Selling a home in the San Gabriel Valley can be a daunting task, especially in today’s uncertain times. However, there are tried-and-true strategies that can help you sell your home more effectively. To maximize your chances of selling sooner and at a better price, consider the following top tips for selling your house in San Gabriel.
Key Takeaways
- Understand the local real estate trends to make informed decisions.
- Leverage the expertise of a local real estate agent for better results.
- Utilize 3D virtual tours to attract more potential buyers.
- Develop a strategic and effective marketing plan.
- Price your home correctly to minimize holding time and maximize profit.
1. San Gabriel Valley Real Estate Trends
Current Market Conditions
The San Gabriel Valley in California ended its 2019 house market with a continued positive momentum, which includes about 102,900 square feet of land sold. For 62 straight months, home prices for Southern California, which San Gabriel Valley is a part of, have steadily increased. San Gabriel Valley homes’ median value is currently at $761,941, which is 3.6% higher than the previous year. Experts have predicted a lower increase of 2.8% for San Gabriel properties within this year.
Market Predictions
The result of these trends is that this real estate market is considered as one of the premiere markets for both investors and homeowners. As home prices remain at an all-time high, experts predict that the housing market will continue to rise. This does, however, present some challenges for sellers. With such an expensive and competitive market, not every real estate investor or buyer will want to purchase here.
Understanding the current market conditions and predictions is crucial for making informed decisions when selling your home in San Gabriel Valley.
2. The Agent Advantage
While these tips can certainly help you sell your San Gabriel Valley home, you can leverage them even more with a good local real estate agent in your corner. Why? Because, among many other cogent reasons, your agent:
- Understands the importance of presentation
- Possesses the negotiating skills to get you the best deal
- Thoroughly knows the area and the local real estate market
- Can craft an effective, strategic marketing plan (including online marketing)
But the difficulty lies in finding that great agent, for there are, after all, over 2,000,000 active agents in the US. And not all of them have the same level of experience, expertise, and willingness to go the extra mile to see that you get the best deal possible.
So why not make it easy? All you have to do is work with a premier agency with agents known for their expertise in the local market, top negotiating skills, and excellent sales track records.
Connected: Full-time agent in the local real estate community with a vast network of buyers and sellers.
Service with Results: Step-by-step assistance, helping you sell your property for the highest possible price and under the best terms.
Knowledgeable: Expert area knowledge. Local resident realtor in San Gabriel Valley.
3. 3D Virtual Tours
In today’s real estate market, traditional open houses are often discouraged or even prohibited in some areas. A highly effective alternative is a 3D virtual tour. Buyers can tour your home right from their living-couches, avoiding any risk associated with in-person visits.
You can have your technologically savvy agent create these tours for you, or you can do it yourself. There are numerous virtual-tour apps available that make the process fairly easy using photos taken with your smartphone.
4. Effective Marketing Plan
Creating an effective marketing plan is crucial to selling your house in San Gabriel. A well-crafted marketing strategy can significantly increase your property’s visibility and attract potential buyers. Here are some key components to consider:
Comprehensive Internet Marketing
Leverage various online platforms to ensure maximum exposure for your property. This includes listing your home on popular real estate websites such as Realtor.com, Zillow.com, Trulia.com, and Yahoo.com. Integrating local SEO strategies and social media campaigns can also help engage a digitally connected audience.
Professional Photography
High-quality photos are essential in making a strong first impression. Consider hiring a professional photographer to capture your home’s best features. This can make your listing stand out and attract more potential buyers.
Open Houses and Private Tours
Hosting open houses and private tours can be very effective in getting buyers through the door. Make sure your home is well-prepared and staged to leave a lasting impression.
Print Marketing
Don’t underestimate the power of traditional marketing methods. Utilize yard signage, property feature sheets, and local newspaper ads to reach a broader audience.
Constant Communication
Stay in constant communication with your real estate agent to receive progress reports on showings and all marketing activities. This will help you stay informed and make necessary adjustments to your marketing plan.
An effective marketing plan combines both online and offline efforts to create excitement in the marketplace and attract potential buyers.
5. Pricing Your Home Right
Determining the Right Price
Pricing your home isn’t determined by what you think it’s worth – rather, it should be driven by fair market value, usually arrived at by means of comparative market analysis. One of the most effective ways to sell your home fast is to price it competitively. If you price it too high, then your home will spend more time on the market. Also, if your home is overpriced, then you may end up selling it for less eventually – it will just take a lot longer.
The Dangers of Overpricing
Both pricing too low and too high can damage your chances of a quick sale at a good price. Price too low, and buyers will automatically think something is wrong with the property. Price too high, and it will languish unsold on the market, which will again cause buyers to think something is wrong with it. You have to price to sell.
Factors to Consider
Establishing the value and list price for your property involves researching and comparing similar properties and weighing factors including:
- Location
- Condition
- Amenities
- Market conditions
Pricing your home competitively, at the start, will create more activity among brokers and buyers and lead to a more successful sale.
Pricing your home right from the beginning is crucial to attracting serious buyers and achieving a timely sale.
6. Best Time to Sell
Timing is Everything
For almost any undertaking, timing is everything, and that applies no less to home selling. Listing and selling at the right time of the year can potentially increase both the speed of the sale and the sale price.
Best Month to Close
When it comes to speed of sale, the best month to close in is June, which, on average, results in a sale 10 days sooner than in other months. If you’re looking to sell your San Gabriel house fast, the best time to close on your home sale in San Gabriel, California, is probably the month of June. Since it generally takes about 3 months from list to close, if you list your San Gabriel home in March you could sell your house 10 days sooner than if you listed in any other month.
