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3 of the biggest home seller mistakes

With a market that knows what it wants, and wants its money’s worth, it is no easy task to sell a home.

The reality is, the longer your property sits unsold on the market, the harder it is to sell it.

Make sure you don’t fall into the following seller mistakes if you want your property to move.

1.You don’t get your home inspected

Sure, your 2-bedroom house has the porch and backyard everyone seems to be looking for these days. Throw in the great neighborhood, the nearby schools, and the park that’s perfect for a morning run and you’ve got a sure sell, right?

Well, not always, because buyers look for more than the big picture. They want to make sure things are just as picture perfect up close.

Hiring an inspector to comb through your home, and then fixing what needs to be fixed will save you time and future complaints.

So don’t skip that inspection.

2.Your price isn’t right
Selling your home can be an emotionally challenging task. Your home is more than a commodity; it is your haven and safe harbor, and a place of lasting memories.

But you have to dial back the emotion and set your expectations to what’s practical.

Don’t sell your home on sentiment or perceived value – which is often a lot higher than market value. Your asking price should be in tune with the price of the homes in your area – even if your
heart says your home is worth so much more.

Buyers aren’t paying for how much your house means to you, but for market worth. So, be realistic and ask for the right price.

3.You’re not reaching the right buyers
More than just handing out flyers and setting up ads, sellers should market their homes correctly. We at the Adams Team can help you market your home.

As one of the best real estate professionals in the area, we can provide you with a marketing plan that’stailorfit for your property. We can show your property to the right buyers in the area, thanks to our extensive reach.

Best of all, as real estate professionals, we can sell your property at the best price possible. Contact the Adams Team today for your seller needs.

Are you Overpricing your Home?

For whatever reason, you are selling off your home.

You want to make money off the sale – who wouldn’t? But how would you know if you’re pricing it right?

Undervaluing is awful, but overpricing is just as bad because you might be scaring off potential buyers.

Here are signs that you may be putting a higher price tag on your home than you should:

1.You’re using the wrong formula
You could be utilizing simple arithmetic to come up with your formula, as in the one you see below:

Debts + Cost + Fees = Asking Price

Nix this.

Instead, set your asking price on the condition of your property and how much other houses in your area have been sold for. No more and no less of this, and you’re on the right track.

2.You’re including your renovation costs
Though renovations are a selling point, treat them like a personal expense. After all, you probably didn’t build that sunroom or reading nook solely to appeal to buyers.

The only exemption to this is if you undertook renovations expressly to up the desirability factor of your home.

Otherwise, do not add the cost of building that hardwood deck in your backyard to the asking price of your home.

3.Your open house flops
Why aren’t people flocking to your open house? Despite your best advertising efforts, your welcome mat remains clean, and the cookies you baked, untouched.

Could this be indicative of a problem? Of perhaps setting the price of your home higher than warranted?

This may also true be of properties that have remained stagnant on the market for a long time. Review your asking price with your Realtor for a needed reality check.

Making the mistake of overpricing your property only requires a quick fix, especially if your home hasn’t been on the market that long. Remedy that and you may yet sell off your house quicker than you expected.

How your HOA dues affect your long-term expenses

Anything from the maintenance of common areas like playgrounds, gardens, and courts to making sure your community has 24/7 security personnel are matters your HOA or homeowners association usually takes care of.

It is important to remember that as a member of a homeowners association, you are financially responsible for the upkeep of your community. Other residents of the neighborhood share in that responsibility.

But before you willingly pay your dues, ask yourself the following questions:

1. How are your dues being spent?
Homeowners’ association dues can be costly. Whether you are renting or paying out the mortgage, this additional cost can be a hefty burden for anyone. So always make sure that your fees are being spent correctly. The best way to do this is to ask for auditing reports from your HOA office.

2. What are your HOA’s priorities?
Is having a new pocket garden more important than getting a security camera installed on premises? Make sure that your fees are going to the right place and not just for a vanity project. Remember, you have a say too.

3. Are your dues swankier than your residence?
This is perhaps the most important thing to consider. Generally, the more upscale the property, the higher the association fees. If you live in a standard condominium, compare the HOA fees you’re paying with that of a luxury condo’s. How do they stack up? What do the fees cover?

4. Does your HOA have a reserve fund?
Even as you see the signs of a well-maintained condo or neighborhood, thanks to association fees, your HOA should also be building a reserve fund.

