Sell

DECIDING TO SELL

If you’ve made the decision to sell your property, congratulations on taking this important step! Before diving into the process, it’s important to take some time to clarify your motivations and goals for the sale, as well as to create a basic time frame for the selling process.

One of the first things to consider is why you are selling your property. Are you looking to downsize, relocate, or upgrade to a larger home? Are you facing financial difficulties and need to sell quickly? Do you need to liquidate assets for estate planning purposes? Understanding your motivations for selling can help you make informed decisions throughout the process and ensure that you are working towards your desired outcome.

In addition to clarifying your motivations, it’s also important to create a basic time frame for the selling process. This should include key milestones such as when you plan to list the property, when you hope to receive an offer, and when you expect to close the sale. Having a clear timeline can help you stay on track and ensure that you are making progress towards your goals.

Once you have a clear understanding of your motivations and time frame, it’s time to begin preparing your property for sale. This may involve making repairs, staging the property for showings, and working with a real estate agent to determine the best pricing strategy. By taking a proactive approach to the selling process and seeking out professional guidance as needed, you can feel confident that you are making informed decisions and maximizing the value of your property.

Selling a property can be a complex and challenging process, but with the right mindset and approach, it can also be a rewarding and successful experience. By taking the time to clarify your motivations and goals, create a clear time frame, and work with experienced professionals, you can ensure that you are on the path to achieving your desired outcome.

Why Sell?

Why do you want to sell your property? Do you intend to simply find a larger property, or do you plan on moving to another neighborhood, school district, city or state? You might think your reasons are obvious, but it would do well to consider the implications of each option for your lifestyle, opportunities, and finances. Being clear about your intentions for selling will make it easier for us to determine the most appropriate option for your specified financial, lifestyle, and real estate goals.

When Should I Sell?

When selling your property, it’s important to establish a clear time frame for the process. If you need to sell quickly, we can help you expedite the process by providing a complete market analysis and action plan to help you achieve your goals. This may involve implementing strategies to attract potential buyers, pricing your property competitively, and leveraging our extensive network to connect with interested parties.

If, on the other hand, there is no pressing need to sell immediately, we can help you take a more strategic approach to the selling process. This may involve sitting down with one of our expert real estate agents to thoroughly review the current market conditions and identify the most favorable time to sell. By carefully considering market trends, property values, and other factors, we can help you develop a pricing and marketing strategy that maximizes the value of your property and attracts potential buyers.

Ultimately, our goal is to help you achieve your desired outcomes in the selling process, whether that means selling quickly or taking a more strategic approach. By leveraging our expertise and resources, you can feel confident that you are making informed decisions and maximizing the value of your property.

What Is The Market Like?

When you choose to work with us, you can rest assured that you’ll benefit from our extensive knowledge, expertise, and negotiating skills. Our team is dedicated to helping you achieve the best possible market prices and terms for your property, and we’ll work tirelessly to ensure that your interests are represented at every stage of the process.

One of the key ways we do this is by keeping you up-to-date on what’s happening in the marketplace, including the price, financing, terms, and conditions of competing properties. By staying informed about the latest market trends and developments, we can help you make informed decisions about how to price and sell your property in a way that maximizes your returns and meets your goals.

Whether you’re looking to sell quickly or take a more strategic approach, we can provide you with the guidance and support you need to achieve success. From developing a comprehensive marketing plan to leveraging our extensive network of industry contacts, we’ll work closely with you to ensure that you have the resources and support you need to achieve your desired outcomes.

Overall, we aim to provide you with the knowledge, expertise, and negotiating skills you need to navigate the selling process with confidence and achieve your real estate goals. With our help, you can be sure that you’ll have the guidance and support you need to make informed decisions and achieve success in the competitive real estate market.

How Do I Optimize My Finances?

Making the decision to sell your property requires careful consideration of your current financial situation and future possibilities. With the help of our qualified agents, you can effectively assess the cumulative impact of these changes, estimate potential proceeds from the sale of your property, and plan effective tax savings and estate planning strategies.

