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urban house values
LA
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SELLer’s TIMELINE
Properties usually sell within the first couple of weeks on the market.
D AY 1 : T O D AY !
End o f W e e k on e
W EE K T H REE
Sign the listing agreement. This confirms the
Once repairs have been made we bring in
This is when all the marketing setup comes into play - we
verbal agreements and covers everyone legally. In
our staging team to ready the property
hold the open houses and call potential buyers. Properties
addition to the signing we also walk you through
for sale. How the property is presented and
usually sell within the first couple of weeks on the market,
the listing process and expected timelines.
perceived is extremely important.
so for the most successful sale you can spend a few weeks
D AY 2 : D i s c o v e ry There are a few more things to discuss, including (could be covered on day 1 as well):
We
then
bring
in
our
preparing the property to get it right for sale.
professional
photographer to capture your home when
W EE K F O U R / F i v e
it looks its best! Both the staging and the
Congratulations, you’re in escrow with multiple offers!
photography has a lot to do with us getting
• Tax implications, estimate of repairs and title/permit search
you the highest price possible.
• Preparations and improvements (if any) that need to be made.
W EE K T W O
W EE K s i x The home stretch: Navigate through contingencies and start signing escrow paperwork.
From the seller’s perspective, it might feel like there’s not a whole lot to do. But we are busy
W EE K S e v e n
at work prepping marketing materials like
Contingencies are removed (typically after 17 days) so now
refer you to our trusted contractors. But as
mailings, website updates, email blasts, press
would be a good time to start packing!
your Realtor we can also manage this process
releases, social media blasts, advertising, MLS
for you from start to finish - scheduling
activation and all public real estate websites.
contractors, overseeing the work and seeing
We’ll
through all the necessary work.
neighborhood and schedule the open houses.
D A Y 3 : SC H E D U L E A N Y W O R K If we’ve identified needed repairs, we can
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HOME SELLERS GUIDE
professional
flyers,
walk
W EE K N I N E A typical 30 day escrow has closed and you’re ready to start
the
the next phase. If you’ve hired a good Realtor through this process you have one for life!
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3
pricing
Your best chance of selling your home is in the first two weeks of marketing. Your home is fresh and exciting to buyers and to their agents.
INTELLIGENT PRICING & TIMING
Sellers often view their homes as special
With a sign in the yard, a description in the local
The market can always change its mind and
science, but there are a few truisms that never
which tempts them to put a higher price on
Multiple Listing Service, distribution across
give your home another chance, but by then
change.
the home, believing they can always come
the Internet, open houses, broker’s caravan,
you’ve lost precious time and perhaps allowed
down later, but that’s a serious mistake.
ads, and email blasts to your listing agent’s
a stigma to cloud your home’s value.
• The first two weeks of marketing are crucial. • The market never lies, but it can change its mind. Fair market value is what a willing buyer and a willing seller agree by contract is a fair price for the home. Values can be impacted by a wide range of reasons but the two largest are
- other similar homes that have sold or are currently for sale in the same area.
of attention and interest in the first two weeks.
eligible to buy the home from ever seeing it. Most buyers shop by price range, 1 2 3 4 5 6 and7 look8 for
If you don’t get many showings or offers, you’ve
TIMErange. ON MARKET the best value in that (IN WEEKS)
probably overpriced your home, and it’s
Intelligent pricing isn’t about getting the most for your home – it’s about getting your home sold quickly at fair market value.
not comparing well to the competition. ASKING PRICE +15%
+10%
MARKET VALUE
location and condition. Generally, fair market value can be determined by comparables
buyers, your home will get the greatest flurry
Overpricing prevents the very buyers who are
-10%
-15%
PERCENTAGE OF BUYERS
$
Since you can’t change the location, you’ll have to improve the home’s
10%
condition or lower the price. 30%
Consult with your agent and ask for 60%
ACTIVITY
• Fair market value attracts buyers, overpricing never does.
ACTIVITY
Pricing a home for sale is as much art as
feedback. Perhaps you can do a little more to spruce up your home’s curb
75%
1
appeal, or perhaps stage the interior to
90%
better advantage.
