Rental Increases Should Prompt More Home Buying Moves

Rental Increases Should Prompt More Home Buying Moves

Home Sellers: Check your Home for Storm Damage

By Ruben Gonzalez Jr.

Prudential California Realty (DBA)

It’s been another crazy year of weather with many big rain and wind storms damaging houses throughout the country. With fall upon us and winter around the corner, home sellers should take a close look at their property for storm damage and make repairs.

If you experienced a powerful storm, it’s a smart idea to check your roof for any damage and ensure there are no missing shingles or cracks around any skylights the home may have. Climb into your attic and look for discoloration of the decking or plywood surfaces.

Also look for light penetrating from around plumbing vents or the chimney, indicating that your roof’s flashing needs repair.

Next, inspect your rain gutters for damage and clear them of leaves and debris. Look for holes, cracks or sags; all three can be easily fixed by a homeowner. (To fix a small hole, first use an abrasive pad to clean the area, then cut a piece of gutter material slightly larger than the hole. Using a stiff brush, spread gutter-repair compound around the hole and place your patch over the top. Cover the patch with another layer of compound to ensure a good seal. To repair minor sags, simply add a new hanging bracket to the sagging area or replace the compromised existing bracket.)

Pay particular attention to areas of your home near trees and shrubs. Limbs can play havoc with your roof, siding and stucco in heavy winds, and can come crashing down under the weight of snow. Prune your trees and shrubs to ensure their health and to safeguard your home.

Finally, be sure to inspect your windows, fencing, decking, which also take a beating in storms. Seal and repair any damage.

Sometimes storm damage is unavoidable. But making quick repairs can help ensure your home is safe, sound and ready for sale.

Ruben Gonzalez can be reached at (562) 507-0754 or Email me.

Prudential (dba) is an independently owned and operated broker member of BRER Affiliates LLC. Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are registered service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license with no other affiliation with Prudential. Equal Housing Opportunity.

What Are The Financial Implications of Transferring Home Ownership?

What Are The Financial Implications of Transferring Home Ownership?

Earnest Money Deposit

By Ruben Gonzalez Jr.

Prudential California Realty (DBA)

Most homebuyers today understand they need a sizeable down payment and a strong credit score to secure a conforming home loan. Buyers also must hold liquid funds for another financial obligation – an earnest money deposit – to be paid when they make an offer on a home.

In short, earnest money is handed over to the seller’s agent or the title company when a purchase contract is signed. This demonstrates that the buyer is serious about the transaction and is backing it up with cash.

Without earnest money, buyers could simply make offers on many homes, essentially taking them off the market until they choose a favorite. Sellers rarely will accept offers without such deposits.

There is no set amount for an earnest money deposit so it can be up for negotiation. If the home is popular with multiple bidders, the seller may ask for up to 3% of the asking price as earnest money. Ideally, the amount is enough to impress the sellers, particularly when they’re entertaining several offers.

Assuming the transaction results in an accepted offer, earnest money goes toward the buyer’s down payment and closing costs. If the transaction falls through, the buyer may have to forfeit a nominal cancellation fee or more.

Be sure the purchase agreement outlines the refund process. Remember, a buyer can lose earnest money through default, which happens when he or she does not perform according to the terms stipulated in a purchase and sale agreement. 

Work carefully with your Prudential Real Estate agent to ensure a clear understanding of all terms and obligations.

 Ruben Gonzalez can be reached at (562) 507-0754 or Email me.

Prudential (dba) is an independently owned and operated broker member of BRER Affiliates LLC. Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are registered service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license with no other affiliation with Prudential. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Realty Times - Parking Spaces May be Important In a Transaction

Realty Times - Parking Spaces May be Important In a Transaction

Realty Times - Homebuyers: 'Darn it, if Congress Torpedoes The Economy, The Housing Recovery is on Full Speed Ahead'

Realty Times - Homebuyers: 'Darn it, if Congress Torpedoes The Economy, The Housing Recovery is on Full Speed Ahead'

Setting the Stage for a Home Sale

By Ruben Gonzalez Jr.

Prudential California Realty (DBA)

            “You never get a second chance to make a great first impression.”

            This saying strikes a chord in the real estate industry, where many buyers are quick to jump to a conclusion about a potential home after just one glance. That’s why an increasing number of homeowners are employing professional home stagers to prepare their homes for sale.

