Pre-Sale Home Inspections: Boost Your San Diego Home Sale

If you’re planning to sell your house in San Diego, it’s essential to understand that buyers are willing to pay today’s high prices, but they want a home that’s move-in ready. By doing a pre-sale home inspection, you can jump ahead and fix some of the things that come up in the inspection and ensure your property stands out in the competitive market. It will attract buyers looking for a hassle-free move. Investing in these improvements boosts your home’s appeal and maximizes your return on investment.

According to a recent press release from Redfin:
“Buyers are still out there and they’re willing to pay today’s high prices, but only if the house is in really good shape. They don’t want to spend extra money on paint or new appliances.”

This makes perfect sense. In today’s market, buyers are already stretching their budgets to buy a home. The last thing they want is to incur additional costs for upgrades after moving in or having to find a handyman or contractor to repair things around the house. If your home appears outdated or needs work, buyers might overlook it or offer less than your asking price.

A Growing Number of Homes Are Entering Their Prime Remodel Years Bar Graph by JBRC
A Growing Number of Homes Are Entering Their Prime Remodel Years Bar Graph by JBRC

If your house is in this category, consider making strategic updates to increase its appeal and help it sell faster. But where should you focus your efforts? Investing in areas that matter most to buyers, like modernizing kitchens, updating bathrooms, and enhancing curb appeal, can make a significant difference. Don’t use all of your budget on the exterior such as the backyard. Focus more on the inside of the home. By doing so, you can attract more buyers willing to pay a premium for a move-in-ready home in beautiful San Diego.

Why You Need a Real Estate Agent in San Diego

Collaborating with a local San Diego real estate agent can be a game-changer when planning pre-sale fix-ups. They provide expert guidance, ensuring you’re making wise investments, as not all upgrades yield a significant return. With their knowledge of the local market, you’ll know which improvements will attract buyers and maximize your home’s value. According to Bankrate:

“Before you spend money on costly upgrades, be sure the changes you make will have a high return on investment. It doesn’t make sense to install new granite countertops, for example, if you only stand to break even on them, or even lose money.”

A skilled real estate agent understands what San Diego buyers expect and can guide you on necessary upgrades. As the Bankrate article highlights:

“. . . a good real estate agent will know what local buyers expect and can help you decide what needs doing and what doesn’t.”

In essence, your agent will have a pulse on what local buyers in San Diego are looking for and what they are willing to pay for. Working with them helps you avoid unnecessary expenses on upgrades that won’t add value. Instead, they’ll advise you on which improvements will make your house more attractive and valuable in the competitive San Diego market.

Bottom Line: Pre-Sale Home Inspections Will Benefit Your Home Sale in San Diego

Selling a house in today’s market takes more than just putting up a For Sale sign. With San Diego’s competitive real estate landscape, it’s crucial to ensure your home is in excellent condition to attract buyers willing to pay top dollar.

By doing a pre-sale home inspection and fixing some of the items prior to putting your home on the market, you can significantly increase your home’s appeal and maximize your return on investment. These improvements enhance the aesthetic appeal and address potential issues that might deter prospective buyers.

Collaborate with a trusted local realtor like the McT Real Estate Group to identify what buyers in San Diego are looking for and determine the necessary upgrades your home needs before hitting the market. From minor repairs to major renovations, we will guide you through the process to ensure your home stands out in San Diego’s real estate market. Together, we can make your home irresistible to buyers and achieve the best possible sale price.

Housing Inventory 2024 vs. 2008: San Diego Housing Market

Why Selling Your Home Solo in San Diego Could Cost You

Are you thinking about selling your house as a For Sale by Owner (FSBO) or technically selling your home solo? If so, know there’s a whole lot more time and expertise needed in that process than you might think. While the idea of doing it all by yourself might seem tempting, it’s important to recognize the challenges you may face if you take it on all by yourself. As a recent article from Bankrate explains:

“Choosing the right price, crafting a compelling listing, marketing to potential buyers, coordinating showings, preparing paperwork: All of these are tasks that, in the absence of a real estate agent, you will have to do yourself.”

Let’s dive into some of the overlooked aspects you might miss if you give it a go alone without the expert guidance of a real estate agent.

Selling Your Home Yourself Means Nailing the Right Price Tag is Crucial Image
Selling Your Home Yourself Means Nailing the Right Price Tag is Crucial Image

Selling Your Home Yourself Means Nailing the Right Price Tag

It’s Not as Easy as You Think! Nailing the perfect price for your home is like hitting a moving target. It’s not just about what you think it’s worth; it’s also about what the market will bear. Trust us when we say this: in a market as dynamic as San Diego’s, this is where experienced realtors really earn their stripes. They’ve got the know-how to set that golden price that’ll get your home off the market pronto.

But let’s say you go do it alone and try to sell your home solo—no agent, no advice. Well, chances are, you’re either going to aim too high or too low. Overpricing can leave your house lingering on the market, making buyers wonder what’s wrong with it. On the flip side, undervaluing could mean leaving a chunk of change on the table that rightfully belongs in your pocket.

Don’t just take it from us; Nerd Wallet chimes in with their two cents:

“If your home is overpriced, you run the risk of buyers not seeing the listing. . . . But price your house too low and you could end up leaving some serious money on the table. A bargain-basement price could also turn some buyers away, as they may wonder if there are any underlying problems with the house.”

Don’t gamble with your home’s first impression. Team up with a real estate pro who knows the San Diego market inside and out. They’ll make sure your place is priced just right, grabbing the attention of buyers who are ready to make a move. That way, your home won’t just be another listing—it’ll be the one people can’t stop talking about.

Let's Be Real You're Probably Not a Pro at Marketing Homes
Let’s Be Real You’re Probably Not a Pro at Marketing Homes

Let’s Be Real: You’re Probably Not a Pro at Marketing Homes

Look, we get it. We’re living in a world where everyone’s glued to their screens, scrolling through listings and imagining their dream homes. Even the National Association of Realtors is hopping on the digital bandwagon, showing just how big a role online marketing plays in today’s home sales.

“Among all generations of home buyers, the first step taken in the home search process was to look online for properties.”

