Home Inspections

This remains one of the most critical processes in the buying and selling process. For buyers, obtaining a clear and unbiased report disclosing the condition of the home is critical to knowing exactly what they are buying i.e. the good with the possible bad.

Staging

Some homes need a little TLC to help them reach their financial potential. Staging sets the right atmosphere for potential buyers and our agents are experts in the art of making rooms and homes come alive.

Here are some tips that you can do on your own to help maximize the appeal of your home.

Exterior- The exterior of the home creates the initial impression for potential buyers. Be sure that:

• Exterior areas around the home are tidy.
• All exterior furniture is clean and well placed.
• The lawn, shrubs and gardens are neatly manicured.
• All worn and defective walkways are repaired.
• All poorly secured or disconnected down spouts and gutters are cleaned, repaired or replaced.
• All areas where the paint is peeling or worn or exterior facades are dirty or mildew covered are power washed and repaired.
• All exterior door handles operate properly and that storm doors have proper door closers.
• Replace all defective light bulbs and electrical switches.

Interior- When potential buyers come to your home, they should experience it in its most positive light.

• Closet all toys and try and keep all bikes wagons and skateboards as inconspicuous as possible.
• Keep window shades and curtains open. Let light pour into each room.
• Leave lights on in areas that do not receive enough natural light.
• Make sure that kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms do not have any soiled articles in them.
• Consider repainting rooms that are badly worn or sporting dark colors.
• Consider replacing badly worn carpeting or flooring.
• Store unusual posters or artwork that may be considered offensive to some home buyers; keep in mind that some home buyers may bring children along.
• Turn radios, stereos and the television off or at least way down.
• Keep pets outdoors.
• Remove or replace items not included in the sale of your house.
• Be sure to have a plumber repair leaking or defective plumbing faucets. Drains should be clean and free flowing.
• Repair defective bathroom tiling, remove all mildew, and re-grout and re-caulk tile where needed.
• Have a plumber replace badly rusted and corroded plumbing pipes.
• Have your heating and air-conditioning systems serviced - clean the systems, and replace old, worn filters.
• Keep your home at a comfortable temperature level.
• If conditions do not require heating or cooling, keeping your home safely ventilated is a good idea to eliminate any cooking or pet odors that may linger in the home.

Market Analysis

Security Pacific associates will provide an in-depth comparative market analysis for each home we represent. The data compiled includes:

• Active Listings: Homes currently on the market that are directly comparable to your home.
• Pending Listings: Homes currently in escrow. Prices provided are the listing prices only. The actual selling price won't be known until close of escrow.
• Expired or Cancelled Listings - These homes did not sell during their listing period. Price, marketing strategy and home preparation come into play.
• Closed Sales - These are homes that have actually sold and closed in the past twelve months. In a "regular" market, statistics from the past six months are most often used however, in a slower market comparing your home with properties that sold in the last twelve months is acceptable.

Pricing Your Home

The value of any property is based on a variety of factors and is derived after a thorough market analysis is performed. Other criteria in determining the value of your home will include an analysis of::

• Location
• Condition
• Buyer Demand
• Seller Motivation
• Competition
• Financing
• Terms
• Marketing Conditions
• Interest Rates
• Competition
• The Economy