Selling your home should be an exciting experience! Whether you’re upgrading, downsizing, or relocating, making the right choices can lead to a faster sale at a better price. Here are three essential tips every home seller should follow to skip the stress, attract buyers, and close the deal with confidence.
Boost Curb Appeal
Buyers begin forming opinions as soon as they pull into the driveway. Make first impressions count by tidying up the lawn, mulching flower beds, planting seasonal blooms, and giving the front door a fresh coat of paint. Simple upgrades can add instant charm and set the tone for a fantastic showing.
Declutter and Depersonalize
Buyers need to envision themselves living in the home rather than feeling like visitors in someone else’s home. Remove personal photos and hide clutter. A clean, neutral, and open layout helps buyers see the potential of each room and can make the home feel larger and more inviting.
Price It Right
Overpricing their property is one of the biggest mistakes sellers make. While it’s important to get the most value from a sale, pricing too high can lead to fewer showings and more time sitting on the market. Work with your real estate agent to analyze local properties and set a competitive, realistic price to attract qualified buyers from day one.
Got Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.
Cell| Sabrina 650.799.4333 |Susan 650.796.0654 | EMAIL | WEB| BLOG
We love what we do and would love to help you navigate your sale or purchase of Residential Real Estate. Please reach out for a personal consultation. Please enjoy our free resources below and get to know our team from our TESTIMONIALS.
Effective. Efficient. Responsive. The Caton Team 🏡
Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.
We strive to be more than just Realtors – we are also your home resource. If you have any real estate questions, concerns, need a referral, or some guidance – we are here for you. Contact us at your convenience – we are but a call, text, or click away!
The Caton Team believes, in order to be successful in the San Francisco | Peninsula | Bay Area | Silicon Valley Real Estate Market, we have to think and act differently. We do this by positioning our clients in the strongest light, representing them with the utmost integrity, while strategically maneuvering through negotiations and contracts. Together we make dreams come true.
A mother and daughter-in-law team with over 35 years of combined local Real Estate experience and knowledge – wouldn’t you like The Caton Team to represent you? Let us know how we can be of service. Contact us any time.
Cell | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654 | EMAIL | WEB| BLOG
The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina A Family of Realtors Effective. Efficient. Responsive. What can we do for you?
Are you a Move Up Buyer in Silicon Valley? Then you know how hard it is to achieve that goal and make it a reality. It is much more challenging to sell and buy due to the market’s dynamics.
If you’re a Buyer in Silicon Valley, then you are well aware of how competitive it is to get a house, condo, or townhome. A Buyer may have started with the want list and then quickly condensed it.
What makes buying or move-up buying a challenge?
The Bay Area has limited space to build. Land is the gold of Real Estate; without land, you cannot build more homes. So, if you want to own a home around here, be prepared for possible bidding wars.
But if you’re a Buyer with a home to sell first, then you’re really up for a challenge. But! The Caton Team is here to help you create a plan for success.
Seller EXPECTATIONS in a Seller’s Market
If you’re a Seller these days, you have some expectations, and when the market is in your favor. It’s great.
During a Sellers market, with multiple Buyers for each home, a Buyer must put their best foot forward to succeed, and truly, this goes for any market. Here are some suggestions:
OFFER OVER LIST PRICE – sometimes even more than the Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) warrants. This can be frightening and can set up a Buyer for some surprises. The Caton Team always prepares a CMA and gauges market activity to help a Buyer determine their right price. The Buyer will also choose the price they want to offer. We are here to guide you with data.
WAIVE CONTINGENCIES – These days, a Buyer should not ask for repairs but account for them. It’s also hard to request time to sell their current home first. If a Buyer wants to be a contender, it can feel like they must come in Non-Contingent and ready to close. Let me rephrase that. A Buyer should write their best offer, and if that includes a contingency, the Buyer must do what is best for them. Just know – if there are too many contingencies – generally that offer goes to the bottom of the stack because in a Sellers market, the Seller often has plenty of offers to choose from and does NOT have to accept a Contingent Offer. (Note, in cooler markets Buyers have more leverage and will have the opportunity to ask for contingencies.)
PROOF OF FUNDS – A Buyer MUST HAVE ALL their down payment, closing costs, and reserve monies ready from DAY 1! Not only for their bank loan approval, but Buyers also need proof of funds just to write a contending offer! To be frank, sometimes a great offer is beat out by an offer with “better” proof of funds – IE, money in the bank.
Each Seller and their Realtor will REQUIRE Proof of Funds to be submitted WITH the Offer. Meaning your Realtor needs recent copies of all your bank statements to be provided in your Offer Package to show the money for the downpayment, closing costs, and reserves are liquid and real. You would too if you were in the Seller seat. Our job as Realtors is to protect OUR Clients’ best interests. Meaning, when working with Sellers and reviewing offers, not only does The Caton Team call each lender to verify loan strength – we also want to see Proof of Funds totaling at minimum the monies for said deal AND reserve funds which are healthy and liquid to ensure – if things go awry – there are funds to close on time. In other words, the strongest reserves have an impact on what is considered the “Best” offer. It is not always price that equates to “Best”. (Curious why? – Ask us anytime – that topic is for another blog post.)
