I don’t know about you, but when I take on a big project I am looking for answers to my most basic questions. I then take a look at resources that I have and what I think I am going to need to accomplish the end result.
Then, I ask questions, lots of questions, especially from the people that are supposed to know the answers. Then I listen. I match up the questions and the answers and I look at the differences and start to align the answers based on where they came from (who), their experience and the needs that are going to be required.
Easy enough, right?
Unfortunately, it is never that easy and when it comes to selling a house in Stockton, Sacramento or Modesto, but the dynamics are all the same and it takes some leg work. For me, the best way is to take a deep dive into what makes things work and in the process develop a list of questions. What I have found is that over the past 10 years, my list of questions keep growing and the answers are still evolving.
The initial learning curve is always appears steep and yet the information that I need is abundant and readily available. Looking back I have found that the fundamentals of the real estate market in Stockton haven’t changed very much at all and if you want to buy or sell a house, it is pretty much two sides of the same coin, but with some very distinct differences.
As a buyer you don’t really need to be concerned about the cost of anything because it is all negotiable. If you don’t like something… you can always move on to the next house. If the price is too high and the sellers s won’t budge … move on. If the house needs lots of repairs and you want a house that is move in ready… you can go to the next house. The real power that a buyer has at table is the ability to walk. Sellers know that and with houses sitting on the market for up to six months or longer, all sellers, have a touch of paranoia about the time it will take to sell.
From this perspective the buyers have a distinct psychological advantage.
Sellers on the other hand, especially in this sellers market also have leverage. The scarcity of houses available for buyers is an equalizer especially for a motivated buyer. But sellers need to know that even with a shortage of houses, over priced houses that need a lot of work can only be sold if a lender is willing to approve a loan. There are so many reasons that a sale can evaporate, that sellers never rest until the sales records and the cash is in the bank.
That is the problem with selling houses, there is always another road block, lender condition, inspection problem, cost issue with a repair or an unmet expectation from a buyer. The list is long and there is nothing that a motivated seller can do but wait or capitulate.
So what does it really take to sell a house in Stockton?
A realistic seller with an eye for the truth.
The variables are the house itself and the needs of the buyers and the sellers. The rest is the real estate market and the metrics surrounding property values.
Most people know what a realtor is and have pre-determined ideas or have experiences about what they do for you, as a seller. On the other hand, some sellers might not know what to expect when working with a professional home buyer in Stockton. Sellers can expect a professional home buyer to provide simple, stress-free transactions.
Straightforward Closings
Professional home buyers in Stockton, CA typically close faster than traditional home buyers, and usually in pay full in cash. Traditional home purchases usually require qualifications from banks, mortgage underwriting time, property inspection time and the buyer may not end up qualifying in the end. There are also normally no commissions paid to a buyer’s or seller’s agent which means thousands of dollars in savings. The usual commission is 3% per side, so if you sell your home for $300,000, you would have to pay $18,000 in commissions alone! Professional home buyers also may not charge transaction fees; if they do, they are extremely low in comparison to the commission or closing costs you would have to pay otherwise. They also provide mail-away closings which is a wonderful thing for out of state owners.
Purchasing Homes As-Is
Professional home buyers in CA will usually purchase homes as-is. As a seller, this means you do not have to worry about repairs before closing or any other additional expenses you were not planning on. There are some companies that do not require inspections which makes it a truly as-is transaction.
Lower Risk Transactions
Selling to a professional home buyer is extremely straight forward. They will lay out every step of the process and usually have shortened, very clear contracts that are simple as-is purchase agreements. You will also have lessened exposure to legal risks. You won’t have to worry about the buyer finding something you didn’t know you didn’t disclose or something they don’t like about the home or the neighborhood. Under most traditional real estate contracts, there is a potential for the buyer to sue you if they feel they didn’t get all of the information, or if they feel the facts were misconstrued. Professional home buyers already know the state of the property, and they are willing to take on that risk.
No Showings
When you decide to use a professional home buyer in Stockton, CA, you will not have to worry about going through a roller coaster of emotions. There are no frustrating, middle-of-dinner phone calls asking if you are available to show your home. You don’t have to worry about leaving your home spotless every day before heading to work, just in case there is a showing while you’re gone. You don’t have to worry about possibly running into a buyer’s agent or their clients or dealing with them asking you questions that you really shouldn’t answer anyway. You also don’t have to worry about buyers arguing with you over which furniture you are taking and what you are leaving.
Move Out Time
Professional home buyers are in it for the investment. They are not expecting to move into the home on the day of closing. Most home buyers will allow a move-out timeframe after closing to allow you to relocate at your own pace. This is extremely helpful, especially with such quick closing timeframes. Also, you may not even have to clean the home when you leave. You can simply pack your personal items and furniture you want to keep and leave the rest.