A Texas real estate agent was arrested Saturday in Friendswood after police found her and a man using a home she had just sold for a "passionate rendezvous," police say.
Kayla Seloff, 22, and Joshua Leal, 27, were arrested after a neighbor leaving for work noticed a couple with a flashlight entering the vacant home about 5 a.m., KTRK-TV (ABC 13) reports.
When police arrived, they saw a man and woman lying on the floor in a "passionate rendezvous," according to KXAN-TV. Police entered the home in the 200 block of East Castle Harbour Drive through an unlocked front door, and the couple initially hid. Seloff eventually told police she and Leal were married and had bought the home the day before.
But when police walked the couple to their car to get their identification, their car smelled of marijuana and police saw a glass pipe on the dashboard. Inside the car, police found a small bag of marijuana.
Seloff admitted that the drugs were hers and that she was the home's real estate agent, not the owner, authorities said.
Seloff and Leal are charged with criminal trespassing and are being held in jail with bail set at $1,000, according to KTRK.
Source: The Dallas Morning News, Elizabeth Djinis
http://www.dallasnews.com/news/crime/headlines/20160823-texas-real-estate-agent-arrested-after-she-had-passionate-rendezvous-in-home-she-d-just-sold.ece
Covering the real estate market for the valley, news, opinions, open houses, sales, stats, Buying or Selling homes. Realtor blog for Silicon Valley, Santa Clara County, Santa Clara, San Jose, Morgan Hill, Milpitas, Campbell, Sunnyvale, Los Gatos, Palo Alto,
Showing posts with label listing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label listing. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Friday, August 5, 2016
HOW TO BEAT SELLERS' STRESS
It's easy to forget while we're dealing with all of these jitters that moving actually can represent an exciting adventure, a growth opportunity and the prospect of new beginnings. Once the dust settles after your move, you're entering one of the most memorable times of your life. With any luck, you've recruited a REALTOR® who's familiar with the obvious stresses as well as the insidious (and subsequently more detrimental) ones. Depending upon your relationship with your Realtor, you should be able to rely on him or her for more than just closing the deal. Your Realtor also should be able to calm your trepidations by giving you the support you need -- giving you the facts about that new school district, reassuring you that your jitters are perfectly normal, and giving you as much information about your new hometown as possible, increasing your familiarity with the previously unknown.
It's important to remember throughout the entire selling and buying process, however, to reserve time for yourself and your family. It's not a waste of time, but rather an insurance policy for your sanity and continued happiness. Stress is sneaky, as we've all discovered. It can eat away at us during what are supposed to be the happiest of times, because after all, any major change in life is stressful. If it's supressed, it can wreak havoc both emotionally and physically and spread throughout the family. And there's nothing worse than moving a grumpy family across the country. For the sake of your continued family unity, keep in mind the following stress-relieving measures:
First, remember that it's perfect normal to feel unsure of your decision right now. You've just made a major commitment, and all of us experience those last-second "What on earth did I just do" worries after signing contracts and making life-changing decisions. Instead of becoming overwhelmed with "what ifs" and dread, reframe this decision as a prime opportunity to begin your lives in a new environment. The old saying "When one door closes, another one opens" definitely applies here. Trust that your Realtor is looking out for your best interests, ask as many questions as you need to throughout the entire process (that's part of what your Realtor is paid for), and look forward to the adventure that lies ahead of you.
If you can, keep an emergency fund in case you run into any unexpected costs. One example: If your buyer comes forward after a home inspection is completed and requests a series of repairs prior to move-in, you'll be prepared. Chances are good that you won't necessarily agree with the buyer's requests, but at least you won't face the additional stress of being short the money for repairs if you plan ahead and save some extra cash (no set amount -- just as much as you can handle. A goal you might try to shoot for would be in the range of $2,500). It's probably in your best interests not to try to guess what the buyer will want to repair, and then fix it ahead of time. That's because buyers have a habit of isolating areas of your home that you never considered having repaired, and not even noticing the ones you expected them to pinpoint. So save yourself any expenses until you've determined their requests.
And while we're on the subject of finances, try to anticipate and prepare for the initial expenses you'll face upon move-in. Resign yourself to the fact that during the moving process, you're going to feel as if you're holding your wallet upside down, and everyone -- movers, contractors, buyer, etc. -- is sitting underneath, catching the windfall and demanding a larger share. Keep in mind that this is an investment for the good of your family, and that these costs are a one-time inevitability.