An example of a Buyer’s surprise is when the appraised value is lower than the offer price. The Buyer may want to pay the difference between the appraised value and the offer price, and that too is a conversation on what’s best for the client. There is no “cold feet” in Real Estate; quitting on a Non-Contingent Offer means the Buyer could forfeit all or a portion of their good faith deposit, which is 3% of the total purchase price. Note – each case is different, and this is just an example. Bottom line – selling Real Estate is serious business, and being prepared is the first step.
There are several more items that make up the Perfect Offer Package. If you want to stand out and succeed, contact The Caton Team today! We’re eager to chat and develop a personalized plan to help you reach your real estate goals.
Ok, so now you have an idea of what it takes to buy a home around here. Now, what do you do if you have a home to sell first? Bear with me on this – it is the hottest topic in Real Estate today.
HOWTO SELL THEN BUY
If you’re lucky enough to already be a Silicon Valley homeowner – congratulations! You’re ahead of the game. Right? Unless you need more space and want to move up.
The Caton Team has met many clients who opted to add onto their existing homes. Great! Unless that is not an option. Then we are back to square one; how does a Buyer sell, then buy in this market?
As I stated above in Seller Expectations, the “requirements” for contention can feel like a tall order. If your down payment funds are tied up in the equity of your home, you have several options, but only a few are viable.
DREAM OPTION
Rich Aunt Sally gifts you the money you need for the purchase of the home. Thank you, Aunt Sally. But what if we don’t have rich relatives?
SELL FIRST OPTION
This is the cut-and-dry option. Sell the home. Close Escrow. Move out and into a short-term rental or with relatives. Bank the proceeds of the sale – aka: the future downpayment and enjoy the Home Buying Experience at your own pace, knowing you can A) Prove your Funds are liquid and B) write an offer non-contingent on selling your home first. In a Seller’s market, an offer contingent on selling doesn’t always fly, and if it does, you’ve got to act fast and sell your home, as you will have a time frame. So your current home better be ready to go on the market, packed, inspected, and show-ready.
Oh – Did I mention this option is also terrifying? A Seller feels as if they are losing their only piece of California – the “what if we don’t get the next one” can be frightening. So it is important to weigh all options.
Next up…
SELL FIRST WITH RENT-BACK OPTION
Similar to the first scenario – except instead of moving out at the close ofescrow – the Seller is granted Rent Back to live in the home for an agreed-upon and short timeframe for a negotiated price, then move out – whether or not the Seller has acquired their next purchase. The advantage to this is the closing – the Seller has the proceeds in the bank and can write a non-contingent offer on their next home. The downside – it is a short-term solution – if the Seller doesn’t find their next home within the time frame, they will have to move out when the tenancy is over, no matter what. Also, of late, this is frowned upon due to insurance issues or higher premiums since the home is a “rental” in the eyes of the buyer’s bank, and that could equate to a higher interest rate on their loan. We see short-term rentals but longer ones – far less.
OBTAIN AN OFFER TO PURCHASE
This option is often the first step – the proverbial toe in the water. We, as your Realtors, will try to find a Buyer willing to do the following:
Offer to Purchase the home with an Extended Close of Escrow, giving the Seller time to acquire their next property (most likely contingent on closing on their current home), then quickly close on their next home – a domino closing effect. The downside, their proceeds are not in the bank, possibly hindering their chances. Their Proof of Funds will be short, and even if the owner writes a Non-Contingent Offer – we as Realtors know – it isn’t over until it’s over. In other words, when Sellers compare offers, the one with fewer strings attached generally wins. Even Non-Contingent Offers in this scenario are not as strong as Buyers ready, willing, and able to close on time. IE: Don’t have to close one house before they can close on the other. Confusing right?
That’s why, inevitably, if a client truly needs more space and cannot add on, they often are forced to sell first, rent, then buy because this market is too competitive to request contingencies from the Seller.
– Please don’t shoot the messenger –
THE BRIDGE LOAN
Another option is to obtain a bridge loan. A bridge loan gives the owner the opportunity to purchase their next home before selling their current home. This can be an expensive option. Interest rates and fees are higher. But it gives the client the peace of mind that they know where they’re going before they sell their current home, and they only move once.
THE LONG ROAD
Now here’s another idea – but it takes a few years, and you truly need to ask your CPA and Financial Advisor about this. The idea is to convert your primary residence into an investment property – then do a 1031 exchange. First, the Seller moves out. The Seller then converts their personal residence into a rental – renting it out for a minimum of 2 years. (I cannot give tax advice, so please verify with your CPA). After those two years, the Seller sells their home as a 1031 exchange, then buys their next home as another investment. The caveat – the Seller cannot move into their new home until it’s been rented for at least 2 years. Again, run this by your CPA, as tax laws change, and I am not a CPA. Anyway, this is the long-term approach. The good news, especially if you’re buying in the same community, even if prices rise, hopefully so will the value of your current investment.