Team up with a savvy Realtor who’s a whiz at online marketing, and you’ll have a front-row seat in the digital arena where modern homebuyers are shopping. You’ll not only get more eyeballs on your listing but also stand a better chance at closing a deal. On the flip side, if you’re flying solo trying to sell your home, you could be leaving some serious digital firepower on the table—missing out on social media buzz and the full spectrum of online marketing mojo.

You Might Find the Endless Negotiations Overwhelming
You Might Find the Endless Negotiations Overwhelming

You Might Find the Endless Negotiations Overwhelming

So, you’re thinking about selling your home yourself—exciting, right? But let’s keep it real. Selling a house isn’t just about sticking a “For Sale” sign in the yard and waiting for the offers to roll in. Oh no, my friend, you’re about to enter the intricate dance of real estate negotiations.

Imagine juggling conversations with potential buyers, their agents, home inspectors, and appraisers—all while trying to get the best price for your place. It’s a bit like hosting a dinner party where you’re not only the chef but also the waiter, the bartender, and the dishwasher. Miss a step, and the whole evening could go south.

That’s where a seasoned real estate pro comes into play. We’ve got the experience to keep this complex jig running smoothly so you can get to closing without breaking a sweat. Trust me, it makes a world of difference when you have someone in your corner who knows the ropes.

“Your listing agent will also, of course, be on your side throughout negotiations. They’ll double-check paperwork that comes through, communicate with the buyer’s agent and other parties to the sale, and generally stay on top of things through to closing day.”

 

The Final Word of Selling Your Home Solo

So, you’re toying with the idea of selling your home by yourself, huh? We get it; you might want to save on commission fees or think you’ve got it all figured out. But trust us when we say this: there’s a whole lot more to it than sticking a ‘For Sale’ sign in your yard. Don’t underestimate the value of having a seasoned pro handle the nitty-gritty for you. Why not give the McT Real Estate Group a shot? We’re all about making this process as painless as possible, letting you focus on your next big move.

Debunking Crash Myths in 2023: The Current Housing Inventory

Essential Skills Every San Diego Listing Agent Must Possess

Deciding to sell your home is no small feat—it’s a thrilling feeling, but let’s be totally real for a second: it can also have your stomach doing back flips over and over again. The golden ticket and magic pill, you might ask? Well, partnering with the right listing agent who’s got your back from start to finish and possesses the proper set of skills for the job. When we talk about a listing agent (sometimes you’ll also hear folks call them a seller’s agent), we mean the superhero who markets and champions the sale of your home, standing by your side throughout the entire real estate journey.

So, you might be wondering, how can you be so sure you’ve teamed up with the right person for the job? Here are our three non-negotiable skills your listing agent should absolutely rock and what you should look for.

Your Listing Agent Should be Utilizing the most current market data; together, with their guidance you’ll determine the optimal price for your home.

While it may be tempting to pick the agent who suggests the highest asking price for your house, that kind of strategy may honestly cost you. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement when you see a bigger number and those dollar signs beside it, but overpricing your house can have consequences you might not have even anticipated. It could mean it’ll sit on the market longer or, worst comes to worst, it might not even sell just because the higher price is actually deterring potential buyers as per comparison with other properties around.

Listing Agent Qualities - Your Listing Agent Should be Utilizing the most current market data, they determine the optimal price for your home
Listing Agent Qualities – Your Listing Agent Should be Utilizing the most current market data so you all can determine the optimal price for your home.

Instead, you would want to pick an agent who’s going to have an open conversation with you about how they think you should price your house and why. A great listing agent will base their pricing strategy on research solid real estate data. They won’t throw out a random number just to win your listing. Instead, usually, they’ll show you the facts, explain the reasoning for their pricing strategy, and make sure you’re on the same page. As NerdWallet explains:

“An agent who recommends the highest price isn’t always the best choice. Choose an agent who backs up the recommendation with market knowledge.”

Having superior negotiation skills is paramount.

Selling your house can stir up a whirlwind of emotions, especially when it’s a place you’ve once called your cherished home and made countless memories in. It’s totally understandable. This emotional connection can sometimes cloud our judgment during the negotiation phase. This is exactly why having a reliable expert by your side is invaluable.

A seasoned and tenured listing agent remains unflappable even in the most intense negotiations. They serve as your advocate, navigating those tough conversations for you. With them at the helm, you can rest assured, knowing that someone passionately represents your best interests every step of the way.

real estate agent and clients signing documents

A proficient problem solver is what they are

At the core of the real estate journey, the primary mission of a listing agent is to ensure your home finds its next owner with ease. A top-notch agent remains steadfastly focused on this objective, always putting your needs front and center. Should they spot any crucial actions you should undertake, they won’t hesitate to let you know and share their insights. Their unwavering dedication to your triumph ensures they stand by your side, navigating challenges and brainstorming inventive solutions to any surprises that might emerge.

Listing Agent Qualities - A proficient problem solver is what they are
Listing Agent Qualities – A proficient problem solver is what they are

As described by BankRate, the concept is laid out as follows:

“Just as important as the knowledge and experience agents bring is their ability to guide you smoothly through the process. Above all, go with an agent you trust and will feel comfortable with. . .”

In Conclusion

Whether it’s your debut sale or you’re revisiting the familiar journey of selling a home, the right listing agent makes all the difference. Reach out to the McT Real Estate Group Team, and let’s team up so you have a seasoned San Diego pro with all the right characteristics guiding you at each turn.

Is the Housing Market Seeing an Increase in Listings?

Housing Market Insights: Why Today’s Inventory is Cut in Half

Have you found yourself pondering the age-old question: ‘Is now the right moment to sell my home?‘ You’re not alone in this thought! The straightforward response? It’s a resounding ‘Yes!’ With the current shortage in home listings, the market is hot and ready. Not only is it a prime time to consider selling, but doing so might also give you an edge and potentially get you a better deal than you’d expect.

You’ve probably overheard or picked up on the chatter about the slim pickings in property listings lately, especially when compared to the real estate landscape of the past few years. And while that might sound a touch concerning at first, there’s a silver lining for folks like you eyeing the seller’s market. Not fully getting the buzz? Don’t sweat it. To truly grasp the magnitude of this shift and see why this could be your golden ticket in selling, take a gander at this insightful graph from Calculated Risk right below.

