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Qualities of a Top Real Estate Agent | What to Look for in the Bay Area

Finding an agent you trust and who you enjoy working with can take a little work. If you’ve bought or sold real estate in the past, you will know that not all agents are created equally. It’s important that you work with an agent you trust, who will work tirelessly to help with your real estate needs. In our latest post, we will outline some of the best qualities of a top agent!   Your agent should fill many roles, ally, confidant, counselor, and advocate just to name a few. There are several personality traits top agents will have in common and other sharp business-savvy skills they should possess. Below, we list some of our favorite traits of a Top Real Estate Agent in the Bay Area!   Qualities of a Top Real Estate Agent | What to Look for in the Bay Area Honest This is a no-brainer, but you will need to know your agent is being honest with you at all times. This means sometimes telling you things you might want to hear. They should be upfront with you about what they are doing to sell your home and what to expect throughout the entire process. Problem Solver Your agent should be someone who is quick on their feet. Someone who can handle a last-minute snafu with tact and grace. They will do whatever it takes to get the job done, tacking any problem head-on before it escalates into something bigger. Engaging Your agent should know how to draw people in. How to make them want to know more about a property. They should have excellent conversational skills and not make you feel as if there is an alternate motive. Thier personality should shine through, and not appear robotic or to always say the right thing. People want to feel comfortable, and working with someone who makes them feel at ease is a terrific start. Attention to Detail You are paying your agent for a reason. They should have all bases covered. They should tend to things you may not have even thought of. Moving your car out of the driveway for photos, taking down your kid’s diploma during a showing, hiding the trash cans when people view the home… these are all small things, but they have big subconscious effects on your potential buyers. Motivated A great agent will love what they do. Some people love real estate and they genuinely love the process of helping people buy and sell homes. They are motivated beyond money, and instead simply LOVE being good at what they do. Knowledgeable Never stop learning is our motto and we believe the same to be true for top agents. They should be abreast of everything going on the real estate world, especially in your local market.   Look for an agent who is certified in many areas or who is often found at seminars and events. An agent in your corner who really knows their stuff is one of the best assets you have in successfully selling your home. Proactive They should always be one step ahead of you. They should also gently push you if things need to get done. They know what it takes to sell, and they should work with you to make those things happen.   Some agents will put in little effort and hope for a buyer to come along. This isn’t the strategy of a top agent! Be Well Connected You know the people that seem to know everyone in town? This should be your real estate agent. The more people they know, the more likely they are to be able to spread the word about your house.   They will also be able to offer great recommendations for cleaning, staging and repair work. They Listen We all know those people who talk over you. The ones who you have a conversation with, but you know they haven’t heard a word you said.   Each situation is different and a good agent will listen to your needs, goals, and expectations from the sale. It is your house and your voice should not go unheard.   However, you are hiring a professional for a reason, and you should always factor in their opinion when making a decision about your house. They Have References Not just selected references, ones they have handpicked. But rather ask them about their most recent 10 or so clients. What would they have to say about the experience? A top agent will have no problem providing references from their most recent clients!   Do you want to work with some of the BEST agents in the the Bay Area area? Look no further! Send us a message now letting us know about your goals! Or give our team a call anytime!

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The New Way To Sell Your Home in the Bay Area