            “Much of what staging accomplishes happens on a subconscious level,” said Carla Grammatica, a consultant with Stage Setters in New York’s Westchester County. “You are trying to create a positive association between your house and the prospective buyer. Anyone can change a paint color after they move in, but first impressions are difficult to undo.”

            With 91% of buyers searching first on the Internet for homes, MLS photos and virtual tours are extremely important in the selection process. Staging, as a priority instead of as a last resort, will give sellers key advantages.

            Stagers help eliminate clutter, give advice on adding colors, help in rearranging furniture and bring in various items to help spruce up a home.

            “One of the most important things is getting rid of things that look messy,” Grammatica said. “Life can get messy, especially with kids and storage issues, but you have to pretend that’s not how you live. You have to pretend your house is [always] neat and well maintained.”

            That means picking up shoes from the hallway, removing papers from tables and furniture and even taking down personal items—such as diplomas, pictures and trophies.

—that clutter the walls.

            Professional stagers take into account buyer demographics and buying psychology, and they use design elements in planning out the rooms, space and lighting.         “Some people think that staging is simply cleaning and packing up some of your things, but it is so much more than that,” said Linda Barnett, a certified staging professional with Indianapolis–based Home Matters. “Understanding traffic patterns and highlighting the positive attributes of a home while downplaying its negative features, all go into play.”

            One tip homeowners can do to stage their home themselves is to pack away unneeded items—such as seasonal clothes and old books—and put them in storage.

            It’s also important not to overwhelm potential buyers with wild colors and furniture, even if you think it makes your home “special.”

            Remember, making your home look like a model rather than lived-in can make all the difference in selling a home.

Ruben Gonzalez can be reached at (562) 507-0754 or Email me.

 Prudential (dba) is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential company. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Setting the Stage for a Home Sale

By: Ruben Gonzalez Jr.

Prudential California Realty (DBA)

“You never get a second chance to make a great first impression.”

            This saying strikes a chord in the real estate industry, where many buyers are quick to jump to a conclusion about a potential home after just one glance. That’s why an increasing number of homeowners are employing professional home stagers to prepare their homes for sale.

            “Much of what staging accomplishes happens on a subconscious level,” said Carla Grammatica, a consultant with Stage Setters in New York’s Westchester County. “You are trying to create a positive association between your house and the prospective buyer. Anyone can change a paint color after they move in, but first impressions are difficult to undo.”

            With 91% of buyers searching first on the Internet for homes, MLS photos and virtual tours are extremely important in the selection process. Staging, as a priority instead of as a last resort, will give sellers key advantages.

            Stagers help eliminate clutter, give advice on adding colors, help in rearranging furniture and bring in various items to help spruce up a home.

            “One of the most important things is getting rid of things that look messy,” Grammatica said. “Life can get messy, especially with kids and storage issues, but you have to pretend that’s not how you live. You have to pretend your house is [always] neat and well maintained.”

            That means picking up shoes from the hallway, removing papers from tables and furniture and even taking down personal items—such as diplomas, pictures and trophies.

—that clutter the walls.

            Professional stagers take into account buyer demographics and buying psychology, and they use design elements in planning out the rooms, space and lighting.         “Some people think that staging is simply cleaning and packing up some of your things, but it is so much more than that,” said Linda Barnett, a certified staging professional with Indianapolis–based Home Matters. “Understanding traffic patterns and highlighting the positive attributes of a home while downplaying its negative features, all go into play.”

            One tip homeowners can do to stage their home themselves is to pack away unneeded items—such as seasonal clothes and old books—and put them in storage.

            It’s also important not to overwhelm potential buyers with wild colors and furniture, even if you think it makes your home “special.”

            Remember, making your home look like a model rather than lived-in can make all the difference in selling a home.

Ruben Gonzalez can be reached at (562) 507-0754 or E-mail me.

Prudential (dba) is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential company. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Don’t Curb Homebuyers’ Enthusiasm with a Shabby Exterior

By Ruben Gonzalez Jr.

Prudential California Realty (DBA)

            Home sellers spend so much time preparing their interior for the sale that they can easily overlook what’s going on outside of the home. Yet great curb appeal can increase the value of a property by as much as 15-20%.

            Mario Garcia, a landscaper in Bethesda, Md. who helps prepare homes for market, says a well-manicured lawn is a magnet for buyers. On the other hand, overgrown trees or large bushes hiding the house are a no-no.

“Buyers associate the condition of the exterior and landscape with the condition of the interior,” Garcia explained. “Curb appeal must invite buyers to view the rest of the property.”