Anyway, can you tell I have several clients in the same boat? Each client situation is unique. This blog post was really just me organizing my thoughts, then I figured – why not share this – if I can help someone make a better decision for their future, then I did my job today.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
No matter what you’re planning to do. The first true step in Real Estate is to apply for your loan and determine your affordability for the next purchase. Figuring out what your monthly payment is and how much of a down payment you need is the most crucial step. This will help us figure out how to move forward on your goal.
Does the home you have to sell have enough equity to be your down payment? Or will you need to bring funds to the table to have a more manageable monthly payment? What is a comfortable monthly payment for you?
There are many choices associated with this, and that is why The Caton Team is here to help. Email us at info@TheCatonTeam.com
Remember, Interest Rates will rise and fall, and impact a Buyer’s monthly outlay. This affects prices. Rates rise, which can diminish a Buyer’s buying power. As the interest rates rises the amount of the loan reduces. To remedy this, a Buyer will need to bring in more money towards the downpayment. Easy, if we have Aunt Sally on speed dial. If rates fall, we praise the Real Estate gods for their moment of affordability.
The Caton Team cannot forecast the future, but we have endured all sorts of markets and aided clients in various stages in our combined 40+ years. The more homework a client does now, the better. The market is dynamic and always changing. We don’t want to see a Buyer wait themselves out of the market, and in an inclining market, that can happen faster than you think. Timing the market is hard, so it is best to focus on your goals, whether buying or selling, and working within the market you are experiencing.
Bottom line, we are here to help. Ask us all your questions – we’re in the trenches, we know what homes are selling for before the internet gets wind. It’s wild out there, but we’ve got you covered. Susan and I (Sabrina) have over 40+ years combined local real estate experience. We represent our clients with integrity and grace. Our offer packages stand out and often just have the edge a Buyer needs in this market. Our Seller Package is successful, our negotiating is skilled, kind, and focused. We pride ourselves on being effective, efficient, and responsive.
Real Estate is multi-faceted, and this blog is just the tip of the iceberg. Each client has a unique set of needs. We value the sit-down appointment to get to know what you need, whether buying or selling a home in the Bay Area.
What Can The Caton Team Do For You?
Thank you for reading and forgiving my typos. I wrote this…
Got Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.
Call| Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 |Susan 650.796.0654 |
We love what we do and would love to help you navigate your sale or purchase of Residential Real Estate. Please reach out for a personal consultation. Please enjoy our free resources below and get to know our team from our TESTIMONIALS.
Effective. Efficient. Responsive. The Caton Team 🏡 How can The Caton Team help You?
Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.
We strive to be more than just Realtors – we are also your home resource. If you have any real estate questions, concerns, need a referral, or some guidance – we are here for you. Contact us at your convenience – we are but a call, text or click away!
The Caton Team believes, in order to be successful in the San Fransisco | Peninsula | Bay Area | Silicon Valley Real Estate Market we have to think and act differently. We do this by positioning our clients in the strongest light, representing them with the utmost integrity, while strategically maneuvering through negotiations and contracts. Together we make dreams come true.
A mother and daughter-in-law team with over 35 years of combined, local Real Estate experience and knowledge – wouldn’t you like The Caton Team to represent you? Let us know how we can be of service. Contact us any time.
Call| Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654 | EMAIL | WEB | BLOG
The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina A Family of Realtors Effective. Efficient. Responsive. What can we do for you?
Mark your calendars: The week of Oct. 12-18, as well as its surrounding weeks, could offer your home buyers a prime time to make an offer on a home. A new study from realtor.com® finds the week offers a rare trifecta—more listings, lower prices and less competition—creating an ideal moment for agents to help home shoppers to make their move.
Greater housing options may be just the catalyst needed to get buyers off the sidelines this fall. Compared with recent years, they now have more choices—and more bargaining power.
“I expect this market momentum shift to magnify typical seasonal trends that favor home buyers in the fall,” says Danielle Hale, realtor.com®’s chief economist. According to realtor.com®’s data, the particular week of Oct. 12-18 could bring buyers not only more homes to choose among and fewer competing shoppers, but also potential average savings of more than $15,000 compared to this summer’s peak prices.
“In a year that’s been the most buyer-friendly in nearly a decade, it’s the best window of opportunity for home buyers all year,” Hale says. Plus, after a slower-than-usual summer for home sales, buyer demand may be poised for a rebound if mortgage rates continue to ease and home price increases slow.
6 Reasons to Buy This Fall
While the market has not yet tipped into a full “buyer’s market,” conditions are more balanced than they have been in years, Hale says. “This represents a significant shift after a period of historically tight supply and intense competition that left many home shoppers priced out,” she notes.
Here’s what the realtor.com® data shows tilting in buyers’ favor this fall—especially during the week of Oct. 12-18 for the majority of housing markets across the country.
1. More listings
Inventory levels typically peak in early fall, but this year the number of homes for-sale has reached the highest point since the pandemic. Active listings climbed above 1 million in late spring—a milestone not seen in years, according to realtor.com®. During the week of Oct. 12-18, buyers could see up to 33% more active listings than at the start of the year.
