A PRICING PUZZLE IN ORANGE COUNTY CALIFORNIA REAL ESTATE

 A PRICING PUZZLE IN ORANGE COUNTY CALIFORNIA REAL ESTATE

If you need to sell your home, but it has lost value since you first bought it, you're facing a pricing puzzle.  But before deciding on a fair price that may be below what you really want, consider the costs of not selling by asking more.

If your home sits on the market, waiting for a higher offer, you've got to figure in the costs of continuing your monthly mortgage payments, utilities, maintenance and insurance. 

Compare the asking prices of similar homes to the actual sales prices, often determined more by the lenders than the buyers.  If you’re asking more than your home's current value, the required appraisal will show that, and the lender won't approve the buyer's loan, leaving you back at Square One.

Walk in the buyer's shoes and do your homework.  Go ahead and tour similar homes listed in your area.  Compare their price per square foot and see how yours stacks up against the competition in terms of value.  This should help you arrive at an aggressive asking price that will hopefully be your sale price.

Local inventory determines your price, too.  Divide 1 by the number of months of inventory (ask your agent for this number to determine the local "absorption rate").  8 months of inventory yields a 12.5% likelihood of selling, so speak with your agent and price accordingly.

Larry Weichman is President and Broker of Costa Mesa-based real estate powerhouse Weichman Realtors,"the most trusted name in Costa Mesa Real Estate". Larry and his highly-trained team of professionals have proudly served Costa Mesa since 1976. For questions about an upcoming sale or purchase, call him directly at 714-241-4532 or email your questions to Larry@TeamWeichman.com. Be sure to visit Larry Weichman in Costa Mesa CA for the latest news and information on the Costa Mesa real estate market.  Lic #00573423 

 

     

(714) 241-4532

1525 Mesa Verde Drive East

Costa Mesa, CA   92626-5221

 

Posted via email from Larry Weichman's Blog (714) 241-4532

PROCEED WITH CAUTION IN COSTA MESA CALIFORNIA REAL ESTATE!

 

PROCEED WITH CAUTION IN COSTA MESA CALIFORNIA REAL ESTATE!

 

Many sellers are tempted to list For Sale By Owner (FSBO) because they feel home prices are down and they don't want to lose one more penny to paying a commission.  But with fewer than ten percent of all home sales falling into the FSBO category, it's a challenging strategy.

 

In personal terms, you'll have to safeguard yourself against prospects who have not been screened and qualified by a professional.  When someone calls to request a showing, note their caller ID and keep a log of visitors.  Stash away prescription medications and valuables before showings, and afterwards check that all your windows and doors are locked.

 

There are also legal considerations for your listing and hopefully, your eventual sales contract.  Be sure your listing complies with the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination against buyers.  If you're unfamiliar with escrow and title insurance, hire a real estate attorney to draft, review and record all documents.

 

This economy makes securing a loan difficult, so it's wise to require a loan pre-approval letter from buyers before accepting any offers.  If you really want to get attention, sweeten the pot by offering a two to three percent commission to any agent who brings buyers to you.  FSBO is not the easiest route, and many impatient and frustrated sellers end up hiring an agent to make the sale happen.

 

Larry Weichman is President and Broker of Costa Mesa-based real estate powerhouse Weichman Realtors,"the most trusted name in Costa Mesa Real Estate". Larry and his highly-trained team of professionals have proudly served Costa Mesa since 1976. For questions about an upcoming sale or purchase, call him directly at 714-241-4532 or email your questions to Larry@TeamWeichman.com. Be sure to visit Larry Weichman in Costa Mesa CA for the latest news and information on the Costa Mesa real estate market.  Lic #00573423 

 

 

Posted via email from Larry Weichman's Blog (714) 241-4532