Hints for Sellers of South Orange County Homes

For my sellers in Lake Forest, Rancho Santa Margarita, Mission Viejo, and other South Orange County areas, here is a list of important, but not totally obvious hints to follow when your house is on the market.

• If you have an answering machine – turn the volume to either “off” or “0″.  You don’t want potential buyers listening to your private messages!  I have actually been in a house with buyers and overheard messages saying things like “Well, Susie, I think it’s time we reduce the price, or this will never sell.”
• Keep your house ready-to-show every day!  Make up your bed, clean the kitchen counters, pick up any clutter, clean the litter box, and don’t cook any fish, garlic or currey!  You should be able to show your home on a 10 minute notice, so don’t leave more than 10 minutes worth of cleaning and straightening left undone.
• When an agent calls to ask if they may show the property, the answer is “YES!”  After that, you may ask if they have an idea about the timing. 
• When an agent & client arrive, invite them in, then leave!  Both agents and buyers really hate it when owners hover over them, or worse yet, point out each and every little feature of your home.  Your listing agent should prepare a flyer, and a supplement sheet if necessary, that lists all the upgrades and unique features.  When you leave the house, let the agent know if he should lock the door when they are finished.  If you are just next door without your house key, you don’t want to be locked out!
• If a buyer’s agents asks you anything (other than “where’s the light switch?”) tell them that your agent has all the details and answers and they should contact him or her.  Don’t talk about where you are going, why you are selling, how many kids in the neighborhood, or anything else.  Innocent conversations can end up costing you in your negotiations.
• Ask your listing agent for a copy of the MLS printout for your home.  Double check that they put in the correct address, # bedrooms, square feet, HOA dues, phone number to call for appointment, price and commission to buyer agent.  Anyone can make a typo, and another set of eyes to proof-read can’t hurt!

 

Hot Buy in Rancho Santa Margarita

I just checked the MLS – this one sold in 3 days (I knew it was hot)!  (updated 2/28/08)

This one just came on today and I don’t expect it to last very long.  I don’t have a specific buyer of my own* for it, so I’m sharing it here. 

 

This is another REO (foreclosure, or bank-owned property) that I think the previous owner used as an ATM machine.  It was last refinanced for a total of $650,000 in November 2005.  Today, it is listed for  $529,863.  (I don’t understand the “863″ part, but that’s what they are asking.) 

As you can see, it has a 3 car garage, and it seems to be in a decent location near one of the community pools.   It has 3 bedrooms and over 1900 square feet.  Total HOA dues are approximately $97/month.  I think it is better looking than the photo – the overcast sky makes it look all washed out.    Contact me soon if you think it might work for you!   

*When I have a buyer that fits one of my “hot buys,” I call them first before posting to the world.  If you want me to call you first, call or email me and we’ll talk about what you want and where!

 

Hot Buys!

These are the latest REO properties in South Orange County that look like the best values today:

$659,900 – Rancho Santa Margarita (Las Flores) -  4 bedroom, 3 bath, 3 car garage, about 2400 square feet.  Last sale was 9/06 @ $960,000.  Update: in escrow as of 11/30

$699,900 – San Clemente (Talega) – 4 bedroom, 3 bath, 2300 square feet.  Last sale 4/2006 @ $950,000.  [12/13 - Still available, also 2 others @ same price, similar size and features!]

$476,500 – Rancho Santa Margarita Single Family REO – 3  bedroom, 2.5 bath, not quite 1500 square feet.  Prior sale 9/06 @ $640,000  [Still available 12/12! - It must not be very nice inside!  By now, I expect they will accept less!]

If any of these look good to you, or you have questions or would like to receive the new listings as soon as they come on the market, please call or email me!  (My contact info is in the upper right corner of the page.)

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