“This increase is giving buyers something they haven’t had in years: breathing room,” Hale notes in a recent column at realtor.com®. “More choices mean less pressure to rush into a decision or waive contingencies, and greater opportunity to find a home that fits both lifestyle and budget.”
2. Lower prices
Listing prices during the week of Oct. 12-18 typically run about 3.4% below the seasonal peak. That could translate into potential savings of more than $15,000 on a median-priced home of $439,450, realtor.com®’s data shows.
Source: realtor.com®
3. Greater chance of price cuts
About 5.5% of homes tend to see price reductions during that week, according to realtor.com®’s research. And economists say recent trends suggest even more discounted listings could emerge this fall. (Read more: Listing Price Reduction? How to Navigate It With Buyers, Sellers)
Source: realtor.com®
4. Less competition
Buyer demand has cooled in 2025 as affordability challenges and elevated mortgage rates weigh on the market. If this October follows typical patterns, however, competition could be about 31% lower than during the peak season, easing pressure on buyers to make rushed offers.
5. A slower pace of sales
Homes are taking longer to sell—another sign buyers have more time to make decisions. The U.S. median time on the market surpassed pre-pandemic norms this summer. In October, homes typically spend about two weeks longer on the market compared with the peak season.
Still, certain homes continue to attract strong attention, with the average listing nationally drawing 2.1 offers in July and 21% of homes still selling for above the asking price, according to the latest REALTOR® Confidence Index.
6. More newly listed homes
Besides higher overall inventory, mid-October also tends to bring a wave of new listings. About 16% more homes typically debut this time of year, giving buyers additional opportunities to find a match.
Timing the Market?
While fall generally brings better deals for buyers, the “best time to buy” ultimately depends on local market dynamics—especially as affordability challenges continue to shape where and how people move.
Timing varies by metro. For example, the realtor.com® analysis found that New York and Philadelphia metros tend to have their “best time to buy” occur in early-to-mid September, ahead of the national “best week.”
Metros in Chicago, Atlanta and Dallas tend to find their sweet spot for home buyers in the Sept. 28-Oct. 4 window, whereas places like Houston, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., more closely follow national trends of the Oct. 12-18 week.
Other locales like Phoenix, Louisville, Ky., and Charlotte, N.C., often see their prime week being Nov. 2-8, whereas several Florida markets—like Ft. Lauderdale and Tampa—have their most promising buying conditions later in the season, from Nov. 30-Dec. 6.
Check out the study for insight on your market’s projected “best time to buy” dates.
Cell| Sabrina 650.799.4333 |Susan 650.796.0654 | EMAIL | WEB| BLOG
We love what we do and would love to help you navigate your sale or purchase of Residential Real Estate. Please reach out for a personal consultation. Please enjoy our free resources below and get to know our team from our TESTIMONIALS.
Effective. Efficient. Responsive. The Caton Team 🏡
Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.
We strive to be more than just Realtors – we are also your home resource. If you have any real estate questions, concerns, need a referral, or some guidance – we are here for you. Contact us at your convenience – we are but a call, text, or click away!
The Caton Team believes, in order to be successful in the San Francisco | Peninsula | Bay Area | Silicon Valley Real Estate Market, we have to think and act differently. We do this by positioning our clients in the strongest light, representing them with the utmost integrity, while strategically maneuvering through negotiations and contracts. Together we make dreams come true.
A mother and daughter-in-law team with over 35 years of combined local Real Estate experience and knowledge – wouldn’t you like The Caton Team to represent you? Let us know how we can be of service. Contact us any time.
Cell | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654 | EMAIL | WEB| BLOG
The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina A Family of Realtors Effective. Efficient. Responsive. What can we do for you?
The Caton Team is proud to announce, that Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices offers a simple loan to help seller prepare their home for sale. Restrictions apply.
Check out the loan calculator to see the interest rate, origination fees and cost of your plans >>> HERE.
Fund are available quickly. Flexible vendor options, flexible on what a seller spends their funds on, no vendor platform markups. We’d love to sit down with you and discuss how Get Ready Capital can help you sell your home! CONTACT THE CATON TEAM FOR FURTHER DETAILS | Call | Text 650.799.4333 | Email | Info@TheCatonTeam.com
Got Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.
Call| Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 |EMAIL | WEB| BLOG
We love what we do and would love to help you navigate your sale or purchase of Residential Real Estate. Please reach out at your convenience for a personal consultation. Please enjoy our free resources below and get to know our team through our clients’ words>>>Testimonials.
Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.
We strive to be more than just Realtors – we are also your home resource. If you have any real estate questions, concerns, need a referral or some guidance – we are here for you. Contact us at your convenience – we are but a call, text or click away!
The Caton Team believes, in order to be successful in the San Fransisco | Peninsula | Bay Area | Silicon Valley Real Estate Market we have to think and act differently. We do this by positioning our clients in the strongest light, representing them with the utmost integrity, while strategically maneuvering through negotiations and contracts. Together we make dreams come true.
A mother and daughter-in-law team with over 35 years of combined, local Real Estate experience and knowledge – would’t you like The Caton Team to represent you? Let us know how we can be of service. Contact us any time.