Remind yourself of why you're moving in the first place. A job transfer, or is it a voluntary choice? Obviously, whether or not you had some degree of control over the decision will affect your outlook. Regardless of your answer to that question, round up as much information as you can about your new hometown. What kinds of cultural offerings does the town/city offer? What are its landmarks and natural attractions? Research some possible day trips you might take with the family once you're settled. Is your new hometown near state borders, giving you the opportunity to explore different regions of the country without much effort?
Envision your new home. Where will you place the furniture? Remind yourself of the home's primary selling points. Will you have more space? More closets? A large backyard and/or swimming pool? What does your new streetlook like? Do a lot of young families reside there? If so, your children are likely to be reassured by that knowledge. As often as possible, try to picture yourself and your family fully adapted to your new environment.
Remember to have a little fun occasionally. You're still allowed, even if you feel as if you don't have a penny left to your name. Take the family out to dinner, to a movie or a picnic -- anything that gets all of you out of the house and away from boxes, paperwork, emotions and all of those pre-move concerns. Keep a regular "date" to get out together -- for example, every Friday night leading up to the move. Take your mind off your stress for a few hours, and remind yourself that your family members are experiencing many of the same emotions. Like misery, stress often loves company, so enjoy your time together and remember that this stress won't last forever. Regardless of what you're feeling now, the move will happen and everything will eventually fall into place. Journeying into the unknown is what makes life rewarding, so trust in your Realtor's expertise and in your family's resilience, and look forward to the journey ahead.
Source: RealtyTimes, RealtyTimes Staff
http://realtytimes.com/movingadvice1/item/46529-20160805-how-to-beat-sellers-stress
Sunday, July 31, 2016
Sunday, July 3, 2016
LOL - What if everyone on Facebook was honest about your real estate ad. . .
I think allot of Realtors would get their feelings hurt if everyone was this honest with their real estate Facebook ad. LOL
Friday, July 1, 2016
Sellers: Are You Making Your Agent Crazy?
These 5 common homeowner behaviors can make listing agents lose it.
The agent/seller relationship is like none other. No other professional spends the majority of their client time in the client’s actual home. We get very close to our sellers, not just physically but mentally and emotionally.
Because we see them in this somewhat vulnerable setting, and for an extended period, sometimes special bonds form. The line between the business and the personal sometimes blurs, and the seller feels comfortable enough to indulge in some behaviors that drive the agent crazy.
Here are five things sellers do that make agents go nuts — and diminish their chances for a successful sale at the best price and in the shortest amount of time.
Failing to keep the home clean
When your home is on the market, it needs to be ready for a showing on a moment’s notice. That means you need be “seller aware” 24/7.
If you’re serious about selling, keeping things tidy is par for the course. Make a plan to remove Fido’s saliva-stained tennis ball from the couch or Susie’s Barbie doll off the floor.
Before you list, move out the stuff you won’t need until you settle into your new home. Make a particular space in a closet or storage bin for the day-to-day stuff that could turn off potential buyers. Doing so will only ensure a positive experience for your prospective customer, the buyer.
Sticking around during an open house
There’s a reason real estate agents don’t want sellers hanging around when potential buyers arrive. While you may be perfectly friendly and agreeable, your presence can alienate your customers or make them feel uncomfortable without you even knowing it.
They want to dig their feet into their potential new home. That means they need to feel free to open closets, poke around in cabinets and make comments to their partners or kids.
Your presence prevents them from getting to know your home — and it can backfire. If you’re desperate to find out what’s going on at an open house or how buyers are responding, make a plan with your agent to show up anonymously during the open house.
Holding out for extra money at the last minute
A home sale negotiation can be a rocky road, even in healthy markets. If you sense the market is in your favor, you may second-guess the list price if you see activity quickly, particularly in the form of multiple offers.
It’s a great and powerful feeling. But imagine if, in an attempt to squeak out an additional $3,500 from a serious buyer, you pit them against a not-so-great buyer, and you lose both?
It happens, much to the dismay of the listing agents who advocate working with the best buyer and not necessarily the best “offer.”
In other words, you should always be thinking of the big picture — which isn’t always the same as the most significant offer.
Neglecting to clean up for the new buyer
Imagine you’re the buyer. Would you want to walk into your new home and find 12 cans of old paint in the garage? How about an old baby carriage in the attic?
Clean your home and deliver it in good condition to the new buyers. Not only will they appreciate the gesture, but they’re more likely to be on your side if you need them in the future for favors like forwarding mail or packages.
Insisting your home is unique
Your home is no doubt very special to you. You’ve built memories, tracked major life events and used it as more than just a place to lay your head at night. When it comes time to sell, it’s often hard to think of your home as a product on the open market.
Because of your emotional attachments to it, you may feel your place is unique, which you then equate to being more valuable.