<yoastmark class=

Inventory is Still Historically Low

Spot that slight rise in the blue bar? Yep, that’s our housing listings nudging up by a modest 0.7% from a couple of weeks ago. Not a huge jump, but something! However, those bold red bars? They’re sounding the alarm. They make it clear that we’re working with a thin spread in our housing supply. To put things in perspective, we’re trailing by roughly 10% compared to this same week the previous year. And let me paint a picture for you: the shelves were already looking pretty bare in the housing market inventory even then. It’s like going to your favorite bakery and realizing the shelves are running out of your go-to treats. Fingers crossed we see some more blue upticks soon!

Want an absolute blast from the past and a quick throwback? Let’s rewind to 2019, shall we? Last year, things felt… well, normal in the housing market. Compare this week to the same one in 2019, and guess what? We’ve got about half the number of houses up for grabs now or currently for sale.

Bottom line, and what we’re trying to say? Our housing market’s still tipped in the sellers’ favor at the end of the day. Houses or real estate are hot commodities because there just aren’t enough to meet the demand. Like what we learned back then in our economics classes, always remember the rule of supply and demand.

And don’t just take it from us. Lawrence Yun, the head honcho economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), would tell you the same.

“There are simply not enough homes for sale. The market can easily absorb a doubling of inventory.”

So, have you been mulling over the idea of selling your home? Let us give you the inside track: the current market is nothing short of unusual. Inventory is squeezed to about half of what we’re used to seeing in a regular year. What does this mean for you? With fewer houses available, yours has the chance to be the star of the show if you decide to list it. And with a savvy real estate agent guiding you—like someone from our dedicated San Diego team—your property is bound to get more attention. This buzz could translate to multiple interested buyers, potentially leading to a competitive bidding scenario and a quicker sale. Pair that with the right staging and presentation, and you’ve got yourself a winning combo for a successful sale in this unique market

In Conclusion

In a nutshell, the current housing inventory is startlingly slim— we’re talking about half of what we’d usually expect in a more typical year. What this translates to is a surge of eager buyers, many of whom are on the hunt for gems like yours. It’s a whirlwind out there, and the buyer’s market is overflowing with demand. So, if you’ve been on the fence about selling, there couldn’t be a more opportune time!

Thinking of selling or making the first move? Feel free to reach out to the McT Real Estate Group so we can assist you with your real estate needs. Just think of how your home could stand out in this current market with limited options and inventory!

Is the Housing Market Seeing an Increase in Listings?

Is Fall the Right Time to Sell Your San Diego Home?

Between its gorgeous scenery, luxurious lifestyle, beautiful beaches, and many activities, it is no wonder that San Diego is called America’s Finest City. On top of that, San Diego’s warm climate makes the city beautiful every season. It is one of the most populous cities in California, and there are always potential buyers looking to buy a house. However, just as the seasons change, so does the house price market. So, which is the best season to sell your house in? Is fall the best time for you to sell? Of course, this is just one aspect that can influence your house’s price range. On top of helping you choose the best season for selling your house, we will discuss other essential things that can help you get the best price for it.

Prepare your home for selling

Before taking pictures of your house and listing it for sale, there are many things that you can do to beautify your home. This will not only increase your chances of selling it quicker, but it could also help you get a better price for it.

Improve the appearance of your home

Before selling your house, you want it to look as pretty and homely as possible. A fresh coat of paint is a perfect example of a way to do just that. Maybe you want to make your house stand out and use a more vibrant color. Or perhaps you would prefer a more calming color for your home? Whatever you choose, a fresh coat of paint will make your house much more appealing and eye-catching to potential buyers. You should keep your lawn and other foliage trimmed and your walkway tidy. If you really want to invest in raising your house’s value, you can check the state of your roof and floors. A leaky or worn-out roof or a creaky floor can negatively affect your house’s price range and potentially put off potential buyers. Here are some additional ideas on how you can improve your house’s appearance.

Green Bungalow with wood front deck and yellow door
A fresh coat of paint can help sell your San Diego home quicker.

Create a home office

San Diego is a large and prosperous city, and many people are moving there because of work. Many jobs have adapted to the coronavirus pandemic affecting everyone over the past several years. You could make use of this and refurbish one of the rooms in your house into a home office. Dedicated working space in your home would not only increase your chances of selling your home quickly but would also increase its value.

A desk at a home office
home office

So, should you sell your house in the fall?

In general, the period when the San Diego house market skyrockets the highest and most buyers keep an eye out on listed houses in spring and summer. It is a beginning of a new year. The weather is getting warmer and better for moving, so people’s interest in buying a house is higher. However, this could also work in your favor if you are looking to buy yourself a new house.

First of all, if you plan on selling your San Diego home to relocate to a different location, make sure you know how to make an informed decision about potential moving costs. This will help you plan the budget, especially if you’re unsure how to calculate moving costs. If you plan to find a new home somewhere in San Diego, fall could be the perfect season. Because it is off-season, the house prices will be lower, and it will be much easier to find available moving companies for your moving day.

Additionally, since fewer people are moving at the time, it would also be much easier for you to find available moving companies, choose the best date for your move and reduce the risk of delays.

Don’t forget about relocation

Finding a good moving company is another crucial aspect of your moving process, and many people struggle to find the right movers or simply think every mover is the same. This often leads to people having bad moving experiences because they chose their moving company at random without prior research. For example, mastermovingguide.com is an excellent tool for finding professionals and ensuring you get the best moving services for your needs.

You should also keep an eye out for the weather before choosing your move day. Although San Diego’s weather is quite favorable throughout most of the year, check the weather forecast for rainstorms to ensure your move day will be as smooth as possible.

However you decide to make use of the seasonal shifts in the housing market, it is essential to be well informed and prepared in advance.

If you choose to sell your house in the fall

There are many things that you can do to get the best deal for your house. However, selling a house can be overwhelming, especially if you have little prior experience. This is why you should get a good and reliable real estate agent who will take care of the tedious and stressful aspects of home selling. This is especially the case when trying to sell a house in a place with as high of a demand as San Diego. Having a good agent will help you get the best deal for your house and have your house sold in the shortest possible time.