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4
5
6
7
8
(IN WEEKS)
+15%
HOME SELLERS GUIDE
3
TIME ON MARKET
ASKING PRICE
4
2
+10%
MARKET VALUE
PERCENTAGE OF BUYERS 10%
30%
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60%
5
CURB APPEAL
Curb appeal is the view from the curb that tells the buyer how attractive and wellmaintained your home is.
A F I R S T I M P R E S S I O N T H AT L A S T S
In a competitive market, it takes more than trimming the hedges and planting a few flowers to create curb appeal.
F i r s t I m p r e s s i on s
watered. Prune dead branches and plants. Weed flower
The exterior of your home must be in pristine
beds and replace leggy, thin landscaping with fresh
Showings & Open House checklist
condition – freshly painted, cleared of clutter, with no
plants and flowers.
Eliminate
visible repairs needed. A broken step, overgrown bush,
Exterior - Replace loose or damaged roof shingles,
or abandoned toys in the yard can spoil the appearance
clean the gutters, and paint and caulk window trim and
and your buyer’s first impression.
Cu r b A p p e al Curb appeal is important because it sets the tone for what the buyer is going to see inside. If the buyer likes the exterior, he or she will be predisposed to also like the interior and you’re that much closer to selling your home. To see what needs to be done to sell your home faster and for a higher price, go outside, stand on the curb and try to look at your home the way the buyer will. Walkways/driveways - Make sure walkways are clear of
doors. Repaint the front door an eye-catching color that complements the rest of the exterior. Replace broken
Entry - Power wash siding, brick, windows, and porches. Paint or replace furniture such as rocking chairs or porch swings. Replace mailboxes, light fixtures, door knobs or any other fixture that looks less than fresh. Put out a
only
time-consuming
is
clutter to
sort
welcoming new floormat. Some parts may require more work than others, but it’s well worth it to get buyers eager to see what’s inside.
or pavers. Driveways should also be clear of vehicles,
may call to show your home anytime, day or evening.
toys and debris. Park cars in the garage.
Keeping your home “showtime” ready can be challenging,
Landscaping - Keep your lawn mowed, edged and
especially if you have children and pets.
on the table. Have a family plan of action: Sometimes
may be better off renting a small storage unit
showings aren’t convenient. You can always
for a few months.
refuse a showing, but do you really want to?
belongings and put them into one of these three
If you have a showing with little notice, get the family engaged.
baskets. You’ll receive more in tax benefits for
Get in the habit: Wash dishes immediately
your donations than pennies on the dollar at a
after meals. Clean off countertops. Make beds
garage sale.
in the morning. Keep pet toys and beds washed and smelling fresh.
and collectibles to a safety deposit box, a safe, or store them in a secure location. Remove breakables: Figurines, china, crystal and other breakables should be packed and put away in the garage or storage. Be hospitable: You want your home to look
E x p erien c ed & p ro f essional real es t a t e
chair by the fireplace with a bookmarked book
through and expensive for you to move. You
Remove temptations: Take valuable jewelry
Once your home goes on the market, real estate agents
HOME SELLERS GUIDE
it’s
Not
perhaps set the table, or put a throw on the
Keep, donate, throw away: Go through your
windows.
snow, weeds, or debris. Repair or replace cracked steps
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unattractive,
clutter:
like a home. Stage it to show the possibilities,
Clean out the garage and attic: Buyers want to see what kind of storage there is. F i v e - m i nut e Cl e an - u p • Put pets in daycare, sleep cages or take them with you • Turn on lights • Give the buyer privacy
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CHECKLIST service begins with asking someone you know - a family member,
MOVING
coworker or a friend about their moving experiences, good or bad. Who do you know who works with people who frequently move?
Moving to a new home can be an exciting journey.
Deciding what to pack isn’t as simple as it sounds,
Whether you’re changing cities or neighborhoods,
particularly if you’re downsizing, but the amount of
a move is not only a change in scenery, it’s the
goods as well as the type of goods you’re moving
start of a new chapter in life. Yet, moving can
can make a big difference in which mover you
also be very stressful, often seeming like one
choose and how much you’ll spend.
thing after another has to be done. By finding the
Your real estate professional can also be an excellent source of information. And if you’re being transferred, ask your relocation agent which moving companies their company recommends. Other employees of your company who have preceded your relocation may also be able to suggest a reputable mover.