Our team understands that selling a property can have far-reaching financial implications, and we’re committed to helping you navigate these challenges with confidence. By leveraging our expertise and resources, we can help you take control of your finances and make informed decisions that maximize your returns and meet your long-term goals.

Whether you’re looking to downsize, relocate, or upgrade to a larger property, we can provide you with the guidance and support you need to make the most of your financial resources. From analyzing your current assets and liabilities to developing a comprehensive estate plan, we’ll work closely with you to ensure that you’re making informed decisions and achieving your desired outcomes.

What Is Your Home
Worth?

Fet Home Value

Your honesty, professionalism, attention to detail, and knowledge of the Orange County apartment market helped guide me every step of the way and your guidance and support were invaluable. You continually communicated with me and helped resolve issues…in a very professional manner. I would highly recommend your services to anyone who is considering buying or selling an apartment building.

-Roger

I want to thank you for making the sale of my home such a smooth process… It was wonderful to be able to call you and have a response almost immediately… Explaining all the terms and conditions of the listing and the subsequent terms of the contracts made it so much easier for me to understand an know exactly what I was getting in to. If I ever need a realtor again I would want you to be the person I could have work for me!

- Patricia

What started as a phone call to Richard Bell after receiving his flyer in the mail, ended up as the successful sale of our apartment building… Richard went above and beyond in making sure our property was listed, advertised, and prepared for selling. We were completely satisfied with his professionalism and our positive outcome. We would highly recommend him for any real estate needs.

- Doug

Select An Agent and Price

Why Should You Choose Our Professionals?

While you may be considering selling your property independently, there are numerous advantages to working with us to assist you in this important undertaking. With our help, you can maximize your opportunities in the current real estate market and ensure that you’re achieving the best possible outcomes.

One of the key advantages of working with us is our extensive contact networks, which we’ve developed through our membership in many national and international organizations, as well as our relationships with current and past clients. This network enables us to leverage a wide range of marketing and advertising strategies to promote your property and attract potential buyers.

In addition to marketing and advertising, we’ll also guide you through the complicated paperwork involved in the selling process, from the initial agreement to the final documents. This includes everything from property disclosures and title searches to negotiating with potential buyers and closing the sale.

We make the selling process as streamlined and stress-free as possible, while ensuring that you achieve the best possible outcomes. By leveraging our expertise, resources, and network of contacts, you can be confident that you’re making informed decisions and maximizing the value of your property in the current real estate market.

What To Look For In An Agent.

The following are a couple of factors to keep in mind when looking for a listing agent:

1. Education. The most important factor in choosing a real estate professional is their education in the real estate industry. Our professionals have advanced training and education, allowing them to be among the top agents in the world and earning prestigious designations in the various fields of real estate.

2. Experience and Expertise. You want a full-time agent who is familiar with your area and with the type of property you intend to sell. Does he or she employ a diverse range of marketing and advertising strategies? How tech-savvy is your agent? How many similar properties has he or she been able to sell in the past?

3. Availability and Commitment. Your agent should be capable of prompt and decisive action during the course of selling your property. Does your agent make it a point to keep in touch with you constantly? Can your agent easily be contacted in case of emergencies or even for the simplest questions? Is your agent available on the weekends or in the evenings when most buyers are out looking?

4. Rapport. Does your agent take the time to listen to your goals and clarify your needs? Can your agent understand your unique situation and be genuinely concerned about the outcome of the process? Your listing agent will be your guide and partner in this crucial decision, so it is important to find one with whom you can get along.

What Is Your Property Worth?

Consulting with an experienced real estate listing agent can help you avoid the common pitfall of overestimating the value of your property when selling it independently. Without a professional agent, it’s easy to become emotionally attached to your property and overlook objective factors that could impact its value. By working with a knowledgeable and experienced agent, you can gain a more accurate understanding of the current market conditions, trends, and comparable properties, and develop a pricing strategy that maximizes your returns and meets your goals. With their expertise and guidance, you can feel confident that you’re making informed decisions and achieving the best possible outcomes when selling your property.

