HOME SELLING GUIDE

Presented by:

The Pamela Walters Group

Pamela Walters of The Pamela Walters Group in Tyler, TX

Pamela Walters, REALTOR®, Broker

Housing expectations for 2020

The NAR publishes some great data every year in regards to housing expectations.

Housing outlook

Existing Home Sales:

to 5.6M

Median Home Prices:

to 5.6M

Mortgage Rates:

to 5.6M

GDP Growth:

to 5.6M

Potential speed bumps

Tight inventory conditions

Increasing home prices

Rising mortgage rates

Waning consumer confidence

*THE CASE FOR OPTIMISM

New housing starts are only now returning to levels seen previous to the last major housing downturn, resulting in low inventory conditions that persist in single family home resales. Expect home prices to continue to climb throughout 2020.

7 things you need to know when selling a home.

Whether you are selling in a hurry, or selling at your convenience, be aware of the major influences that the market and the terms of your sale can have on the resale value and amount of money you keep in your pocket.

Determine an accurate fair market value

Take the time to work closely with a reputable buyers agent who can create a thorough Comparative Market Analysis for you. You’ll need to get a good look at comparable properties in your area that have been appraised recently.

Find out what kind of buyer your property will draw

This will have an effect on what kinds of repairs you may elect to do, as well as determine what kind of financing a buyer can utilize when purchasing the home.

Get a pulse on the overall market conditions

Home sale’s ratios, buyer activity levels, and neighorhood competition can all influence the value of your property, as well as how long it may be on the market.

Perform all improvements that have a net positive on your resale value

Regardless of home condition, there are always improvements that can positively influence your re-sale value. Smells are highly important to focus on, as well as cleanliness.

Choose the right agent for your transaction

A passionate, knowledgeable local expert who intimately knows your neighborhood and market is important. Equally important is their communication, organization, and timeliness.

Prepare your home for those buyer showings

The cosmetic appeal of a property highly influences it’s value. To the untrained eye (like your average buyer), cleanliness is a proxy for how well the home was cared for. Be sure to send the right message with a bright & clean experience free of unwanted odors.

Get feedback from every buyer if possible

Your buyer’s agent can typically follow up with agent’s who show your home to their clients. Get feedback on the home condition, showing highlights, and make changes if needed to improve desirability.

"Reality TV" versus real world conditions

You‘ll need a credit report to make sure your score and reporting are accurate. Work directly with a lender on your credit score. They can help provide recommendations, work with scoring agencies, and improve your score when you obtain your loan.

Reality TV Show myths

  • Buyers only look at three homes before they make a decision to purchase
  • The homes being chosen from are still active on the market and available for sale
  • When you flip a home, all you have to worry about is repair expenses when calculating profit
  • The house sells during it's first open house on the market
  • Real estate agents regularly live lavish lives on hundred thousand plus incomes

Real world conditions

  • Most buyers look at considerably more than three homes.
  • It's all staged for TV. Most homes viewed are sold or off market already.
  • Shows ignore taxes, insurance, interest, utilities, closing costs and commissions.
  • Properties typically sell after a showing with their buying agent
  • Most agents make much less. Take home pay is far lower after all overhead is calculated

Quick tips for would be property investors

Buying Takes Time

Don’t rush into a deal just because you are excited. Take your time to locate the best deal.

Budget carefully

TV shows tend to gloss over complex topics that influence profitability. Your budget needs to be accurate.

Calculate PITI payments

Property taxes and insurance can add a significant amount to your monthly payment

Find a great agent

You’ll need an absolute professional experienced in your specific market

Meet your average first time home buye

If you are selling a home that would make a good first time home purchase in the area, you’ll want to better understand today’s first time home buyer needs.

What kind of house do they want?

Move in ready homes

Upwards of 68% of buyers are looking to purchase a move-in ready property.

Move in ready homes

Upwards of 68% of buyers are looking to purchase a move-in ready property.

Energy efficient and smart technologies

Younger buyers make up a larger and larger market share, and are willing to pay premiums for upgrades they perceive to be good for the environment, or capable of reducing their energy footprint.

Attractive designs

Large entertainers style kitchens, bright open floor plans are very popular. New homes are being built with large bedrooms and baths.

Common types of first time home buyers

20%

TOTAL POPULATION

20% of consumers overall are actively looking to purchase their first home.

46%

MILLENNIALS

46% of millennials will be looking to buy their first home in the next 1-2 years.

38%

HISPANICS

38% of hispanics are actively looking and planning to buy their first home in the next 1-2 years.

Home ownership is one of the largest committments you can make, and with it comes a slew of costs and responsibilities. Even when selling your home, you may want to consider which investments to make in order to get the most out of your transaction. Our Listing Agent will guide you to improvements which will most likely increase the value of your home, and advise on those improvements that may not make a difference.

When to invest in your house

Curb Appeal

Property exterior could use improvements

Curb Appeal

Property exterior looks great from all angles

Carpeting

The carpets have stains and/or wear and tear

Carpeting

The carpeting is near new or like new

Odors

The carpets have stains and/or wear and tear

Odors

The home smells like pets, smoke or garbage

Kitchens & baths

These rooms are attractive, modern, clean and inviting

Kitchens & baths

These rooms need repairs, improvements or replacements

Financial situation

I have capital that could be used to invest in the property

Financial situation

I do not have any options for covering the cost of repairs

8 Popular home remodeling trends

When selling a home, it’s important to compare properties in your area to better understand what a competing property may offer buyers in value and convenience. You may want to consider some of the following upgrades to add value and interest to your home once it goes on the market.

