Steps to Selling Your Home

There’s the three stages to selling your home and some explanation of what happens in those stages:

1. Home Seller

• Choose your Real Estate agent – Here are some tips on how to choose the right Realtor for you.
• Ready Your Home – If there’s any updates your home needs, this the time to do it to help in raising the value of your home and helping to sell it faster.
• List Property – Your agent will place your home on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) where other Realtors can view the property and show potential buyers.
• Open House – Your agent, or another Realtor, may host an Open House to attract more buyers. Feel free to let anyone you know who may be interested in buying!
• Review Buyer’s Offer – After potential buyers view the home, offers will start to come in. Your Realtor will review these with you and help in selecting the best one.
• Negotiate Terms & Accept Offer – A counter offer can be made on your side to the potential buyer to reach the best deal. Once both sides come to an agreement, the offer is accepted and now Escrow can open.

2. Open Escrow

• Open Escrow/Order Title & Preliminary Report – Realtor opens the order for title work and provides the Purchase Agreement and all executed documentation to escrow
• Buyer’s Earnest Money Deposit in Escrow – The portion of the down payment delivered to the escrow agent by the purchaser with written offer as evidence of good faith. It’s deposited into escrow upon the opening.
• Buyer Starts Loan Process
• Escrow Instructions Signed – This is only applicable in some areas. Your agent will indicate whether or not this step is necessary.
• Buyer Package Sent to Lender
• Loan Processing
• Buyer’s Loan Approved
• Inspections Ordered & Completed – Home inspection of roof, plumbing, heating, etc.
• Property Appraisal – The appraiser will measure your home, confirm the property’s condition, specific improvements and features.
• Home Warranty Ordered – Protects buyer/seller against failure of mechanical systems within the property. Usually includes plumbing, electrical, heating systems and installed appliances.

3. Close Escrow

• Loan Documents Signed
• Escrow Instructions Signed – This is only applicable in some areas. Your agent will indicate whether or not this step is necessary.
• Lender Funds New Loan
• Down Payment & Closing Costs in Escrow
• Record Deed – Ownership of property is transferred from seller to buyer.
• Escrow Closed

(Information provided by Title365)

Your home may be worth more than you think! If you’re interested in selling your home in the Inland Empire, I’m offering a FREE Market Evaluation where I would be able to tell you what your home is worth and suggest a listing price.
Visit MyCityHouseValues.info to get started!

Thank you and have a great day!

Noe Rodriguez
Montelongo Realty
(909) 821-4718 / noe9595@gmail.com
Website: HS-90.com
Facebook.com/HouseSoldin90Days

Hablo Español

Check List for Getting Your Home Ready to Sell

When getting your home ready to sell, you need to look at your house in a new way. Think of your house as a product about to go on the market where it is probably competing with brand new housing. It needs to show well – which means clutter-free and well kept.
Today’s homebuyers lead busy lives and may not be interested in taking on major repairs or improvements upon moving in.
This practical, easy-to-follow check list will help you identify common house problems and simple solutions.

CHECK YOUR HOME’S CURB APPEAL
How your house looks from the street in where prospective buyers will form that all-important first impression. Stand at the curb in front of your house and note what you see.

• Remove any clutter in your yard
• Repair cracked or uneven driveway or walkway surfaces
• Mow your lawn regularly and re-seed, if needed. Weed and mulch flower beds and consider buying some flower-filled planters to enhance the eye appeal of your property
• Clean your windows and walls
• Does your front door need paint? Remember, it’s the first thing people see and welcomes them into your home
• Ensure your eaves and downspouts are clear of debris and in good repair
• Power wash your backyard deck and walkways and do any necessary painting, staining or sealing
• If you have a swimming pool, are the deck and pool clean (when in season)?
• Do all outside lights work? Replace any burned out bulbs and clean fixtures of dirt and cobwebs
• Is there a shed? Make sure it looks presentable
• Do windows and exterior doors need caulking?
• Do you have decorative wooden poles on the porch? If the wood at the bottom is not in good condition, add a new coat of paint

GENERAL INTERIOR
A prospective buyer will usually enter through the front door. That’s where you should begin your interior inspection.

