Southern California Real Estate - Kim Krones' diverse real estate background and over 18 years experience make her a top realtor in Southern California. Having sold more than 1200 homes, Kim has the experience and integrity necessary to sell your property in Inland Empire, Orange County, Los Angeles County, Mountain Resorts and surrounding areas.



Real Estate Tips

Seller Tips  |  Buyer Tips



SELLER TIPS

For Showings:

Always remember that sensory perception is one of the greatest factors effecting a buyer's emotion when they tour your home. Use this to your advantage.
  1. Pick up all unnecessary items and keep your home tidy for visitors. Clear off the kitchen counter including your coffee pot and toaster. Think of your home as a model home. Would a model home have items visible that you do?


  2. Visual - Light up your home when you know it is to be shown. A well lit home creates a warmer impression than a dark or dim one, so turn them on!


  3. Smell - Create a pleasing environment for your home that is not overpowering. Ideas include potpourri, scented candles, or the smell of fresh baked cookies. That always goes over well! Remember, if you use candles be careful not to burn them too long or they can cause a fire.


  4. Sound - Gentle background music is always appealing to the senses, providing it is not too heavy of a sound. Remember, the goal is to make the atmosphere relaxing and pleasing to most people. Good examples of this type of music include ocean sounds, nature sounds, etc. Be sure not to play it too loud. It should be subtle enough that people can talk without having to raise their voices.


  5. Valuables - Though agents are very careful to monitor their clients, it is always wise to put away valuables while your home is listed. There is no sense in leaving them out as it may intrigue someone enough that they could take it.


  6. If you are home when your house is being shown, consider stepping outside for a walk so the buyers may comfortably take their time and talk in your home. You don't want them to feel as thought they are imposing.
Pricing: We all believe our home is worth top dollar and on occasion we even underestimate it. If you really want your home to sell, it is vital for it to be in market value range. If it is not in the right range, agents will not show it and it will be difficult for the right buyer to ever even see it. When your home is listed at the correct market value you will get regular agent showings. Use this as a guideline and ask for your agent's "frank" opinion on the subject. Remember, it is not personal and not a reflection on the quality of your home if it is worth less than you think. It is all about getting buyers through it for an efficient sale.

Feedback: A good agent will get feedback from other agents and potential buyers. Use this feedback effectively to increase the salability of your home.

Marketing: Ask your agent how they intend to market your home. Often agents do advertisements and direct mail pieces you may never be aware of behind the scenes. Some part time agents don't have the funds available to market at all. This is important to know.

Process: If you ever don't understand any of the Real Estate processes, ask. It is important that you understand all of your options.




BUYER TIPS

  1. Get pre-approved right away. Most buyers wait to get lender pre-approved until after they find the home they love. Unfortunately, in a strong market a seller is going to take the most qualified buyer when they receive multiple offers. If you hold off in getting approved, you look less qualified even though in reality, you may be more qualified.


  2. Search for an experienced agent. A well qualified agent will be full time and be experienced in all aspects of a sale, including multiple offers. They will know to ask you questions to help isolate what is important to you in the Home Buying process. Also, a qualified agent will know their inventory, thus making your search easier.


  3. Stick with one agent provided you think they are well qualified. All local agents have access to the same information and if an agent feels that you are dedicated, they will work hardest for you.


  4. Try to avoid detail discussions with a seller. It is wonderful to have a seller like you, but it is very easy to accidentally touch on a sensitive issue with them when discussing transactions. This is why you have an agent. Allow the agent to handle the detail.


  5. Lean effectively on a qualified agent when it comes time to negotiate. The agent will have a better idea of from what position you are negotiating.


  6. Carefully review all sale related disclosures and discuss with your agent. Many disclosures have items of importance to review. If they don't seem important, they may not be detailed enough and then you should use caution.


  7. When it comes time to close, it will happen in the following order:

    1. Sign load docs and bring in cash to close.
    2. Loan will fund.
    3. Home will record.

Only after recording do you become the legal owner of your new property. In most home cases, it can still take up to three days for you to get your keys. This is done to provide enough time for a seller to make moving arrangements.