            Landscaping fixes include adding flowers or sprucing up the property with decorative grasses or Japanese maples. Accent the trees with rocks or boulders for a bold statement. Consider adding a modest fountain to the yard or garden.

            In addition, rake leaves, wash windows and skylights, clean gutters and trim shrubs. Add low voltage lighting to highlight the yard, trees and the home’s exterior.

            And you needn’t spend a ton of money to make a difference. “Do something as simple as putting up a new mailbox and address decals on your home,” said Anne West, owner of Wilmette, Ill.-based Redesign Doctor. “Also, adding a new welcome mat with a grouping of potted plants by the front door makes things more inviting.”

 Ruben Gonzalez can be reached at (562) 507-0754 or Email me.

 Prudential (dba) is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential company. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Value of Takeaways

 

By Ruben Gonzalez Jr.

Prudential California Realty (DBA) 

 

            A time-honored business principal maintains that consumers generally base their buying decisions on emotion. Only later do they use logic, often to rationalize their emotional decisions.   

            Homesellers, working closely with their agents, will prepare their homes to evoke positive and personal emotions for those who come inside. They should also create “takeaways” that will keep those fond memories resonating in prospective buyers.

            “One effective takeaway is a personal letter from you describing your experience of falling in love with the home when you were the buyer,” said Kay Steele Faulk, a Lake Village, Ark. freelance writer.

            The letter, presented on brightly colored stationery, can describe the fun of meeting your new neighbors and the warm friendships you’ve established in the neighborhood. It can also recall joyous holidays around the home, show pictures of your home during special times and list neighborhood activities scheduled throughout the year.   

            “You should recall a memorable moment of coming home, such as after the birth of a child or after a long vacation, because these are all things buyers can relate to emotionally, they will serve to reinforce the positive feelings buyers experienced at your home,” Faulk said. “And to satisfy buyers’ logic—which they will use to justify their emotional connection to your home—also describe the loving care you’ve given the home while there.”

            Once all the words are in play to touch upon the emotions, then it’s time to write about things that will relate to buyers’ practical sides.

            Russell Goldstein, a New Jersey-based writer who often helps homebuyers prepare personal letters, stresses that this is the perfect way to say all the little things you can’t always place in advertisements and fliers.

            “You can list your routine maintenance tasks plus any remodeling, updates or upgrades you’ve done in the years you have lived there,” he said. “Include anything that gives buyers a sense of confidence in your home’s current condition, and be sure to mention any special features you paid high dollar for, such as thicker exterior walls, which have better insulation values. These are your home’s key marketing details that make it a better buy than the competition down the street.”

            A second effective takeaway is a home brochure created around high-quality color photographs of your home’s interior and exterior. “Use photos that highlight your home’s most appealing features,” Faulk said. “Just be sure each photo has a caption or short description that helps buyers remember. Even with a brochure, you still need that all-important section meant to satisfy buyers’ logic. This can simply be a descriptive sentence followed by a list of your home’s key marketing details and the T.L.C. you’ve given [the home] as owner. To make for easy reading, use bullet points to highlight each item of your list.”

            If you’re good at writing warm personal letters or if you have the ability to create a professional-looking brochure, it’s quite acceptable to save money by doing it yourself. If not, turn to a professional copywriter to create a compelling takeaway that ensures a lasting emotional connection with buyers.

Ruben Gonzalez can be reached at (562) 507-0754 or E-mail me.

 

Prudential (dba) is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential company. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Green Tips for Your Home

By Ruben Gonzalez Jr.

Prudential California Realty (DBA)

            When it comes to preparing your home for sale in an environmentally friendly way, Kermit the Frog had it wrong. It is easy being green.

            With so many homebuyers seeking green features in the homes they consider, sellers should create an eco-friendly atmosphere for the buyer, and that doesn’t always mean costly fixes.

            It’s always nice for a homebuyer who’s been touring houses all day to find water or a snack waiting for them in your kitchen. Instead of leaving the customary bottled water, go the eco-friendly route and have a pitcher of filtered tap water at the ready. Add some organic fruits and vegetables and keep trash minimized. Also, use glassware and plates instead of plastic cups and paper plates. This practice is not only green, it shows class.

            Talk with your agent about using recycled paper for all your brochures and advertisements around the neighborhood. Someone who is environmentally conscious will appreciate the effort.