• Check stairs for loose boards, ripped carpeting, and missing or loose handrails and guards
• Most problems with interior walls are cosmetic. You can buy “erasers” in the cleaning section of most supermarkets to get rid of wall scuffs and floorboard marks
• Ensure doors open and shut properly. Minor sticking is normal, but excessive binding indicates possible structural problems
• Open and close all windows to ensure they work properly. Fogging between the panes of a sealed window indicates the seal is broken and the unit needs to be replaced
• Keep furniture to a minimum so rooms appear larger, not smaller. Ensure that traffic can flow in or through rooms unimpeded. If they contain bookshelves or cabinets overflowing with books, magazines and knick-knacks, remove some of these items
• Ensure closets look spacious, organized and uncluttered. Create space by getting rid of old clothes and junk
• Remove or lock away valuables such as jewelry, coins, currency, cameras, etc.

EXAMINE YOUR WALLS
• Is your exterior paint looking good? If you see faded colors and cracked or peeling surfaces, you might want to repaint
• You can clean vinyl or metal siding but defects or damage usually means replacement
• Stucco can be repaired but some skill is required to blend patches with existing stucco

GARAGE
• Get rid of broken tools, old car parts, discarded bicycles, empty paint cans and the hundreds of other useless items that accumulate in garages. Again, you want a clutter-free zone
• Use cleaning solution to remove oil stains from the floor
• You can use your garage for storage of extra furniture or items but be sure it’s boxed neatly to give the garage a nice appearance. Consider getting a small storage unit

KITCHEN AND BATHROOMS
• People splash water around so check around sinks, tubs and toilets for rotting countertops and floors. Problems could be due to poor caulking or plumbing leaks. Fogged windows, molds and sweating toilet tanks indicate high humidity levels, which you can remedy with exhaust fans
• Clean all appliances, including your oven and your greasy stove hood filter. Clean your cabinets inside and out, as well as your countertops and backsplashes. Repair dripping faucets.
• Remove anything stored on countertops or on top of your fridge and remove artwork and magnets

AIR SYSTEMS
• Change the air filters in the attic, etc. They are inexpensive and will come up on an inspection. They are the number one item purchasers want done after a home inspection.
• If you have a pet with a litter box, ensure the litter box is clean and dog droppings are not outside

WHEN IT’S SHOWTIME
Now you are ready for showings. You will need a plan of action that assigns duties to each family member to the place can quickly be whipped into shape.

• Be sure all lights are turned on to make the house bright. Open all drapes, blinds, etc.
• Air out the house to get rid of cooking or pet odors
• Have fresh flowers in view or a nice bowl of fruit on the countertop for a bit of color
• Turn on classical music to showcase any surround sound or for atmosphere
• Pick up clutter, and empty garbage
• Make sure any laundry is in laundry baskets or put inside the washer/dryer so closets and laundry room space are maximized and presentable
• Set your thermostat at a comfortable level
• Remove pets from the house or put them outside
• Leave when the house is being shown
• In poor weather, provide a place for boots, overshoes and umbrellas

(Information provided by Title365)

Your home may be worth more than you think! If you’re interested in selling your home in the Inland Empire, I’m offering a FREE Market Evaluation where I would be able to tell you what your home is worth and suggest a listing price.
Visit MyCityHouseValues.info to get started!

Thank you and have a great day!

Noe Rodriguez
Montelongo Realty
(909) 821-4718 / noe9595@gmail.com
Website: HS-90.com
Facebook.com/HouseSoldin90Days

Hablo Español

How to Make a Great First Impression When Selling Your Home

When selling your home, first impressions can make the difference between whether or not your sell your home. Many people drive-by the home before actually getting a tour of the inside and make their initial decisions. The first thing you do when having company over at your home is to clean and get your home spruced up. Why should selling your home be any different.
Consider the following tips that’ll get your home sold faster for the best possible price.

Property Tours
A well-kept, neatly landscaped property will help act as ‘bait’ to lure the potential Buyer to see your home. Refuse containers should be out of view and the lawn freshly trimmed. Fertilizing a few weeks prior to listing will help your lawn look lush and green. Woodwork should be free of chipped or cracking paint. If necessary, repaint. Try to figure out a color scheme for planting flowers in the early Spring that will give your home a boost of color when it is being shown.

 vs. 

Make a Great First Impression
The front door should be clean or freshly painted. Brass knobs should be polished with brass cleaner. You might consider placing a planter of fresh flowers on your front porch accented by a new door mat.

Minor Repairs Can Help Tremendously
Repair all loose doorknobs and cupboard hinges, dripping faucets, stained sinks, loose or missing caulking, sticking doors and windows, and damaged or missing window screens.

