How to Lose a Home Sale and Influence No One
Until escrow is officially closed and the keys are handed over to the new homeowners, a Lake Havasu City seller is legally and financially responsible for their home. Up until that point, a deal can fall through for a number of reasons: the buyer backs out, financing falls through, etc. There are a few avoidable mistakes sellers tend to make that will definitely cause a buyer to say “No thank you”.
DO NOT ignore contingencies. If it’s in the contract, you absolutely MUST make sure it is done. Don’t skimp on the workmanship either. A shoddy pool repair may make a Lake Havasu buyer turn tail and run before your deal is closed.
DO make any repairs that happen after your Lake Havasu City home goes into escrow. Just because the offer has been accepted and your home is in the paperwork stages doesn’t mean that you should avoid fixing anything that may break before you officially hand over the keys. Remember: a buyer will have a final walk-through inspection to make sure the house is in the same shape as when they originally put in their offer. They can back out if they are unsatisfied with the state of the home.
DO NOT procrastinate. Deadlines in a real estate transaction are pretty much set in stone. They MUST be followed. Don’t ignore them.
DO NOT be rigid with negotiations. Issues may arise during final inspections that will need to be addressed before a sale closes. These are issues that you, the Seller may be responsible for taking care of. The original price agreed upon between the two parties could possibly change by the time your Lake Havasu home closes.
DO NOT think you can hide a lien from the Buyer. If you haven’t paid your homeowner’s association dues for months or owe the IRS in back property taxes, these issues will come to light during the title search. These will need to be taken care of before the Lake Havasu property can exchange hands. You may be able to work out a deal with the Buyer if you are up front and honest with this information.
Always speak with your real estate agent and/or real estate lawyer about possible issues that may arise during a Lake Havasu home sale. They have more likely than not have had to deal with just about any situation that could be considered a problem. Don’t turn a simple hiccup into a road block. You don’t want to lose the home sale and influence no one. Contact us when you’re ready to put your Lake Havasu home on the market.
FEATURED LAKE HAVASU HOME FOR SALE
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Brenda & Willie Gonzalez, RE/MAX Prestige Properties, Lake Havasu real estate
Put the Power of the “G” Force to Work for You Today!
Selling a Lake Havasu Vacation Home
When our little city first came into prominence in the 1960s, it was predominantly billed as a tourist destination. Once the London Bridge was installed here, that is exactly what happened. Lake Havasu City has since grown into a fair-sized year-round community. However, many people from the surrounding Southwest states as well as around the country and even outside the US have made Lake Havasu their home away from home. If you plan on selling your Lake Havasu vacation home or investment property but live outside of Havasu, there are a few things you should be aware of.
First, you need to hire the right people. Interview several Lake Havasu real estate agents to find who you feel works best with you. You need to be able to trust this person with one of the largest financial transactions you are likely to see in your lifetime. You want to make sure you feel comfortable with their abilities and method of operation. You also should talk to other real estate experts, such as tax advisers, mortgage brokers and maybe even a real estate lawyer to better educate yourself in selling a vacation home.
If you have been renting out your Lake Havasu home for a while, give your tenant the courtesy of letting them know as early as possible in the process that you will be selling. This will allow them enough time to find another home. It will also give you some time to do necessary repairs and perform those maintenance tasks you need to ensure your property is its most appealing when it comes time to list it.
For security reasons, you don’t want your Lake Havasu home to appear empty. A vacant home is a welcome sign for thieves. Consider putting in a security system, if you don’t already have one. Add an automated light system that can be programmed to turn on and off in different parts of the house at different times. You may also want to make sure you have someone taking care of any landscaping and/or pool needs while you are in the process of selling your home to keep up its appearance.
Finally, having another set of eyes in the area can only be beneficial. Your real estate agent should be checking on your property every so often. However, you may want to ask a family member, friend of neighbor to check on it from time to time as well.
Even if you are in another state, selling a Lake Havasu vacation home or investment property doesn’t have to be a hassle. Just contact us. Put the power of the “G” Force to work for you today!
FEATURED LAKE HAVASU HOME FOR SALE
For more information on this and other great Havasu homes for sale, please click here.