Best Month for Sales Price
The best time to sell in San Gabriel Valley, with respect to sales price, is in July, and the worst time is in May. July sales prices come in at 3.16% above average and 5.85% below average in May. July would be the best month to sell your home in San Gabriel. It generally takes about 3 months to close on your home, so if you list your San Gabriel home in April you could sell your house for 3.16% more than the yearly average!
Listing your home at the right time can make a significant difference in both the speed and price of your sale. Plan ahead to maximize your benefits.
7. Presentation Importance
Creating a great first impression is crucial when selling your home. First impressions matter immensely, and you get only one chance to pull it off. Enhancing curb appeal is typically the first step in this process.
Before putting your home on the market, it’s essential to make it most attractive to potential buyers. Knowing how to showcase and accentuate the best features of your home, without incurring unnecessary expense, is key. A detailed Home Preparation Consultation and a Selling Tips Sheet can be invaluable tools in this regard.
Focus on the Important Rooms
We all have limited time and energy, so as a seller, you should focus your efforts on the areas that will have the most impact. The kitchen is often the first room to consider.
Enhance Curb Appeal
If you do nothing else to prepare your home for sale, at least make the outside look great. Curb appeal is everything. Seventy-six percent of top real estate agents say improving curb appeal is the No. 1 thing a homeowner can do to boost the marketability of their home. Additionally, 94% of agents say curb appeal adds dollar value to the sale.
Depersonalize Your Home
You also have to depersonalize, removing everything that marks the house as your home. The idea is to create a blank-palette effect so that potential buyers can envision your house as their home and imagine themselves living there with all their belongings in place.
In conclusion, presentation plays a pivotal role in selling a home and maximizing its value. From curb appeal to staging to attention to detail, every aspect matters.
8. Negotiating Skills
Negotiating the sale of your home can be a daunting task, but it’s crucial to get the best deal possible. Deal with whatever anxiety or apprehension you have about letting go of it. If the thought of getting negative buyer feedback makes you cringe, or you aren’t prepared to negotiate this like a business deal, then you could be in for a rough experience.
Assess Your Position
Examine the Financials
Processing the sale and closing can be complex. Continuous guidance and communication are essential. Review all offers and terms carefully to ensure you obtain the highest possible price for your home while limiting your exposure and protecting your best interests.
Sweeten the Deal
When you have a buyer on the line, it pays to sweeten the deal. You could offer, for example, to pay some or all of the closing costs or offer a transferable home warranty. Buyers are looking for a deal, particularly in a down market, so do your best to make them feel that they get one.
And keep in mind that once you’ve accepted an offer, you’re then under contract to follow through with the deal. So make sure this is the right decision beforehand.
9. Local Expertise
Understanding the Market
A local real estate agent in San Gabriel Valley possesses expert area knowledge. This means they understand the nuances of the local market, including current trends, pricing strategies, and buyer preferences.
Networking
Connected agents have a vast network of buyers and sellers. This network can be leveraged to find potential buyers quickly and efficiently.
Personalized Service
Local agents offer step-by-step assistance, helping you sell your property for the highest possible price and under the best terms. They provide personalized service tailored to your specific needs and objectives.
Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)
A local expert will provide you with a complete Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) for your property. This analysis helps in setting the right price and understanding the competition.
Leveraging local expertise can significantly enhance your chances of selling your home quickly and at a favorable price.
10. Property Taxes in San Gabriel Valley
Understanding property taxes in the San Gabriel Valley is crucial for homeowners and potential buyers. Property taxes can significantly impact your overall cost of owning a home. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:
How Property Taxes are Calculated
Property taxes in San Gabriel Valley are calculated based on the assessed value of your property. The base rate is typically 1% of the assessed value, but additional local taxes and assessments can apply.
Important Deadlines
Don’t wait! Property tax payments are usually due in two installments: the first on November 1st and the second on February 1st. Missing these deadlines can result in penalties and interest.
Potential Exemptions
Homeowners may qualify for certain exemptions, such as the Homeowners’ Exemption, which can reduce the taxable value of your property by $7,000. Other exemptions may be available for veterans, seniors, and disabled individuals.
Understanding these aspects of property taxes can help you better manage your finances and avoid unexpected costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the current real estate trends in San Gabriel Valley?
The San Gabriel Valley ended its 2019 housing market with positive momentum, including the sale of approximately 102,900 square feet of land. Understanding current market conditions is crucial for making informed decisions.
Why should I hire a local real estate agent?
A local real estate agent understands the San Gabriel Valley market, possesses strong negotiating skills, and can craft an effective marketing plan to help you sell your home faster and at a better price.
How can 3D virtual tours help in selling my home?
3D virtual tours can overcome challenges posed by social distancing and health-safety measures. They allow potential buyers to explore your home online, increasing the chances of a quicker sale.
What is the best time to sell my home in San Gabriel Valley?
The best time to close a sale in San Gabriel Valley is June, which generally results in a sale 10 days sooner than other months. For the best sales price, July is the optimal month, with prices 3.16% above average.
How should I price my home to sell quickly?
Pricing your home right is crucial for minimizing holding time. A competitive price, aligned with current market trends, will attract more buyers and help you sell your home faster.
What are the property taxes like in San Gabriel Valley?
Property taxes in San Gabriel Valley can vary. It’s essential to understand the local tax rates and regulations to make informed financial decisions when selling your home.