 

A good real estate agent will find the right buyer for your home much faster
Working with a Realtor

As a final note

As you can see, when the time comes to sell your San Diego home, it doesn’t have to be an exhausting task, especially if you are house hunting yourself in the meantime. Plan ahead and take your time. Hire professional help to take the load off your shoulders, and don’t be too impatient to wait for a better offer on your house. Good luck!

5 Most Popular Ways to Add Curb Appeal to Your San Diego Home

 

A presentation of the most popular ways to add curb appeal to your home.

An open house starts the second the buyers lay eyes on your home. That means – even before you get the opportunity to open your house for them. The first impression is always important, and it will heavily depend on how well the exterior of your property looks. If you want it to look pleasant and appealing, let’s take a look at these five most popular ways to add curb appeal to your San Diego home.

1# Upgrade your front door

Make your home more appealing from the street by ensuring that the front door stands out from the crowd rather than blending in. The average cost of painting a front door in San Diego is just approximately $75. It is a very straightforward do-it-yourself renovation project, even for novices. So, choose a daring hue that not only complements but also draws attention to the other colors on the outside of your property rather than competing with them. Also, don’t be afraid to opt for a bold color. However, before you start painting, always check a sample to make sure the finished result will be to your satisfaction.

Use decoration

Besides colors, you can use some other things to upgrade your doors, such as wreaths. You may find wreaths at any time of the year, and they will always give a special touch of beauty to the front entrance of your home. Look for wreaths that are crafted using dried or preserved greenery and blooms. If you want to make your life even simpler, you can also get a wreath crafted using artificial plants. However, steer clear of seasonal touches that will only serve to make the wreath seem dated and out of place. Choose something straightforward that may provide elegance throughout the whole season.

Two front doors.
A splash of vibrant color to your front doors can be a smashing success – but only if it goes well with the rest of the house.

2# Green is always ‘in’

Including some new flowers and plants in your front yard is one of the easiest (and most effective) methods to improve the aesthetic appeal of your property. You don’t need to worry if you don’t have the time or money to invest in planting a garden since you can get a similar look by adding some planters and window boxes. Some of the good green picks that will add curb appeal to your home can be:

  • coleus
  • pentas
  • lantana

Make use of plants to draw attention to and frame important places of visual interest, such as windows and entryways. If you don’t have space for a free-standing planter, you can always hang one instead. The visual appeal of the outside of your San Diego house may be substantially improved by adding even just one lovely plant arrangement in the front of the house.

Tiel colored door
Colorful door and a few green plants in the front

3# Lawn maintenance is one of the most popular ways to add curb appeal to your home

Suppose you have a green surface around your house that is great. However,  for those that still have a lawn, when unmaintained, it can do more damage than good to your curb appeal. On the other hand, freshening up your outdoor space might increase the value of your home. So, before the time comes to welcome prospective buyers to your home, take care of the outgrown grass in your backyard. Also, a few days prior, make sure to give your grass a lot of water so it can be calmingly green when buyers visit. According to some scientific studies, the green color that the fresh-cut grass reflects has a calming effect on the brain. Also, the smell of it can significantly improve the mood. Another thought is to go the water-wise route. Using drought tolerant landscaping is not only attractive, but with the high cost of water these days, it will also save you money in the long run.

A house with fresh cut grass.
A nice lawn can be a deal-maker

4# Pick the right outdoor furniture

A picture-perfect home in the San Diego suburbs always includes some outdoor furniture. However, you need to be careful with your exterior design. A cute wooden swing on the deck can seem inviting and bring out good memories in a buyer. But, many chairs and tools and unnecessary sofas can seem intimidating and overwhelming. You need to find a golden standard for everything, including this.

Choose what to move from the picture

If you have your outdoors cluttered with furniture, you’ll need to make a tough decision and choose what you’ll keep. The stuff that doesn’t get picked will be best put in some kind of storage. When renting storage for the things you don’t need anymore, it’s crucial to choose the right size for them. It’s essential to make sure you have enough space so the furniture you put in it is well-preserved.

A porch on the house.
Ensure the outdoor furniture is a sophisticated addition to your curb appeal.

5# Clear walkway is a path to success

One of the things that make a house seem more welcoming and put together is a well-defined walkway. You could go all out and construct one out of stone or brick. Or, you could keep things simple and simply utilize visual signals. Lights and plants on the side can make a cute and romantic line and a clear route to your front door. It can be through the grass or around an existing concrete sidewalk. Also, if you already have one, power-washing is always a good decision for enhancing your curb appeal. Consider using a power washer to remove years’ worth of filth and grime from your home’s siding, porch, walkway, and driveway. Overall, it’s one of the most pleasant things you can do. You can rent a power washer from a large box hardware shop if you don’t have access to one of your own.

Final thoughts

The real estate market is quite a competitive one. As a seller, put a lot of effort into impressing potential buyers. Everything needs to be perfect, from the roof to the floor, on the open house day. You’ll have no trouble slaying at the first impression part if you incorporate some of these five most popular ways to add curb appeal to your home. Remember that the little details often matter the most, and the bigger picture is often made of many little parts. If you have a few projects that you need help with, here is a list of vendors that we have found to be useful for many projects.

If you are thinking of selling your home in San Diego, contact the McT Real Estate Group right away. Let us help you get your home ready so that you can receive top market price for your property.

 

The Pros and Cons of Renovating Before You Sell

If you are considering selling your San Diego home, you are probably interested in knowing whether you should renovate it to boost its resale value. Naturally, it is in every seller’s interest to earn as much as possible when they sell their property. However, before you go into elaborate renovation projects, it is worth considering the pros and cons of renovating before you sell your home.

The advantages of renovating before you sell

You will maximize your bargaining power.

A potential buyer might focus on the faults of your home during negotiations. So, if your bathroom is not renovated, for example, they may attempt to reduce the asking price as a result. In addition, they might ask for a price reduction by contending that the property will be expensive to maintain after the purchase. 

However, a renovated home will allow you to go into negotiations with the homebuyer confidently. Your bargaining power will increase remarkably. You will be able to argue that the buyer does not need to invest additional money into costly renovations. So, renovating before you sell allows you to market your home as a “ready to move in” property. 