Brenda & Willie Gonzalez, RE/MAX Prestige Properties, Lake Havasu real estate
Put the Power of the “G” Force to Work for You Today!
Why Isn’t My Home Selling?
You’ve had your Lake Havasu home on the market for months now without so much as a nibble of interest. You believe that your home is great. But, you’re left scratching your head and wondering, “why isn’t my home selling? Why am I not connecting with a buyer?” There are several things you may have overlooked.
The biggest mistake Lake Havasu sellers make is pricing their home too high. Just because you have invested a ton of money in upgrades or still owe a large amount on the property doesn’t mean that you can increase your asking price. A home is only worth what the buyer is willing to pay for it. You must take the emotion out of pricing your home in order to make it competitive in the Lake Havasu real estate market.
Next, take a look at your Lake Havasu home through buyer’s eyes. Is the paint peeling? Are there wires hanging out of the wall where a light fixture is supposed to be? Is the carpet old and worn out or have the tiles chipped? Even scuff marks along the baseboards can make a buyer wonder what other bigger problems lurk within those walls.
Clean it up and clear it out. No matter how big or beautiful a Lake Havasu home is, buyers will go elsewhere if there is too much clutter. That’s also where staging comes in to play. As an accredited staging professional, Brenda can help you show off each room in its best light.
How is your Havasu home being marketed? Have there been professional photos taken? Are other agents coming to look at your home so they can tell their clients? Before you hire a real estate agent or team, discuss what their marketing plan is and how they intend to get traffic beating down your door.
Finally, you need to be flexible. This is true whether it comes to a last minute showing or making a deal at the negotiations table.
If you find that you are asking yourself “why isn’t my home selling“, there may be more than one answer to that. Talk to your real estate agent to see what those answers may be. Then, you can devise a plan together to make any changes necessary to get your Lake Havasu home sold.
FEATURED LAKE HAVASU HOME FOR SALE
For more information on this and other great Havasu homes for sale, please click here.
Brenda & Willie Gonzalez, RE/MAX Prestige Properties, Lake Havasu real estate
Put the Power of the “G” Force to Work for You Today!
Lake Havasu Home Sales are Positive
The Lake Havasu real estate market took a hard hit over the last several years, just like most of the country. Particularly struck hard was our new construction industry, as foreclosures and short sales took top billing. However, that trend seems to have taken a turn for the better. It now appears that Lake Havasu home sales are positive.
The average Lake Havasu City home sold for $198,679 in March 2013. That’s an 18.9% increase over March 2012. The amount of homes sold in March 2013 was also higher, finishing the month at 161 (not including mobile homes or condos). This was 8% higher than March 2012′s figures. In fact, the Lake Havasu real estate market has experienced a steady year-over-year increase in average/median sales price as well as total single-family home sales every month since April 2012.
With experts predicting that the demand for traditional home sales increasing throughout 2013, it would seem to be a great time to sell your Lake Havasu home. Interest rates remain well below 4% for a 30 year fixed rate mortgage loan (less than 3% for a 15 year fixed-rate loan). The inventory of foreclosures and short sales have lessened enough that traditional home sales have become competitive again. When you’re ready to put your Lake Havasu home on the market, contact the G Force.
FEATURED LAKE HAVASU HOME FOR SALE
For more information on this and other great Havasu homes for sale, please click here.
Brenda & Willie Gonzalez, RE/MAX Prestige Properties, Lake Havasu real estate
Put the Power of the “G” Force to Work for You Today!
An Open House and the Lake Havasu Seller
You’ve probably seen the For Sale signs that proclaim “by appointment only” visitations. This has typically been the case in years past for celebrities or for homes in the higher price brackets. However, over the last few years, it’s seen more and more at all price points. We would advise you not to discount the importance of holding at least one open house when you are selling your Lake Havasu home.
It can be exhausting trying to keep your house ready for showing at the drop of a hat, especially if there are children or pets involved. To make the best impression, trash cans should be emptied, floors need to be swept and/or vacuumed, toys need to be put away, beds should be made, dishes cleared, etc. Sometimes, you may only have a few minutes notice that a potential buyer is coming to examine your Lake Havasu home. If you work outside your home, you need to make sure this is all done before you leave for work in the morning just in case there is a last-minute showing while you are out.
