Why list your home with Coldwell Banker?

Originally uploaded by cisais123

It is one thing to hear about Coldwell Banker’s control of the local real estate market in Davis, CA (between 50 to 60 percent, as of late) . However, this little scene I came across on Saturday afternoon says it all.  A picture is worth a thousand words.

Carmen Isais

Professional negotiator and Real Estate Mediator. Have Questions? Let's Talk. (530) 601-1003

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California Real Estate law is different, however. Here, Realtors have a fiduciary responsibility to their clients and this includes bringing them any and all offers a home. Despite this fact, I have personally seen Realtors sit a on offers for various reasons… namely they themselves are hoping for a better offer, or they are certain their client won’t accept the offer and don’t want to risk discouraging them by bringing less than stellar offers to the table.

As a matter of law and simple ethics, I always present all offers to my clients and let them make up their own mind. Being the bearer of bad news isn’t always easy, but sometimes, even a low offer is welcome of necessary, and followed through with.

To read more about how missing knowledge of offers can effect you as a buyer read Renee Porsi’s article directly. If you are selling a home in Davis, Winters, Woodland or Sacramento and you  have any questions about seller’s rights and the fiduciary responsibility owed them under California law, please do not hesitate in contacting me at 530.601.1003 or via email at carmen@focusondavis.com.

Carmen Isais

Professional negotiator and Real Estate Mediator. Have Questions? Let's Talk. (530) 601-1003

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2004      $510,720

2005      $605,895

2006      $617,407

2007      $570,081

2008      $535,492

Heather Barnes

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“For every 1,000 watts of power in a home that’s coming from PV (photovoltaic panels), it can add $20,000 to the resale value of your home.”

Chris Bartle of Green Key Real Estate was quoted,

“If you’re comparing [green building] to a super-cheap Home Depot remodel, then yeah, it’s more expensive,” he explains.  But if you’re comparing it to a high-end remodel with granite counter tops and things like that, then a lot of times it’s actually cheaper.”

The opening of  “Green” building supply companies is evidence of the increasing popularity of Green remodeling.   Davis has it’s own eco-friendly home improvement store called Casa Verde.  There are also recycling options for building materials.  Sacramento’s Habitat for Humanity has a building supply store called the ReStore offering surplus building supplies donated to the store and sold at discount prices.   Another web-site resource is www.thereusepeople.org.  They are a non-profit organization that provides environmentally responsible demolition services and sells reusable building materials.

If you would like more information on green building and learn about the “GreenPointed Rated” system, check out www.builditgreen.org

Heather Barnes

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Now, while there are many pieces of information that factor into the ultimate value of a home, one tool I use, and one that I can easily share with you today, is that of Recent Home Sales.

Recent home sales are a good indicator of what your home might go value at in the current market. And thanks to the internet, this information is easy to share with you, instantly.

Carmen Isais

Professional negotiator and Real Estate Mediator. Have Questions? Let's Talk. (530) 601-1003

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More and more lately the calls I am receiving from would be and past clients has to do with Foreclosure. Anyone who knows me knows that I make an effort to be positive. That being said, more people than I might care to admit are living on the edge of financial chaos. For some of these individuals, property ownership has become a financial burden and they call me with the same question. “What are the alternatives to foreclosure?”

While each case is different, here are my first two usual answers:

Contact the Lender

Before you walk away from your property, have a short sale or decided to return the deed to the bank in lieu of foreclosure, contact the holder of the note (the bank) to see what can be done that is in the best interest of all concerned.

In this market the lenders are more receptive to working out a new payment plan then to have another property on their books. Moreover, what looks good to you in the short term may appear differently when the market does come around and you were wishing you still had that property to sell.

Consider a Short Sale

If you are current on your mortgage and can remain so while your home sells, consider the short sale of your property before jumping ahead to foreclosure or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure.

Why?

Simply put, it makes more financial sense for YOU. Period.

Under the Fannie Mae Announcement 08-16 (released 06/26/2008), short sales or those engaging in pre-foreclosure sales will be cleared to borrow on another home via Fannie Mae in just two years from completion date of the short sale.

This may be painful, but two years is far preferable to the alternative of 5 to 7 years if the home goes to foreclosure and 4 to 7 years if one opts for deed-in-lieu of foreclosure.

One Important Note:

If you are wondering how an Short Sale will effect your credit score as opposed to how a foreclosure will effect it, know that all these alternatives ( foreclosure, short sales, and deeds-in-lieu of foreclosure) are all “not paid as agreed” accounts, and considered the same by your FICO® score. This is not to say that these may not be better options for you from a financial perspective, just that they will be considered no better or worse for your FICO score.

Contact a Realtor…

… to help you through the process.
… to answer your questions.
… to talk to the bank on your behalf.
… to market and sell your home, NOW, before foreclosure is your only option.