A renovated home allows the buyer to move right after the purchase.

Therefore, if you decide to remodel your home before putting it up for sale, consider the most frequent criticisms:

  • Cracked or dirty walls
  • Outdated or personalized home decoration
  • Doors and windows that cannot close
  • Inefficient insulation
  • Messy garden area

Renovations increase the value of your home

Of course, if you aim to sweep the homebuyers off their feet, you should consider renovating. For instance, kitchen and bathroom renovations are surefire ways to boost the value of your home. This means you can merely repaint the rest of the property and claim you have renovated the house. 

However, if you want to sell and move out of your San Diego home as soon as possible, then you may argue that you did not want to impose your remodeling vision on the buyer. In this case, you may even move your belongings out of your San Diego home so that the buyer can assess which renovations they want to implement. As the consultants at familyaffairmoving.com say, their clients often hire their services to remove a part of their belongings from their homes. Then, when they are ready to relocate, they move all of the other, bulkier items.

Renovate to rekindle interest in your home

If you have already ventured into listing your home for sale, but you are not provoking the expected interest, a few renovations could help you overcome this hurdle. Your real estate agent should be able to assess the situation and suggest a suitable renovation strategy. 

The cons of renovating before you sell

  • Renovations can be time-consuming

As we have mentioned before, renovations may not align with your plans if you want to move out as soon as possible. So, construction work taking place on your property while you are in the midst of planning your relocation can stall your plans considerably. Handling substantial renovations remotely also requires a lot of effort and sacrificing of your precious time. So, if you do not have plenty of time on your hands, decide against renovating your San Diego property. 

a renovated living room with sofas and tv
Remodel your home only if you have enough time

The costs of renovations can be debilitating

A valuable piece of advice for home sellers is to mind their budget before deciding to renovate. So, you must set down your budget and consult the contractors. Also, add up the pricing of the materials and construction work and compare it to your budget. Be sure not to agree to a remodeling project until you know for sure you can afford it.

a blueprint of renovations drill and nails

The renovations might not pay off

In some markets, the renovations might not be enough to increase the value of your home noticeably. Furthermore, it is vital to prioritize what needs improvement and consider what the buyer might not appreciate. Introducing too many unnecessary improvements might even put off potential homebuyers. 

That is why it makes sense to take into account an expert’s analysis of what benefits your home in the given real estate market. So, be sure to compare your home to similar properties and plan your moves accordingly.  

Appealing to homebuyers is your number one priority

First impressions in showings certainly make a huge difference. In that sense, even minor, aesthetic changes can significantly improve your chances of appealing to homebuyers. Hence, a thorough declutter and a proper cleanse before listing your home for sale are indispensable. So, it would be best if you stored away your personal belongings to make your property more presentable. Even if you are a small apartment owner, many innovative in-home storage solutions will allow your apartment to shine.

Consult a real estate expert

When it comes to financially rewarding renovations, making an informed decision is extremely important. If you have your doubts, consider arranging a professional San Diego home valuation to be on the safe side. “Why,” you may ask. Depending on your San Diego neighborhood, your potential renovation budget, and the characteristics of your property, different renovations might have a different return on investment. Hence, a real estate agency operating in San Diego will be able to acquaint you with the current trends in the local market. 

Remember – your San Diego home stands against other properties. Taking into account the pros and cons of renovating before you sell will allow you to plan your steps and renovate with the aim of appealing to homebuyers effectively.

 

How to Sell A House And Buy Another

How To Sell A House In San Diego

The cost to sell a house in San Diego varies. There are typical fees such as Title and Escrow Fees. Then “the Property County Tax.” Yes, you have to pay for that portion of the year if you have not already paid this along with your mortgage payments. There is also a sell a housecounty transfer tax (1.10 per $1,000 of value (exclusive of liens existing at the time of transfer), and a fee from your bank for paying off the loan. A third-party company collects the natural disclosure fee, which informs the buyer if the property is in a hazard zone. After an offer is accepted, the company completes and issues the report to the buyer. These fees, included in the cost of selling a house, typically total around 1% of the selling price.

What Are The Realtor Fees?

Now we come to the Realtor fees. This fee varies and is negotiable. Some people may think that hiring a discount broker may save 1,2,3,4 percent or more. I can see how some people may think of this. For example, if you have an item in a store and you price it at a certain dollar amount, the consumer comes in and says, I would like to purchase that item. Great, they go to the cashier and pay the price that was on the price tag, and they are good to go. That’s not how it works in real estate; there are various fees involved throughout the process.

When selling a house, it is not so cut and dry. This is especially so when selling homes in neighborhoods such as North Park, South Park, and metro neighborhoods in San Diego. Most homes in these communities were built in the early 1900s. While many have been beautifully remodeled over the years, they still retain the unique quirks of older construction. Once a potential buyer completes their inspection and receives the written report, the process often becomes more challenging from that point forward.

The Importance of Experienced Realtors in Selling Older Homes

We’ve found that when a Realtor lacks experience—whether they’re new to the business or have 20 years under their belt—in selling older homes, they often struggle to navigate and negotiate during the contingency period, leading to fallouts. Ultimately, the buyer walks, and they fall out of a contract. Valuable market time, often spanning days or even months, is lost, leaving the home looking stale to potential buyers. Not only does it look stale, but now the seller has to provide all of the previous buyers’ inspections on your property to the new potential buyer. This does not matter whether the inspector was a good or bad one, this does not matter. The seller must provide a potential buyer with these inspections (aka material facts).

Over the years, we’ve noticed that buyers often feel overwhelmed when faced with numerous inspection reports. Without verbal context from the inspector, these reports can seem alarming. In the end, the 1%, 2%, 3%, or more that the seller thought they were saving often results in thousands of dollars in lost revenue.

Do I Have to Pay for Repairs Before Selling My House?

Repairs before you sell a house

 

If there have been small things around the home that you have meant to take care of, this is the time to do it. Things such as dead grass, hedges, and trees can be cleaned up very inexpensively. If dirt or debris is lying around, now is the time to get rid of excess stuff lying around. 

