I’m thinking about selling, what’s the first step?
I want to know the value of my property. What do I do?
How much commission do you charge?
Who pays the agent?
What do you do that other agents don’t?
How do agents show my property?
How’s the market?
How can I prepare and stage my home for maximum profit?
What are the tax laws on capital gains?
What questions should I ask when interviewing agents?

I’m thinking about selling, what’s the first step?

Step 1. I prepare a comparative market analysis to give you information on how much homes sell for in your area. Based upon square footage, improvements and condition, a list and sales price can be estimated. Also, the average days on market and marketing strategies can be explained. Call me at 925-692-2002 or complete the market analysis form to get started right away.

Step 2. Get pre-qualified by a lender. This helps determine what price range you can afford if you are planning to purchase. To get started on the pre-approval process call me and I'll give you the name of a few loan officers I personally use.

Step 3. Hire an agent. Select an experienced, successful and trustworthy Realtor® to represent you. Experienced agents know how to guide you through the unique challenges of selling. A top-producing agent indicates good systems are at work.

I want to know the value of my property. What do I do?

There are two ways. Complete an online request form. I’ll search for comparable properties that have sold in your area in the Multiple Listing Service, prepare a market analysis and email this information back to you. The analysis will be an approximation. For a more detailed report, call or email me to schedule an appointment to tour your property. I can then give a more accurate list and sales price analysis based upon comparable sales, condition and square footage of your home. Next, we calculate your estimated net proceeds after typical expenses at close.

How much commission do you charge?

My reduced commission is one of the many way I stay ahead of the competition! I charge 5%, NOT 6%. We meet to discuss which option is best for you. What’s the catch? Nothing! I simply don’t have the overhead of a large, overstaffed, under-producing company. I’m not greedy and can still make a good living. Being a great VALUE is part of my fundamental business philosophy, as is exceptional service and innovative marketing. I provide you with a best alternative. I know of no other full-service real estate agency who provides this level of service and value.

Who pays the agent?

In California, sellers typically pay the commission to the buyer’s and seller’s agent. Are commissions fixed? No! California law indicates Brokers can charge whatever they want for commissions and this figure is negotiable. I charge a total of either 5% (2.5% to Turnbloom & 2.5% to the Buyers Agent) OR 5.5% (with 2.5% to Turnbloom and a full 3% to the Buyers Agent). It’s your choice! If I personally double end the transaction (represent both buyer and seller), I charge only 4% total!

My reduced commission is one of the many ways I stay ahead of the competition! I charge 5%, NOT 6%. We meet to discuss which option is best for you. What’s the catch? Nothing! I simply don’t have the overhead of a large, overstaffed, under-producing company. I’m not greedy and can still make a good living. Being a great VALUE is part of my fundamental business philosophy, as is exceptional service and innovative marketing. I provide you with a best alternative. I know of no other full-service real estate agency who provides this level of service and value.

What do you do that other agents don’t?

Great question! Companies that serve consumer needs faster, better and at a good value, will prevail in this competitive market and times of new technology. I’ve built my company on this very philosophy. People appreciate great service and they know when you care. A move that is smooth, easy and efficient is always the goal my clients and I strive for.

Outstanding marketing helps sell for more money, in less time and with less hassle. Using an inhouse, state-of-the-art color digital copier and camera, my team and I are able to produce, print and distribute custom brochures and postcards with information about your home. The internet gives information about your property to buyers quickly and with high impact 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! We place your property on Realtor.com, the largest home search website and on my company website with your own custom domain name and webpage including a virtual picture tour! Timing is important for a successful marketing campaign. Because of our technology, we are able to distribute brochures, postcards, enter your information on the internet and even place a sign and lockbox on your property in just a few of hours!

Turnbloom.com is a powerful information center for buyers and sellers. Using IDX technology, clients can search for homes on the agent’s Multiple Listing System. Smart programs enable us to capture “hits” to your property profile, and immediately contact buyers who have questions about your home. This site enables millions of buyers to browse your property and locate information about the community and schools!

