Selling Your Home in a Housing Shortage

We've all heard the news about how there isn't enough homes on the market to keep up with the demand of homebuyers. So you may be hesitating if you're thinking of selling your home, it may seem like there's nothing out there to move to. However, I can solve that problem for you!

1. Make a Plan: You've decided that you want to move. Now, before you put your home on the market, make sure you make a plan with your REALTOR®. Find the area and type of home you want to buy and get an idea of what's on the market. Once you have an idea of the market, then you and your real estate agent will put the plan into action.
2. Watch the Market: Once your home is for sale, keep an eye on the homes you like, and any new homes that come on the market. Don't get attached, just watch the market. Once you get a contract on your home, it's time to tour homes to buy!
3. Make an Offer: When the house you are selling has a contract on it and your are touring homes. It is time to make an offer! The key is to have a couple of homes you love, so you can put in a few offers. If you like 80% of the house, go for it!  
4. Stay Patient: Your main job is to stay patient, not only with the showings happening at your home but with your own home search. It's going to be a hectic period of time but your REALTOR® should make it as smooth as possible. If they are experienced, this type of transaction shouldn't be hard for them at all. They should be able to line up all the dominos, so that they fall into place perfectly for you!

Now that you have a better idea of how the process would work, you shouldn't hesitate to sell your home in today's market. Home values are rising, so making a move now could be a win-win for you, sell your home for a good price and move-up before prices are even higher. 

Make sure your REALTOR® is experienced and does a good amount of business, every year. The more transactions they have been a part of the easier it will be for you. Plus you'll have a good negotiator on your side for both transactions, helping you maximize your value and close on time. 

Selling Your House in The Summer

Summertime means businesses in general are seeing increased sales. The days are longer, people are going on summer vacations, and maximizing their time outdoors before it's too hot. So now may be the perfect time for you to sell your house! Here's some tips:

More Buyers: Typically, people start looking for houses in March and the search for the perfect home can take quite a few months. So by the time summer rolls around they're ready to buy! That means more eyes on the market and if you sell in the summer, you could get a lot more traffic!

Keep it Cool: If buyers are out and about  during the heat of the day, a cool house will feel like a refuge! Pair that with a house that shows well and you'll stand out in their minds. Make sure to turn the A/C down a little lower than normal, so they can cool off while they tour your home. 

Longer Days: Even in Arizona, the longer days help more buyers search for houses. If you work until 5 pm, during the summer you have daylight until almost 8 pm! That leaves so much more time to see as many houses as possible. 

Outdoor Space: It may be getting too hot out, but buyer's still want that outdoor living space. They may be looking for a house during the summer but they'll be living in a home as the temperatures start cooling down. Keep the grass green, trim all the bushes, and create some seating areas. Bonus: add some seasonal flowers to brighten it up!

Trust a Professional: Whether you're buying a new home or on the resale market. Trust a full-time REALTOR® to help you because in a highly competitive market, you need that experience. Ask them how many transactions they do each year and then ask them how close to list price is their average sales price. That will tell you a lot about their experience. If they have the answers, that's a good sign.  

Have any questions? Let me know! I am happy to help you in any way I can!

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What to Know About Real Estate Startups

They say things like, 'no hassle' and talk about taking the stress away when you sell a home. Real Estate Startups are popping up around town and while they may be good for some Sellers. However, here is some important information to know:

Profit Motive: these companies are backed by a lot of Venture Capital money, which means one thing: Buy Low and Sell High. The Startup may purchase your home but it will be for low market value because in order to make a profit, they have to sell your home for a higher price. That's your money being left on the table. 

One Sided Representation: when it comes to them buying your home, it's you and the Startup (a corporation). No one has your back in price or fee negotiations. (There's no negotiation when it comes to fees.) When the repair requests come in, are they negotiating on your behalf or their's? When you don't have representation it can cost you not only money but more importantly, time.

Higher Fees: if you think hiring a REALTOR® is expensive, wait until you see what these Startups charge. They are anywhere from 3%-6% higher than a traditional REALTOR®. Plus, if you buy and sell with one REALTOR®, they may give you a commission discount.

These are just 3 really important reasons to consider using a REALTOR® when you sell your home. Not only that, you're helping a small business and that agent's family. You have a relationship with that real estate agent and can call them if something is wrong. Do you think that startup is going to take your call after the deal is done? Not unless you have another house to sell. 

Team Clayton is committed to building relationships with our clients. So much so, that we have 5 free events every year ,that you can attend with your family. Movies, Pizza Parties, Happy Hours, and more. Once you sell with Team Clayton, you're our friend!

So, if you're thinking of selling, give me a call 623-334-5144 or email me, Kyle@TeamClayton.com

The Process of Selling Your Home

The process of selling your home can seem daunting but with Team Clayton, it won't be! That doesn't mean you shouldn't know what's going on, so here's what you can expect when you decide to sell your home. 

1. Interview Agents: Make sure they can not only list your home but get it sold. Professional photos? Transaction Coordinator? Make sure they can get the job done. 
2. Price Your Home: A real estate agent should tour your home, to see the finishes and upgrades you may have made to the property. Then they can do a comparative analysis to determine your home's value.
3. Prepare Your Home: You may have some homework to get ready for photos, to pack up personal items, or even some minor repairs. The goal is to help the buyers envision themselves in you home. Your REALTOR® should give you tips. 
4. Time for Showings: Now is the stressful part. However, your agent should have set up the showing instructions to make it as easy on you and your pets as possible. So make sure your input on how you want your home shown, is heard. 
5. Time for Offers: After about 10 showings, we should expect an offer. If not, we'll want to look at the feedback on your home and adjust accordingly. This is when you listen to the market, so be open to change!
6. SOLD!: Once you get an offer, the process isn't complete. This is where you negotiate price, who pays closing costs, and a closing date. So having an experienced REALTOR® with good negotiation skills, actually pays!

Phase two of selling your home involves fulfilling the contractual obligations and getting to the close of escrow date. Here's what that involves:

1. Inspection Period: From the date you accept the contract, the buyer has 10 days to complete inspections. This could involves any number of inspectors so be patient and don't worry. They will do their best work with you away, so plan a day out of the house. *During this period, the buyer can walk at any time.
2. Repairs: Once the inspection period is complete, you will have a list of repairs that the seller wants you to complete, based on the inspections. This is where more negotiation begins, so decide what you're willing to repair and what you wont. *Depending on what you decide, you may have 5 more days of inspection period. 
3. Appraisal: The lender orders an appraisal after the inspection and he will determine your homes values. If it comes in too high, more negotiations! Just right, then the deal moves forward. This may be the most crucial point to have good negotiator on your side.
4. Close of Escrow: Most agents will think it's smooth sailing from here, but not us! We make sure to maintain contact with the buyer's lender to ensure the loan process stays on track.
5. Signing Day: Finally, the day to go down to the Title Company and sign all the paperwork is here. This completes the transaction and the Title Company will do the rest. Once they record the paperwork at the County Recorder's Office, it's official. You have to be moved out by that time, no exceptions! 

Talk about a lot to handle! So, ask your REALTOR® how many transactions they do a year. That will tell you how experienced they are at getting deals done! It's one thing to list a home for sale, it's another task to get it sold! So give us a call and put our team to work for you!

Have any questions? Email me at Kyle@teamclayton.com or on Facebook!