Unsavory odors caused by pets should be addressed, and any cracks or chipped paint should be repaired. Painting is one of the easiest and most inexpensive things you can do before listing your home that will increase your return on investment exponentially. The McT Real Estate Group has people in place to step in and help you with this process. With all this in mind, if you’re looking to sell your home as-is, we can help make that happen too. We have several programs and plans in place for all types of sellers.

Do I Need to Stage My Home?

Suppose you live in your home while it goes on the market for sale; yes, we do stage the home with your own furniture. There are staging when you sell a housesecrets to staging that we share with our home sellers that make all the difference. Home Staging is like magic; we are creating an illusion with the placement of furniture. For example, the concept of pushing all furniture to the walls, so the rooms look larger is not true. Instead, we suggest removing just a few excess pieces of furniture and then moving pieces away from the wall so there is a little space. Create groups with your chairs and sofas. They will be more of a conversational area, and the rooms will appear larger by doing this small exercise.

If the home is vacant, we suggest staging it most of the time. In fact, we work with a stager that customizes pieces around the flow of the rooms. Staging can cost anywhere from $1,000-$$5,000, depending on the home’s size and rooms that need staging. We do not suggest staging when the home is in original condition and/or has deferred maintenance. The buyer looking at these types of homes is more of an investor buyer and is simply looking at the numbers of what it cost to buy, renovate, holding costs, and return of investment.

If you have any questions regarding selling your home or would like to find out the current value of what a buyer would pay for it in today’s market, contact the McT Real Estate Group at 619-736-7003. Until the next time.

Who Pays The Closing Costs

11 Tips for Selling Your Home in San Diego for Top Dollar

selling your home
Selling Your Home in San Diego

If it’s time to sell your home, you probably want to make sure you get the highest possible price. Not only will you want to get top dollar for your house, but you probably want to sell your home as fast as possible. Below, are 11 of the best tips for selling your house in San Diego that will bring you the highest dollar amount possible.

Choosing Your Realtor

While you may think a Realtor and Real Estate Agent are interchangeable terms, they are not. When a real estate agent becomes a Realtor, it means the agent has joined the National Association of Realtors. This makes a difference and you want to choose a Realtor who adheres to the codes of ethics created by the NAR. They should also have plenty of experience with home selling in San Diego, specifically in your neighborhood.

Understand Curb Appeal

Curb appeal won’t show up on an appraisal, but it will matter when you sell a home. It’s the first impression potential buyers will see through online pictures, videos, and as they pull up to your house. If you want to draw more potential homebuyers in, take the time to create better curb appeal.

A few ways to create better curb appeal include:

  • Proper landscaping
  • Paint the front door and entryway
  • Replace an old mailbox
  • Replace old light fixtures
  • Clean up any debris
  • Trim the hedges

Have a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) Prepared For You

Any good Realtor should know how to do a proper CMA. This will show you what other homes in the area, similar to yours, have been selling for. With you are provided with a professional CMA , you will have a better idea of the price the current market will support for your home. Remember, an “Active” home is not comparable, you should be looking at houses that have gone “Under Contract” and homes that have “Sold” in the last 3-6 months. This will depend on what type of market you are currently in.

Price Your Home Properly

Your Realtor should advise you on what the selling price should be. You want to price your home to gain attention, which doesn’t mean underpricing it. However, you should not overprice your home either. If you do you will scare away potential homebuyers. Instead, you will help sell another homeowner’s house that was priced properly.

Clean Your Home and Keep It Clean

A clean home will impress potential buyers much more than a dirty home. You should have your home cleaned by a professional, and then it will be easier to keep it clean. Get rid of any smells from pets, smoke, cooking or any other odd odor, as well.

A few other good tips for helping you sell your home for a higher price include:

  • Disclose any issues upfront with buyers
  • Keep your emotions in check during the process
  • Make small repairs, if possible
  • Stage your home
  • Make sure your contract includes everything in writing

If you’re going to be selling a house in San Diego and you want to get the highest price, start by hiring the right local Realtor. He or she will be able to give you plenty of advice on how to get your home sold quickly for a fair price as well as what to update before putting your home on the market for sale.

Other Tips to Help You Sell Your Home for Top Dollar

Selling A Home Fast In San Diego

Selling a home fast in San Diego does not mean you have to sell it under market value. The McT Real Estate Group can sell your house quickly and for top dollar – and have done this for many years in North Park, South Park, and other neighborhoods of San Diego. A well-prepared house, properly marketed and appropriately priced, will typically sell in our urban neighborhood of San Diego within the first 30 to 60 days.

The San Diego market is great for sellers right now because of low inventory. It is one of the most desirable places in the country, so many people want to live here. This is a good thing for homeowners thinking of selling their homes, especially in today’s seller’s market.  You, as the seller, will have more negotiating power because of this.  This does not mean that you can pick a selling price out of the sky. We still see homes that are having a hard time selling. There are several reasons for this happening in this market. Some of these homes have been thrown on the market without preparation and have been overpriced.

Selling a Home Fast With a Limited Budget

If your goal is to sell a home fast and have a limited budget, talk to a local and experienced Listing Agent.  They can refer you to several qualified home inspectors so you can be pre-inspected.  You and your Realtor can focus on the things that should be repaired that are not too costly but would be important to a home buyer.

Don’t think that spending money on a home you’re trying to sell is wasted money.  Some things should be addressed as they may be minimally fixed, but a buyer may make a big deal once they do their inspection. A homebuyer will pay a premium for a house that is in good condition.  You wouldn’t want them to walk away because the air conditioning system doesn’t work or because the sewer line is cracked.  To sell quickly, take immediate action, but be sure your house is in suitable condition for the market.  Don’t list the house until it’s ready.

First Impressions – Curb Appeal

San Diego is great for many reasons – one of them being the creative expressiveness you have when decorating than more traditional settings are bound by.  You might think of white as boring, but you can easily and inexpensively add some flair; off-white with a tropical trim looks stunning and is very welcomed in San Diego’s Urban Communities.

Spanish Style Home With accent color
Spanish Style Home with a Splash of Color

You won’t want to paint the entire house too loud of color as this will ward off some buyers.  Stick with neutral colors and get creative with accent features like the front door, windows, and shutters.  The outside of the house is the first thing buyers will see, so start there.