What Is Your Home
Worth?

Fet Home Value

Your honesty, professionalism, attention to detail, and knowledge of the Orange County apartment market helped guide me every step of the way and your guidance and support were invaluable. You continually communicated with me and helped resolve issues…in a very professional manner. I would highly recommend your services to anyone who is considering buying or selling an apartment building.

-Roger

I want to thank you for making the sale of my home such a smooth process… It was wonderful to be able to call you and have a response almost immediately… Explaining all the terms and conditions of the listing and the subsequent terms of the contracts made it so much easier for me to understand an know exactly what I was getting in to. If I ever need a realtor again I would want you to be the person I could have work for me!

- Patricia

What started as a phone call to Richard Bell after receiving his flyer in the mail, ended up as the successful sale of our apartment building… Richard went above and beyond in making sure our property was listed, advertised, and prepared for selling. We were completely satisfied with his professionalism and our positive outcome. We would highly recommend him for any real estate needs.

- Doug

Prepare to Sell

You can do a lot to increase the appeal of your property and to create a lasting impact on potential buyers.

What To Do To Prepare:

The following are a couple of factors to keep in mind when listing your property for sale:

1. Curb Appeal.

Maintaining a pristine landscape and adding creative touches to your yard, such as colorful annuals, can make a significant impact on passers-by and potential buyers. A well-manicured lawn, neatly trimmed shrubs, and thoughtfully placed flowers and plants create an inviting atmosphere that can attract the attention of potential buyers and leave a positive impression. These simple and inexpensive landscaping techniques can enhance your property’s curb appeal and make it more appealing to buyers. By investing in your property’s exterior appearance, you can increase its perceived value and appeal, and potentially boost its sale price in the competitive real estate market.

2. Property Repairs.

Making simple upgrades such as repairing windows, polishing doorknobs, and applying a fresh coat of paint in the most frequently used rooms can quickly brighten up your property and make it more appealing to potential buyers. These low-cost improvements can have a significant impact on your property’s overall appearance, giving it a fresh and updated feel. By taking the time to make these small upgrades, you can increase your property’s value and marketability, potentially attracting more buyers and achieving a higher sale price. With the right approach and attention to detail, even minor upgrades can make a big difference when it comes to selling your property.

3. Cleanliness and Staging.

To prepare your property for sale, it’s important to keep it uncluttered, sweet-smelling, and well-lit from top-to-bottom. Attention to detail can make a big difference in the overall appeal of your property to potential buyers. Start by putting away any clutter, such as kitty litter or toys, and consider adding small touches like fresh flowers near the entryway or baking cinnamon rolls to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Additionally, have your carpets cleaned and ensure that all areas are well-lit to showcase the best features of your property.

Your agent will scan the property before it is listed for sale to identify areas where you can improve the staging of your property. By working together to create an inviting and visually appealing environment, you can increase your property’s value and appeal to potential buyers, making it more likely to sell quickly and at a higher price point.

4. Disclosures and Inspections.

As experienced real estate professionals, we have a thorough understanding of the legal procedures involved in disclosures and can assist you in developing a comprehensive disclosure statement that benefits both you and the buyer. In addition, we can offer recommendations for home improvement measures, such as termite and pest inspections, that can help ensure that your property is in the best possible condition before listing it for sale. By taking these proactive steps, you can help to mitigate potential issues and increase your property’s value and appeal to potential buyers, while also demonstrating your commitment to transparency and professionalism throughout the selling process.

5. Showtime.

As your real estate agent, we will take care of presenting your property to potential buyers on your behalf. We understand that buyers may feel more comfortable discussing the property with an agent rather than the seller directly. This allows us to provide an objective and professional perspective, and to answer any questions that buyers may have about your property.