If you find yourself resisting your agent’s pricing advice, take a step back and consider if you’re ready to sell. Resisting may be a sign you’re not yet willing to emotionally detach.
Keep in mind that an overpriced home, even in a strong market, will ultimately sell for less than a home priced well from the start.
Source: Zillow Pourchlight, Brendon Desimone
http://www.zillow.com/blog/annoying-things-sellers-do-152317/
The agent/seller relationship is like none other. No other professional spends the majority of their client time in the client’s actual home. We get very close to our sellers, not just physically but mentally and emotionally.
Because we see them in this somewhat vulnerable setting, and for an extended period, sometimes special bonds form. The line between the business and the personal sometimes blurs, and the seller feels comfortable enough to indulge in some behaviors that drive the agent crazy.
Here are five things sellers do that make agents go nuts — and diminish their chances for a successful sale at the best price and in the shortest amount of time.
Failing to keep the home clean
When your home is on the market, it needs to be ready for a showing on a moment’s notice. That means you need be “seller aware” 24/7.
If you’re serious about selling, keeping things tidy is par for the course. Make a plan to remove Fido’s saliva-stained tennis ball from the couch or Susie’s Barbie doll off the floor.
Before you list, move out the stuff you won’t need until you settle into your new home. Make a particular space in a closet or storage bin for the day-to-day stuff that could turn off potential buyers. Doing so will only ensure a positive experience for your prospective customer, the buyer.
Sticking around during an open house
There’s a reason real estate agents don’t want sellers hanging around when potential buyers arrive. While you may be perfectly friendly and agreeable, your presence can alienate your customers or make them feel uncomfortable without you even knowing it.
They want to dig their feet into their potential new home. That means they need to feel free to open closets, poke around in cabinets and make comments to their partners or kids.
Your presence prevents them from getting to know your home — and it can backfire. If you’re desperate to find out what’s going on at an open house or how buyers are responding, make a plan with your agent to show up anonymously during the open house.
Holding out for extra money at the last minute
A home sale negotiation can be a rocky road, even in healthy markets. If you sense the market is in your favor, you may second-guess the list price if you see activity quickly, particularly in the form of multiple offers.
It’s a great and powerful feeling. But imagine if, in an attempt to squeak out an additional $3,500 from a serious buyer, you pit them against a not-so-great buyer, and you lose both?
It happens, much to the dismay of the listing agents who advocate working with the best buyer and not necessarily the best “offer.”
In other words, you should always be thinking of the big picture — which isn’t always the same as the most significant offer.
Neglecting to clean up for the new buyer
Imagine you’re the buyer. Would you want to walk into your new home and find 12 cans of old paint in the garage? How about an old baby carriage in the attic?
Clean your home and deliver it in good condition to the new buyers. Not only will they appreciate the gesture, but they’re more likely to be on your side if you need them in the future for favors like forwarding mail or packages.
Insisting your home is unique
Your home is no doubt very special to you. You’ve built memories, tracked major life events and used it as more than just a place to lay your head at night. When it comes time to sell, it’s often hard to think of your home as a product on the open market.
Because of your emotional attachments to it, you may feel your place is unique, which you then equate to being more valuable.
If you find yourself resisting your agent’s pricing advice, take a step back and consider if you’re ready to sell. Resisting may be a sign you’re not yet willing to emotionally detach.
Keep in mind that an overpriced home, even in a strong market, will ultimately sell for less than a home priced well from the start.
Source: Zillow Pourchlight, Brendon Desimone
http://www.zillow.com/blog/annoying-things-sellers-do-152317/
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
Another Great Property Sold
Just closed on my listing on 2087 Limewood Dr, in San Jose late last week.
It's still a hot market folk. This property received 7 offers, the winning offer almost $100K over asking!
It's still a hot market folk. This property received 7 offers, the winning offer almost $100K over asking!
I would also like to take this opportunity to say A big Thank You to my seller clients, Rick, Carolyn and Sheryl for the business and your trust in me. You all have been wonderful clients!
Thursday, June 2, 2016
Buyers Beware: You May Be Under Surveillance
Surprise, home buyers: You might be on hidden camera.
You may believe you’re having private discussions about the merits of a homeowner’s wallpaper, the ugly, orange tiles in the bathrooms, or the to-die-for bay windows as you tour a residence. But what people often don’t realize is that those surveillance cameras in the hallways may be turned on, according to Bankrate.com. And that smiling teddy bear in the corner? He may be taping everything you say.
Even the not-so-neurotic sellers often want to know exactly who wants to buy their homes, what they don’t like about them, and just how far they’ve fallen in love with the residences (useful information when it comes to negotiations), say real estate agents. And what better way to find out than to play Big Brother?
