Sellers Area
Know Why You are Selling
If you know exactly why you are selling then it is easier for you to follow the right plan of action for getting what you want.
If you are a seller who needs to close a sale as quickly as possible, then you should know that getting the highest price possible is not one of your priorities. It does not mean that you won’t or cannot get the highest price, but it means that the price is not the deciding factor.
A buyer who can give you a quick closing time will appeal much more to you than a buyer who can offer you more money but the negotiation and closing time drag on.
It’s always good to know how low you will go, in terms of selling price. This will help to eliminate some of the offers that you find simply offensive or ridiculous. Even though you should consider all offers seriously and take into consideration the terms of each offer, sometimes, if you know the bottom line and are strict about it, you can save yourself time.
Once you know what your limits and reasons are, discuss them with your broker so that they can help you set your goals realistically. If you decide to list your home on your own, make sure you do research on the current market, and you get the proper advice you need in terms of legal issues, etc. The key is to be realistic and to know what your goals are so they can be met.
Questions About This Property
Plan of Action
Analyze why you are selling – If you understand your motives, you will be able to better negotiate and to get what it is that you want, whether it be a quick sale, high price, or somewhere in the middle.
Prepare your home for the buyer – Maximize the strengths of your property and fix up its weaknesses. You want the buyer to walk away from your home with a lasting good impression.
Find a good real estate broker that understands your needs – Make sure that your broker is loyal to you, and can negotiate to help you achieve your goals. In addition, they should be assertive and honest with both you and the buyer.
Be prepared for negotiation – Learn and understand your buyer’s situation; what are their motives? Can you demand a big deposit from them? Try to lock in the buyer so that the deal goes through.
Negotiate for the best price and the best terms – Learn how to counteroffer to get maximum value from every offer.
Make sure the contract is accurate and complete – Be honest with your disclosures; you do not want to lose the deal because you were lying or diminishing your home’s defects. Insist the buyers get a professional inspection. This will protect both you and the buyer.
Finding the Right Broker
Not all brokers work the same way. The most important attribute of an broker is that he/she is well connected to the real estate industry. He/she should know the market and provide information on past sales, current listings, his or her marketing plan, and at least 4 solid references. In addition, you also want to look for a broker that is honest, assertive, and one that best understands your needs.
Try to go with a local broker. They can better serve your needs because they should be more familiar with the local market conditions, local prices, and what’s hot or not in your community.
Considering Offers
When reading an offer, keep in mind that you are out to get the best price AND the best terms for you. If you focus solely on the price, you may overlook terms that could be favorable to you as a buyer.
Some terms that may work in your favor:
higher-than-market-interest in a second mortgage for your home
the buyer will pay for most or all of the closing costs
the buyer will take care of any repairs
quick close – the buyer is pre-approved , ready to close in a timeframe that best suits you
all-cash deal
When reading through offers, remember to look at the whole package. Take the time that you need to assess what is being offered and if it meets your needs.
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Memorial Day
Veterans & Homeownership: The Power of VA Benefits
by Cari Pelayo
Why Homeownership Matters for Veterans
After years of serving and sacrificing, every veteran deserves a place to call home. Owning a home provides stability, financial growth, and a space to build new memories with loved ones. But did you know that VA loans offer exclusive benefits that make homeownership easier and more affordable?
Let’s break it down. 👇
💡 What is a VA Loan?
A VA home loan is a government-backed mortgage available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and some surviving spouses. This program, created in 1944, has helped millions of veterans become homeowners with little to no upfront costs.
🔥 Top VA Loan Benefits Every Veteran Should Know
1️⃣ ZERO Down Payment
Unlike conventional loans that often require 5%-20% down, VA loans allow veterans to buy a home with NO down payment. This saves buyers tens of thousands of dollars upfront.
2️⃣ NO Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)
Most conventional loans require PMI if the buyer puts down less than 20%. VA loans? No PMI—ever. That means lower monthly payments and more money in your pocket.
3️⃣ Competitive Interest Rates
VA loans consistently offer lower interest rates compared to conventional loans. This means lower mortgage payments and significant savings over time.
4️⃣ Easier Loan Approval
VA loans are more flexible than traditional mortgages. Lenders relax credit score requirements, making it easier for veterans to qualify.
5️⃣ Lifetime Benefit – Use It More Than Once!
Your VA loan isn’t a one-time deal. You can use it multiple times throughout your life, as long as you meet eligibility requirements.
6️⃣ Assistance for Struggling Homeowners
If you ever face financial hardship, VA loan specialists can help with repayment plans, loan modifications, and foreclosure prevention options.
👨👩👧👦 Who is Eligible for a VA Loan?
To qualify, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:
✅ Served 90 consecutive days of active duty during wartime
✅ Served 181 days of active service during peacetime
✅ Served 6+ years in the National Guard or Reserves
✅ Are the surviving spouse of a service member who died in the line of duty
💡 Not sure if you qualify? DM me, and I’ll help you find out!
📍 VA Loan Myths: Busted!
❌ MYTH: VA Loans Take Forever to Process
✅ FACT: VA loans typically close just as fast as conventional loans (or even faster). The key? Work with an experienced VA loan lender.
❌ MYTH: VA Loans Can Only Be Used Once
✅ FACT: You can use your VA loan multiple times. Some veterans even buy multiple homes using their benefits.
❌ MYTH: VA Loans Have Higher Interest Rates
✅ FACT: VA loans often have lower interest rates than conventional mortgages. That means you save thousands over the life of your loan.