A multi-disciplinary approach to selling ensures my team and I provide you the highest level of expertise. Custom client management software keeps information moving efficiently between our listing, marketing and escrow departments.

Even with all this technology, we are still best known for our outstanding customer service. Reports and updates are provided to you on a consistent basis. Friendly staff are available to answer your questions and assist you. Phone calls and emails are responded to in a timely manner. Technology is used to compliment our staff, not replace them!

How do agents show my property?

Agents use a lock box security key. This keypad fits into a lock box attached to your door, rail or water pipe. Each time an agent enters, information about the agent is recorded. A lock box allows easy access for maximum showings. The more showings, the quicker the sale, the higher the price.

Agents call you directly to schedule an appointment. Have an answering machine so they can leave messages. When you know someone is coming, be ready to leave. This way, buyers feel free to ask questions and discuss your home openly with their agent without offending you. If you can’t leave, stay out of the way and do not offer information unless asked. Agents know what their buyers are looking for and will counsel them accordingly.

Be flexible for showing appointments. The more difficult you make it for agents to schedule, the less likely they are to show your property. Often buyers can’t see your home until after work in the evenings, so try to be patient and accommodating.

How’s the market?

Today is a strong buyer's market, with incredible values. It's an excellent opportunity for move-up, first time buyers and investors. Affordablility is way up and interest rates are still attractive.

Not only is real estate an excellent long-term investment with tax benefits, but as a place to live, but as a place to live it adds great value to our families.

How can I prepare and stage my home for maximum profit?

Invest in a little sweat equity for greater financial returns. Click here for a few pointers. Staging your home will help buyers better visualize living in your home. Click here for designer techniques.

What are the tax laws on capital gains?

Tax Free Capital Gains
In sales of principal residences, gains up to $500,000 for married couples ($250,000 for singles or couples filing separately) are tax-free. This generous break can be “recycled” every two years. You must have owned the home and used it as your primary residence for at least two of the five years preceding the sale (talk to your accountant for the new rules on homes acquired through 1031 Tax Deferred Exchanges).

Buy a Fixer and Sell it for Profit
Now is the time to do it! You can purchase, live in the house for two years, while doing repairs, and then pay no federal taxes on profits up to $500,000 for married couples ($250,000 for singles). Like the profit? Buy another house and do it again!

Exclude Gains Under The New Rule
Are you sitting on a hefty gain that could be excluded under the new rules? Think seriously about selling. Replace the house with a less expensive one and invest the leftover cash. Don’t waste time. This rule is so favorable, it’s almost too good to be true!

Hint: On expensive properties, another option is to sell now and pay gains on the profit above $500,000 ($250,000 for singles). Then, repurchase and watch your tax-free equity grow (the repurchase adjusts your basis back down) because you fall under the ceiling again. Click here for more information. Always consult your accountant or tax attorney prior to selling.

What questions should I ask when interviewing agents?

• What is your sales volume? You may be surprised to know that most agents sell fewer than 10 homes per year. This volume makes it difficult for them to afford high impact marketing. Most don’t earn enough to professionally and effectively market your home, hire an assistant and offer you leading edge technology.
• What are your average days on the market before sale? Quicker is better!
• What percentage of list price do your listings sell for? A higher percentage usually means better marketing and a more experienced negotiator.
• How many buyers are you currently working with? Obviously, the more buyers your agent works with, the better the chance your home will sell quickly.
• Do you have an assistant? Who will help you when your agent is out of the office at an appointment, or if an emergency arises?
• What technological advantages do you offer? Tell me about your computer technology, digital advantages and internet marketing strategies.
• What higher professional designations do you hold? Are you an agent, or have you earned credentials such as Brokers License, CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) and GRI (Graduate of the Real Estate Institute). Further education suggests dedication toward professionalism and willingness to improve and raise professional standards.
• Ask for a reference list of past sales and review testimonials to contact. Although a track record doesn’t guarantee future performance, I can’t think of a more meaningful measure of a qualified professional. Actions speak louder than words.