“It’s not unusual to see a camera at the edge of a playroom,” says Atlanta real estate agent Jen Engel. “But people don’t realize they’re on.”
Engel once represented a seller who used a “nanny cam” to record everything potential buyers said about the seller’s home. Engel learned of it after the property sold.
“They want to know what people don’t like,” says Engel. “They want to know if there’s an issue they’re not being told about.”
The cameras are most likely legal, although the laws can vary by state, says Indiana University law professor Fred Cate.
“It’s against the law to record someone on audio or video if they’re in a situation in which they have a reasonable expectation of privacy, [such as in] a changing room or a locker room or a bathroom,” says Cate, author of “Privacy in the Information Age.” “But when you’re in somebody else’s house with a real estate agent, it’s a little harder to argue you really have an expectation of privacy.”
For sellers, getting that honest (if ethically murky) feedback can inspire them to make changes—such as replacing that ’70s kitchen flooring or putting in new carpeting.
It can also be valuable during negotiations to know just how much buyers want the home—and how much they said they’d be willing to pay for those properties when they thought no one else was listening.
That’s why Houston Realtor® Greg Nino cautions his Re/Max Compass clients to play their hands close their vests and not say anything that could potentially be used against them—from commenting on the family pictures on the wall to gushing about how they finally found their dream home.
“I’ve had sellers actually go and spy on buyers to see if they are the kind of people they want living in their house,” Janine Acquafredda, a Brooklyn, NY–based associate broker at House-N-Key Realty, told Bankrate.com.
But Boston real estate broker Douglas Bray of Century 21 Cityside doubts that’s common.
“What’s important is if someone is financially qualified and capable of purchasing the home,” he says.
Of course, sellers may simply feel nervous about having strangers in their home, amid their possessions, and want some measure of security.
“If the home has precious works of art [or other valuables], then by all means, I think cameras are an important part of the home-selling process,” Bray told realtor.com®. “But it’s important that people be told there are cameras present. That’s just useful in making everyone feel comfortable.”
Source: Realtor.com, Clare Trapasso
http://www.realtor.com/news/trends/buyers-under-surveillance/?iid=rdc_news_hp_carousel_theLatest
Friday, April 29, 2016
My New Listing on 2087 Limewood Dr, San Jose - Open House Sat, April 30 & Sun, May 1st from 1-4:30pm
OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, April 30th 2016 from 1pm to 4:30pm
Sunday, May 1st 2016 from 1pm to 4:30pm
A charming North San Jose home you would be proud to own. This well maintained home was remodeled in 2012 and features a great floor plan, spacious bedrooms, two full bathrooms, dual pane windows, dual facing fireplace and fresh interior paint. In addition, recently added an alluring driveway, lawn with automatic sprinklers & patio. Conveniently located on a quiet street close to schools parks, freeways, the Great Mall and the future BART Station.
Property Features:
3 Bedroom
2 Baths
Living Area 1,300 Sq. Ft.
Lot Size: 6,099 Sq. Ft.
Built: 1964
Double Pane Windows
Laminated Flooring in Kitchen
New Interior Paint
New Patio
New Driveway
Landscaping
Laneview Elementary
Morrill Middle School
Offered at: $799,000
Mimi Wang, REALTOR®
GRI, CPRES, SRES, CIPS, CDPE, HAFA, REO
BRE #: 01775814
(408) 569-3808
mimi@mimihomes.com | www.MimiHomes.com
10420 S. DeAnza Blvd., Cupertino, CA. 95014
Fluent in English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Vietnamese
Your REALTOR® for Life!
Saturday, March 5, 2016
Time Your Listing in the Magic Window to Sell Faster and for More Money
In early May, homes sell fastest and for more money, according to the newest data. This is the new magic listing window for the country’s 25 biggest metro areas.
Weather and housing market dynamics affect the exact best window to sell in different areas, and this year, a low supply of homes on the market has pushed the window later in the spring. In Zillow’s first analysis of the best time to list, homes listed between mid-March and mid-April sold fastest and for the highest price. But the decline of the number of homes on the market has increased competition, so shoppers who start looking for a home in early spring may need to look at several homes and will often still be shopping a few months later. By May, some buyers may be anxious to get settled into a new home before the next school year — and will be more willing to pay a premium to close the deal.
For sellers hoping to sell quickly and get the maximum sale price for your home, the time to list is right in the first half of May. Nationally, homes sold May 1-15 sell about 18.5 days faster and for 1 percent more than the average listing. That means an average premium of $1,700 for the seller of a median home.
