Santa Cruz Real Estate News & Information

Getting from “I want to sell my house” to “SOLD” is often a long and stressful process.  The last thing you want to do is find someone who wants to buy your house and then lose him or her. 

Here are five ways to avoid deal-killing surprises:

• Get a home inspection.  If you truly don’t want any surprises, get a home inspection before you put your home on the market.  Then make all repairs needed; or disclose the problems up front, and tell the potential buyers how much you’ve reduced the price instead of making the repairs.

• Do not ask for favors.  You don’t want to suddenly ask the buyers if you can delay closing for six months or if you can keep the crystal dining room chandelier.

• Go over the contract in detail.  Ask your agent to have the buyer’s agent go over the details of the contract with the buyers before they sign it.  Even if the buyers say they understand the contract, ask the agent to discuss the details with them.  This prevents misunderstandings and provides time to make contract changes well before the closing, if needed.

• Be honest.  If your hot-water heater breaks two days before the closing, don’t pretend that you love cold-water showers.  Tell the buyers what happened and that it’ll be replaced before closing.  Being honest up front builds trust.

• Remain calm.  If the buyers ask questions or make comments about the house that make you feel like they don’t love the house as much as you do, let it go.  This is a business deal.  You need to sell the house; they want to buy it.  Who cares what they say?  Remember the childhood saying about sticks and stones…

If you’re ready to sell your Santa Cruz real estate, I’d love the opportunity to interview for the job.  Give me a call today at (831) 662-6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com to schedule an interview.

For more information, please visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.