A cluttered, messy front yard will give buyers the impression the interior is also neglected.  An immaculate interior won’t matter if a buyer never bothers to go inside.  Consider a rock garden – they are a great, low-maintenance way to give the house great curb appeal without working hard to keep it looking good.

Interior Decorating

So, here’s a scenario: the appealing exterior of your house has attracted a potential buyer – great! They open the gate with a smile and excitedly walk through the front yard. They open the front door, step inside, and are then confronted with a strong, musty smell. Things went from good to bad rather quickly!  Nothing says “neglect” like a smelly house.  Avoid this harmful scenario by getting the house professionally cleaned.

Decluttered Home
Decluttered Living Room and Dining Room

 

Less is More -cluttered rooms will make them look small.  You want to open up space and accentuate the attractive features of the home.  This room isn’t massive but works well because it has the right amount of furniture.

A Kitchen Facelift

Kitchen and bathrooms – these are the focal points most buyers have in houses.  A dingy kitchen with outdated appliances is an immediate turn-off for buyers.  A good listing agent will know how to prioritize what to spruce up to remain within your budget.If your kitchen has a set-up like this photo on the left side, you can remove the overhead cabinets to open up space, such as the kitchen on the right-hand side. It creates a room that feels much larger than it is.

 

Out dated Kitchen
Outdated Kitchen
Open Concept Kitchen
Open Concept Kitchen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The same is true for a dated bathroom. Jazz it up with new door handles and fixtures.  Paint the bathroom a lighter color and replace the caulking. For more tips on sprucing up your house, Check out this article on Catering to Millennials.

San Diego Sunshine

San Diego is known for its abundant sunshine, and the best part is: it’s free!  Use it to your advantage.  Pull back the curtains and make sure there’s nothing blocking sources of light like an overgrown bush in front of a window. A bright living space can make it obvious what to fix first, like a dirty carpet that didn’t look so bad when it was dark inside.

Amplify this phenomenon by painting the room white.  You may love your burgundy-colored office – but selling fast means you’ve got to open up the door to as many buyers as possible.  White will make the space look bigger and brighter. Additionally, use bright light bulbs to illuminate the inside of your house at night.  In your backyard, adding lights to your porch and fence will create an alluring ambiance.

Ask Tenants To Move Out

If the home that you are selling is a rental, you will be faced with a difficult conversation.  You are most likely going to have to ask the occupants to move out.  In our experience, trying to sell a home in which renters occupy has proved challenging.  Tenants have no incentive to make sure the house is clean and tidy. They are not too eager to show the property to a potential buyer.  No matter how nice or easy-going they are, they won’t be excited that you’re getting ready to sell the house that they live in. If a buyer has a hard time trying to get in to see your home that is for sale, they will move on to another one that is easy to show.

The bottom line is when the home is not occupied by tenants, well-maintained living space is proven to be the most marketable.  Keep in mind that if the tenants have lived in the home for over a year, they must receive a 60-day notice. Under a year gets 30 days, so plan if you’re goal is selling your home quickly.

Homes Are Staying on the Market Longer
Homes Are Staying on the Market Longer Bar Graph by NAR

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), homes are staying on the market longer than before. For instance, homes recently averaged eight more days on the market than last year. With buyers becoming increasingly patient, sellers need to be flexible and ready to adapt. While market inventory and mortgage rates are beyond your control, there’s one powerful factor within your reach: the real estate agent you choose. Selecting an agent who understands the nuances of the San Diego market can mean the difference between a quick sale and a lengthy listing.

So, if selling your home fast is a priority, here are a few proven strategies a top San Diego agent will guide you through to achieve your goals.

1. Competitive Pricing is Key

In San Diego’s dynamic market, the right price can make or break your sale. Pricing competitively from the start is essential to attract serious buyers. A skilled local agent will perform a thorough market analysis, comparing recent sales and active listings in your area. This data-driven pricing strategy ensures your home hits the market at a compelling price, immediately drawing potential buyers and minimizing the chances of your listing becoming stagnant.

As U.S. News points out, “Setting an unrealistically high price with the idea that you can come down later doesn’t work in real estate. A home that’s overpriced in the beginning tends to stay on the market longer, even after the price is eventually cut, because buyers think there must be something wrong with it.”

2. The Condition of Your Home

When speed is a priority, presenting your home in top condition is crucial. Homes that are well-maintained, with appealing curb appeal and modern touches, tend to sell faster. San Diego buyers often appreciate a blend of coastal charm with contemporary finishes, so first impressions matter.

An experienced agent can advise you on what buyers are looking for and whether staging will add value. They’ll also help you identify repairs that could deter buyers if left unaddressed. According to Ramsey Solutions, it’s best to “take care of things now that will be a problem in the closing process,” such as plumbing, roofing, or electrical issues. Proactively handling these repairs can make your home more appealing and save time in the long run.

3. Offering Enticing Incentives

To make your home stand out in a competitive market, consider adding incentives to attract buyers. Options like contributing towards closing costs, offering a home warranty, or including appliances can make your listing more appealing than others. In San Diego’s current market, these extras can give your property the edge it needs.

Partnering with a local real estate expert means you’ll benefit from their knowledge on which incentives resonate with buyers and how to market them effectively.

Bottom Line: Partner with an Expert

Selling a home quickly in San Diego’s evolving market demands strategy, market insight, and a clear understanding of buyer priorities. Working with an experienced local agent is invaluable. As Forbes advises, “When time is of the essence, you can’t afford to take a chance on an inexperienced housing professional.”

By choosing an agent who knows the San Diego market and understands your needs, you’ll be well-equipped to sell your home quickly, even in a challenging environment.

If you are thinking of selling a home fast in San Diego and would like to speak to an experienced listing agent/Realtor, contact the McT Real Estate Group. We would love to be able to help you with the process.