An open house allows you to set the time for buyers to come by. It also allows you to hold multiple “showings” at one time. Many Lake Havasu home buyers tend to visit more than one open house at a time in a day. This will give you a chance to set your home apart from the rest with things like special treats and fresh flowers to liven up the place. A pre-schedule open house gives you the time you need to make sure your home sparkles from top to bottom, your pets are taken care of elsewhere and you have something to occupy your time outside of your humble abode while your experienced Lake Havasu real estate agents take care of the questions that may be asked at the open house.
While the internet has become the first step for many home buyers, they still need to see a property in person to get a real “feel” for the place. An open house for your Lake Havasu home is the perfect opportunity for them to do so. Talk to your real estate agents about setting up an open house for your home in the near future. We can even help you stage your home to showcase its biggest assets while minimizing possible flaws. Contact us today!
FEATURED HAVASU RV RESORT HOME FOR SALE
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Brenda & Willie Gonzalez, RE/MAX Prestige Properties, Lake Havasu real estate
Put the Power of the “G” Force to Work for You Today!
Secured Complex
Located in Lake Havasu City this condo is close to everything. close to hospitals, downtown, events, doctors and more. There is secure gated underground parking with security camers too. Inside you will love this corner unit with lake and mountain views, tastefully furnished and move in ready!
Energy Efficient Tax Credits Extended
More and more Lake Havasu home buyers are looking for eco-friendly properties to invest in nowadays. Luckily, the government has extended energy efficient tax credits. What does this mean for you, the Havasu homeowner? You can go ahead and make much needed upgrades to your energy guzzling appliances to make you more attractive to potential buyers and still get a tax credit.
Unlike a tax deduction, which only allows you to deduct a particular amount from your taxable income, a tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar deduction on your taxes owed. That means you pay less in total taxes or, if your taxes due are less than your tax credit, you end up with a refund. Before the government sequester and fiscal cliff deadline passed, the following homeowner tax credits were extended through the end of this year:
Central Air Conditioning Unit – Update your old A/C unit with a newer, more energy efficient model and receive a $300 tax credit. They must meet specific EnergyStar standards to qualify.
Insulation – As anyone who’s lived in Lake Havasu during the hot summer month’s can tell you, a poorly insulated house can cost you hundreds of dollars in electric bills every month. You are entitled to a 10% credit on material costs only up to $500 (installation costs are not included in the credit).
Solar Energy Systems – These are gaining popularity across the country. In a place like Lake Havasu, where we see more than 300 days a year of sunshine, interest in solar energy for the home is increasing as well. Homeowners can get a tax credit of 30% of the total cost (including installation), with no cap on the total.
Water Heaters – Life in the desert means a particular understanding of the importance of water. The energy it takes to heat your water in a standard water heater can make up to approximately 25% of your total energy usage. Replacing it with a more energy efficient, non-solar water heater can give you as much as $300 in tax credits.
Windows, doors, skylights – Replace drafty windows and doors with newer ones to repel the heat in summer and keep warmth in during the winter. You can receive a credit of 10% of material costs only up to $200 for windows and $500 for doors and skylights (installation costs are not included).
If you purchased one of these products and installed them in 2012, you still have time to credit your taxes before the April 15, 2012 deadline. However, it’s not too late to make necessary upgrades in your Lake Havsau home now to receive a credit on next year’s taxes. Thankfully, homeowners are still able to enjoy the benefits of the extended energy efficient tax credits. Make sure you talk to your financial adviser or tax preparation specialist about these possible credits to find out more about them before you file.
FEATURED LAKE HAVASU HOME
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Brenda & Willie Gonzalez, RE/MAX Prestige Properties, Lake Havasu real estate
Put the Power of the “G” Force to Work for You Today!
Less is More When Selling a Lake Havasu Home
We always hear that bigger is better. Bigger rooms, bigger yards, bigger square footage, etc. While this may be true for some things, it isn’t for others. When it comes time to sell your Lake Havasu home, less is more.