Additionally, we have the knowledge and experience to know which information will be most useful in representing your interests when speaking with prospective buyers. By working with us, you can be assured that your property will be presented in the best possible light to potential buyers, and that we will use our expertise to negotiate the best possible terms and conditions on your behalf.

What Is Your Home
Worth?

Fet Home Value

Your honesty, professionalism, attention to detail, and knowledge of the Orange County apartment market helped guide me every step of the way and your guidance and support were invaluable. You continually communicated with me and helped resolve issues…in a very professional manner. I would highly recommend your services to anyone who is considering buying or selling an apartment building.

-Roger

I want to thank you for making the sale of my home such a smooth process… It was wonderful to be able to call you and have a response almost immediately… Explaining all the terms and conditions of the listing and the subsequent terms of the contracts made it so much easier for me to understand an know exactly what I was getting in to. If I ever need a realtor again I would want you to be the person I could have work for me!

- Patricia

What started as a phone call to Richard Bell after receiving his flyer in the mail, ended up as the successful sale of our apartment building… Richard went above and beyond in making sure our property was listed, advertised, and prepared for selling. We were completely satisfied with his professionalism and our positive outcome. We would highly recommend him for any real estate needs.

- Doug

Accepting an Offer

The Price Is Not Always Right.

It is a common misconception that the higher the price, the better the offer. However, as experienced real estate professionals, we understand that price is not always the determining factor when accepting an offer. There are many important considerations to keep in mind, such as the initial offer often not being final and the various terms and conditions that can influence the final outcome.

When evaluating offers, it’s important to take a thorough and objective approach, considering all aspects of the proposal without compromising your marketing position. Our team of professionals is well-equipped to help you evaluate every offer that comes in, ensuring that you have all the information you need to make an informed decision that is in your best interest. With our guidance, you can confidently navigate the negotiation process and secure the best possible outcome for your property sale.

Negotiating The Right Way.

At the heart of our work as real estate professionals is the ethical responsibility to fairly negotiate contractual terms on behalf of our clients. We take this responsibility very seriously and are committed to finding win-win solutions that benefit all parties involved.

As part of this process, you may receive multiple offers on your property, and it can be challenging to determine which one is the best fit for your needs. However, as your agents, we will provide a thorough and objective assessment of each offer, ensuring that you have all the information you need to make an informed decision. Our goal is to help you find the offer that is most suitable for your unique situation, and to guide you through the negotiation process with confidence and ease.

The Initial Agreement and Deposit.

When a potential buyer and seller come to an agreement on a property, it’s important that the agreement is legally binding. This means that the agreement may require consideration, which is usually in the form of an initial and additional deposit. These funds are held in the closing agent’s escrow account until all conditions or contingencies outlined in the agreement have been fulfilled. It’s worth noting that the specific laws and regulations regarding these agreements can vary from state to state. However, regardless of where you’re located, our team is well-versed in the legal requirements and can help ensure that your agreement is effective and legally binding.

Some important tips to keep in mind to streamline the process even further:

  • Keep written records of everything.To avoid misunderstandings and ensure clarity, it’s crucial to transcribe all verbal agreements, counter-offers, and addendums into written agreements that are signed by both parties. This helps to formalize the agreement and prevent any confusion or miscommunication down the line. Our team is experienced in drafting all the necessary paperwork for your sale and can assist you in ensuring that everything is properly documented. We’ll make sure that you have copies of all the paperwork and that everything is in order for a smooth and successful transaction.
  • Stick to the schedule.After accepting an offer, you and the buyer will be given a timeline that outlines each stage of the process for closing the real estate contract. It’s important to meet the requirements outlined in the timeline to ensure a smooth negotiation process and avoid any breaches of agreement. Throughout the process, our team will keep you updated on the progress and any upcoming steps so you’re always prepared for what’s next. This level of communication helps to ensure that everything runs smoothly and that all parties involved are able to move forward in a timely and efficient manner.

What Is Your Home
Worth?