Clutter is Unattractive
Neatness makes a room look larger. Do you have too much furniture in each room? You may need to store artwork and furniture before your move. Are your shelves and closets overcrowded? Now might be a good time to start packing boxes. The result will be a far less cluttered home.

Clean Your Home Thoroughly
Buyer’s react worse to dirt than clutter. They figure if you’ve let the cleaning go, it’s possible that you’ve let other , more serious, maintenance issues go as well. Consider hiring a service that will give your home a thorough going over just to get you started.

Closet Space is a Plus
Neat, well-organized closets appear larger. Larger closets help sell homes.

Countertops Should be Cleared
Less is more because rooms look bigger and more inviting. Completely clear off your countertops in the kitchen and baths, office desk, the tables next to your bed, your coffee table in the living room and your dining room table. You can then put a few decorative pieces back.

Bathrooms Should Sparkle
Remove stains from sinks, toilets and bathtubs, including hard-water spots on shower enclosure doors. If drains run slowly, unclog them. Hang fresh towels on towel racks.

Lighting Does Wonders
Drapes, curtains and mini-blinds should open to allow plenty of light in your home. An open, airy feeling generates comfort and welcomes the potential Buyer into your home. Turn on all the lights when showing your home. Use brighter bulbs if necessary.

Kitchens Should Be Clean
The emptier it is, the larger it will appear. Avoid dirty dishes in the sink or on counters and run your dishwasher before every showing. Counter top appliances should be kept in cupboards. Clean the ventilating hood over the stove. Replace or repair worn-out flooring.

Take a Sniff
Are there any unpleasant odors in your home? If so, track them down and eliminate them. Ensure all your lights work and are free of cobwebs. You want your home to look spacious, bright and fresh.

Avoid Having Too Many People Present
Try to leave your home during showings and let the Realtors show your home to potential Buyers. The potential Buyer may feel uncomfortable or pressured, and hurry through the house if too many people are present during their showing.

Keep Pets Securely Out of the Way
Preferably out of the house

(Information provided by Title365)

If you’re interested in selling your home in the Inland Empire, I’m offering a FREE Market Evaluation where I would be able to tell you what your home is worth and suggest a listing price.
Visit MyCityHouseValues.info to get started!

Thank you and have a great day!

Noe Rodriguez
Montelongo Realty
(909) 483-2696 / noe9595@gmail.com
Website: HS-90.com
Facebook.com/HouseSoldin90Days

Cal BRE#01394343

Who’s Who in a Real Estate Transaction

There’s many people and roles involved in a real estate transaction and for someone who is new to the process, it can be unclear who does what.
Here are some of the roles and descriptions of what their purpose is in a transaction.

BUYER

• Submits a written offer to purchase or accepts the Seller’s counter-offer accompanied by a good faith deposit amount.
• Applies for a new loan by submitting all required forms and often pays certain fees such as credit report and application costs.
• Approves the preliminary report and any property, disclosure or inspection reports called for by the purchase and sale agreement (Deposit Receipt).
• Approves and signs the escrow instructions, new loan documents and other related instruments required to complete the transaction.
• Fulfills any conditions contained in the contract, lender instructions and/or the escrow instructions.
• Approves any final changes by signing amendments in the escrow instructions or contract.
• Deposits sufficient funds in the escrow to pay the remaining down payment and closing costs.

LENDER (When Applicable)

• Accepts the loan application and related documents from the Buyer(s) and begins the qualification process.
• Orders and reviews the property appraisal, credit report, verification of deposit(s), preliminary report and other related information.
• Submits the entire package to the loan committee and/or underwriters for approval.
• When approved, loan conditions and title insurance requirements are established.
• Informs Buyer(s) of loan approval terms, commitment expiration date, and provides a good faith estimate of the closing costs.
• Deposits the new loan documents and instructions with the escrow holder for the Buyer’s approval and signature.
• Reviews and approves the executed loan package and coordinates the loan funding with the escrow officer.

