Free Property Appraisals in Orange County by Sally Martin, Realtor, Prudential.

What if I need to sell my home before I buy a new one? To put yourself in the best negotiating position, enlist the services of a professional REALTORŽ such as Sally Martin, to help you put your current home on the market. You will need to decide on a selling price, marketing strategy, and the right timing. Once you find a new home and write an offer, your offer will be "contingent" on the sale of your home. A buyer in this position will not have the same negotiating power as one whose home has already sold. In an "overheated" market this is important to keep in mind. Some sellers may be hesitant to accept your offer, because by accepting your offer it takes their house off the market and if you don't sell your home they have lost the "selling window" and money.

Once I have found a home, how does my offer get presented to the seller? Sally Martin, REALTORŽ would contact the listing agent of the home to explain and negotiate your offer. They in turn would make an appointment with the seller to present your offer.

What happens if I offer less money than the asking price? If you offer less money the seller has three options; to accept the lower offer, counter your offer or reject it completely. Always keep in mind that there could be another buyer out there who is also interested in the home you have chosen. They could write an offer at the same time and the seller will have two offers to compare. Right now properties that are fairly priced are getting "multiple offers" and homes often sell for their listed price or more. Sally Martin, REALTORŽ can help you plan your strategy based on the current real estate market. Ultimately the seller will want to accept the best price and terms. (Terms could be the close of escrow, a rent back agreement, or acceptance of the house "as is" etc).

Does it cost me money to make an offer? When writing an offer on a house or investment property a deposit of 3% of the purchase price is expected. It indicates that you are seriously interested in buying the home. It is written to the Escrow Company and becomes a credit to the buyer applied to the purchase price. There will be other fees, including: appraisal, credit report, inspection, recording fee and taxes, which will be debited at closing by the Escrow Company.

Do you have more questions? Send your questions to Sally via e-mail or call her on 949-632-6363. Your questions will be answered in a timely and helpful manner.

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