  • 01

    Go Green

    Use materials and products in upgrades that are friendly to the environment.

  • 02

    Update bathrooms

    Soaking tubs, large showers, and bold flooring choices are in vogue

  • 03

    Wood flooring

    Hardwood floors, as well as faux or engineered hardwood floors are common

  • 04

    Stainless Steel

    Updated appliances in the kitchen do a lot to add perceived value.

  • 05

    Kitchen updates

    Single-bowl deep sinks, copper lighting, and solid surface counter tops.

  • 06

    Accent Walls

    Textures, natural wood, reclaimed barnwood and other materials can add style.

  • 07

    Lighting

    Improve lighting fixtures and overall light balance throughout the home.

  • 08

    Curb appeal

    Add plants, keep flower beds weeded & grass cut. Paint that front door.

Accepting the right offer from a buyer

A national survey by Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate found that baby boomers are providing financial support to help their children and grandchildren become homeowners.

There is no more crucial time in your home sale than when you are considering multiple offers and exploring their various terms. Not all offers are equal, and the highest priced offer is not necessarily the best overall offer. The right offer to accept is one that incorporates both highest price and the best terms.

All Cash offers

An offer in all cash has the benefit of being able to close more quickly than a financed offer. This is because there is no lender or loan terms for the buyer to work through.

First time home buyer programs

In some states, first time home buyers have additional financing opportunities available to encourage home ownership. These programs typically do not add any additional burden to a seller.

VA Loan programs

VA loans will typically have an escrow period the same length as a conventional loan. Appraisal standards can sometimes be more strict, so if your home has questionable comps or needs repairs this can complicate the sale.

Conventional Offers

The vast majority of offers you will receive are from buyers taking out a conventional loan. Expect an average 30 day escrow period and an earnest money deposit.

Contingent Offers

At times, you may be presented with an offer that is contingent on the sale of another residence. While this does not automatically make this an inferior offer, it does often result in a longer than a 30 day escrow period. If a quick sale is a requirement, this can be a than ideal candidate.

Earnest Money Deposit

If your buyer is serious about a purchase, and is confident in their ability to close escrow, they will have no problem with providing a down payment in good faith. This is typically around 1% of the listing price. Should the deal fall through after they have removed contingencies, they forfeit this deposit.

Closing Cost Requests

It is not uncommon for a buyer to request funds back as part of the terms of sale. This can apply to anything from repairs on the home, to help with the loan downpayment. This amount reduces the net proceeds from the sale of the home.

Thinking FSBO? Why you need an Experienced Listing Agent

Remember, the point of selling your property is to sell it for the most you possibly can. Real estate agents tend to have more credibility with buyers than FSBO.  A great company will offer an extensive marketing plan, such as the one offered by The Pamela Walters Group, will make a massive difference in how much your home will sell for and how quickly.  This increased exposure will result in a better chance of receiving multiple offers on your property, which will help add leverage when selecting the offer that most closely meets your goals.

FSBOs accounted for 8% of home sales in 2016. The typical FSBO home sold for $190,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales

The results should be measurable

Real Estate Agent

$249,000 Average Price

For sale by owner

$190,000 Average Price

Increase your visibility to buyers

Buyers increasingly are utilizing real estate agents and starting their searches for property online. A listing represented on the MLS in your area will increase the effectiveness of marketing efforts.

Explaining your closing costs

Your total net proceeds are reduced by a number of costs that are typically associated with a property sale. It’s important to know the basics about these. It is recommended that you sit down with a real estate agent who can walk you through a net proceeds estimate to determine your equity at close of escrow.

1/2 of title & escrow

Expect to pay for half of the transfer taxes, title insurance, notary fees and other miscellaneous costs associated with transferring the title.

Agent commissions

As the seller you will pay for the listing agent and buyer agent commissions. This is typically a split of 6% with half going to each agent.

Loan Payoff

Any outstanding mortgage balance you may still carry on the property will need to be satisfied at closing.

Property Taxes

Your tax responsibility will be prorated to the date of sale, and any outstanding balance will be need to be paid in order to transfer the title and record the sale.

Inspections

Expect to have pest and roof inspections performed on the property, as well as optionally a full home inspection as part of the sale. While this can vary, typically this is paid for by the seller.

Repairs

Regardless of the type of offer you have accepted, you may still be asked by the buyer for home repairs as part of the sale once the results of the inspections are known. Some repairs are required by lenders prior to funding.

HOA Fees

Typically prorated, any outstanding balance up to the date of sale will need to be satisfied prior to close of escrow.

After the Closing

Despite closing escrow marking the end of the property sale process, it also marks the beginning of an ongoing relationship. Keeping in touch with us allows you to continue to use us as a valuable resource of information whenever you need advice on home improvements or repairs. You will also have access to our moving truck any time you need it (bought new furniture?), free notary public, free use of our color copier and fax, and invitations to our client parties.

Drop us a note

We truly enjoy working with sellers looking to relocate, move up or sell. If you are considering a home sale in the near future, please let us know in the form below. If you’re not quite ready to put your house on the market, we’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have in the interim.