.
Clean out appliances and prepare them for moving, if applicable.
Note the weight of the goods you'll have moved, since long-distance moves are usually billed according to weight. Watch for movers that use excessive padding to add weight.
Check with your condo or co-op about restrictions on using the elevator or particular exits.
Have a "first open" box with the things you'll need most-toilet paper, soap, trash bags, scissors, hammer, screwdriver, pencils and paper, cups and plates, water, snacks, and toothpaste.
Plus, if you're moving out of town:
Get copies of medical and dental records and prescriptions for your family and your pets.
Get copies of children's school records for transfer.
Ask friends for introductions to anyone they know in your new neighborhood.
Consider special car needs for pets when traveling.
Let a friend or relative know your route.
Carry traveler's checks or an ATM card for ready cash until you can open a bank account.
Empty your safety deposit box.
Put plants in boxes with holes for air circulation if you're moving in cold weather.
1. Owner's manuals for all appliances etc.
2. Warranties for all electronics, appliances etc.
3. Area services list, such as gardener, handyman, plumber etc.
4. Garage door openers.
5. Extra keys.
6. List of utility companies and contact information.
Make your home more appealing for potential buyers with these quick and easy tips.
Trim bushes so they don't block windows or cut down light.
Buy a new doormat.
Put a pot of bright flowers outside or on a porch.
Put new doorknobs on your doors.
Put a fresh coating on your driveway.
Edge the lawn near walks and trees.
Be sure kids put away their toys.
Upgrade outside lighting.
Polish or replace your house numbers.
Clean your gutters.
Put out potpourri or burn scented candles.
Buy new pillows for the sofa.
Make a centerpiece for your table with fruit or artificial flowers.
Replace heavy curtains with sheer ones that let in more light.
Buy new towels.
By definition, the appraised value is an appraiser's opinion of value of your home at that moment in time, based on recent sales and other factors. What it is NOT, is the exact price in which your home will sell. It is very unlikely any two appraisals would ever be exactly alike, hence the words "opinion of value".
Appraisals are simply based on market value at the time of purchase or sale and based on what the property could or would sell for as compared to other like homes in the area.
Appraised value is not a perfect constant number, and will most likely change as the market conditions vary over time.
The appraised value at any given time does not take into consideration any special issues such as the need to sell quickly.
For the purposes of lending, the lender will usually use either the appraised value or the actual contracted sale price, whichever is less, to determine the amount of a given loan they will provide.
When you sell stock, you are responsible to pay taxes on the actual gain or difference between what you paid and what you sell it for. When selling a home, the same would be true, but there are exceptions when it is your primary residence..
Calculating your actual Gain
When selling a home the actual capital gains are based not on what you paid for the home, but on what is referred to as the adjusted cost.
Calculating adjusted cost basis
Purchase Price + Purchase costs + Cost of sale + Improvement costs = TOTAL Adjusted cost basis
Purchase price (on the purchase contract)
Purchase Costs (This may include transfer fees, attorney fees, inspections, but not points you paid)
Cost of sale (This will include inspections, attorney's fee, real estate commission, and money you spent to fix up your home just prior to sale.
Improvement costs (This will include room additions, deck, landscaping, window upgrades etc. Improvements do not include repairing or replacing an item already there, such a new roof or furnace.
Calculating actual capital gain
Selling Price - TOTAL Adjusted cost basis = Actual capital gain
Real Estate Exemption for Capital Gains
Since 1997, up to $250,000 in capital gains ($500,000 if you are a married couple) on the sale of a home is exempt from taxation provided you meet the following criteria:
You have lived in the home as your principal residence for two out of the last five years.
You have not sold or exchanged another home during the two years preceding the sale.
Also note that as of 2003, you also may qualify for this exemption if you meet what the IRS calls "unforeseen circumstances," such as job loss, divorce, or family medical emergency. You should always consult with a professional when making these final determinations.
Answer the following questions to help guide you as to whether moving up makes sense for you.
How much equity do you have in your home?
Has your income increased enough to cover the extra mortgage costs and the costs of moving?
Does your neighborhood still meet your needs?
Can you add on or remodel rather than move to a new home? Are you even interested in the potential headaches of remodeling? Would remodeling increase the value of your home exceeding the average sales in your neighborhood.
What is the state of the current home market?
How low are interest rates?
|
| | | | | |
Company Address: 27762 Antonio Pkwy, L1, Suite 512, Ladera Ranch, CA 92694 - 2010 Priority Real Estate - ALL Rights Reserved - CA DRE # 01378548
|
|