🏡 How to Use Your VA Loan to Buy a Home
1️⃣ Get Your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) – This confirms you’re eligible for a VA loan. You can apply online through the VA website or ask your lender for help.
2️⃣ Find a VA-Approved Lender – Not all lenders specialize in VA loans. Work with one who understands the process to ensure a smooth experience.
3️⃣ Get Pre-Approved – Before house hunting, get pre-approved to know how much you can afford.
4️⃣ Find the Perfect Home – Work with a real estate agent experienced in VA home purchases to find a home that meets VA requirements.
5️⃣ Make an Offer & Close the Deal – Once your offer is accepted, your lender will process the loan, and you’ll get the keys to your new home! 🎉
Supporting Veterans Beyond Homeownership
Memorial Day isn’t just about remembering—it’s about giving back. Here are a few ways to honor veterans today and every day:
❤️ Donate to a Veterans’ Charity – Organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project & Homes for Our Troops provide vital support to veterans.
💙 Volunteer at a VA Hospital – Spend time with veterans who would love a visit and a good conversation.
🤍 Support Veteran-Owned Businesses – Buy from veteran-owned restaurants, shops, and companies to show your appreciation.
🏡 Help a Veteran Find a Home – If you know a veteran looking to buy or refinance, send them this blog or connect them with me—I’m happy to help!
🎖️ Final Thoughts: A Salute to Our Heroes
Today, we honor the fallen heroes who gave their lives for our freedom. But let’s also remember to support the veterans who are still with us, helping them build new futures through homeownership and financial stability.
If you or someone you know is a veteran looking to buy a home, let’s make it happen together. Reach out today, and let’s start the journey to homeownership with the benefits you’ve earned.
🏡 Thank you for your service. Your sacrifice is never forgotten.
📩 DM me to learn more about VA loans & homeownership for veterans.
Stay Connected!
Thank you for reading! Follow me on social media and YouTube for more tips, updates, and behind-the-scenes moments. Let’s stay in touch!
📍 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cari4homes/
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📍 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cari4homes/
📍 YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SanFernandoValleyHomes
Subscribe, comment, or send me a message—I’d love to hear from you!
For Sale By Owner – A Good Idea?
FSBO (pronounced fizz-bo), or For Sale By Owner, is a way of selling your home without the use of a professional real estate broker. The idea behind FSBO is that by selling your home yourself, you save the approximate 6% that would be the agents’ commission.
6% may not sound like a lot, but it can add up, especially on more expensive homes. But before you run off and decide to sell your home FSBO, you must remember that to get savings like that, there must be a cost. So what’s the catch? Selling FSBO is hard. A lot harder.
Only about 10% of sellers that decide to do FSBO are successful at it. And not all of them end up saving themselves money. FSBO sellers often end up accepting a lower price for their home than they would with a broker.
There are of course other issues as well. Can you afford to make selling your home your full time job? Because for a lot of FSBO sellers, that’s exactly what it is. Do you have the time and capital to spend on the marketing, advertising, inspections, paperwork, phone calls, showings, and problems that come up when any home is sold?
Selling with a professional broker also has other advantages. A broker can get your home listed on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) and other popular websites where not only homebuyers but also other brokers can easily find it. Professional real estate broker also have an extensive network
that allows them to more easily find a buyer.
So before you decide to sell your home yourself, thoughtfully consider just how much time and effort you can spare for selling your home, as well as how important it is that your home sell sooner rather than later.
Setting the Price
The price is the first thing buyers notice about your property. If you set your price too high, then the chance of alienating buyers is higher. You want your house to be taken seriously, and the asking price reflects how serious you are about selling your home.
Several factors will contribute to your final decision. First, you should compare your house to others that are in the market. If you use a broker, he/she will provide you with a CMA (Comparative Market Analysis). The CMA will reflect the following:
houses in your price range and area that were sold within the last half-year
asking and selling prices of houses
current inventory of houses on the market
features of each house on the market
From the CMA, you will learn the difference between the asking price and selling price for all homes sold, the condition of the market, and other houses comparable to yours.
Also, try to find out what types of houses are selling and see if it applies to your area. Buyers follow trends, and these trends can help you set your price.
Always be realistic. Understand and set your price to reflect the current market situation.
Getting the Highest Price in the Shortest Time
In order to get the highest price in the shortest time, you need to know how to market your home. The better you market your home, the more offers you will get. And the more offers you get, the more choices you have to get the price and terms you want.
The most important factor of marketing your home is pricing it right. Your price should be adjusted to reflect the market and your property’s worth. The key is to get as many people as possible checking out your fairly priced property. If your property is not priced fairly, there are
no buyers because your price is set too high.
Another important factor is the condition of your home. Make sure that your home looks ready to be sold. Fix any defects (peeling or faded paint, cracks, stains, etc.) Condition alone can sometimes prompt fast buying decisions. Not only should you fix any defects, but consider
upgrading your home by making major repairs and cosmetic improvements before selling. A nice looking home triggers the emotional response that can lead to a financial response.
Learn how to negotiate the best terms for all parties involved. Terms are another factor that may be adjusted to attract buyers. If you insist on getting your asking price, think of what you can offer to the buyers. For example, improvements you’ve made or even offering seller financing at
a lower than market interest rate on a portion of the sale price. Convince them why they should be paying the price you have set.
Lastly, get the buzz out about your home. List your house with a hot broker that ensures your house is listed on the MLS and on the Internet. On your own, get the word out. It should always be visible to passersby that your house is for sale, whether it is through signs, local advertisements or you telling friends, family, and acquaintances.
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