Call| Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654 |EMAIL | WEB| BLOG
The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina A Family of Realtors Effective. Efficient. Responsive. What can we do for you?
Sabrina and Susan were incredible! Efficient, responsive and knowledgeable, they handled the sale of my home with ease and grace. Their experience and attention to every detail meant the house went on the market at the right time, at the right price, and looked its absolute best! With Sabrina and Susan’s straightforward and honest approach, we received eight offers in less than a week, and sold for well over the asking price. I would not hesitate to recommend The Caton Team — and would hire them again in an instant. – Wendy 2023
We’re so grateful when our clients share their kind words with us. We love what we do and we love taking great care of our clients. How can The Caton Team Help You? Let us know! Call| Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 |EMAIL | WEB| BLOG
Call| Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 |EMAIL | WEB| BLOG
We love what we do and would love to help you navigate your sale or purchase of Residential Real Estate. Please reach out for a personal consultation. Please enjoy our free resources below and get to know our team TESTIMONIALS.
Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.
We strive to be more than just Realtors – we are also your home resource. If you have any real estate questions, concerns, need a referral, or some guidance – we are here for you. Contact us at your convenience – we are but a call, text or click away!
The Caton Team believes, in order to be successful in the San Fransisco | Peninsula | Bay Area | Silicon Valley Real Estate Market we have to think and act differently. We do this by positioning our clients in the strongest light, representing them with the utmost integrity, while strategically maneuvering through negotiations and contracts. Together we make dreams come true.
A mother and daughter-in-law team with over 35 years of combined, local Real Estate experience and knowledge – wouldn’t you like The Caton Team to represent you? Let us know how we can be of service. Contact us any time.
Call| Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654 |EMAIL | WEB| BLOG
The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina A Family of Realtors Effective. Efficient. Responsive. What can we do for you?
If you’re thinking about selling your house, you may have heard the supply of homes for sale is still low, and that means your house should stand out to buyers who are craving more options. But you may also be wondering, once you sell, how does the current supply impact your own move? And, will you be able to find a home you want to buy with inventory this low?
One thing that can help you find your next home is exploring all your options, including both homes that have been lived in before as well as newly built ones. Let’s look at the benefits of each one.
The Pros of Newly Built Homes
First, let’s look at the advantages of purchasing a newly constructed home. With a brand-new home, you’ll be able to:
Create your perfect home. If you build a home from the ground up, you’ll have the option to select the custom features you want, including appliances, finishes, landscaping, layout, and more.
Cash-in on energy efficiency. When building a home, you can choose energy-efficient options to help lower your utility costs and reduce your carbon footprint.
Minimize the need for repairs. Many builders offer a warranty, so you’ll have peace of mind on unlikely repairs. Plus, you won’t have as many little projects to tackle.
Have brand new everything. Another perk of a new home is that nothing in the house is used. It’s all brand new and uniquely yours from day one.
The Pros of Existing Homes
Now, let’s compare that to the perks that come with buying an existing home. With a pre-existing home, you can:
Explore a wider variety of home styles and floorplans. With decades of homes to choose from, you’ll have a broader range of floorplans and designs available.
Join an established neighborhood. Existing homes give you the option to get to know the neighborhood, community, or traffic patterns before you commit.
Enjoy mature trees and landscaping. Established neighborhoods also have more developed landscaping and trees, which can give you additional privacy and curb appeal.
Appreciate that lived-in charm. The character of older homes is hard to reproduce. If you value timeless craftsmanship or design elements, you may prefer an existing home.
The choice is yours. When you start your search for the perfect home, remember that you can go either route – you just need to decide which features and benefits are most important to you. As an article from The Mortgage Reportssays:
“When building, you gain more freedom to tailor the design, materials, and features, but it demands more time and involvement. Conversely, buying an established home offers immediate occupancy . . . yet may require compromises. Your choice should align with your budget, timeline, customization preferences, and the local real estate landscape.”
Either way, working with a local real estate agent throughout the process is mission-critical to your success. They’ll help you explore all of your options based on what matters most to you in your next home. Together, you can find the home that’s right for you.
Bottom Line
If you have questions about the options in your area, connect with a local real estate agent to discuss what’s available and what’s right for you. That way you’ll be ready to make your next move with confidence.
Got Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.
Call| Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 |Susan 650.796.0654 | EMAIL | WEB| BLOG
We love what we do and would love to help you navigate your sale or purchase of Residential Real Estate. Please reach out for a personal consultation. Please enjoy our free resources below and get to know our team from our TESTIMONIALS.
Effective. Efficient. Responsive. The Caton Team 🏡 How can The Caton Team help You?
Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.
We strive to be more than just Realtors – we are also your home resource. If you have any real estate questions, concerns, need a referral, or some guidance – we are here for you. Contact us at your convenience – we are but a call, text or click away!
The Caton Team believes, in order to be successful in the San Fransisco | Peninsula | Bay Area | Silicon Valley Real Estate Market we have to think and act differently. We do this by positioning our clients in the strongest light, representing them with the utmost integrity, while strategically maneuvering through negotiations and contracts. Together we make dreams come true.