            Another way to act “green” is during your de-cluttering stage, when you remove furniture and other items from your home prior to the home’s listing. Instead of simply throwing out all those things you no longer want or need, you can recycle, resell at a garage sale, donate to a charity, or give away the items at the popular website Freecycle.com.

            Big fixes around the home can go a long way, too. In this age of global warming and high-energy costs, more buyers are looking for houses that embrace energy conservation. The simplest upgrade is to replace all the light bulbs in the home with CFLs (compact fluorescents), which use a quarter of the electricity as regular bulbs.

            To help with heating, make sure cracks are tightly caulked and leaks are sealed. Doing so can reduce your annual heating bill by $100, according to Department of Energy figures.

            Justin Barnes, a policy analyst for the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, said some of the easiest green fixes deal with appliance replacement. Most of today’s appliances are highly efficient and will reduce your energy bills. They’re also more attractive than their worn-out predecessors.

            Barnes also suggests replacing doors and windows if the budget allows, and looking for better ways to insulate the home.  

            Also consider tankless water heaters, which are energy efficient and ultimately use less water during the heating process.

Don’t be afraid to boast about your green home and any recent enhancements. Working with your agent to highlight your eco-friendly features may just be what makes the difference in completing the sale.

Ruben Gonzalez can be reached at (562) 507-0754 or E-mail me.

 Prudential (dba) is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential company. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Realty Times - Low Inventory Levels Sells Homes Quick

Realty Times - Low Inventory Levels Sells Homes Quick

Mortgage Points: To Pay or Not to Pay

By Ruben Gonzalez Jr.

Prudential California Realty (DBA)

            If William Shakespeare financed a home today he’d probably ask on the subject of mortgage points: “To pay or not to pay? That is the question.”

            Homebuyers direct the same question to their real estate agents. Here are some perspectives:

            In its simplest definition, a point is an additional loan fee that is paid to the lender in exchange for a lower interest rate. It’s called “buying down,” and it allows you to reduce your rate for the life of the loan.

            Let’s say you secured a mortgage loan for $500,000 without points, at 4.6% on a 30-year mortgage, your payment would be approximately $2,560 a month. If you paid two points ($10,000), the interest rate in this example would go down to 4.1% and the monthly payment would decrease to around $2,415, a savings of $145 a month.

            In this scenario, it would take you about eight years to recoup the money you paid up front, so if you are planning on staying in your home a while, this will save you money in the long-run.

Home buyers must answer some key questions to determine if paying points is a wise decision. Specifically:

·         How long will you keep the home?

·         Do you have extra money to pay points?

·         Could that money be better used for something else?

Money managers may suggest that a smarter option is to invest that $10,000 because you could do much better than your $140 savings, but you have to weigh the variables.

            “Paying points depends on your career, your interests and all the things that predict your future,” said financial advisor Thomas Watkins of Total Mortgage Services in Milford, Conn. “Points are paid up front while your savings will be spread out into the future. Therefore, you get more benefit if you own your home longer, or if you don’t refinance for a long time.”

            The rule of thumb when it comes to points is simple: If you plan to stay in the house for less than three years, do not pay points. If you plan to stay in the house for more than five years, pay 1 to 2 points. If you’ll be in the house for three to five years, paying points doesn’t make a significant difference.

            Another important aspect to consider: Since points are interest-payment related, they are fully deductible on your taxes in the year that you close. See your tax advisor for details.

            Mortgage points can add up to valuable savings over the course of your loan, but the future isn’t always predictable. Even if you “plan” on staying in your home for

20 years, changes in your career or family life could alter the plan.

 Ruben Gonzalez can be reached at (562) 507-0754 or E-mail 

Prudential (dba) is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential company. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Home Sellers: Five Tips to Make Your Bathroom Stand Out

By Ruben Gonzalez Jr

Prudential California Realty (DBA)

            Every homebuyer has a vision of their perfect house and the rooms that are most important to them. Because of their relatively small size in comparison to the rest of a home, bathrooms are often overlooked in the staging process, but for many, it could be the most important room in a buying decision.

            A bathroom is more than just a place for grooming; it’s a sanctuary. It’s a place one can relax in a hot bath and escape the stresses of daily life for a few moments at a time.

            Updating a tired-looking bathroom is one of the best things you can do to increase a home’s resale value and the fixes are not too costly or labor intensive.

            Easy fixes include adding new, luxurious-looking towels, replacing the shower curtain and adding candles around a bathtub. However, with a little more money and effort, your bathroom can become a talking point of the house.

            Here is a look at five great ways to upgrade a bathroom.