A reserve fund takes care of emergency needs such as repairs, and long-term costs like major renovations – ideally, without having the HOA charge the members extra for such undertakings.

In addition, a reserve fund saves everyone time and effort – by having the money when repairs and other issues ariseso problems can swiftly be taken care of.

Homeowners’ association dues can be costly, but handled well, they ensure your health and well-being in terms of the cleanliness, safety, and upkeep of your surroundings.

A helpful checklist for buyers & sellers

Buying or selling a property might seem like an intimidating process, especially if you’re new to real estate.

As with most things in life, the right preparation often leads to success. Here are a few helpful things to keep in mind before you buy or sell a home:

Buyers

    • Think about your long-term goals before you start looking for homes, and figure out how buying a home fits into the picture. Maybe yourfuture plans involve starting a business or a family or you’re considering a career change.
    • Choose a home that fits your lifestylewhether it’s a single-family home, a condo, or a multi-family property. Remember that each property type has its own set of pros and cons.
    • Be sure to research a home’s neighborhood or community. A home might seem perfect for you and your family, but if the area around itisn’t right for you, you’ll likely end up regretting your purchase.
    • Always take your time to figure out the correct course of action when faced with a major decision. Buying a home can be a lengthy process and a single misstep may change things significantly.

Sellers

  • Set the right priceto attract the right buyers and sell your home fast. Be sure to look at other comparable homes for sale in your particular neighborhood, recent sales figures, and local and national market trends to get a good idea of what price to put on your home. The advice of a seasoned real estate professional is crucial at this juncture.
  • Enhance your home’s curb appeal– you can do this by simply repainting the front door or adding new plants and flowers. A home with good curb appeal creates a great first impression.
  • Look for affordable ways to improve your homelike adding a fresh coat of paintand some new fixtures, or sprucing up your backyard.
  • Make sure every room is clean, and is free of clutter or décor that draws too much attention. The idea is to encourage prospective buyers to envision themselves living in the home.
  • Make your online listing stand out by adding a great collection of photos that highlight your home’s best features.

Featured Property: 15 Mariposa, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Nestled in one of the most picturesque communities in California, this stunning Mediterranean home in Rancho Santa Margarita embodies a perfect combination of luxury, privacy, and relaxation. The home comes with four spacious bedrooms and three bathrooms, and is situated in a premier gated community in Dove Canyon. It is currently for lease at $3,200 per month.

Located on a private corner lot, this elegant property sits in a serene environment with plenty of towering trees, lush landscapes, and views of majestic canyons and valleys. In addition to the incredible panoramic views, residents have a wide array of activities and places to visit as restaurants, shops, golf courses, parks, and a winding network of hiking trails can be accessed right outside their door.

Features

The home is excellent for entertaining visitors as it comes with great features perfect for anything from a simple get-together with friends or a fun-filled pool party with many guests. The gated front courtyard comes with a built-in fire pit, and is an ideal spot for enjoying a nice fall or winter evening outdoors. The tropical resort-style backyard is equipped with a saltwater pool, a grotto, a bar, a built-in BBQ area, and a covered patio perfect for dining al fresco.
The spacious gourmet kitchen features a huge island, top-grade stainless steel appliances, and a great view of the backyard and beyond – excellent for admiring the glittering city lights while preparing a sumptuous dinner.
Spend quality time with the family in the home’s gorgeous living room, which comes with a built-in entertainment center and a cozy fireplace. Upstairs, the master bedroom offers peace and relaxation, with high ceilings, elegant furniture, and a master bath with dual sinks and separate tub and shower.
With a gorgeous environment, plenty of world-class features and nearby shops and restaurants, this one-of-a-kind property is a fantastic choice for those looking to enjoy the finer things in life.

Homes for Sale in Dove Canyon CA and Dove Canyon Real Estate

Nestled right beside the scenic Cleveland National Forest, Dove Canyon is one of the most sought-after communities in all of Orange County. Here, residents get to live in a tranquil natural landscape filled with soaring trees, breathtaking wilderness parks, and miles of hiking trails.

