Resources

SELLING YOUR HOME FOR ITS VALUE

Ready for your next chapter, but don’t know where to start?

Thinking about selling your home but unsure where to begin? Whether you're planning to move out before listing, need to remain in your home during the sale, or are debating between making updates or selling as-is, I tailor my approach to meet your unique situation. With strategic guidance every step of the way, I help ensure a smooth process and maximize your property’s potential for the best possible outcome. As a bonus, my sellers get access to RealVitalize, a program that helps cover the cost of home improvements with no upfront fees, allowing you to enhance your home's value and attract more buyers without the stress.

FOR SELLERS

THE ROADMAP

Preparing To Sell

  • During our initial consultation, we’ll dive into what’s most important to you. We’ll discuss your unique needs, your home’s condition, and your goals for selling. I’ll also provide insight into the current market conditions and how they may impact your sale. This meeting is an opportunity for us to assess whether we’re a good fit to work together. My goal is to create a personalized strategy that aligns with your vision while making the process as smooth as possible

  • Getting your home ready for the market is a critical step in the selling process. I’ll provide you with personalized tips on decluttering and organizing your space to create a clean, open feel that appeals to buyers. Together, we’ll discuss the potential benefits of staging, whether using your current furnishings or bringing in professionals to create a fresh, inviting atmosphere. Additionally, I’ll help identify any necessary repairs or updates that could boost your home’s value and attract higher offers. With the RealVitalize program, you can even make these improvements with no upfront costs, ensuring your home shines without added financial stress.

  • To attract the right buyers and get your home sold quickly, we’ll implement a targeted marketing strategy designed to make your property stand out. This includes professional photography to highlight your home’s best features and capture the attention of potential buyers. I’ll also craft compelling, detailed listing descriptions that tell your home’s unique story and resonate with buyers on an emotional level.

    From online listings to social media and exclusive networks, your home will be showcased across multiple platforms, ensuring maximum exposure to serious buyers both locally and globally. Together, we’ll position your home to achieve the best possible outcome.

  • Determining the right price for your home is key to attracting serious buyers and maximizing your return. During this process, we’ll consider several important factors, including recent comparable sales in your area, your home’s unique features, and current market trends. We’ll also assess buyer demand, local inventory levels, and seasonal fluctuations to position your home competitively.

    The goal is to set a price that not only reflects your home’s true value but also generates strong interest, leading to the best possible offers in the shortest time frame.

Listing Your Home

  • Once your home hits the market, the real excitement begins. We’ll coordinate everything to ensure a smooth launch, including scheduling showings and hosting open houses to attract prospective buyers. During this phase, you can expect increased interest as your listing is promoted across various platforms, reaching both local and out-of-area buyers.

    I’ll keep you informed on the activity, feedback from showings, and any adjustments we might consider to keep your home competitive. Our goal is to create as much buzz as possible, ensuring that your home receives the attention it deserves from serious buyers.

  • To keep your home top-of-mind for buyers, we’ll focus on targeted social media campaigns, digital advertising, and email marketing. I’ll also leverage my extensive network of real estate professionals and potential buyers to generate interest. These strategies ensure your home stays visible, driving attention and attracting serious offers.

Receiving Offers

  • When offers start coming in, it’s crucial to evaluate them carefully. We’ll go beyond just the offer price and assess all the variables, including contingencies, financing terms, and timelines, to ensure you select the one that best aligns with your goals. With the recent changes in real estate rules, transparency around how agents are compensated and how buyers structure their offers is more important than ever. This shift allows for a clearer understanding of the value of each offer, making it easier for you to make an informed decision."

  • During negotiations, we’ll focus on key points like price, contingencies, and timelines to get the best terms for you. If counteroffers arise, I’ll guide you through the process, ensuring your interests are protected while keeping the deal on track. Together, we’ll aim for a smooth transaction and the best possible outcome.

  • Once you accept an offer, the next steps involve handling contingencies, scheduling inspections, and preparing for closing. We’ll ensure all agreed-upon terms are met, from inspections to financing, and keep the process moving smoothly. I’ll be by your side to coordinate these details, address any issues that arise, and ensure that we stay on track for a successful closing.

Closing The Sale

  • As we approach the finish line, the closing process begins. This includes working with escrow to handle funds, completing the title transfer, and scheduling the final walkthrough to ensure everything is in order. I’ll guide you through each step, ensuring all paperwork is properly completed and any last-minute details are addressed. Once everything is finalized, the sale will be complete, and you’ll officially close this chapter with confidence and peace of mind.