Today, Zillow has launched a new tool to personalize this data for individual sellers. The new Best Time to List feature estimates how much more money a seller can make by changing the listing date on their individual home. The tool is live for 71 million off-market homes, and registered Zillow users can find it by clicking the “Sell Your Home” on the home details page for an individual home. The methodology for the analysis, originally featured in “Zillow Talk: Rewriting the Rules of Real Estate,” is detailed on Zillow Research.
Source: Zillow Blog, Emily Heffter
http://www.zillow.com/blog/magic-window-to-sell-faster-193229/
Monday, February 1, 2016
Video Tour of Villa Cortina
The Villa Cortina complex is a great condo complex in San Jose a few blocks from Santana Row and Valley Fair shopping mall. It offers many amenities such as a swimming pool, hot tub, children's playground, fitness center, clubhouse, elevator, gated and secure access, and conveniently located.
Below is a great video presentation my friend Bruce Bryant put together from Homes & Realty Magazine.
Below is a great video presentation my friend Bruce Bryant put together from Homes & Realty Magazine.
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Another Happy Client!
Here's a picture I took with my seller client who just completed her sign off yesterday at Old Republic Title. She has been a great client and a pleasure to work with.
Thanks Mei for putting your trust in me in selling your home. You are truly great to work with. I with you the best of luck in the future, and I hope to do business with you again someday!
Thanks Mei for putting your trust in me in selling your home. You are truly great to work with. I with you the best of luck in the future, and I hope to do business with you again someday!
Sunday, January 17, 2016
6 Things You Should Never Say When You’re Selling Your Home
In real estate, when it comes to selling your home, running off at the mouth can sink your chance of selling the house. It's a talk I have with all me sellers so they know not to say anything that will turn off the buyer or whatever. Below is a list of some of the things a home seller should Never say.

You know that expression about loose lips sinking ships? It holds true for selling your home as well. Sure, there are some things you have to disclose to buyers—such as if your home has lead paint or is located in a flood zone. But there’s plenty more you might volunteer when you would be truly better off keeping your mouth strategically shut.
Yesterday, we revealed the things buyers should never say to sellers. Today, we share some things that sellers should never let slip to buyers, or the agents representing them.
To help hone your “less is more” attitude when it comes to talking with prospective buyers, here are a few doozies that agents recommend never, ever saying.
‘Our house is in perfect condition’
Your home is your castle, and in your eyes it may seem perfect—but don’t make claims that aren’t true, says Cara Ameer, a Realtor® with Coldwell Banker.
“The home inspection may reveal otherwise, and, as a seller, you don’t want to wind up putting your foot in your mouth,” she explains. Bottom line: “There simply is no such thing as ‘perfect condition.’ Every house, whether it is brand new or a resale, has something that needs to be fixed, adjusted, replaced, or improved upon.”
‘It’s been on the market for X…’
Never, ever discuss how long the home has been on the market with prospective buyers, says Pam Santoro, a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. This info is often listed and available on the home’s information sheet, but bringing it up—especially if the home has been available for eons—can send sellers the wrong message. No one wants to buy a white elephant—and, if they do, it’s probably because they think they’ll be getting it dirt-cheap.
‘We’ve never had a problem with…’
If you’re hoping to move quickly, you may be tempted to tell a few little white lies. So you never had a problem with weird neighbors, eh? Or flooded basements? Or vengeance-seeking poltergeists? Realtors agree that your mistruths—however insignificant they might seem—could come back to you with teeth.
“You’re setting yourself up for potential liability,” explains Ameer. “You may not even be aware of the problem at first, but it could translate into an embarrassing moment upon inspection.” So come clean with what you know and admit what you don’t.
‘We always wanted to fix/renovate that, but…’
Tempted to mention, “We always thought about knocking this wall down and opening the space for more light?” How about “We planned on renovating this bathroom but ran out of cash”? Mum’s the word when it comes to fixes you intended to address. Nobody cares about good intentions.
“When sellers point out things they might change, this only alerts the buyer of more upcoming costs for them,” says Maryjo Shockley, a Realtor with Keller Williams. Who knows? Your buyers may not even want to knock down that wall or redo the bathroom. So why plant those ideas, along with those dollar signs?
‘We spent a ton of money on X, Y, and Z’
Just because you love the Brazilian koa wood flooring you installed throughout the first floor, that doesn’t mean prospective buyers will be willing to shell out for it.
“The buyer doesn’t care whether you spent $10,000 or $100,000 on your kitchen,” says Ameer. “They are only going to offer what they feel the home is worth in relation to area comparable sales.” So, save your breath, or else you’ll risk sounding like you’re trying too hard to justify your price. Desperation isn’t cool.