Are you planning on selling your the Bay Area house? Before you commit to an agent or try to sell it on your own, learn about the new way to sell your home in the Bay Area!   For most people, the thought of selling their the Bay Area house will likely involve the MLS and the help of a local agent. Before you decide to sell this way, take a look at the numbers to make sure it makes sense for you. There are many ways for you to sell your home, and each of these will have a different impact on you both financially and mentally!   So What Is This “New Way?” Selling your house to a direct buyer instead of listing with an agent! You will not only save money on marketing, listing, repairs and closing costs, but you won’t have to wait to receive your money! Imagine being able to sell your the Bay Area house without the stress and hassle of a traditional listing! There Are MANY Benefits to A Direct Sale Here Are Just A Few No Commissions – Because you are selling to a direct buyer and not through an agent, you will be able to keep any money that would have otherwise gone to commissions. This usually runs about 6% of the final sale price.   No Marketing Costs – You will not have to pay a dime to advertise your house online or in print. There are no photography costs or fees of any sort to worry about.   No Staging Costs – Many time, people will use professional home stagers to help showcase their property. Even if you only do this in a few rooms, the fees can add up.   No Time or Money Spent Cleaning – A big part of listing your the Bay Area house is keeping it clean. People will come by for last minute showings, and your house needs to be kept tidy for these short-notice guests. When people view your home, they don’t want to see personal belongings or clutter. Keeping everything put away and leaving at the drop of a hat can be stressful to home sellers. When you sell to us, there is no cleaning required. Simply take the belongings you wish to keep and we will handle the rest!   No Repairs Required – When you sell directly to Skye Homes, you will never have to spend a dime making repairs or upgrades. Listing your the Bay Area house will often require you fix up the home both before and after the inspection has been completed. We will buy your house as-is, repairs and all.   No Landscaping – Just like maintaining the inside of a home, the outside needs to be maintained too. When you are trying to sell, this is even more important. You will want to keep the lawn mowed, weed pulled and clutter out of the yard. Curb appeal is extremely important when selling a home. You will either need to spend time doing this yourself or hire someone to do it for you.   End Maintenance Costs Immediately – If you own a property, it will inevitably cost you money in maintenance costs each month. From a faulty shelf to new A/C filters, the things you might see as small expenses can add up quickly. Ending these costs now instead of later can help you keep more cash in your pocket.   No More Monthly Costs – The cost of your monthly utilities, homeowners insurance, and property taxes can add up fast. When you list your home, you will have to continue paying these bills for an indefinite amount of time. Even if you are not living in the home, water and electricity will need to be kept on for people who view the home.   Get Paid Right Away – When you sell to a direct buyer such as Skye Homes, you will know exactly what you are getting and on what day. There are no lenders or red-tape. We are able to pay you in days, not weeks or months. By selling directly, you will not have to live in limbo. You will be able to move on with your life quickly and easily.   Peace of Mind – With a traditional sale you will have to question how much you will be offered and when. If you do get an offer you accept, it can still fall out at the last minute, especially if your buyer is using traditional bank financing. When you sell to us, we have the funds available to pay you right away! You don’t have to worry about waiting or the sale falling through!   The benefits of selling directly are numerous! For many people, it is the simple, stress-free way of selling they have been looking for! We encourage you to run the numbers to find out if it makes sense for you!   Before listing, learn more about the new way to sell your home in the Bay Area! We can help! Send us a message or give us a call today!

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Selling Your House Without An Agent in California

We live in a world where everyone does everything without expensive expert service providers. People trade stocks without a stockbroker. People create wills and trusts without attorneys. Many even remodel homes without contractors. As independent as everyone is, why wouldn’t you want to look at the benefits of selling your house without an agent in California? Saving Money Agents cost money. It’s that simple. In many cases, it’s a lot of money. A real estate transaction can cost six percent of the final property sales cost. If a property sale price is $500,000, this can cost sellers $30,000. This amount is split between both the buyer’s and seller’s agent.   This is a considerable amount that is taken from the final sale price. If a seller still has high mortgage balances that need to be paid off, eliminating commission costs is a huge advantage. Just increase net profits is attractive to sellers. Keep in mind, just because you don’t have an agent as a seller doesn’t mean you can preclude the buyer from having an agent.   Most sellers end up paying between two to three percent to the buyer’s agent in self-represented sales. However, if you are new to real estate sales, the buyer’s agent might try to negotiate a bigger commission because he will most likely be doing work on both ends of the transaction to make up for your lack of experience and understanding. Qualified Negotiator Even though you can’t force the buyer to not have an agent, it doesn’t become negotiating power to say you are more flexible in the price if there is no outside representation. Buyers might feel they are able to negotiate a better price without an agent because they know the amount of savings in the transaction.   Beyond negotiating the sale price, sellers might feel they are more qualified to sell and negotiate the transaction than an agent. Sellers well versed in real estate transactions might be comfortable walking through the process and negotiating items at different points in the escrow process. When a seller is comfortable dealing with a buyer or buyer’s agent, he can save at least three percent of the commissions by representing himself.   It is also possible that the transaction is very straightforward. Perhaps it is a new construction or being sold as is and the seller isn’t willing to negotiate on anything. Buyers can come in and make an offer without expectation for repairs or credits. Sellers set with their price and able to provide all disclosures and documents properly might not see a need for agent representation. Keeping Things Personal There are times when a transaction is among well-known parties. Well-known could be family members, close friends or even business partners. In cases like this where everyone is clear who the parties are and what to expect in the sale, there may not be a need to bring on an agent. Of course, there needs to be a lot of trust among all parties in this type of transaction scenario.   Even when parties to a sale know each other, legal sale requirements must be followed. Adhere to all the Bay Area codes for disclosures and timelines. The last thing you want as a seller representing himself is to find yourself in a legal battle down the road for a property you thought you no longer had any ties to. Follow the rules to avoid legal ramifications and penalties.   If you are unsure about whether or not you should sell your property in the Bay Area, don’t hesitate to send us a message. We can help you decide whether you should use an agent or sell your property directly! Call today!