            1. Beautify: By adding decorative glass, stone tile or accents to the bathroom, it will stand out among the other houses in the neighborhood that are for sale. Extra-wide wall tiles are popular these days and wood cabinets can be beautifully embellished with intricately carved wooden inlays.

            2. Lighting: Add more lighting options around the room, especially around the vanity to reduce shadows and glaring. This is something that isn’t too expensive and can really highlight the positive features of a bathroom. Mood lighting around the tub area is also increasing in popularity.

            3. Bath/Shower: It’s not too often you hear someone complaining about a bathtub being too large, and that’s because there’s nothing better than coming home from a hard day’s work and relaxing in a big soothing tub. By putting in a new tub and creating more of a spa-like atmosphere, you will have buyers imagining themselves washing their cares away. Adding a massage element to the showerhead or one that replicates rain showers is also something that will appeal to buyers.

            4. Update Fixtures: Not as costly as some of the other tips, changing out the fixtures in a bathroom can add a great deal. From cabinet handles to faucets, the addition of brushed nickel or other metals that are polished and elegant are always a huge hit. And if space permits, add a second sink.

            5. Think Green: The bathroom is a prime place to start putting those environmentally friendly devices to work. Installing fixtures that save water, such as a low-flow showerhead, a low-flow faucet aerator, and a dual-flush toilet, can save thousands of gallons of water each year. Adding energy-efficient windows is another easy option, since the size of bathroom windows are relatively small. Another fix that is both decorative and energy efficient is the addition of natural stone flooring, which helps the bathroom stay cool during the summer, and warmer during the winter.

            When buyers walk into a renovated bathroom that exudes quality and offers an intimate, contemporary feel, it’s one of the top things that people will remember about a home.

Ruben Gonzalez can be reached at (562) 507-0754 or E-mail.

Prudential (dba) is an independently owned and operated member of The Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential company. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Realty Times - Quiz: Moving Up

Realty Times - Quiz: Moving Up

Floor the Competition

By Ruben Gonzalez Jr

Prudential California Realty (DBA)

When people enter your home they usually look down before up, so that first step is vital for attracting a homebuyer and making a great first impression. This is one reason why more people are installing hardwood floors in their homes.  

            Hardwood flooring enhances the look of any room and can create a classic ambiance that will beautify the interior design of your home. Residential real estate agents agree that homes with wood floors hold their value better, sell faster and fetch higher prices.

            Last year, 99 percent of real estate agents responding to a national survey conducted by the National Wood Flooring Association agreed that homes with hardwood floors are easier to sell. The survey also found that 82 percent believe that homes with hardwood floors sell faster and 90 percent said they would sell for more money.

            The American Hardwood Information Center adds that restoring hardwood flooring in the home is one of the best long-term investments to be made.

            “Hardwood floors are environmentally friendly, forever fashionable, and will last for generations,” said Pembroke Jacobs, president of the Hardwood Manufacturers Association. “Plus, with an expected life span of up to 100 years for certain premium hardwood flooring, you can be assured that that the hardwood really is a one-time investment with a very long-term payoff.”

            Real estate agents also agree that carpeting does not impress potential buyers, but hardwood floors are always a draw. Engineered wood floors impart warmth, depth and richness to a home’s decor that cannot be matched by carpeting, tile or vinyl flooring.
            Despite the existence of modern architectural trends in flooring, hardwood can still compete with floor tiles and other artificial materials. It comes in a variety of colors and grains; light, medium, or dark shades; and a variety of sizes, styles, finishes and species.

            Maple, mahogany and oak are the most popular woods, but some homeowners are investing in exotics such as Brazilian cherry and purpleheart.

            The Environmental Protection Agency has said that indoor air quality is one of the top health threats and wood floors can help contribute to a healthy living environment. In fact, a recent EPA study found that pesticides used in gardens and homes accumulate on floors and other surfaces in the home, but that wood floors greatly reduce the accumulation of such toxins. Hardwood floors also do not trap or harbor dust mites or molds.

            Though wood floors will probably need to be refinished at some point, when properly taken care of they are much easier to maintain than other floor surfaces.

            The NWFA recommends regular sweeping of hardwood floors with a soft-bristle broom or dust mop to remove surface dirt and debris. If your floor contains beveled edges, it recommends using a vacuum with a soft bristle brush attachment to remove dirt and debris from between the floorboards.

            Having hardwood floors could be the difference between selling your home or watching a potential buyer walk out the door on a less-appealing type of flooring.

