• Choose the right Sonoma County Real Estate listing agent.

Not all real estate agents in Sonoma County and Santa Rosa are created equal. There are vast differences between agents in their education, ability and experience. Some will do a much better job than others will. Be choosy. After all, it is your house and the seller pays the real estate commission. Dont just hire the first agent you hear from, think it through. You may want to talk with several wine country real estate agents before you make up your mind.

One very important factor is communication. Just as with any professional, the ability to work together well is critical. Does he listen to you? Do you feel that he sincerely has your best interests at heart? See the Sonoma County Agent Choices page for more information on selecting an agent.

3 factors to consider when listing your Sonoma County home or land for sale:

You could sell it yourself. There are companies that will help you sell your Sonoma County or Santa Rosa house, land or vineyard. The advantage is that you can save the real estate commission. However, after paying the company their fees, you would save only a portion of the commission. Saving money is the only advantage.  On the downside:

o       Legal liability if you dont comply with each and every disclosure requirement required by law.

o       Will your Sonoma County or Santa Rosa home be listed in MLS and, if so, why will Sonoma County real estate agents want to show your house?

o       Limited guidance to help you with pricing and strategy in current market conditions.

o       You have to show the house yourself.

Selling a home in Sonoma County is a lot of work. If you have the time and you dont mind some risk, it could work for you. Otherwise hire a local professional.

        Beware of agents buying a listing. We all believe that our wine country home, land or vineyard is special and the money and work we have put into it makes it all the more valuable. If a seller talks to several Sonoma County real estate listing agents, each giving his opinion as to the value of the home, the seller may be inclined to hire the listing agent who gave the highest value. This could be a mistake. A professional agent will be forthright in his evaluation. Unfortunately, some agents will say whatever they think the seller wants to hear to get the listing and then soon after will suggest a price reduction. This strategy could damage your sales campaign. Look beyond who gave you the highest estimate in considering who you should list your house with. If you pick the right agent, he will get you the highest price possible for your Sonoma County home for sale.

        Discounted fees. By law all real estate commissions are negotiable. Some real estate agents use the Hire me, Im cheaper approach. In most business situations you get what you pay for. Discount retailers customarily provide less service as a trade off for offering lower prices. If youre considering a bargain real estate agent in Sonoma County, be sure of what level of service you will receive. One question you might ask yourself is: "If he is so quick to reduce his own fees, how strongly will he negotiate to help me get top dollar for my Sonoma County home for sale?"

• Disconnect from your emotions.

Home is where the heart is is actually a very good way to think about selling your Sonoma County house. Your home is home only so long as you and your family live there. After youve gone, it's only a house in Sonoma County. The good times are already well documented in your memories and photographs. Your home will reappear when you have moved into the new house. You need to try to think of the sale of your Sonoma County or Santa Rosa home for sale as a business transaction and remove emotion from the equation.

        Look at your home from the viewpoint of a prospective purchaser. Be objective about its attributes and its shortcomings.

        Try to refer to the home you are selling in Sonoma County or Santa Rosa as the house and the house you are moving into as the new home. helpful both with children and adults.

        A departure ceremony may add a bit of closure to leaving the old homestead.

        Similarly, a housewarming ceremony may help everyone connect with the new home.

• Understand the price vs. time relationship.

Sonoma County home, land or vineyard sellers want to receive the most money possible for their investment and sell it in the least amount of time. Often there is a tradeoff. Generally speaking, the longer the time you have in which to sell your house, the higher the price you will receive. Conversely, the quicker you need to sell, the lower the price. There are exceptions to this rule such as unusual market conditions.  However, generally it remains true. In selling you need to consider:

        By when must I sell my Sonoma County property? If you have already moved or purchased a new home, how long can you continue to make mortgage payments on a vacant house? A bit more in sales price can quickly be eaten up by the costs to keep the house longer.

        When should I put my house on the market? Things usually take longer than we expect, so start preparing to sell early. Plan ahead. What is likely to trigger the need to sell your house?

         What will I take for my house? Come up with a firm figure you are willing to accept and commit to accept an offer at that price (or more) received during the sales period.

• Help your Sonoma County Home or Property Show Well.

 The better your Sonoma County real estate shows the more likely it will be to bring top dollar and sell quickly. Here are some suggestions:

        Prospective buyers want to imagine themselves owning your wine country real estate. You need to help them by making your house more anonymous. Remove as many personal items, photographs, trophies, etc. as possible.

        De-clutter your house. Take away as much as you can. Put it in boxes; youll need to pack it soon anyway. Help the buyer see the floors and walls, all of the features of your house, without being distracted by the decorations.

        Make sure everything works. Repair leaky faucets, replace burnt out light bulbs and make minor inexpensive repairs. Buyers will check out virtually everything.  You would, wouldnt you? Sometimes minor faults will scuttle a sale. Dont let it happen.

        Let the light in. Open the curtains, clean the windows, leave the lights on. Let the buyers get a good look at what your house has to offer.

        No dirty dishes in the sink.

        No animal smells.

        Keep the house extra clean and that goes for the yard too. Make it appear that the house has always been kept up.

        First impressions count. Imagine yourself a buyer coming up the walk and into the house. What do they see? Whats a negative that could be easily remedied?

Theres much more you can do, just use your common sense. What would appeal to you will appeal to most buyers.

Objective opinions help. Your Sonoma County real estate listing agent, friends and neighbors can give you valuable suggestions. And, of course, theres always the smell of cookies baking in the oven.

I hope these tips will be helpful. Ill be adding to this page, so check back.

Happy Sonoma County and Santa Rosa House Selling!

Specializing in Northern California Real Estate, Sonoma County Real Estate, Santa Rosa Real Estate, Santa Rosa homes for sale, Santa Rosa land for sale. Sonoma County vineyards, property and wine country real estate for sale.
Daniel Roberts and Tim Warren copyright 2004, Web Marketing