A good rule of thumb is to group items into no more
Co m p a r i n g m o v e r s
than three categories - Keep, Donate, Throw
When you compare price and service estimates from several
Away. Label your things according to the rooms
moving companies, you will find that estimates are based on the
where they’ll be moved – bedroom #2, first floor
weight of your household items, the distance they will be moved,
powder bath by stairs, etc. Provide your movers
and the amount of packing and other services you will require. Be
with copies of the floorplan of your new home, so
sure to show the estimator every single item that will be moved.
they can move more efficiently without having to
Negotiations with your mover should include a clear understanding
service-oriented
stop and ask you where things go. Movers strongly
of rates and charges that will apply, the mover’s liability for your
industries, the moving companies of today have
recommend putting heavier items in smaller boxes
belongings, pick-up and delivery schedules, and claims protection.
expanded to offer a wide range of services in order
to reduce bulkiness, and lighter items in larger
For example, if you decide to pack some of your own things, your
to be competitive. From planning your move, to
boxes with proper labeling like “topload.”
mover will not be liable. If your estimate is binding, it will not cover
right moving service and having a good, though flexible, moving plan, most of the common moving headaches can be easily avoided.
Sta r t p lann i n g you r m o v e Finding the best mover for your particular needs and at the right price involves a simple evaluation of
your
needs.
Like
many
non-itemized items. Non-binding estimates are not guaranteed
storing your things, to packing and unpacking, to decorating and organizing your belongings in your
G e t r e f e r r al s
rates, and only cover the weight of your shipment, and the cost of
new home, you can choose the extent of services
According to Mayflower.com, one of the nation’s
the moving services. An estimate still has to be performed before
you require to suit your moving budget.
most recognized movers, finding a good moving
a mover will provide you with a binding contract.
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HOME SELLERS GUIDE
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CHECKLIST
value
MOVING
the val u e of yo u r home
B e p r e pa r e d
E v e r y ho m e i s d i f f e r e nt
Features and finishes - Features such as outdoor kitchens and
When a home is sold, a willing seller and a willing buyer have just
spa baths make a home more luxurious. A home finished with
announced to the world the value of that home. From there, other
hardwood floors and granite countertops is going to cost more than
similar homes are benchmarked, but other factors come into play.
a home with carpet and laminate countertops.
Even in the most well-planned moves, something can happen. Insurance is crucial. Check with your homeowner’s insurance carrier about coverage for your belongings while moving. Your mover will provide either released value insurance (about $0.60 per pound of goods lost or damaged, according to NAVL.com) or full replacement value, which you must sign for on your bill of lading. If you are not sure how to estimate the value of your belongings for insurance purposes, your insurance carrier may provide suggestions, such as $10,000 per room or half the value of the new home. Items of special value such as heirlooms, paintings, or collectibles can be insured under separate riders. In the event of damage to an
Mo v i n g i nt e r s tat e ? You should read and understand all of the information you will receive. In addition to brochures explaining their various services, moving companies should give you a copy of a consumer booklet entitled “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” and information regarding the mover’s participation in a Dispute Settlement Program.
In a neighborhood of similar homes, why is one worth more than another? That’s the question that’s teased buyers and sellers for ages, but the answer is simple.
The most important are:
Condition - The closer a home is to new construction, the more it
Location - The closer a home is to jobs, parks, transportation,
will retain its value. It’s perceived as more modern, up to date, and
schools, and community services, the more desirable it is.
perhaps safer. Homes that are not updated or in poor repair sell for less. It’s a good idea for homeowners to keep their homes updated
Size - Square footage impacts home values because they’re built using more materials. Larger lot sizes mean more privacy.
and in top repair. Curb appeal - From the street, the home looks clean, fresh, and
Number of bedrooms and baths - Over time, median homes
inviting. Fresh landscaping and flowers won’t change the size or
have grown larger. Decades ago, household members shared
location, but they certainly add charm.
bedrooms and baths without complaint, but today, families want
When two homes are identical in the same neighborhood, a higher
more privacy. The median home purchased today is a three-
price may come down to something as simple as views, or paint
bedroom, two-bath home.
colors, or the overall taste of the homeowner.
item, file a claim immediately. Be sure to save the packing materials to show to the adjuster, should there be any problems.