  • When it's time to move, planning ahead is key. Start by organizing your move—book a mover or rent a truck and set a packing schedule. Don't forget to transfer utilities like electricity and internet, so everything is ready for the new owners. Finally, leave your home in excellent condition with a thorough clean-up and any necessary repairs. It’s a simple way to leave a great impression!

  •  Once your sale is finalized, it’s important to understand any potential tax implications. Consult with your tax professional to ensure you're prepared. Staying connected with the real estate market is also a great way to keep an eye on your investment and recognize future opportunities. Whether you're considering your next move or simply staying informed, I'll keep you updated with market trends and insights.

BUYING IN THE CURRENT MARKET

Whether it is your first or forever home, we help you navigate the market with ease.

With the market in constant transition, it can be overwhelming to navigate and find the right home and neighborhood for you. As well as the market, we aid to help you find your dream home that not only fits your budget, but is in your ideal neighborhood, has all the amenities you need, and makes you excited to move in!

In our Guide for Buyers, we instruct you on the most important factors in the market that affect your ability to achieve your dreams, how to navigate the ebbs and flows, and how to get what you want!

FOR BUYERS

THE ROADMAP

Mortgage Pre-Approval

  • Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is a crucial step in the homebuying process. It not only gives you a clear idea of what you can afford, but it also shows sellers you're a serious buyer. To get pre-approved, you'll need to provide your lender with financial documents like income statements and credit history. Once approved, you’ll receive a pre-approval letter, which strengthens your offer when you find the perfect home.

  • Before diving into your home search, take time to assess your priorities. Focus on the locations that best suit your lifestyle, whether it's proximity to work, schools, or recreational areas. Then, define your must-have features—things like the number of bedrooms, yard size, or modern updates. Knowing your non-negotiables will help guide your search and keep you focused on what truly matters to you in your new home.

  • Working with a dedicated realtor is essential in navigating the complexities of today’s real estate market. As a buyer, having an expert guide ensures you make informed decisions and stay ahead of the competition.

Buyer Broker Agreement

  • Understanding the Buyer Broker Agreement is key to establishing a strong, dedicated partnership. This agreement ensures that you have an agent working exclusively for you, advocating for your best interests throughout the entire home buying process. It outlines the agent's responsibilities and solidifies their commitment to you as a client.

  • With a signed agreement, you’ll receive personalized attention, expert guidance, and priority access to listings, ensuring your needs are met at every step.

  • To complete the agreement with Maria, simply review the terms together and sign to secure a committed and professional partnership, ready to tackle the market on your behalf.

  • Your lender and realtor are essential to your home buying success. Your lender helps secure financing, while your realtor navigates the market and manages the entire transaction from start to finish. A great realtor will also connect you with trusted vendors—like inspectors or contractors—if specialized services are needed. With the right professionals in place, you can move forward confidently at every step of the process.

Home Search Process

  • I use Zenlist to make your home search more efficient. Through Zenlist, we can communicate about the homes that catch your eye and organize private showings. You can also attend open houses to explore properties on your own. In addition, I have access to off-market listings, giving you opportunities beyond what’s available publicly. We'll collaborate closely to find the perfect home that fits your needs.

  • It’s rare to find a home that checks all your boxes, so it’s important to determine your must-haves versus your nice-to-haves. Prioritize homes that meet your essential criteria—like location, layout, or outdoor space—while being flexible on less critical features. I’ll help you compare properties based on your needs and guide you through the process of weighing your options, so you can confidently decide which home is the best fit.

Making An Offer

  • Together, we’ll develop a strategic offer based on the property’s value, comparable sales, and your budget. I’ll help you decide on terms like contingencies and closing dates, ensuring your offer is competitive while protecting your interests. With the right strategy, you’ll increase your chances of success in securing the home.

  • Before committing to an offer, conducting due diligence is critical. Home inspections provide a detailed view of the property’s condition, while appraisals confirm its value. Other checks, such as pest inspections or environmental assessments, may also be needed depending on the property. By completing these steps, you’ll have the information necessary to make an informed decision about moving forward. I’ll guide you through coordinating these checks to ensure nothing is overlooked.