A mother and daughter-in-law team with over 35 years of combined, local Real Estate experience and knowledge – wouldn’t you like The Caton Team to represent you? Let us know how we can be of service. Contact us any time.
Call| Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654 | EMAIL | WEB| BLOG
The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina A Family of Realtors Effective. Efficient. Responsive. What can we do for you?
If your listing expired and your house didn’t sell, you’re likely feeling a little frustrated. Not to mention, you’re also probably wondering what went wrong. Here are three questions to think about as you figure out what to do next.
Did You Limit Access to Your House?
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when selling your house is restricting the days and times when potential buyers can tour it. Being flexible with your schedule is important when you’re selling your house, even though it might feel a bit stressful to drop everything and leave when buyers want to see it. After all, minimal access means minimal exposure to buyers. ShowingTimeadvises:
“. . . do your best to be as flexible as possible when granting access to your house for showings.”
Sometimes, the most determined buyers might come from far away. Since they’re traveling to see your house, they may not be able to change their plans easily if you only offer limited times for showings. So, try to make your house available as much as you can to accommodate them. It’s simple. If no one’s able to look at it, how’s it going to sell?
Did You Make Your House Stand Out?
When selling your house, the old saying matters: you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Putting in the work to make the exterior of your home look nice is just as important as how you stage it inside. Freshen up your landscaping to improve your home’s curb appeal so you can make an impact upfront. As an article from U.S. Newssays:
“After all, if people drive by, but aren’t interested enough to walk through the front door, you’ll never sell your house.”
But don’t let that impact stop at the front door. By removing personal items and reducing clutter inside, you give buyers more freedom to picture themselves in the home. Additionally, a new coat of paint or cleaning the floors can go a long way to freshening up a room.
Did You Price Your House Compellingly?
Setting the right price is extremely important when you’re selling your house. Even though it might feel tempting to push the price higher to maximize your profit, overpricing can scare away buyers and make it hard to sell quickly. Business Insidernotes:
“. . . the biggest mistake sellers make is overpricing their home.”
If your house is priced higher than others like it, it could make buyers lose interest. Pay attention to the feedback people give your agent during open houses and showings. If lots of people are saying the same thing, it might be a good idea to think about lowering the price.
For all these insights and more, rely on a trusted real estate agent. A great agent will offer expert advice on relisting your house with effective strategies to get it sold.
Bottom Line
It’s natural to feel disappointed when your listing has expired and your house didn’t sell. Talk to a trusted real estate agent to figure out what happened and what to reconsider or change if you want to get your house back on the market.
If you have a home to sell, let’s chat. Each market is unique, each client is unique.
Got Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.
Call| Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 |Susan 650.796.0654 | EMAIL | WEB| BLOG
We love what we do and would love to help you navigate your sale or purchase of Residential Real Estate. Please reach out for a personal consultation. Please enjoy our free resources below and get to know our team from our TESTIMONIALS.
Effective. Efficient. Responsive. The Caton Team 🏡 How can The Caton Team help You?
Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.
We strive to be more than just Realtors – we are also your home resource. If you have any real estate questions, concerns, need a referral, or some guidance – we are here for you. Contact us at your convenience – we are but a call, text or click away!
The Caton Team believes, in order to be successful in the San Fransisco | Peninsula | Bay Area | Silicon Valley Real Estate Market we have to think and act differently. We do this by positioning our clients in the strongest light, representing them with the utmost integrity, while strategically maneuvering through negotiations and contracts. Together we make dreams come true.
A mother and daughter-in-law team with over 35 years of combined, local Real Estate experience and knowledge – wouldn’t you like The Caton Team to represent you? Let us know how we can be of service. Contact us any time.
Call| Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654 | EMAIL | WEB| BLOG
The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina A Family of Realtors Effective. Efficient. Responsive. What can we do for you?
This has got to be the spookiest post I’ve done thus far – lol. But it is true – some homes don’t sell as fast as others and here are a few reasons why… Shared article from Keepying Current Matters
Did You Limit Access to Your House?
If your listing expired and your house didn’t sell, you’re likely feeling a little frustrated. Not to mention, you’re also probably wondering what went wrong. Here are three questions to think about as you figure out what to do next.
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when selling your house is restricting the days and times when potential buyers can tour it. Being flexible with your schedule is important when you’re selling your house, even though it might feel a bit stressful to drop everything and leave when buyers want to see it. After all, minimal access means minimal exposure to buyers. ShowingTimeadvises:
“. . . do your best to be as flexible as possible when granting access to your house for showings.”
Sometimes, the most determined buyers might come from far away. Since they’re traveling to see your house, they may not be able to change their plans easily if you only offer limited times for showings. So, try to make your house available as much as you can to accommodate them. It’s simple. If no one’s able to look at it, how’s it going to sell?
Did You Make Your House Stand Out?
When selling your house, the old saying matters: you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Putting in the work to make the exterior of your home look nice is just as important as how you stage it inside. Freshen up your landscaping to improve your home’s curb appeal so you can make an impact upfront. As an article from U.S. Newssays:
“After all, if people drive by, but aren’t interested enough to walk through the front door, you’ll never sell your house.”
