Selling in Rossmoor

Selling your home always comes with the same thoughts:


How long will it take? Typically, condos and co-ops in Rossmoor sell quickly if they have been updated, are in good condition, and they are priced at what the current Real Estate market is dictating. Staging a home, either with your own belongings or with a Stager’s things, greatly increases the chances of your home standing out in the mind of buyers. Included in my service is a FREE consultation with a professional Home Stager.

Part of staging is having your home “depersonalized” so that new owners can picture themselves with their own things. As much as you love your home, new owners will always have a somewhat different style. You did the same thing when you moved in. Any visit to a model home reminds us of how to depersonalize. Models typically have very few furnishings and give the appearance of spaciousness. I can help you with that.

Next, you want as many people as possible knowing about your home. Not only should your home be listed on MLS, so that thousands of people know about it, but your home should be advertised on local and national websites, real estate magazines and local newspapers. The more people that know about your home, the faster it will sell.

Part of my job is to streamline the process by helping you to make your home look its very best, without spending a lot of money, and then to let as many people as possible know about it (marketing) so that you can get the best possible price.
The bottom line is that anything will sell, even fixer-uppers, if the price is low enough. My goal is to show you cost effective ways for you to get the most money in your pocket at the end of the sale.

Will you get the highest price?  I take great pride in helping my clients to net the absolute highest amount upon the sale of their home. The Real Estate market has its ups and downs, but the goal of someone selling is always to sell for the most money possible, with the best terms, and with the fewest number of problems. The goal for anyone buying is always to buy for the lowest possible price and with the best terms. Finding a Win-Win is the goal, where everyone is treated fairly and you net as much money as possible from the sale. Wouldn’t you agree?

Since late in 2005, the East Bay Real Estate Market has shown an increased number of Days-on-Market (DOM) and a normalizing of prices. An increase in the Golden Rain Membership Fee from $5,000 to $7,000, plus slowing sales outside of Rossmoor have contributed to more home availability and increased DOM for almost all Rossmoor properties. In 2005 there were only 15-20 properties available at any time and everything sold quickly….and for inflated prices.

Between 2007 and 2011 there were up to 200 properties available at one time. Quite a change, and prices  normalized (went down) because of that. This is the phenomenon that the rest of the country was experiencing. Our great California weather continued to draw people from across the country, but they had more to choose from. Since March of 2012 prices started to go back up. At the end of 2013 there were only 30-40 properties available at any given time.

I would be glad to present you with a CMA, Complete Market Analysis, of homes that have sold recently in Rossmoor, and explain what other people are selling their homes for. It is always important to keep an eye on what others are asking, because they, in a very real sense, are your competition during the selling process. As your selling/listing agent, I would be working completely for you and making certain that your best interest is taken care of.

If you don’t sell it yourself, which Realtor should you choose? I am from a family that always sold their homes themselves and we all pitched it. I do understand the thoughts behind selling yourself. Today, my parents are in their 80’s and haven’t sold a home since the mid-60’s. The world has changed since then. When they make their next move, they will not be attempting to sell themselves. The laws have changed over the years, there is so much paperwork and fine print, and there is such an increased risk of litigation from the new owners if you make a mistake. The world used to be a simpler and more trusting place.

Many people choose a Realtor because of a familiar name they have seen on signs over the years, and they assume that all Realtors are the same anyway. For your own sake, be certain that whomever you choose will go above and beyond for you. Remember that to sell quickly and for the highest price, your property must be ready, priced right and available to the highest number of prospective buyers.

Questions to ask any Realtor you consider hiring:

Will your Realtor have a team working for you to market and coordinate every phase of your transaction? I use a very experienced Transaction Coordinator, an amazing Stager, and a creative Marketing person. These services are at no cost to you, but the benefits are enormous. They both work toward your goal of getting more money for your home and making certain that the entire process moves smoothly.

Will your Realtor stay in contact with you throughout the entire sales process, from listing to moving? I understand that this can be a very stressful time and information is critically important for peace of mind. Having been a teacher, I understand that communication is very important. I love to share information and you can choose if you would like to be contacted by phone, email, regular mail, in person or a combination.

Will your Realtor represent only you, or do they ever write an offer representing a buyer for your property? Although it is legal in California to represent both the buyer and seller on the sale of a property, I personally feel that it is a conflict of interest and never represent more than one side of the transaction. I love knowing that all of the advice that I give is only in the best interest of the seller when I am hires to sell a property.

Will your Realtor call others back and check for reactions, suggestions and feedback? You probably want someone who will do more than just collect cards.  After personally seeing countless properties, and always leaving my card, I know that not all agents check for feedback. Be certain to check with prospective Realtors to see how they follow up and if they plan to keep you informed as to the public’s reaction.

According to multiple surveys, over 90% of today’s home buyers are shopping on the internet before making a home purchase. Will your agent advertise on multiple national websites, create a URL just for this property, and feature your home on their own website? I know you use the internet or you wouldn’t be reading this. Studies also show that seniors spend more time on the internet than teenagers.

If you decided to work with me, shortly after listing your home, the top real estate agents in Contra Costa County will receive an email, notifying them of your property’s availability. The day your property is ready to show, it will be posted on the MLS and thousands of Contra Costa Real Estate Agents will have access, with multiple pictures. I will personally present information about your property before the vibrant Rossmoor Marketing Meeting on Tuesday mornings. This group is comprised of the very top Rossmoor agents.

Whomever you choose, I wish you the best. I would consider it an honor to work with you personally, to fulfill your goals of selling your property, and perhaps to help with the purchase of your next home. Please feel free to call or email me. I am at your service!