A boom market, such as we have, is a great time to consider listing your home for sale and realizing the appreciation on your investment. There are several considerations and cautions you need to be aware of to maximize the return on your home in as little time on the market as possible. The market is normalizing; inventory is growing and prices are coming down a little.

SOME MAJOR FACTORS IN SELLING YOUR HOME

Pricing Strategy -- This is a critical step and is best guided by a professional real estate counselor who will conduct a Comparative Market Analysis in looking at "comps" -- what similar homes in your neighborhood, county, or region have recently sold for. A common mistake is pricing your property too high. Sure, we all want the most we can get for our home, but a property that is priced excessively high will discourage buyers and leave it on the market longer. Remember, the principle of "substitution" states that, all other things being reasonably equal, a buyer is not likely to pay a higher price for a home if he or she could get a similar one for less. Click here for more information on pricing your home.

The Home Appraisal -- This is an informed opinion and evaluation of the worth of your home by a professional appraiser, who will also analyze market conditions along with the particulars of your home -- its location, condition, amenities, depreciation, etc. Financing institutions require appraisals in making their loans; often the purchase of a home is contingent upon the buyer getting the necessary financing and the appraised value being equal to or greater than the sales price. Click here to learn more about the appraisal process or to find an expert appraiser in your area.

The Bottom Line -- You determine the price of your home, but this should be done based on a realistic analysis (not just what you "believe" your home is worth) and on a calculated expectation of what you will walk away with. At Prudential California Realty of Huntington Beach, we will present you with a range of scenarios illustrating seller's charges and a breakdown of your net proceeds. (Typical charges associated with selling your home may include paying off your current mortgage, prepayment penalties, any unpaid property taxes, transfer taxes, insurance premiums, inspection reports, recording fees, homeowner association charges, home warranty plan, any agreed-to home repairs, escrow fees, etc.) Jim Alvino will help you get the most for your home in the least amount of time!

Agency and Listing -- Click on Buying.

The Residential Listing Agreement -- The large majority of people interested in selling their homes use a reputable brokerage firm. Although you will see "For Sale By Owner" signs posted here and there, statistics show that most of these properties are eventually turned over to an agency... and for good reason: trust, reliability, expertise, professionalism, and a commitment to helping you meet your financial objectives. The Residential Listing Agreement is a bilateral contract that authorizes your broker to procure a qualified, interested buyer and to accept a deposit; and it obligates him or her to excercise utmost care, integrity, loyalty, honesty and confidentiality. Many savvy individual are shopping for the best commission rates, but remember, with discount brokerage firms you get what you pay for.

Marketing Strategies That Work -- Prudential California Realty of Huntington Beach has an outstanding track record of "turning over" properties, and Jim Alvino will employ the best, proven techniques for selling your home quickly and at a maximum gain to you. For optimal results, your home needs to be available for daily showing during what are considered normal business hours for most people.

Aggressive marketing techniques include:

• Frequent showings
• Frequent Open Houses
• Wide circulation of customized Featured Property Sheets
• Special mailings to select prospect list
• Use of the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)
• Internet Marketing and networking with extensive links and databases
• Face-to-face networking with other brokers, agents, and community members
• Broker previews of your home as soon as it hits the market
• Extensive advertising in print media (newspapers, magazines, etc.) for maximum exposure
• Other creative techniques to highlight and sell your home!

THE SELLER'S RESPONSIBILITIES

Your job is to "showcase" your home by presenting it in best possible light.

This includes:

• Making sure your home is a clean as possible during showings and Open Houses
• Reducing clutter inside and outside your home
• Making any obvious repairs or painting touch-ups
• Cleaning or replacing dirty or worn carpet
• Making sure your kitchen and bathrooms sparkle (try a new set of towels to enhance the feeling of cleanliness)
• Open drapes and shades to make your home bright and welcoming
• Keeping your valuables out of sight
• Adorning your front entrance with colorful annuals or potted plants
• Keeping your grass trimmed, edged, and watered

Do anything to make your home more inviting and attractive to potential buyers. Remember the old adage: "You don't get a second chance to make a first impression!"

Buying a home is a huge emotional decision. Buyers will usually spend more time previewing your home if you are not there. They feel more comfortable moseying around and asking questions of the real estate agent. But if you are at home during a showing, remember to allow buyers a chance to connect with your home without feeling pressured. Be accommodating, hospitable, honest, and receptive to questions.Let Jim Alvino list your home and receive a valuable bonus gift as a thank you for the opportunity to serve you.