But don’t let that impact stop at the front door. By removing personal items and reducing clutter inside, you give buyers more freedom to picture themselves in the home. Additionally, a new coat of paint or cleaning the floors can go a long way to freshening up a room.
Did You Price Your House Compellingly?
Setting the right price is extremely important when you’re selling your house. Even though it might feel tempting to push the price higher to maximize your profit, overpricing can scare away buyers and make it hard to sell quickly. Business Insidernotes:
“. . . the biggest mistake sellers make is overpricing their home.”
If your house is priced higher than others like it, it could make buyers lose interest. Pay attention to the feedback people give your agent during open houses and showings. If lots of people are saying the same thing, it might be a good idea to think about lowering the price.
For all these insights and more, rely on a trusted real estate agent. A great agent will offer expert advice on relisting your house with effective strategies to get it sold.
Bottom Line
It’s natural to feel disappointed when your listing has expired and your house didn’t sell. Talk to a trusted real estate agent to figure out what happened and what to reconsider or change if you want to get your house back on the market.
My 2 cents – it does come down to access – presentation and price. The easiest to adjust is price – so price it right, have it free to be seen and we DON’T mean open houses – we mean private showings and make sure it shines – your photos are your best asset to sell – so make sure the home looks great online and in person…
Got Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.
Call| Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 |EMAIL | WEB| BLOG
We love what we do and would love to help you navigate your sale or purchase of Residential Real Estate. Please reach out for a personal consultation. Please enjoy our free resources below and get to know our team from our TESTIMONIALS.
Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.
We strive to be more than just Realtors – we are also your home resource. If you have any real estate questions, concerns, need a referral, or some guidance – we are here for you. Contact us at your convenience – we are but a call, text or click away!
The Caton Team believes, in order to be successful in the San Fransisco | Peninsula | Bay Area | Silicon Valley Real Estate Market we have to think and act differently. We do this by positioning our clients in the strongest light, representing them with the utmost integrity, while strategically maneuvering through negotiations and contracts. Together we make dreams come true.
A mother and daughter-in-law team with over 35 years of combined, local Real Estate experience and knowledge – wouldn’t you like The Caton Team to represent you? Let us know how we can be of service. Contact us any time.
Call| Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654 |EMAIL | WEB| BLOG
The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina A Family of Realtors Effective. Efficient. Responsive. What can we do for you?
Today’s housing market is different than it was just a few months ago. And if you’re thinking about selling your house, that may leave you wondering what you need to do differently as a result. The answer is simple. Taking the time upfront to prep your house appropriately and create a solid plan can help bring in the greatest return on your investment.
Here are a few simple tips to make sure you maximize the sale of your house this fall.
1. Price It Right
One of the first things buyers will notice is the price of your house. That’s because the price sends a message to home shoppers. Pricing your house too high to begin with could put you at a disadvantage by discouraging buyers from making an offer. On the flip side, pricing your house too low may make buyers worry there’s some underlying issue or something wrong with the home.
Your goal in pricing your house is to gain the attention of prospective buyers and get them to make an offer. And with price growth and buyer demand moderating, as well as a greater supply of homes available for sale, pricing your home appropriately for where the market is today has become more important than ever before.
But how do you know that perfect number? Pricing your house isn’t a guessing game. It takes skill and expertise. Work with a trusted real estate advisor to determine the current market value for your home.
2. Keep It Clean
It may sound simple but keeping your house clean is another key to making sure it gets the attention it deserves. As realtor.com says in the Home Selling Checklist:
“When selling your home, it’s important to keep everything tidy for buyers, and you never know when a buyer is going to want to schedule a last-minute tour.”
Before each buyer visits, assess your space and determine what needs your attention. Wash the dishes, make the beds, and put away any clutter. Doing these simple things can reduce potential distractions for buyers.
For more tips, check out this checklist for preparing your house for sale. Ultimately an agent is your best resource for tailored advice, but this list can help get you started.
3. Help Buyers Feel at Home
Finally, it’s important for buyers to see all the possible ways they can make your house their next home. An easy first step to create this blank canvas is removing personal items, like pictures, awards, and sentimental belongings. It’s also a good idea to remove any excess furniture to help the rooms feel bigger and make sure there’s ample space for touring buyers to stand and look at the layout.
If you’re unsure what should be packed away and what can stay, consult your trusted real estate advisor. Spending the time on this step can pay off in the long run. As a recent article from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains:
“Staging is the art of preparing a home to appeal to the greatest number of potential buyers in your market. The right arrangements can move you into a higher price-point and help buyers fall in love the moment they walk through the door.”
Bottom Line
Selling a house requires prep work and expertise. If you’re looking to sell your house this season, lean on a trusted real estate professional for advice on how to get it ready to list, how to help it stand out in today’s shifting market, and more.
The Caton Team knows how to sell Real Estate – reach out for a personal consultation or read our blog HERE
Got Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.
Call| Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 |EMAIL | WEB| BLOG
We love what we do and would love to help you navigate your sale or purchase of Residential Real Estate. Please reach out for a personal consultation. Please enjoy our free resources below and get to know our team from our TESTIMONIALS.
Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.