  • Effective negotiation is key to securing the best deal. Whether it’s countering an offer or adjusting terms like contingencies or closing dates, I'll help you navigate the process with confidence. Understanding the seller’s priorities while staying firm on your key needs is crucial. I’ll guide you in handling counteroffers, finding win-win solutions, and making sure your interests are protected while remaining competitive in the negotiation.

  • While the traditional down payment is 20% of the home’s purchase price, there are options for putting down less. For instance, FHA loans allow for as little as 3.5%, and VA loans offer 0% down for qualifying veterans. If you put down less than 20%, private mortgage insurance (PMI) may be required, which will add to your monthly mortgage payment, and your lender will guide you through those scenarios to find the best fit for you.

  • We are here to guide you through every step of the process. If you're a buyer, we’ll help you search for homes that meet your criteria (as well as find those sneaky off market homes ;)), set up showings, and negotiate on your behalf to get the best possible deal. For sellers, we assist with pricing, marketing, and showing your home to potential buyers. We manage negotiations and ensure all paperwork is handled correctly, so the process is as smooth as possible from start to finish.

  • Closing costs typically range between 2-5% of the home’s purchase price and cover various fees, including lender fees, title insurance, escrow services, appraisals, and prepaid expenses such as property taxes and homeowners insurance. We'll walk you through these costs upfront so there are no surprises, and you’ll have a clear understanding of where every dollar is going.

    • Before the NAR settlement:
      Traditionally, the seller paid a negotiable commission based on the home's sale price, which was then split between the seller's agent and the buyer's agent. This system made homebuying more affordable for buyers by including agent fees in the offer price, reducing the need for out-of-pocket expenses. It also promoted more competitive offers for sellers, especially in fast-moving markets like Marin. This structure helped ensure buyers had access to professional representation, smoothed the transaction process, and minimized legal risks for all parties.

    • After the NAR settlement:
      The new rules have introduced more transparency, giving both buyers and sellers flexibility in how agents are compensated. Sellers can now decide whether to offer compensation to the buyer's broker, and these offers will no longer be displayed on the MLS. For buyers, it’s important to understand that they may now be responsible for paying their agent directly, often through a Buyer Representation Agreement. This agreement outlines the services provided, broker fees, and how the agent will be compensated.

      For sellers, we’ll help you create a tailored compensation strategy that aligns with your sales goals while ensuring transparency. For buyers, we’ll guide you through your options, helping you budget for any broker fees and incorporate them into your offer strategy.

  • Selling first can provide peace of mind by ensuring you have the funds ready for your next purchase and avoid carrying two mortgages. However, buying first allows you more time to find the right home without feeling rushed. We can discuss your options, including bridge loans or contingencies, to help make this decision easier and guide you through whichever route works best for you.

FAQs

GLOSSARY

of CommonTerms

  • An estimate of a property’s market value by a licensed appraiser, often required by lenders. This is based on factors like recent sales of comparable properties, location, and condition of the home.

  • A condition that must be met for the contract to be binding, such as financing or a home inspection. If the contingency isn’t met, the buyer or seller can cancel the contract without penalty.

  • A deposit made by the buyer to show commitment, typically held in escrow until closing. If the buyer backs out for reasons not covered by contingencies, they may forfeit this deposit

  • A neutral third party that holds funds or documents until all conditions of a sale are met. Escrow ensures that both the buyer and seller meet their obligations before the transaction is finalized.

  • A mortgage with a set interest rate that remains the same throughout the term. This provides predictable payments over the life of the loan, typically for terms of 15 or 30 years.

  • An assessment of a property’s condition, including structural integrity, plumbing, electrical, and more. A home inspection helps buyers identify any potential issues before finalizing the purchase.

  • A database where real estate brokers list properties for sale. It's a collaborative tool that gives agents and buyers access to the most up-to-date information about available properties.

  • A preliminary evaluation by a lender indicating how much the buyer can borrow. This shows sellers that a buyer is serious and financially capable of purchasing a home, making it a key step in the home buying process.

  • Insurance that protects against potential disputes over property ownership. It covers issues like unpaid taxes, fraud, or other claims that could affect the buyer’s right to the property.

  • The process a lender uses to assess the risk of offering a loan to the buyer. This involves evaluating the buyer’s credit history, income, debt, and the value of the property they wish to purchase.

 
 

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Tell me what you want, I’ll tell you how we can achieve it together.

 

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