Clutter – You don’t want to overwhelm a potential buyer. They need to feel comfortable enough to picture your Lake Havasu home as their own. Take down all the knick-knacks, extra books, family photos, etc. You’re going to have to pack them up when you move anyway. So, you may as well get started now.
Furniture – Just because you originally bought a piece of furniture specifically for one area of your Lake Havasu home doesn’t mean that it can’t be used in another. Take out the extra, over-sized pieces of furniture to create a streamlined look that will open up a room. The “extra” furniture that can’t be utilized in another room of your home should go into storage until you are ready to move into your new home.
Landscaping – Trim the shrubbery and weed the yard. This is the first area that potential buyers will see when they come to your Lake Havasu home. You don’t want them to think you aren’t taking care of it.
Smells – Nothing will make a buyer leave quicker than a bad smell, such as garbage, smoke and pet odors. Overcompensating with too many scented candles or plug-in fragrance devices can also be offensive. Use only soft, subtle smells to create a pleasant ambiance.
Closets/Cabinets/Drawers – Buyers open up every cabinet, drawer and closet in the house. That includes medicine cabinets. If you have prescription medications you use, lock them up in the trunk of your car before showing your Lake Havasu home. The same goes for expensive jewelry. It’s best to remove any temptation whenever you have someone from the outside world in your home, especially when you’re not going to be there.
Take the “less is more” approach to staging when selling your Lake Havasu home. A clean, open space will sell much faster than a cluttered mess. Contact us when you’re ready to get your home sold!
FEATURED LAKE HAVASU HOME
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Brenda & Willie Gonzalez, RE/MAX Prestige Properties, Lake Havasu real estate
Put the Power of the “G” Force to Work for You Today!
Havasu Homeowners Spring Forward With Paint
Spring forward, fall back. That’s not a phrase we in Arizona have to worry about. However, Havasu homeowners can still “spring forward” with paint.
Paint is an inexpensive way to make a dull, drab, dreary room look like a million bucks. If you’re considering selling your Lake Havasu home anytime soon, you need to be careful about which paint colors you choose to adorn your walls. Just because your daughter likes bubble-gum pink on her walls doesn’t mean a potential buyer will. Soft neutral colors are always in style and will appeal to the largest demographic.
When you do decide on which colors you are most interested in, ask for samples of each color. Many home improvement stores will mix up a sample batch for you to take home and try out on your walls before you commit to a particular color. Once you get these samples home, paint a 12″ x 12″ square of each color on several of the room’s walls. This way, you can see how the color reacts in natural and artificial lighting as well as how it looks from different angles. What looked good in the store may not translate well once it’s inside your Lake Havasu home.
To make a room appear larger, use white, cream, light pastel colors (like you see in the spring) or “cool” colors (those with a light blue or green tint to them). Choosing a color that is similar in tone to the furniture in the room can make it feel more spacious. You can “extend” a room upwards by painting the ceiling the same color as the walls. Paint the trim of your Lake Havasu home’s rooms either the same color as the walls or a crisp white.
Large rooms can feel less like a cave by using warmer tones (those with a reddish tint to them). Bring the ceiling closer to the room’s inhabitants by painting it with a flat finish paint using a warm color as well. This makes an incredibly spacious room feel more cozy.
Hide your room’s electrical outlet face plates, vents and light switches by painting them the same color as the walls. This will make them blend in to the background better. Using a flat paint on the walls will hide small flaws in the finish, while a glossy paint will only enhance them.
Let your Lake Havasu home “spring forward” by painting your home’s walls. You can completely remake the look of your home without having to spend a fortune to do it. All it takes is a little preparation and elbow grease to make potential buyers take notice!
FEATURED HAVASU HOME FOR SALE
For more information on this and other great Havasu homes for sale, please click here.
Brenda & Willie Gonzalez, RE/MAX Prestige Properties, Lake Havasu real estate
Put the Power of the “G” Force to Work for You Today!
RE/MAX Prestige Properties
Brenda and Willie Gonzalez
Toll Free: 888-501-5478
Office: 928-505-5478
Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403
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