Fet Home Value

Your honesty, professionalism, attention to detail, and knowledge of the Orange County apartment market helped guide me every step of the way and your guidance and support were invaluable. You continually communicated with me and helped resolve issues…in a very professional manner. I would highly recommend your services to anyone who is considering buying or selling an apartment building.

-Roger

I want to thank you for making the sale of my home such a smooth process… It was wonderful to be able to call you and have a response almost immediately… Explaining all the terms and conditions of the listing and the subsequent terms of the contracts made it so much easier for me to understand an know exactly what I was getting in to. If I ever need a realtor again I would want you to be the person I could have work for me!

- Patricia

What started as a phone call to Richard Bell after receiving his flyer in the mail, ended up as the successful sale of our apartment building… Richard went above and beyond in making sure our property was listed, advertised, and prepared for selling. We were completely satisfied with his professionalism and our positive outcome. We would highly recommend him for any real estate needs.

- Doug

Escrow Inspections and Appraisals

Inspections and Appraisals

When purchasing a property, most buyers opt to have a licensed property inspector inspect the property within the agreed time frame outlined in the contract. Some buyers may choose to have multiple inspectors evaluate the property for a more thorough assessment in specialized areas such as the roof, HVAC or structure. If the purchase agreement is contingent upon financing, the property will be appraised by a licensed appraiser to determine the property’s value for the lending institution. This is to ensure the lending institution’s investment in the property is accurate. In the case of a commercial property, a buyer may also need to have a complete environmental audit and/or soil test performed as required by the lending institution.

The Closing Agent.

A closing agent, either a title company or an attorney, will be chosen to ensure that the title to your property is clear and can be insured. They will thoroughly investigate the recorded history of your property to verify two crucial aspects. Firstly, they will certify that there are no encumbrances such as leases, restrictions, or liens that will affect the property’s title by the closing date. Secondly, they will ensure that any new encumbrances are appropriately added to the title.

Contingencies.

A contingency is a provision that must be fulfilled before a contract can be deemed legally enforceable. For instance, a buyer may include a contingency clause specifying that their contract will only become binding if a satisfactory home inspection report is obtained from a qualified inspector.

The buyer’s inspection of the property is a crucial step in the real estate transaction process. The inspection process typically involves a walkthrough of the property to ensure that everything is in working order and to identify any potential issues or needed repairs. The purchase agreements and any applicable addendums will outline the specific requirements and conditions that the buyer must satisfy during the inspection period. The buyer may bring in various specialists, such as electricians or plumbers, to examine specific components of the property. Once the inspection is complete, the buyer may request repairs or other concessions from the seller based on the results.

These include:

  • Obtaining financing and insurance;
  • Reviewing all pertinent documents, such as preliminary title reports and disclosure documents; and
  • Inspecting the property. The buyer has the right to determine the condition of your property by subjecting it to a wide range of inspections, such as roof, termite/pest, chimney/fireplace, property boundary survey, well, septic, pool/spa, arborist, mold, lead based paint, HVAC, etc.

Depending on the outcome of these inspections, one of two things may happen:

1. Either each milestone is successfully closed and the contingencies will be removed, bringing you one step closer to the closing; or

2. The buyer, after reviewing the property and the papers, requests a renegotiation of the terms of contract (usually the price).

When a buyer demands a renegotiation, it can be difficult to respond objectively while also acting in your best interests. This is where a professional listing agent can make a significant difference in the outcome of the transaction. Drawing on our experience with various property sales, we are committed to providing expert guidance and support to all our customers, regardless of their unique circumstances. We will work closely with you to navigate the renegotiation process and ensure that your interests are protected at every stage. With our expertise and dedication, you can have confidence that your transaction will be handled with professionalism and care.

Loan Approval and Appraisal.

It is advisable to consider accepting buyers who have a pre-approval or written loan commitment from their lender, as this provides a better guarantee of loan approval than a pre-qualification or no documentation from a lending institute. To ensure that the sales price is appropriate, an appraiser from the lender’s company will review your property. We recommend working with buyers who have taken the necessary steps to secure financing and have the ability to follow through with the purchase, providing you with a smoother transaction and reducing the likelihood of the sale falling through due to financing issues.

