Selling a Home in California? These Major Events Will Be On Your Timeline
No matter what type of home you are selling, what your goals are, and how you feel about the sale itself, the process can be stressful. While every case is different, you can trust your local neighborhood escrow company to provide honest advice about some of the steps that are likely to be on the timeline.
Decision Time
One of the most important parts of the home selling process is deciding when you want to have your home sold. If you live in one of the many highly-sought after neighborhoods in Southern California and you price your property reasonably, it is likely that you will have plenty of interest – and it is likely that you can move out on the date you choose.
To get started, deciding when you would ideally like to move out. Then work backwards to create your own timeline so that you can complete the steps in a way that makes sense for your goals. For example, know that the average days on the market for a property in the U.S. is between 65 – 93. Ask your realtor for the stats in your particular area. Once you know the average days on the market, you can add a 30-day closing period and figure out when to begin the process.
Do Your Research Eight Weeks Before Listing the Property
Once you have decided on when to list the property, do the math to figure out eight weeks before that this is when you are going to want to start getting all your information ready. This includes your own finances, budget, anticipated transaction costs, and the equity in your home. Get information on your mortgage, title, insurance etc. Start talking to Realtors so you know who you want to call when it’s time to list.
The Home Will Need to Be Evaluated Six Weeks Before Listing It
You will need to look at your home as though through the eyes of a potential buyer. What conditions of your property may make them less interested in buying it? Are there cosmetic issues like torn window screens that can be repaired affordably? Are there functional upgrades that can help increase the interest and the price in your home?
Many of the issues with your home will not be reasonably repaired or replaced. This does not mean you can simply ignore them – but it does mean that you can be repaired and list your home accordingly. Make sure the potential buyer knows that the listing price takes specific factors into consideration so they do not try to use them as negotiating tactics down the line.
At Neighborhood Escrow we are always happy to be part of the magical experience of a family buying or selling a home.