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HOME SELLERS GUIDE
Valuing a home will never be an exact science, but if you buy wisely, keep your home updated and in good repair, you should recoup most if not all of your investment.
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ABOUT US Local knowledge, professional, exceptional service. These are qualities that are important for any business professional in any field, but with real estate they are absolutely necessary. When it comes to buying and selling your home, the right Realtor isn’t just the one who’s going to work really hard for you (even though we do). It’s the one who knows that it’s about loving where you live and improving your quality of life.
architects, interior designers, engineers, and other trades.
the team
Joe is a successful sales and marketing professional with over 25
Darren has brought together a team of real estate professionals
years experience in client-centric consumer and business media.
to support and deliver the higher standards of service he is
He has taken his business insight into the realm of real estate and is
known for. This talented team includes a full-time marketing
thoroughly enjoying the journey with early success and partnership
consultant, graphic designers, photographers, contractors,
with Darren. Joe lives in Silver Lake with his wife Gabriela and 4
accountants, escrow staff, lenders, and property stagers.
unreasonable, but lovable dogs.
As a 35-year resident of Northeast Los Angeles, Darren Hubert knows the schools because he went to them, he knows the restaurants because he’s been to them and he knows the history because he’s lived it. He’s an advocate for community, volunteering many hours to local government, nonprofits and grassroots organizations. Darren also has a passion for architecture and the connection we have with properties and how we move, function and live within a space. Joe Cloninger has a strong bond with Los Angeles with the launching of several local newsweeklies and a monthly magazine, which recognized the renaissance of L.A.’s Eastside neighborhoods and Downtown Los Angeles. As Associate Publisher of awardwinning architectural magazine FORM for three years, his community involvement extended to Los Angeles design professionals -
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HOME SELLERS GUIDE
Darren Hubert
Joe Cloninger
323.898.2991
323.253.5397
darren@urbanhillsides.com
joe@urbanhillsides.com
BRE# 01330183
Visit www.UrbanHillsides.com new listings, real estate news and more
BRE# 01954784
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13
TESTIMONIALS Darren was great from the beginning to end of this process with
Darren has helped me both buy and sell a home and has shown
excellent referrals for a lender and then a contractor. He was very
great support and patience throughout a long, drawn out and
knowledgeable and thorough during negotiations. He had a great
complicated process. He was knowledgeable, helpful with referrals
understanding of what I was looking for and helped me develop my
to workers for fixing the place up, good with suggestions about
sense of this as our process progressed. Darren was very patient
where to buy fix-up materials like windows and fixtures, and a great
and I never felt even a hint of pressure. He also has great taste! I
source of ideas and suggestions. I very highly recommend him.
highly recommend him!
- R I C H P.
- MONICA K.
I’ve been working with Darren since 2009. He’s helped me through several transactions. Darren always goes above and beyond the typical services you’d expect from a Realtor. He has a good design sense if you need advice and knows a lot of handymen, landscapers, contractors, etc. if you need help finding a service. He never tries to talk you into something you don’t like or want, and is very patient. In addition, his team does a really good job with photography and
His knowledge, attention to detail, and his sincere concern for his clients made the whole process a wonderful one. Darren helped us find outstanding tenants for our units and gave us excellent advice regarding upgrade do/dont’s, regulations, ‘nuts & bolts’ stuff. If you wish to work with a professional, lovely, and just plain good guy, then call Mr. Darren Hubert.
- SANDY J.
marketing materials.
- N ATA L I E M .
Darren is focused on helping his clients find the absolute best house that is right for them. With Darren it is never about the money, it is
Please do yourself a favor and use the best- Darren will not
about the client. I have, and will continue to recommend Darren to
disappoint!
anyone looking to buy, sell or rent a residence.
- K irsten P.
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- K E R R Y F.
E x p erie n c ed & p ro f essio