We strive to be more than just Realtors – we are also your home resource. If you have any real estate questions, concerns, need a referral, or some guidance – we are here for you. Contact us at your convenience – we are but a call, text or click away!
The Caton Team believes, in order to be successful in the San Fransisco | Peninsula | Bay Area | Silicon Valley Real Estate Market we have to think and act differently. We do this by positioning our clients in the strongest light, representing them with the utmost integrity, while strategically maneuvering through negotiations and contracts. Together we make dreams come true.
A mother and daughter-in-law team with over 35 years of combined, local Real Estate experience and knowledge – wouldn’t you like The Caton Team to represent you? Let us know how we can be of service. Contact us any time.
Call| Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654 |EMAIL | WEB| BLOG
The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina A Family of Realtors Effective. Efficient. Responsive. What can we do for you?
Today’s market is at a turning point, making it more essential than ever to work with a real estate professional. Not only will a trusted real estate advisor keep you updated and help you make the best decisions based on current market trends, but they’re also experts in managing the many aspects of selling your house.
Here are five key reasons why working with a real estate professional makes sense today.
1. A Professional Follows the Latest Market Trends
With higher mortgage rates and moderating buyer demand, conditions are changing and staying on top of the latest market information is crucial when you sell.
Working with an expert real estate advisor helps ensure you can stay updated on what’s happening. They know your local area and follow national trends too. More importantly, they’ll know what this data means for you, and as the market shifts, they’ll be able to help you navigate it and make your best decision.
2. A Professional Helps Maximize Your Pool of Buyers
Your agent’s role in bringing in buyers is important. Real estate professionals have a large variety of tools at their disposal, such as social media followers, agency resources, and the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) to ensure your house is viewed by the most buyers. Investopediaexplains why it’s risky to sell on your own without the network an agent provides:
“You don’t have relationships with clients, other agents, or a real estate agency to bring the largest pool of potential buyers to your home. A smaller pool of potential buyers means less demand for your property, which can translate into waiting longer to sell your home and possibly not getting as much money as your house is worth.”
3. A Professional Understands the Fine Print
Today, more disclosures and regulations are mandatory when selling a house. That means the number of legal documents you’ll need to juggle is growing. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains it best, saying:
“Selling a home typically requires a variety of forms, reports, disclosures, and other legal and financial documents. . . . Also, there’s a lot of jargon involved in a real estate transaction; you want to work with a professional who can speak the language.”
A real estate professional knows exactly what needs to happen, what all the fine print means, and how to work through it efficiently. They’ll help you review the documents and avoid any costly missteps that could occur if you try to handle them on your own.
4. A Professional Is a Trained Negotiator
If you sell without a professional, you’ll also be solely responsible for all the negotiations. That means you’ll have to coordinate with:
The buyer, who wants the best deal possibleThe buyer’s agent, who will use their expertise to advocate for the buyerThe inspection company, which works for the buyer and will almost always find concerns with the houseThe appraiser, who assesses the property’s value to protect the lender
In today’s changing market, buyers are regaining some negotiation power as bidding wars ease. Instead of going toe-to-toe with all the above parties alone, lean on an expert. They’ll know what levers to pull, how to address everyone’s concerns, and when you may want to get a second opinion.
5. A Professional Knows How To Set the Right Price for Your House
If you sell your house on your own, you may be more likely to overshoot your asking price. That could mean your house will sit on the market because you priced it too high for where the market is now. Today, pricing a house requires even more expertise to ensure you get it right. NAR explains it like this:
“A great real estate agent will look at your home with an unbiased eye, providing you with the information you need to enhance marketability and maximize price.”
Real estate professionals know the ins and outs of how to price your house accurately and competitively. To do so, they compare your house to recently sold homes in your area and factor in the current condition of your home. These steps are key to making sure it’s set to move quickly while still getting you the highest possible final sale price.
Bottom Line
Whether it’s following local and national trends and guiding you through a shifting market or pricing your house right, a real estate agent has essential insights you’ll want to rely on throughout the transaction. Don’t go at it alone. If you plan to sell your house, let’s connect.
Call| Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 |EMAIL | WEB| BLOG
We love what we do and would love to help you navigate your sale or purchase of Residential Real Estate. Please reach out for a personal consultation. Please enjoy our free resources below and get to know our team from our TESTIMONIALS.
Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.
We strive to be more than just Realtors – we are also your home resource. If you have any real estate questions, concerns, need a referral, or some guidance – we are here for you. Contact us at your convenience – we are but a call, text or click away!
The Caton Team believes, in order to be successful in the San Fransisco | Peninsula | Bay Area | Silicon Valley Real Estate Market we have to think and act differently. We do this by positioning our clients in the strongest light, representing them with the utmost integrity, while strategically maneuvering through negotiations and contracts. Together we make dreams come true.
A mother and daughter-in-law team with over 35 years of combined, local Real Estate experience and knowledge – wouldn’t you like The Caton Team to represent you? Let us know how we can be of service. Contact us any time.
Call| Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654 |EMAIL | WEB| BLOG
The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina A Family of Realtors Effective. Efficient. Responsive. What can we do for you?
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