If you’re looking to live in Dove Canyon, here are some of the properties available for sale:

33 Mountain Laurel

Brimming with curb appeal, this impressive five-bedroom, four-bathroom home has tons of first-class features and amenities. The kitchen comes with granite countertops, high-quality Wolf brand appliances, an eating area and a walk-in pantry. The spacious master suite exudes a very relaxing atmosphere with a large retreat, and access to a covered deck overlooking the property’s beautiful backyard with a BBQ pit, multiple patio areas, and relaxing waterfall.

This home is currently available for $1,159,000.

55 Foxtail Lane

For $734,500, this magnificent four-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home is the lowest-priced property available in scenic Dove Canyon.Homeowners can enjoy a seamless combination of relaxation, security and convenience as the home is nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac in a 24-hour guarded community, and is steps away from a Jack Nicklaus-designed championship golf course. Features include soaring ceilings, slate stone floors, plantation shutters, a large kitchen with granite counters, a family room equipped with fireplace and a built-in wall unit, and master bedroom with breathtaking views. Residents also get easy access to a junior-sized Olympic pool, tennis courts, and a network of hiking trails.

52 Club Vis

This stunning five-bedroom Mediterranean comes with a number of impressive features and a stylish, resort-style ambiance. This fantastic property has an open-air loggia, large pool and spa, BBQ center, and outdoor speaker system. The exquisite master bedroom provides access to a spacious balcony where homeowners get to take in breathtaking hillside views and distant mountain ranges.

This home is currently available for $1,129,900.

Homes for Rent in Coto de Caza and Coto de Caza Real Estate

Coto de Caza is a premier gated community that serves as a relaxing oasis for residents. Sweeping panoramic views of rolling hills and mountain vistas surround the area, giving residents plenty of opportunities to reconnect with nature. Along with captivating scenery, countless activities are in store for residents as plenty of parks, hiking trails, beaches, shopping malls, and restaurants are located just minutes away from the community.

If you’re looking for a home to rent in Coto de Caza, here are some of the fine properties currently available:

6 Golden Poppy Drive

Take in sweeping mountain views from this fantastic four-bedroom, four-bathroom Mediterranean-style home located on a quiet cul-de-sac. This home has a wide selection of world-class features, including an expansive master suite with fireplace,gigantic master bath with heated floors, gourmet kitchen, custom landscaped yard, state-of-the-art media room, and elegant dining room. To take advantage of the breathtaking views, numerous windows are found all throughout the house.

This property can be rented at $5,700 per month.

53 Augusta

Nestled in a beautiful location right in front of the Coto Country Club North Course’s tee box, this spacious five-bedroom, five-bathroom home combines style, elegance, and luxury in a harmonious way. The home covers approximately 5,000 square feet, and abounds with top-quality features such as a large master suite with stunning views, elegant master bath with soaking tub, gourmet kitchen, and fully-equipped exercise room and media room. Residents can get some much-needed relaxation in the home’s expansive yard, which has a large pool and an adjoining BBQ area.

The home is available for rent at $7,000 per month.

31631 Via Coyote

This fantastic four-bedroom, three-bathroom custom home can be found in Coto de Caza’s charming Village community. Great features such as wainscoted walls, crown molding, designer paint, and hardwood floor adorn every inch of the home. The spacious kitchen comes with a double oven, a new dishwasher, and a large breakfast nook. The upper level comes with four bedrooms and a library/loft area. The expansive master suite features wainscoted and vaulted ceilings, and a master bath with dual sinks. The home’s outdoor area has a secluded patio that offers stunning views.

The home is available for rent at $3,200 per month.

Homes for Sale in Coto de Caza and Coto de Caza Real Estate

One of Orange County’s oldest developments, the exclusive community of Coto de Caza is surrounded by acres of lush, natural landscape filled with rolling hills and towering trees. In this private oasis, residents can enjoy a diverse amount of activities and places to visit– incredible beaches, hiking trails, parks, shopping centers, and restaurants are all within the area.

Homes in the area are beautifully designed, and come with picturesque views and spacious lots. Take a look at a sampling of great homes currently available in Coto de Caza today:

This stunning four-bedroom, three-bathroom home features gorgeous Craftsman-style architecture and is loaded with first-class features and amenities. Homeowners get to enjoy a life of luxury within intricately detailed French doors.A spacious master suite with Jacuzzi, a temperature-controlled wine closet, a custom wood-burning fireplace, and a scenic backyard with a built-in BBQ pit are just some of its outstanding features.

This property is currently priced at $1,225,000.

