How Can You Win in a Multiple Offer Situation in Orange County?





If you've been paying attention the market here in Orange County, you know that inventory is quite low right now; there just aren't very many homes that are show-ready and priced to sell at the moment. These types of homes have a lot of demand for them - they're the types of properties everybody wants.
When there aren't many desirable homes available, but there are still buyers looking to purchase, multiple offer situations become common. That's exactly what we're seeing now. So, the question becomes, what can you do to make your offer stand out from the rest? There are certain things in the offers that homeowners are going to look for that you need to do:
  • Prepare an offer that's clean and straightforward. Most homeowners want to know how much they'll sell their home for, how fast the home will close, how strong of a buyer you are, and how motivated you are to buy their home. When crafting an offer, don't put a lot of credits in there or extend timeframes - make it clean, straight, and to the point!
  • Include a pre-approval letter. The homeowner doesn't know who you are; after all, they're just staring at a pile of paper. A pre-approval will give them the assurance that you have the ability to qualify for a loan and buy their property.
  • Show proof of funds. Because the homeowners have no idea who you are, they will want to make sure you have the down payment necessary to close the deal. Include a bank statement showing the homeowner how much money you have in the bank ready to go.


These three things are essential if you want your offer to be accepted. However, we've found the a couple other things to be incredibly helpful to buyers who are trying to get their offers accepted. Here are two optional, but effective, things you can do:
  • Write a personal letter. Why do you want the house? What do you like about the area so much? What makes this particular house so special to you? Many homeowners have lived in properties for 10-20 years, so there's a lot of sentimental value in that home. Many homeowners like to know that they're selling to someone who will take care of the home just like they did. A letter will create that emotional connection.
  • Have your agent write a letter to the other agent. Sure, the homeowner has the final say in which offer is going to be accepted, but a lot of times a great agent will want to work with another great agent. When the buyer's agent and a seller's agent cooperate, the transaction goes a lot smoother. By having your agent write a letter about their past success and general ability to get deals closed, you will make your offer that much more enticing.
In a competitive marketplace like Orange County, we recommend doing all of these things when making an offer on a home. If you want to avoid missing out on that dream home, or if you have any questions about the process, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're always available to help you make the most of market conditions!

2 Reasons Why Your OC Home Isn't Selling





There are many reasons why homes don't sell, but there are two to think about over the others.
  • The home hasn't had enough exposure. Real estate isn't local anymore. It's global. In Orange County, we have prospective buyers from other states and other countries. Is your agent using social media and posting videos? If more eyes are on your property, you increase the likelihood of selling quickly and for top dollar.


  • The home is incorrectly priced. Pricing is crucial. Price according to the market. What are buyers willing to pay for homes in your area? Have you made any upgrades that increased the value of the property? You need to take these things into account in order to price your home correctly.
While there are many reasons why a home might not have sold yet, look at exposure and pricing first. If you have any questions, give us a call or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you!

Preparing for the Top Four Things Buyers Want





Today, we'll talk about the top four things buyers want. Let's get to it!
  1. Every buyer wants a great deal. It doesn't matter where the buyer is coming from; every buyer wants to brag to their friends and family that they got a steal on the property they bought. As a homeowner, when you price your home, take the buyer's needs into consideration.
  2. Buyers want to make little or no repairs on the home. That's because they're spending what they have to buy a property, and usually can't afford to make repairs or upgrades. With interest rates so low right now, buyers are really looking for turnkey properties.
  3. Outdoor space. Everyone wants an area to entertain friends and family. Now, in Orange County, most properties don't always come with a lot of land. When you prepare to sell your home, highlight features of the outdoor area. If you are selling a condo, highlight the amenities in the common areas.
  4. A place to call home. Most buyers want to make small changes to make the home their own. They want a piece of that American dream: a place to call home, and an investment for the future.
If you have any questions about today's video or about real estate in general, give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you!