In most cases of foreclosure I have personally seen, one common denominator has been a lack of resources. That is, the homeowners I know who have gone straight into foreclosure were simply not away of what alternatives where available to them. But, you are reading this article, so you don’t have the luxury of claiming ignorance.

Seriously…

These are all painful choices, I know.  And it is easy to avoid facing and dealing with an overwhelming situation. But, reaching out immediately can save you years of struggling and financial moratorium. If you or someone you know is facing the possibility of foreclosure, call me today at 530.601.1003 or otherwise contact me, Carmen Isais,  I can help.

Carmen Isais

Professional negotiator and Real Estate Mediator. Have Questions? Let's Talk. (530) 601-1003

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From experience, I know that a well polished house appeals to more buyers and will sell faster and for a higher price. Additionally, buyers feel more comfortable purchasing a well-cared for home because if what they can see is well maintained, they assume that what they can’t see has probably also been well maintained. In readying your house for sale, consider:

• how much should you spend to prepare your house for sale?
• exterior and curb appeal
• interior appeal

Before putting your house on the market, take as much time as necessary (and as little money as possible) to maximize its exterior and interior appeal.

How Much Should You Spend to Prepare Your House for Sale?

In preparing your home for the market, spend as little money as possible. Buyers will be impressed by a brand new roof, but they aren’t likely to give you enough extra money to pay for it. There is a big difference between making minor and inexpensive polishes and touch-ups to your house, such as putting new knobs on cabinets and a fresh coat of neutral paint in the living room, and doing extensive and costly renovations, like installing a new kitchen.

As an experienced Realtor, I am very is familiar with buyers’ expectations in your neighborhood and can advise you specifically on what improvements need to be made and which improvements are most effective. Don’t hesitate to ask for advice.

Maximizing Exterior and Curb Appeal

When preparing to put your home up for sale, your first concern is the home’s exterior. If the outside, or “curb appeal” looks good, people will more than likely want to see what’s on the inside.

Here are some tips to enhance your home’s exterior and curb appeal to buyers:

• Keep the lawn edged, cut and watered. 
• Regularly trim hedges and weed lawns and flowerbeds.
• Be sure your front door area has a “Welcome” feeling.
• Paint the front door.
• In spring and summer, add a couple of pots of showy annuals near your front entrance.
• In snowy areas, keep walks neatly cleared of snow and ice.
• Check foundation, steps, walkways, walls and patios for cracks and deterioration, and fix any problem areas.
• Remove and repaint any peeling paint on doors and windows.
• Clean and align gutters.
• Inspect and clean the chimney.
• Repair and replace loose or damaged roof shingles.
• Repair and repaint loose siding and caulking.
• Reseal old asphalt.
• Keep the garage door closed.
• Store RVs and old cars elsewhere while the house is on the market.

Maximizing Interior Appeal

You want your home to look as spacious, bright and clean as possible. Also the home should look neutral – without a lot of your personal and sentimental objects – so buyers can begin to imagine living there.

Here are some tips to enhance your home’s interior appeal to buyers:

• Give every room in the house a thorough cleaning and remove all clutter. This alone will make your house appear bigger and brighter. Some homeowners with crowded rooms actually rent storage garages and move half their furniture out, creating a sleeker, more spacious look.
• Use a professional cleaning service every few weeks while the house is on the market.
• Remove the less frequently used, and even daily-used items from kitchen counters, closets, basement and attic to make these areas more inviting.
• Make sure that table tops, dressers and closets are free of clutter.
• Pay special attention to the kitchen and bathrooms: they should look as modern, bright and fresh as possible. It is essential for them to be clean and odor free.
• Repair dripping faucets and showerheads.
• Buy showy new towels for the bathroom, and put them out only for showings.
• Spruce up a kitchen in need of more major remodeling by installing new curtains and cabinet knobs, or applying a fresh coat of neutral paint.
• Clean walls and doors of smudges and scuff marks.
• If necessary, repaint dingy, soiled or strongly-colored walls with a neutral shade of paint, such as off-white or beige. The same neutral scheme can be applied to carpets and linoleum.
• Check for cracks, leaks and signs of dampness in the attic and basement, and fix any problem areas.
• Seal basement walls if there are any signs of dampness or leakage.
• Repair cracks, holes or damage to plaster, wallboard, wallpaper, paint and tiles.
• Replace broken or cracked windowpanes, moldings and other woodwork.
• Inspect and repair the plumbing, heating, cooling and alarm systems.

Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t be.  If your talents don’t encompass home repair and gardening, not to worry. I have access to reliable, competent contractors whose job it is to make your home shine.

 Call me. I can help. 530.601.1003.

Carmen Isais

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The only limitation is that your FSBO actually has to be a home in Davis, Woodland, Winters, Dixon or Yolo County. And it should be for sale… unless, you feel you home is just simply spectacular and you really need to share.

Any homeowner can participate. If you are slightly computer savvy, I can set you up to post on your own. Otherwise, just email me at carmen@focusondavis.com with:

1. The details about your home
2. A picture or two of the home
3. A link to a spot where the reader can get more information (if applicable).