‘I’m not taking less than X amount for my home’
When it comes time to sell, it makes sense that you want top dollar. We get it! But at the same time, it’s important to be realistic and open to offers within a reasonable range.
“If you send a message that you are inflexible or not open to negotiating, it may not invite buyers to even try to work out acceptable price and terms as they will feel defeated from the start,” says Ameer. “Word may spread that you have this sentiment as a seller, and people may start to avoid the house.”
Source: realtor.com, Liz Alterman
http://www.realtor.com/advice/sell/things-to-never-say-when-selling-home/
You know that expression about loose lips sinking ships? It holds true for selling your home as well. Sure, there are some things you have to disclose to buyers—such as if your home has lead paint or is located in a flood zone. But there’s plenty more you might volunteer when you would be truly better off keeping your mouth strategically shut.
Yesterday, we revealed the things buyers should never say to sellers. Today, we share some things that sellers should never let slip to buyers, or the agents representing them.
To help hone your “less is more” attitude when it comes to talking with prospective buyers, here are a few doozies that agents recommend never, ever saying.
‘Our house is in perfect condition’
Your home is your castle, and in your eyes it may seem perfect—but don’t make claims that aren’t true, says Cara Ameer, a Realtor® with Coldwell Banker.
“The home inspection may reveal otherwise, and, as a seller, you don’t want to wind up putting your foot in your mouth,” she explains. Bottom line: “There simply is no such thing as ‘perfect condition.’ Every house, whether it is brand new or a resale, has something that needs to be fixed, adjusted, replaced, or improved upon.”
‘It’s been on the market for X…’
Never, ever discuss how long the home has been on the market with prospective buyers, says Pam Santoro, a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. This info is often listed and available on the home’s information sheet, but bringing it up—especially if the home has been available for eons—can send sellers the wrong message. No one wants to buy a white elephant—and, if they do, it’s probably because they think they’ll be getting it dirt-cheap.
‘We’ve never had a problem with…’
If you’re hoping to move quickly, you may be tempted to tell a few little white lies. So you never had a problem with weird neighbors, eh? Or flooded basements? Or vengeance-seeking poltergeists? Realtors agree that your mistruths—however insignificant they might seem—could come back to you with teeth.
“You’re setting yourself up for potential liability,” explains Ameer. “You may not even be aware of the problem at first, but it could translate into an embarrassing moment upon inspection.” So come clean with what you know and admit what you don’t.
‘We always wanted to fix/renovate that, but…’
Tempted to mention, “We always thought about knocking this wall down and opening the space for more light?” How about “We planned on renovating this bathroom but ran out of cash”? Mum’s the word when it comes to fixes you intended to address. Nobody cares about good intentions.
“When sellers point out things they might change, this only alerts the buyer of more upcoming costs for them,” says Maryjo Shockley, a Realtor with Keller Williams. Who knows? Your buyers may not even want to knock down that wall or redo the bathroom. So why plant those ideas, along with those dollar signs?
‘We spent a ton of money on X, Y, and Z’
Just because you love the Brazilian koa wood flooring you installed throughout the first floor, that doesn’t mean prospective buyers will be willing to shell out for it.
“The buyer doesn’t care whether you spent $10,000 or $100,000 on your kitchen,” says Ameer. “They are only going to offer what they feel the home is worth in relation to area comparable sales.” So, save your breath, or else you’ll risk sounding like you’re trying too hard to justify your price. Desperation isn’t cool.
‘I’m not taking less than X amount for my home’
When it comes time to sell, it makes sense that you want top dollar. We get it! But at the same time, it’s important to be realistic and open to offers within a reasonable range.
“If you send a message that you are inflexible or not open to negotiating, it may not invite buyers to even try to work out acceptable price and terms as they will feel defeated from the start,” says Ameer. “Word may spread that you have this sentiment as a seller, and people may start to avoid the house.”
Source: realtor.com, Liz Alterman
http://www.realtor.com/advice/sell/things-to-never-say-when-selling-home/
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
When to Cave: How Long Should You Wait Before Lowering Your Asking Price?
There it is: your home! Just sitting on the market. It’s been like that for some time now, and it’s starting to look a little … desperate. Last-guy-at-the-bar desperate. You consider reducing the price, but then you might be robbing yourself of thousands of dollars. But if you don’t, you could end up missing out on eager buyers with a slightly lower price point.
So when exactly should you cry “uncle” and lower that asking price? We asked some experts for advice.
Keep tabs on—and listen to—house hunters
Are your open houses turning into a letdown? Are buyers visiting but walking away?