Ruben Gonzalez can be reached at (562) 507-0754 or E-mail.

 Prudential (dba) is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential company. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Make One Final Inspection

By Ruben Gonzalez Jr

Prudential California Realty (DBA)

In the sales contract, the sellers of your new home agreed to leave the custom blinds, refrigerator, built-in entertainment system and those fine cabinets and workbench in the garage. But when you show up on moving day, all of those amenities are long gone. Moreover, the lock on the back door is broken; there is a huge gouge in the drywall near the front bathroom.

Although these circumstances are extreme, they could happen, which is why it is important to have a final inspection of the home you are purchasing before the closing. A pre-closing inspection gives you, one last opportunity to verify that you are getting all that was promised in the sales contract. Although buyers still have legal recourse if they discover—even after closing—that the condition of the home is not as it should be. Of course, the best time to identify problems is before closing when the seller will be motivated to correct any deficiencies to close the transaction.

Typically, a buyer takes possession of a property one to three months after signing the sales agreement. And a lot can happen before the actual move-in. Appliances and fixtures can break, and walls, carpets and doors can be damaged during the seller’s final weeks in the house, particularly during move-out. Sometimes the seller will simply have forgotten that he or she has agreed to leave the refrigerator or window coverings with the house. Whatever the reason, problems identified before the closing have the best chance of being remedied.

If possible, schedule the inspection right before the closing, such as the day before. Ask your real estate professional to attend the inspection with you. Here’s what to do:

 Using a copy of the sales contract as a checklist, first make sure that all items that should be in place (appliances, built-in furniture, window coverings, fixtures, etc.) are there.

Test each appliance to make sure they work properly. Bring along an electrical clock or radio to test each electrical outlet. Test all electrical switches and the garage door opener. Run the garbage disposal and turn on every water faucet, checking under the sinks for leaks. Flush the toilets. Inspect the floors, carpets, walls and doors for recent damage.

If you discover that something is damaged or missing, make a note of it and inform your real estate professional immediately. In most cases, the seller is usually able to take care of small problems immediately, either by making a needed repair or offering compensation to handle it. And, if there are major problems, the seller can even sign a statement acknowledging the deficiency and agree to correct it. Although pre-closing inspections take time and may be inconvenient, they are important and well worth the buyer’s time.

 Ruben Gonzalez can be reached at (562) 507-0754 or E-mail. 

Prudential (dba) is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial company. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Home Sellers: What About Your Pets?

By Ruben Gonzalez Jr

Prudential California Realty (DBA)

Home sellers are advised to create the illusion that everything is new and fresh in their homes, but when pets are involved, it’s not always easy to keep things clean and orderly.

The simplest solution for a pet owner who is selling a home is to relocate the pet to a friend’s or family member’s home or to pet daycare while the home is on the market. Keeping a pet in the backyard, the garage or in another room that you keep locked is insufficient, and is certainly not fair to the pet.

When a pet is in a home that buyers are coming to view, it could often scare away the people from even stepping foot into the house. Many people are worried about dogs or freaked out by birds, and then allergies can also come into play if cats or other animals are inside.

Owners may think of their pets as the gentlest creatures, but when strangers come into the home to look around, who knows what the animals are thinking? A dog that barks or jumps on people is never a good thing.

If pets are left in the home, make sure to put them in a carrier and attach a note warning buyers not to disturb them. The last thing you want is somebody sticking their hand inside and getting bit or scratched.

Removing signs that you have a pet is simply smart practice. Make sure you clean the litter box daily and keep them out of sight. Also, keep all food and water dishes somewhere out of the way, or put them away after the pet eats.

Considering hiring professionals to remove all pet stains on the carpet as buyers will spot them and form unfavorable opinions about the rest of the home.

Finally, although a sleeping cat on the bed may make for a cute picture, someone seeing the shot on a website looking for a home may automatically bypass the house because they immediately picture cat smells and claw marks on the rug.

Pet owners must understand that not everyone loves animals as much as they do and that to many, pets are considered smelly, noisy and damaging to a property. Don’t let a pet be the reason you don’t sell your home.

Ruben Gonzalez can be reached at (562) 507-0754 or E-mail.

 Prudential (dba) is an independently owned and operated member of The Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential company. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Realty Times - Your Home-buying Strategy

Realty Times - Your Home-buying Strategy

Realty Times - Searching For Your New Home

Realty Times - Searching For Your New Home