ESCROW OFFICER

• Receives order for the title and escrow services for Title365.
• Accepts Buyer’s earnest money deposit. Orders the title search and examination on the subject property from Title365’s title officer.
• Acts as the impartial “stakeholder” or depository, in a fiduciary capacity for all documents and monies required to complete the transaction per written instructions of the principals.
• With the authorization from the real estate agent or principal, orders demands on existing deeds of trust and liens or judgments, if any. For assumption of loan by Buyers, orders the beneficiary’s statement or formal assumption package.
• Reviews documents received in the escrow: preliminary report, payoff or assumption statements, new loan package and other related instruments.
• Reviews the conditions in the Lender’s instructions, including the hazard and title insurance requirements.
• Prepares the escrow instructions and required documents, together with a preliminary estimate of settlement charges, for the Buyer & Seller, in accordance with the terms of the purchase and sale agreement.
• Presents the instructions, documents, statements, loan package(s), estimated closing statements and other related documents to the principal(s) for approval and signature.
• Reviews the signed instructions and documents, returns the loan package and requests the lender’s funds.
• Determines when the transaction will be in the position to close and advises the parties.
• Assisted by title personnel, records the deed, deed of trust and other documents required to complete the transaction with the County Recorder and order the title insurance policies.
• Closes the escrow by preparing the final settlement statements, disbursing the proceeds to the Seller, paying off the existing encumbrances and other obligations. Delivers the appropriate statements, funds and remaining documents to the principals, agents and/or lenders.

SELLER

• Submits documents and information to escrow holder, such as: addresses of lien holders, tax receipts, equipment warranties, home warranty contracts, any leases and/or rental agreements.
• Orders inspections, receives clearances and approves final reports and/or repairs to the property as required by the terms of the purchase and sale agreement (Deposit Receipt).
• Approves and signs the escrow instructions, payoff demands, grant deed and other related documents required to complete the transactions.
• Approves any final changes by signing amendments to the escrow instructions or contract.
• Reviews documents received in the escrow: preliminary report, payoff or assumption statements, new loan package and other related instruments.
• Reviews the conditions in the lender’s instructions including the hazard and title insurance requirements.

TITLE OFFICER

• Examines the title to the real property and issues a preliminary report.
• Determines the requirements and documents needed to complete the transaction and advises the escrow officer and/or agents.
• Reviews and approves the signed documents, releases the order for title insurance prior to the closing date.
• When authorized by the escrow officer, the title officer records the signed documents with the County Recorder’s office and issues the title insurance policies.

(Information provided by Title365)

If you’re interested in selling your home in the Inland Empire, I’m offering a FREE Market Evaluation where I would be able to tell you what your home is worth and suggest a listing price.
Visit MyCityHouseValues.info to get started!

Thank you and have a great day!

Noe Rodriguez
Montelongo Realty
(909) 483-2696 / noe9595@gmail.com
Website: HS-90.com
Facebook.com/HouseSoldin90Days

Cal BRE#01394343

What Do Home Inspections Look For?

When selling your home, one of the steps a buyer will take is completing a home inspection to make certain everything is in order. The majority of home inspections tend to be routine in nature, but some uncover construction defects and common safety violations.

Here are some of the common defects found during a home inspection:

Building Violations
These are often identified where additions and alterations were constructed without a permit.

Roofing Defects
Problems with roofing material resulting from age, wear or improper installation warranting maintenance, repair, or in some cases, replacement.

Ceiling Stains
Some stains are merely the residual effects of leaks that have been repaired but others can indicate an unresolved issue. Inspectors will determine if a leak is active.

Electrical Safety Hazards
These hazards such as ungrounded outlets, lack of ground fault interrupters (shock protection devices), faulty wiring conditions in electrical panels can be identified.

Water Intrusion
Ground water conditions can result in water intrusion into basements or crawlspaces. Correction can be as simple as regrading the exterior grounds or adding roof gutters or as major as French drains designed by experts.

Rotten Wood
Rotted wood can be found in places where wood stays wet for long periods such as roof eaves, exterior trim, decks, around tubs and showers, or below loose toilets.

Minor Plumbing Defects
Loose toilets, dripping faucets, slow drains, leaking drains and hot water at the right faucet are more commonly found during inspections.

Unsafe Fireplace & Chimney Conditions
A lack of maintenance or faulty installation of fixtures are often found. Unsafe conditions are often attributed to a lack of spark arrestors and involve insufficient clearance between hot metal surfaces and combustible materials within the property.

Firewall Violations in Garages
Special fire resistive construction is required for walls and doors that separate a garage from dwelling. Violations are common, either due to faulty construction, damage or alterations to the garage interior, or changes in code requirements since the home was built.