“If 35 to 40 buyers have passed through your home and not a single one has placed an offer, it’s time to seriously consider a price improvement,” says New York City real estate agent Brad Malow. Translation: a reduction.
As a seller, you should be asking buyers and their brokers for feedback after private viewings.
Pay close attention and see if there are any common positives or negatives in their responses, so if a current theme is “It’s a bit expensive,” then you’ll know it’s time to start a price drop.
How long has it been?
The thing that can cost you the most money is having your home stagnate on the market. So unlike dating, you shouldn’t wait for the perfect suitor to come along. Perfect is a high bar.
Houses set at the right price will start getting offers “within the first few weeks,” Malow says.
Are comparable houses selling left and right, but you haven’t received an offer? If so, you may want to do more than just lower the price—you might want to delist it for a short while.
“Once you’ve been on the market for five weeks or so, you’re chasing the market,” says Mike King, an agent with the Partners Trust Realty in Brentwood, CA.
If you haven’t seen any action in a while, it might be time to take your house off the market, do some touch-ups, and relist.
King says he sold a house that had languished for six months on the market by removing the listing, having the sellers pull up the shag carpet—something their original seller’s agent didn’t make them do—and staging the place much better. It was relisted and sold within a couple of weeks at asking price.
‘It’s almost impossible to underprice’ a home
Here’s something you should consider when debating the great price chop: The market will probably decide it for you anyway.
“It’s almost impossible to underprice, because the market will bring it back up,” King says.
Think of it like eBay. You list an item for $1, but you know it’s worth somewhere in the $250 range. Eventually people start bidding, and some people might want that item so much they end up paying $275 for it. It’s actually a better move to slightly underprice your home than it is to overprice it, because you’ll have more offers to work with—and you can work the competition into a frenzy.
“It’s called leveraging power,” King says. “If I’m a [motivated] buyer and I know there’s only three offers, I’m going be less aggressive than if you had 10 offers.”
The golden rule: Know thy market
Above all else, you need to consider your market. There’s no universal timeline that will tell you when to reduce your price. But Malow says to consider these three key points:
- How are comparable properties faring in the market? Are they selling quickly or lingering on the market? If they’ve closed, what was their closing price?
- What is the average time a home stays on the market in your neighborhood? If you haven’t reached that point, don’t reduce it just yet. Likewise, if you’re well past your hood’s “sell-by date,” it’s time to start cutting prices and maybe even delisting your home.
- How many homes had a price reduction in your neighborhood, and how long did it take for the price cut? Did it help them sell? Again, what was the sale price?
In other words, do your homework and work with the market—don’t fight it.
Source: Realtor.com, Craig Donofrio
http://www.realtor.com/advice/sell/how-long-should-you-wait-before-lowering-your-asking-price/
Monday, December 21, 2015
My New Listing on 801 S. Winchester Blvd. #6205
801 S. Winchester Blvd. #6205, San Jose, CA. 95128
What a luxury lifestyle! Beautiful gated 10 years young Villa Cortina community conveniently located close to Santana Row, Valley Fair, freeway, schools and park. The complex offers security gates, restricted vehicle access, recreational facility, elevators, pool, playground, BBQ area. Second floor unit facing the garden, featuring large dual pane windows, fresh paint, granite counter tops in kitchen and bath and nice floor plan. NOT ON MLS YET!
Agents and buyers please call or email for more information 408-569-3808 | mimi@mimhomes.com
• 1 Bed
• 1 Bath
• 692 Sq. Ft.
• Year Built: 2005
• Central Heating & A/C
• Granite Counter Tops
• Laminate Flooring in Kitchen
• Double Pane Windows
• In Unit Washer & Dryer
Asking: $458,000
Thursday, October 15, 2015
My New Listing folks.
Open this weekend 10/17 & 10/18 from 1pm to 4pm
Year Built: 2005
Sq Footage: 986 sqft.
Bedrooms: 2 Beds
Bathrooms: 2 Baths
Floors: 1
Parking: 1 | Guest parking
Lot Size: 892 Square Feet
Property Type: Condo
DESCRIPTION
What a luxury lifestyle! Beautiful gated 9 years young Villa Cortina community conveniently located close to Santana Row, Valley Fair, freeway, schools and park. The complex offers security gates, restricted vehicle access, recreational facility, elevators, pool, playground, BBQ area. First floor unit featuring two large dual pane windows, fresh paint, granite counter tops in kitchen and bath and nice floor plan.
