Selling Your Home for Top Dollar
By Dore Baker
8 Steps to Selling Your Home for Top Dollar
Dore Baker was born and raised in Azusa, making her a Southern California native. She attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Azusa Pacific University. As an APU Cougar, Dore competed in Track & Field as a Heptathlete.
After graduating, Dore worked for Easter Seals as a Development Manager, planning large, corporate fundraising events. She joined Geoff Baker (State Director, California Association of Realtors) in Real Estate in 1997. Dore coached Long Jump and Triple Jump for the track team at Thousand Oaks High School for 9 years. It was a large commitment of time, but she found the energy of the kids to be contagious.
Dore Baker is renowned not only for her extensive real estate skills and expertise but also for her diverse interests and community involvement. An avid tennis player and proud member of Sunset Hills Country Club, Dore has not only competed on but also captained various USTA adult tennis teams, showcasing her leadership and teamwork skills. Her love for animals, particularly dogs, shines
through in her compassionate nature and strong commitment to her community. Dore’s multifaceted background and dedication to excellence make her a standout figure.
If you’re already living in Phoenix and have family
members considering a move to be closer to you here in the valley of the sun, helping them to fully
understand the best way to sell their home for top dollar can make their transition smoother and more successful. As a real estate professional with deep roots in California and an understanding of the Phoenix market, I’m here to guide you through the steps that will ensure your loved ones’ homes sell quickly and at a premium price.
Step 1 – Understand the Nationwide Market Dynamics
The real estate market is dynamic and robust, with high demand and limited inventory driving prices up in most locales. Before listing a home, it’s crucial to understand these market dynamics. The right timing can significantly impact the sale price. Typically, spring and summer are peak seasons, but staying updated on market trends ensures you capitalize on the best opportunities.
Step 2 – Choose the Right Real Estate Agent
Finding an experienced and local real estate agent is paramount. An agent with in-depth knowledge of the market can provide insights into neighborhood trends, pricing strategies, and effective marketing tactics. For those moving from California, partnering with a trusted agent like myself, with experience in both markets, can offer a seamless transition and expert guidance throughout the selling process.
Step 3 – Price Your Home Competitively
Setting the right price is essential. Overpricing can lead to prolonged listings, while underpricing might leave money on the table. Conducting a comparative market analysis (CMA) helps determine the optimal listing price based on recent sales of similar homes. A well-priced home attracts more buyers and can result in competing offers.
Step 4 – Enhance Your Curb Appeal
First impressions are lasting impressions. Simple improvements to enhance curb appeal can significantly increase a home’s value. Consider landscaping, a fresh coat of paint, and maintaining clean walkways.
These small investments can yield substantial returns by attracting far more interested potential buyers.
Step 5 – Staging Your Home for Success
Staging is about showcasing the home’s potential.
Decluttering, depersonalizing, and creating a furniture arrangement that highlights the home’s best features can make a significant difference.
Professional staging can further enhance this effect, making the home more appealing to a broader audience and potentially increasing its sale price.
Step 6 – Be Flexible with Showings
Flexibility with showings can increase the number of potential buyers who view the home. While it may be inconvenient, accommodating various schedules can lead to more showings and faster sales. Open houses, particularly on weekends, can attract a larger pool of buyers.
Step 7 – Review Offers Carefully
When offers come in, reviewing them carefully is crucial. Consider not just the offer price, but also contingencies, closing timelines, and buyer financing. Working with a knowledgeable agent helps in negotiating the best terms and selecting the offer that aligns with your goals.
Step 8 – Prepare for Closing
Once an offer is accepted, several steps need to be completed before closing. These include disclosures, inspections and appraisals. Guidance from a real estate agent ensures all paperwork is completed accurately and on time, facilitating a smooth closing process.