Faulty Installation of Water Heaters
Check to make sure your water heater is installed in full compliance with plumbing code requirements. Violations can include inadequate strapping, improperly installed overflow piping, unsafe flue conditions, or faulty gas piping.

Hazardous Conditions involving Gas Heaters
Most gas-fueled heaters are in need of some maintenance, if only the changing of an air filter while others might be in need of a long-overdue review by the gas company.

(Information provided by Title365)

If you’re interested in selling your home in the Inland Empire, I’m offering a FREE Market Evaluation where I would be able to tell you what your home is worth and suggest a listing price.
Visit MyCityHouseValues.info to get started!

Thank you and have a great day!

Noe Rodriguez
Montelongo Realty
(909) 483-2696 / noe9595@gmail.com
Website: HS-90.com
Facebook.com/HouseSoldin90Days

Real Estate Terminology 101

HOA? FSBO? MLS?
Often your Realtor may unknowingly use real estate terminology as second hand nature, but you’re not sure what they’re talking about.

When you’re getting started in your buying or selling process, here are some of the terms your Realtor may use and their meanings.

“Are you pre-qualified?”
This means: Have you gone to a Bank Lender to see how much money you qualify for a house loan? This is the first step before looking at homes so you only look at homes in your price range. You don’t have to be pre-qualified before calling an Agent, most of the time your Realtor will recommend a Lender who they have worked with and trust.

“I looked at the MLS / I’ve put your house on the MLS”
MLS means Multiple Listing Service. This is the directory of all homes for sale which only Real Estate Agents can access. Putting your home on the MLS allows other agents to also view the home and bring in potential clients.

HOA / HOA Fee
Homeowner’s Association – a housing community where a monthly fee is required for upkeep of extra amenities provided such as a pool, tennis court, clubhouse, landscaping maintenance, walking trail, etc.

Days on Market (DOM)
This is the amount of days a home has been on the market.

Active / Pending / Sold / On Hold
This are various statuses a home can be placed on the MLS.
Active means the home is currently for sale and accepting offers. Along with being available to view in person.
Pending means an offer on the home has been accepted and the transaction is being processed.
Sold means escrow has closed and the title of the home has officially been transferred to the new owner.
On Hold means for various reasons the seller has decided to hold on more people seeing the home or offers being made. This could be due to a slow market, renovations being done, or personal reasons.

These are some basic terms you might start hearing when you being the process of selling your home or buying a home.

Are there any terms you’ve heard would like to know about? Let me know in the comments and I’ll make another post explaining those terms.

Thank you and have a great day!

Noe Rodriguez
Montelongo Realty
Website: HS-90.com
Facebook.com/HouseSoldin90Days

4 Easy Tips on How to Choose the Right Real Estate Agent

Most people are finding their real estate agents online, but it can be a daunting task when you search “Real Estate Agent in [City]” In fact, most of the time you’ll find general results and still be stuck looking through a directory full of agents willing to help.

Here are 4 easy tips on how to find the right Real Estate agent for you.

1. Referrals
This should be the first method you try. Ask family or friends who have recently bought or sold a home to recommend you a Real Estate agent. Ask them their experience with the agent regarding helpfulness and efficiency. A well recommended agent is always a good sign!

2. Zillow
If you already know what area you’re looking to buy in, start searching on Zillow to get an idea of what homes are available. Through this, you also can see who the listing agents are and contact them for more details about a particular house you may be interested in. Also on Zillow, you can a Realtor’s reviews from past clients. Don’t feel obligated to choose that agent right then and there, this will just give you an idea of who the agent is and how helpful they are.

3. FaceBook
Again if you search “Realtor in City” you’ll find a lot of results with no way to narrow it down. Instead, posting a FaceBook status asking if anyone has recommendations for a Realtor should bring in a few results. And maybe you’ll even find out a friend or family member is in the business!

4. Interview
Most likely once you’ve contacted an agent, they’ll ask you to come to their office to meet and talk about what you’re looking for. Use this as your opportunity to interview the Realtor. Ask the agent any questions you have, whether you have specific questions or asking them to explain the buying/selling process. This will help you to make your final decision.

And then you’ll be on your way!
Best of luck on your journey to finding your dream home.

Thank you and have a great day!

Noe Rodriguez
Montelongo Realty
Website: HS-90.com
Facebook.com/HouseSoldin90Days