3 Oakbrook

This exceptional four-bedroom, four-bathroom contemporary home comes with amazing golf course views and tons of exclusive features. The expansive property covers nearly 4,000 square feet, and is located along the 12th and 13th fairways of the picturesque North Course. Its amenities include a gourmet kitchen with top-quality appliances, Travertine floors, a luxurious master suite, and a resort-style backyard with a sparkling pool, waterfall, koi pond, and BBQ area.

This home is currently priced at $1,575,000.

1 Rocky Mountain

This beautiful five-bedroom, five-bathroom Mediterranean home comes with a wide array of elegant features, and is located in an exclusive gated community close to top-notch schools. Exquisite details that include limestone pillow-top floors, French windows, crown molding and baseboards, and a custom chandelier can be found throughout the home’s interiors. The gourmet kitchen is equipped with granite countertops, wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and a walk-in pantry. The expansive master suite comes with a wood burning fireplace, plantation shutters, two walk-in closets, and a balcony where you can soak in the picturesque views of treetops, rolling hills, and distant mountain ranges. The backyard serves as a great place to unwind, with a Pebble Tec pool with built-in slide, a seated BBQ island, outdoor sound system, and multiple lounge areas.

This home is currently available for $2,095,000.

Discover Dana Point Harbor and Dana Point CA Real Estate

Long considered one of California’s most romantic landmarks, Dana Point Harbor is a scenic port community that offers unforgettable activities for locals and visitors alike. The harbor is comprised of two separate marinas with slips that can accommodate over 2,500 vessels of different types. Other facilities in the harbor include a fishing pier, three yacht clubs, a dry boat storage hoist, a ten-lane launch ramp, and a commercial sport fishing operation that also hostsfantastic whale-watching tours.

Museums

If you’re looking for a fun, educational experience, head to the Ocean Institute at the west end of Dana Point Harbor. The institute features various interactive displays and exhibits, including a massive full-scale replica of the Pilgrim – a square-rigged vessel used by the community’s namesake, Richard Henry Dana.

Cafés and Restaurants

With a mouthwatering selection of culinary delights to accompany a breathtaking seaside view, dining at one of the restaurants at Mariner’s Village or Dana Wharf is an absolute treat. Sample some mouthwatering fish and chips at Jon’s Fish Market as the sultry sounds from a saxophone serenade you. If you’re looking to cool down after a hot day at the harbor, head to the scoop deck, which serves ice cream, shakes, and other desserts.

Shopping

Enjoy endless hours of shopping at the many shops and boutiques found all throughout Dana Point Harbor. Here, you’ll find a dizzying selection of items that include unique handcrafted jewelry, designer perfume, artisan chocolates, stylish apparel, and hard-to-find coffee and tea from different countries around the world.

Events

Thousands of visitors flock to Dana Point Harbor to enjoy numerous events throughout the year. Events include the two week-long Festival of Whales, the Classic Wooden Boat Festival, the Fourth of July Fireworks Show, the Tallship Festival in September, the Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot Race, Holiday in the Harbor, and the Christmas Boat Parade in December.

Homes for Sale in Dove Canyon CA and Dove Canyon Real Estate

Nestled right beside the scenic Cleveland National Forest, Dove Canyon is one of the most sought-after communities in all of Orange County. Here, residents get to live in a tranquil natural landscape filled with soaring trees, breathtaking wilderness parks, and miles of hiking trails.

If you’re looking to live in Dove Canyon, here are some of the properties available for sale:

33 Mountain Laurel

Brimming with curb appeal, this impressive five-bedroom, four-bathroom home has tons of first-class features and amenities. The kitchen comes with granite countertops, high-quality Wolf brand appliances, an eating area and a walk-in pantry. The spacious master suite exudes a very relaxing atmosphere with a large retreat, and access to a covered deck overlooking the property’s beautiful backyard with a BBQ pit, multiple patio areas, and relaxing waterfall.

This home is currently available for $1,159,000.

52 Club Vis

This stunning five-bedroom Mediterranean comes with a number of impressive features and a stylish, resort-style ambiance. This fantastic property has an open-air loggia, large pool and spa, BBQ center, and outdoor speaker system. The exquisite master bedroom provides access to a spacious balcony where homeowners get to take in breathtaking hillside views and distant mountain ranges.

This home is currently available for $1,129,900.