Yes, it’s that easy.

List your home here today.

Carmen Isais

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The short answer, of course, is no.

Certainly one can buy a “for sale by owner” sign and hope for the best. And, nowadays a good “Dummies” book from the library will have all the necessary paperwork you need in the State of California. And, if you’re really clever, it should only take you a few days to figure these out.

However, a real estate agent can help you understand everything you need to know about the home selling process. And a good one can translate it into language that actually sounds like plain English.

Real estate transactions are one of the biggest financial dealings of most people’s lifetime. Today, most home sales in Davis, CA usually exceed $450,000.

If you had a $450,000 income tax problem, would you attempt to deal with it without the help of a certified professional accountant? If you had a $450,000 legal question, would you deal with it without the help of an attorney? Considering the small upside cost and the large downside risk, it would be wise to work with a professional when you are selling a home.

If you’re still not convinced of the value of a real estate agent, here are more reasons to use one:

Think About It

• When selling your home, your REALTOR can give you up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace as well as the price, financing, terms and condition of competing properties. These are key factors in getting your property sold at the best price, quickly and with minimum hassle.
  
• A good Realtor is also an objective observer. She can recommend repairs or cosmetic work that will significantly enhance the saleability of your property.
  
• Your realtor markets your property to other real estate agents and the public. In many markets across the country, over half of real estate sales are cooperative sales; that is, a real estate agent other than yours brings in the buyer.
  Your agent acts as the marketing coordinator, distributing information about your property to other real estate agents through a Multiple Listing Service (MLS) or other cooperative marketing networks, open houses for agents, etc. While you, most likely have another full time job.
  
• Your realtor will know when, where and how to advertise your property. There is a misconception that advertising sells real estate. NAR studies show that 82% of real estate sales are the result of agent contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, family and personal contacts. This is especially true of Coldwell Banker agents in Davis.
  
• It’s one thing to get into escrow… it’s altogether another matter to get that escrow closed. During the course of escrow issues may arise. For example, unexpected repairs might be required to obtain financing or a title problem is discovered. The required paperwork alone is overwhelming for most sellers. But a good real estate agent is the best person to objectively help you resolve these issues and move the transaction to closing.

If you, or someone you know is considering selling a property on their own, call me, Carmen Isais, first. I can offer an objective opinion as to what that properties pitfalls might be. At the very least you are left you are left with a little extra knowledge. And information is never a bad thing. Hope to hear from you! 530.601.1003.

Carmen Isais

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Written Posted by Carmen Isais

Recently I received a call from a close friend who was having what he called a “dysfunctional relationship” with his therapist. After listening to the details I was amazed at how unprofessional some of the therapist’s conduct was… not just as a practitioner in the mental health field, but as a business owner, which is essentially what any independent contractor is.

It occurred to me then, that the fatal mistakes my friend’s therapist was making were the same blunders I’ve seen made by those in my own field. And following that logic, the makings of a good therapist were probably the same qualities a great agent should possess. So, both when head shrinking and house hunting, here’s a short list of things to look for, or more specifically, what good therapists and great realtors have in common.

They’re good listeners.
Seems like a given, perhaps, but not listening ears are created equal. Certainly, just about anyone can develop a knack for seeming interested in a conversation, but are they really engaged enough to pick up on small details? It is in the small details that you most learn about your client’s the needs and wants. Oftentimes, clients aren’t exactly sure what they are looking for, but a good listener can hone in on key pieces of information and, like a jigsaw, piece together a picture for them that makes sense and is recognizable.
They are empathetic.
Not all moves are easy to make. Death, illness, job-loss and divorce are realities of life. Sometimes individuals in these situations are highly motivated to move forward. But, more often than not people are depleted of energy, stuck in the ugliness of that moment’s reality, or overcome with grief. Working with families under these circumstances can be a lot to take on and requires not just patience but understanding.

They are looking out for your best interest. No, I mean really looking out for your best interest.
Simply put, good professionals in any field are honest and must always put their client’s best interest before their own. Example: Just as a therapist is unlikely to treat one member of a couple in conjunction to the couple as a whole, in marriage counseling, so too should Realtors be careful not to “double end” both sides of a transaction. What is good for the couple, might not be good for the individual. What is good for the buyer is not always good seller and vice versa. There might be expections to the rule… but I’m not convinced.
They know how to set boundaries.
Easier said than done. But really, the job of both therapists and Realtors is to give information and empower, but ultimately allow and encourage their clients to make the best choices possible for themselves. I think in both professions one must resist the instinct to rush in as a caretaker. I know in my line of work at least, I have had to say, “that is outside the job description.” Knowing when to say “no” is not always a natural talent. But, developing this gift is necessary for longevity. A burned out caretaker is useless. And besides, if a professional can’t negotiate his or her own time and interest, how will they possibly be able to handle yours?

Carmen Isais

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