Rancho Santa Fe’s sublime weather and proximity to downtown San Diego have earned it a reputation as one of the most coveted zip codes in California.
Its housing market is a testament to this perspective: The median price for a single-family home in this enclave is $3.56 million, with homes spending just 18 days on the market. To phrase it differently, if you are considering selling your Rancho Santa Fe property, now is an opportune time to do so.
Gain confidence and enthusiasm with acclaimed realtor Cindy Mort’s guide on what selling your home entails.
Obtain an understanding of homes for sale in your neighborhood
The real estate agent you enlist for assistance will guide you through the process of performing a comparative analysis. Investigating properties on the market in your neighborhood will provide you with knowledge on asking prices, the amount of time they generally spend on the market, and the average degree of renovations they’ve seen (unless they are new constructions). This may inform the renovations you ought to make to bolster your profit, as well as help you determine when you should put your home on the market. Possessing this knowledge will give you a boost of self-assurance when you begin plans and discussions with your agent.
Perform the first phase of your home’s enhancements
In the months leading up to placing your home on the market, you will want to conduct a thorough cleaning of your home. Removing clutter, stowing away your personal items, and organizing your storage spaces–from your pantry to your bedroom closets–will not only render you well-prepared for upcoming photography sessions, showings, and open houses, but it may help you determine which areas of your home are in need of attention, whether it’s repairs or renovations.
Bring a certified home inspector on board
A licensed and qualified home inspector will thoroughly examine your home to point out not only minor flaws–such as slight cracks in your weatherstripping or loose windows–but also the status of more fundamental parts of your home, including the condition of your heating and cooling systems, the state of your roof, the reliability of your plumbing, and the health and integrity of your electrical system. Having a comprehensive picture of your home’s condition will inform not only the renovations you choose to undertake but also your listing price.
Hire a contractor
If you elect to perform larger upgrades–such as replacing your tiled floors with hardwood–ask your agent and other trusted professionals for contractor recommendations. As with your home inspection, keep a detailed record of all of the changes you make to your Rancho Santa Fe home.
Commit to several essential interior renovations
Photo courtesy of ShutterstockWhether or not you choose to delve into more substantial renovations, keep in mind that the appearance of your home will be absolutely key–not only for in-person showings but also for marketing purposes.
At the very least, you may want to consider refreshing your paint, especially in rooms with darker, less broadly appealing colors. Adding an array of indoor plants and flowers (or invigorating those you have) can give new life to your space, and it’s a good idea to revitalize your lighting to make the room appear more open and inviting. Experts suggest implementing ambient lighting in select spaces for an elegant, warm look. Further, pay close attention to the condition and cleanliness of your screens and windows. Viable buyers tend to be keen on finding homes that are airy and bright–especially in a place as scenic and warm as Rancho Santa Fe.
Concentrate on your home’s first impression
“Curb appeal” is crucial to receiving multiple offers from qualified buyers, and, as the adage goes, sometimes your first impression is your only impression with buyers. Indeed, a 2015 study conducted by Microsoft discovered that people form impressions–and make decisions–in as little as eight seconds. With this in mind, focus your energies on maximizing your home’s exterior appearance, including your landscaping. Placing potted palms near your doors, such as European fan palms and areca palms, will pair well with Rancho Santa Fe’s Mediterranean climate. Revitalizing your front door, either with a fresh coat of paint or a posh replacement, will give your entryway a welcoming, polished appearance.
Consult with a fantastic home stager
Photo courtesy of ShutterstockProfessionally-staged homes typically spend less time on the market–as in up to 73% less time than homes that haven’t been expertly arranged–and save you from worrying whether the placement of your furniture works to or against your advantage. Be sure to work with a professional stager who has a sound grasp on current trends but balances these ideas with more widely appealing and timeless details. The stager will arrange furniture and decor to make each room appear purposeful and inviting.
Plan to uplevel your marketing efforts
Luxury home buyers don’t just want a home–they desire an experience. Capitalizing on your home’s most outstanding features–whether it’s an infinity pool, high-end craftsmanship, or sweeping views of a golf course–will move your marketing materials beyond mere words and visual content and into the sphere of a visceral experience. Similarly, work with your agent to come up with a single word or phrase that alluringly describes your home–then use this in your listing to strike a chord with your target audience.
Acknowledge your mixed emotions
Selling your Rancho Santa Fe home is exhilarating, to be sure, but it may also arrive with profound nostalgia and a whole bundle of conflicting feelings. After all, you have likely developed plenty of memories in your home. Honor what you’re feeling, know you are not alone, and manage what arises with kindness, mindfulness, and self-compassion.
Interview and hire a competent, determined agent
Photo courtesy of PexelsRealtors are extensively trained in all aspects of the selling experience. Not only will they help you secure the highest, most appropriate offer for your home, but they will also handle key negotiations, follow up on leads, guide your marketing strategies, provide you with indispensable home selling tips, patiently explain elements of the process, and help alleviate whatever concerns you might have throughout the transaction. In particular, you should ideally work with a realtor who has airtight knowledge of the Rancho Santa Fe, CA, real estate market. They will have community acumen and excellent connections to get you where you need to go.
Cindy Mort exemplifies these traits. A California native who was raised in San Diego and has lived and worked in Rancho Santa Fe for the last three decades, she combines her fondness for the region with unsurpassable skills to help people navigate the thrills and complexities of real estate transactions. Reach out to her today to jumpstart your selling journey.
*Header photo courtesy of The Mort Group
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