 Sell Your San Diego Home in the Winter Market Sweet Spot

 

How to Sell a House to Younger Home Buyers

The majority of homebuyers in today’s marketplace are a demographic known as “millennials.” These are young buyers in an age group ranging from people in their twenties to mid-thirties. What do millennials want in a home? These young buyers tend to like newer houses built within the last few years if available. But, that doesn’t mean they don’t have an interest in older homes. Mostly, millennials are looking for functionality. They know that the infrastructure and appliances of a new house will be up to date. However, most homes in San Diego’s Metro Neighborhoods, such as North Park or South Park, are older homes. They range anywhere from the early 1900s to-1950s. Here, we will give you a few tips on how to sell a house to young homebuyers.

Young Home Buyers
Young Homebuyers i

The key to selling your home to millennials is ensuring your house is functional and has no major unaddressed issues. You, as the homeowner, can do a few things that will open up your home to sell to not just millennials but all buyers in general.

1 – Get A Pre-Inspection

One of the great things about San Diego is the weather. It prolongs the integrity of houses better than in places with more extreme climates. This is not to say that houses in San Diego do not have issues. This is far from the truth and will show up during an inspection. Your success in selling your home for a great price depends on the buyer’s home inspection findings.

When a potential home buyer is interested in your house, they will have a home inspector do a thorough inspection. Their inspector’s job is to find any issues with your house. A good thing to beat them to the punchline is to have a pre-inspection done before you put your house on the market. Even if you think that you already know what issues your home might have, you may have overlooked something that a home inspector will catch. Also, a pre-inspection will give you a physical/tangible list of safety and/or functionality issues.

With that being said, know that even if you have had a pre-inspection, a buyer will want to have their inspection done once under contract. The buyer wants to know there aren’t major things happening with the home. Millennials are typically first-time homebuyers, so any significant issues with a home will likely scare them into looking elsewhere.

2 – Fix Functionality Issues

With your pre-inspection completed, you are now fully aware of your home’s safety and/or function issues. The next step will address some of these items on the list. Hopefully, you are working with an experienced local Listing Agent who sells many older homes and knows how to negotiate repairs. They will be able to help you prioritize the list so you know what to start with and what does not need to be addressed at this time.

Think repair, not replace. You don’t necessarily have to throw away an old heating/air-conditioning system entirely, but servicing it to good working order will be crucial. The same is true for the roof and plumbing/electrical systems. You don’t want a potential buyer to walk away after discovering that replacing certain items will cost thousands of dollars. Your Realtor should have a list of vendors that they can refer to. Servicing and/or repairing some of these items will save you thousands of dollars in the long run. Don’t go at this alone. Your Realtor will know what is worth repairing and what will bring you a higher dollar amount when you sell your home.

3 – Touch-ups

Kitchens and bathrooms are what usually sell a house. Some touch-ups will be very simple, while others will be more expensive. Knowing which ones are worth the investment is essential.  From something simple as painting the front door or countertops to replacing the cabinets or appliances, an experienced Realtor can help you spruce up your home while remaining within your budget.

4 – Does Your House Have a Home Office

Working from home is on the rise these days. Having a home office is not just a Millennial preference but a general workplace trend. Having one is a plus that will attract more buyers. You don’t necessarily have to give up a bedroom to create an office. Even if you don’t currently have an office, your Real Estate Agent should know a few good stagers experienced with creating a home workspace in any room. This way you don’t have to trade a bedroom for an office. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, just functional. Take Leonardo Da Vinci’s word: “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”

In North Park, South Park, and many of our metro neighborhoods in San Diego, we see homes where the garage has been converted to home offices. Many of our buyers fall in love with these properties because of this feature alone. They are not too worried about not being able to park the car in the garage. Since San Diego’s weather is usually very nice, parking the car in the driveway is fine.

It’s hard to beat the charm of an older home. Combine that with modern functionality, and you’ll be sure your house is ready for all buyers, including the millennials.

If you are thinking about selling your home in North Park, South Park, or any San Diego Metro areas, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the McT Real Estate Group. We are the local experts in these neighborhoods and experts in selling older homes.

Selling Your Home in San Diego in 2017

Are you thinking about selling your home in San Diego? Now is an excellent time for homeowners in North Park, South Park, and the metro neighborhoods who’ve been waiting for the right moment to list their property. Home values in these sought-after areas have seen significant appreciation, often surpassing the peak prices from the mid-2000s. With strong demand and limited inventory in these neighborhoods, sellers are in a prime position to attract competitive offers.

Selling Your Home

Interest Rates Are Going Up

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Median Home Prices

Below is an active live chart showing the median prices in North Park over the last 13 years. You can see that our home prices are higher than in 2007, which was right before the 2008 decline.

Based on available data, here’s a summary of median home prices in North Park, San Diego, from 2004 to 2017:

Year Median Home Price
2004 $577,041
2005 $603,679
2006 $585,974
2007 $495,497
2008 $346,597
2009 $382,226
2010 $375,790
2011 $359,930
2012 $418,290
2013 $479,690
2014 $494,500
2015 $530,000
2016 $568,000
2017 $605,000

Note: These figures represent median home prices for San Diego County, as specific data for North Park isn’t readily available.

La Almanac

In 2007, just before the 2008 housing downturn, the median home price in San Diego County was $495,497. Fast-forward to today, and median home prices have soared well beyond the $600,000 mark seen in 2017, with many areas surpassing $900,000 or more, depending on location and property type. This upward trend reflects the strong demand and limited supply that continues to define the San Diego real estate market.

Currently, we’re still in a seller’s market, meaning there are fewer than six months of inventory available. In contrast, a buyer’s market occurs when there are more than seven months of inventory. For example, if no new homes were added to the market, it would take over seven months to sell all existing listings in a buyer’s market. That’s far from the reality here in San Diego. In neighborhoods like North Park, South Park, and other metro areas, we’re seeing closer to 1.5 to 2 months of inventory, keeping competition high and giving sellers a clear advantage.

Thinking of Selling Your Home?

Are you a homeowner in North Park, South Park, or any other metro neighborhood in San Diego? Are you thinking of selling your home? If so, contact the McT Real Estate Group right now. We will find out your specific goals and together devise a strategic plan of action to ensure you receive the absolute highest dollar amount for your home.

Contact Us

Z.McT-Contreras
Mary McTernan
2820 Camino Del Rio S ste 300,
San Diego, CA 92108
Lpt Realty Inc. | Big Block Realty

619-736-7003

info@mctrealestategroup.com

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