Open House: 10/17/15 & 10/18/15 - 1pm to 4pm
PROPERTY FEATURES
Contact info:
Mimi Wang
Century 21 M&M and Associates
408-569-3808
mimi@mimihomes.com
Open this weekend 10/17 & 10/18 from 1pm to 4pm
Convenience and Luxury - Well Maintained Condo Close to Santana Row
801 S Winchester Blvd #1111, San Jose, CA 95128
$553,999
KEY FEATURESYear Built: 2005
Sq Footage: 986 sqft.
Bedrooms: 2 Beds
Bathrooms: 2 Baths
Floors: 1
Parking: 1 | Guest parking
Lot Size: 892 Square Feet
Property Type: Condo
DESCRIPTION
What a luxury lifestyle! Beautiful gated 9 years young Villa Cortina community conveniently located close to Santana Row, Valley Fair, freeway, schools and park. The complex offers security gates, restricted vehicle access, recreational facility, elevators, pool, playground, BBQ area. First floor unit featuring two large dual pane windows, fresh paint, granite counter tops in kitchen and bath and nice floor plan.
Open House: 10/17/15 & 10/18/15 - 1pm to 4pm
PROPERTY FEATURES
- Living room
- Master bath
- Storage space
- Pantry
- Range / Oven
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Garbage disposal
- Stainless steel appliances
- Balcony, Deck, or Patio
- Heat: forced air
- Central A/C
- Ceiling fans
- Double pane / Storm windows
- Cable-ready
- Elevator
- Secured entry
- Controlled access
- Gated entry
- Disability access
- Shared pool
- Fitness center
- Clubhouse
- Playground
- Barbecue
- Guest parking
- Covered parking
- On-street parking
- Garage - Attached
Contact info:
Mimi Wang
Century 21 M&M and Associates
408-569-3808
mimi@mimihomes.com
Saturday, September 12, 2015
Why You Need to Learn More About Feng Shui
The ancient design philosophy of feng shui is gaining more traction in real estate as the number of Chinese home buyers are taking a bigger liking to U.S. real estate.
Eighty-six percent of Chinese Americans believe feng shui will play a role in a future home buying decision, according to a newly released survey of 500 Chinese-American home buyers, conducted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, in conjunction with the Asian Real Estate Association of America. What’s more, 79 percent of respondents said they’d pay more for a home that follows feng shui principles — an average of 16 percent more to boot.
Seventy-five percent of respondents said deal breakers for them, which follow feng shui principles, would be a home being located at the end of a dead-end street, having the stairs directly facing the front door, and if the front and back doors are aligned.
Chinese buyers spent a whopping $28.6 billion on U.S. residential real estate from April 2014 to March 2015, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. That is prompting more real estate professionals to take notice of what feng shui is all about and what could be driving some of this growing number of buyers’ interests.
Peruse this infographic from Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate to learn more about feng shui.





Source: Realtor Magazine, Melissa Dittmann Tracey
http://styledstagedsold.blogs.realtor.org/2015/08/31/why-you-need-to-learn-more-about-feng-shui/?om_rid=AAFmZk&om_mid=_BV51HCB9FL7BXz&om_ntype=RMODaily
Eighty-six percent of Chinese Americans believe feng shui will play a role in a future home buying decision, according to a newly released survey of 500 Chinese-American home buyers, conducted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, in conjunction with the Asian Real Estate Association of America. What’s more, 79 percent of respondents said they’d pay more for a home that follows feng shui principles — an average of 16 percent more to boot.
Seventy-five percent of respondents said deal breakers for them, which follow feng shui principles, would be a home being located at the end of a dead-end street, having the stairs directly facing the front door, and if the front and back doors are aligned.
Chinese buyers spent a whopping $28.6 billion on U.S. residential real estate from April 2014 to March 2015, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. That is prompting more real estate professionals to take notice of what feng shui is all about and what could be driving some of this growing number of buyers’ interests.
Peruse this infographic from Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate to learn more about feng shui.
Source: Realtor Magazine, Melissa Dittmann Tracey
http://styledstagedsold.blogs.realtor.org/2015/08/31/why-you-need-to-learn-more-about-feng-shui/?om_rid=AAFmZk&om_mid=_BV51HCB9FL7BXz&om_ntype=RMODaily
Friday, August 14, 2015
Come To My Open House Sat & Sun 1:30 to 4:30pm - 5462 Carls Ct, San Jose
OPEN HOUSE!
Saturday, August 15th 2015 - 1:30 to 4:30pm
Sunday, August 16th 2015 - 1:30 to 4:30pm

$769,888, 4Bd/2.5Ba Single Family House, 1960 sqft.
Saturday, August 15th 2015 - 1:30 to 4:30pm
Sunday, August 16th 2015 - 1:30 to 4:30pm
$769,888, 4Bd/2.5Ba Single Family House, 1960 sqft.
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