What Is Your Home
Worth?

Fet Home Value

Your honesty, professionalism, attention to detail, and knowledge of the Orange County apartment market helped guide me every step of the way and your guidance and support were invaluable. You continually communicated with me and helped resolve issues…in a very professional manner. I would highly recommend your services to anyone who is considering buying or selling an apartment building.

-Roger

I want to thank you for making the sale of my home such a smooth process… It was wonderful to be able to call you and have a response almost immediately… Explaining all the terms and conditions of the listing and the subsequent terms of the contracts made it so much easier for me to understand an know exactly what I was getting in to. If I ever need a realtor again I would want you to be the person I could have work for me!

- Patricia

What started as a phone call to Richard Bell after receiving his flyer in the mail, ended up as the successful sale of our apartment building… Richard went above and beyond in making sure our property was listed, advertised, and prepared for selling. We were completely satisfied with his professionalism and our positive outcome. We would highly recommend him for any real estate needs.

- Doug

Close of Escrow

Closing Day

It is almost time for a congratulations! Do not forget to tie up these loose ends:

The final inspection is a standard procedure that takes place either the day before or the day of the closing, and serves as more of a formality than anything else. During this process, the buyer visits the property to verify that everything is in working order and there have been no significant changes since their last visit. They will also ensure that no extra items have been left behind by the seller. While it is generally a routine check, any issues that arise during the final inspection can potentially delay the closing process.

Cancel Home Services and Utilities.

As part of our commitment to ensuring a smooth and stress-free transition for our clients, we offer a comprehensive list of useful numbers for the termination of home services and utilities after the closing occurs. We understand that switching or terminating utility services can be a hassle, and we aim to simplify the process by providing all the necessary contact information in one convenient location. From water and electricity to cable and internet services, our list covers all the essential services that homeowners need to address when moving out. Trust us to help make your move as smooth as possible.

Be Prepared.

In the final stages of selling your property, unexpected issues can arise that may cause stress and anxiety. However, with our expertise and experience, we are equipped to handle any glitches that may occur. Whether it is a breakdown of a property feature or a delay in the buyer’s loan approval, we have encountered these issues before and know how to handle them efficiently and effectively. Rest assured that we will work with all parties involved to find solutions that are fair and beneficial for everyone, allowing for a smooth and stress-free closing process.

Closing.

The closing agent will provide a detailed settlement statement to all parties involved, summarizing the financial transactions enacted throughout the process. After the buyer(s) sign this statement, you will also sign, along with the closing agent, to certify its accuracy. In case you are unable to attend the closing, we can make arrangements depending on the circumstances and notice we receive. If you are receiving funds from the sale, you may choose to have them wired electronically to your financial institution or receive a check at the closing. Additionally, it’s essential for the seller to have all property keys and important information ready for the new owner to receive at the closing.

What Is Your Home
Worth?

Fet Home Value

Your honesty, professionalism, attention to detail, and knowledge of the Orange County apartment market helped guide me every step of the way and your guidance and support were invaluable. You continually communicated with me and helped resolve issues…in a very professional manner. I would highly recommend your services to anyone who is considering buying or selling an apartment building.

-Roger

I want to thank you for making the sale of my home such a smooth process… It was wonderful to be able to call you and have a response almost immediately… Explaining all the terms and conditions of the listing and the subsequent terms of the contracts made it so much easier for me to understand an know exactly what I was getting in to. If I ever need a realtor again I would want you to be the person I could have work for me!

- Patricia

What started as a phone call to Richard Bell after receiving his flyer in the mail, ended up as the successful sale of our apartment building… Richard went above and beyond in making sure our property was listed, advertised, and prepared for selling. We were completely satisfied with his professionalism and our positive outcome. We would highly recommend him for any real estate needs.

- Doug