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A Guide To Home Inspections for the Bay Area House Buyers

Ready to buy a the Bay Area house? Finding the right place will require a lot of research and homework! In our latest post, we offer a guide to home inspections for home buyers in the Bay Area and the surrounding areas!   When getting ready to buy a house in the Bay Area, there are a few things to know first! You should have a good understanding of the home inspection process to understand what is involved and how to protect yourself. Instead of looking at random houses on the MLS, one strategy is to consider buying from a professional. When you buy from a professional team of investors such as Skye Homes, you can be assured the house will be move-in ready. We also sell fixer-upper properties for you to renovate as you see fit! Call us now to find out what we have available!   On the other hand, if you work with an agent or if you are looking at properties on your own, you will want to understand everything involved with the inspection. We break it down for you below.   Finding An Inspector When buying a house in the Bay Area off the MLS, you will always want to hire your own inspector. Take some time to interview a few, and ask to speak to others that have used their services. Don’t use an inspector recommended by the seller or their agent. While most people are ethical, there are a few out there that might tell you nothing is wrong, when in fact, there is a severe problem. What Do They Look For? There are 10 common things property inspectors will look at. These include: The structure of the house, making sure things are square and not sinking into the ground. The grounds the property is on, making sure sheds, railing and even the plants used in the landscaping are up to snuff. The roof of the house. A critical element of the house, the inspector will get up on the roof and walk around. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to detect leaks until a rainstorm comes through. The exterior of the house. They will look for damage, chipping paint, mold, decay and more. The windows and doors. They will make sure they are set right, and not letting any drafts into the house. The interior rooms of the house. The will look at the walls, framing, and places where water may have come in. The kitchen. The will check for GFI outlets, cabinetry and lighting problems. The bathrooms. The will make sure all fixtures work with any damage. Toilets and sinks should all work well with no slow draining. The plumbing. Hand in hand with the kitchen and bathroom inspections, they will look at the plumbing system throughout the house. They will check the water pressure and the water heater amongst other things. The electrical systems, including heating and A/C. The will make sure everything works as it should, checking that there are enough outlets and that the panel is capable of providing the amount of electricity to the home. Will You Need Speciality Inspections? There are many things a standard inspector just can’t detect. In these cases, you will need to hire and bring in a specialist which can get a little pricey. If there is a septic tank, swimming pool or a popcorn ceiling (asbestos) you might want to consider hiring a specialist! Prepare for Negotiations If there are many problems found in the home, you shouldn’t buy until the problems are resolved or they have provided a credit for you to fix it. Your lender will likely require some things be fixed ahead of time, things that typically lead to bigger problems. You can’t expect the seller to fix everything, but they should absolutely tend to the bigger things that pop up during the inspection. How Working With An Investor Can Help Working with an investor or direct seller can save you time and money. You know what you are getting as well as the true history of the house. The renovations have been done and the house is typically move-in ready. You will have all the records and not have to worry about the unknown.     Are you ready to buy a property in the Bay Area? We can help! Send us a message or give us a call today!

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How to Determine If A Direct Sale of Your the Bay Area House is Right For You!

What you may not know, is that there are multiple ways to sell a the Bay Area house. While many people immediately seek the help of an agent, there are other, more cost-effective ways to sell your house. For example, you could choose to carry the note yourself or sell the property directly, without the help of an agent, which is what we will cover in our latest post! As we said above, there are many ways to sell. For some properties, a listing makes the most sense, whereas, for other, a direct sale is the smarter choice. Which will it be for you! Don’t sign any agreements or agree to a sale until you learn about what a direct sale can mean for your situation!   The Commission Factor When you choose a direct sale to a company such as Skye Homes, you won’t have to worry about paying out 6% of the sale price in commissions. This is thousands of dollars you will immediately save by choosing a direct sale. In addition, there aren’t any agent fees, marketing costs, listing fees or photographers to pay. When you work with a direct buyer, the property is typically sold as-is, so you can keep the money for advertising in your pocket. No Clean-Up Or Repairs Listing your the Bay Area house will require you to make repairs to the home to get it ready for the MLS. Even small damages can severely lower your potential buyer’s perceived value of the home. Making repairs and touch-ups to the house can add up quickly as far as finances are concerned. You will also have to factor in the cost to clean up, keep it clean, store personal items and clutter as well as purchase items if you need to do some staging. While these costs can be worth it in the long run, they should be well considered before listing your home. Your Terms When you work with a company like us to sell your house directly, the closing date will be up to you. We are able to purchase properties almost immediately, so you won’t have to spend time waiting around for a buyer to come along. On the flip side, we will not rush you into a closing. We know that selling and moving can be a stressful time, hence why we aim to keep the process as simple as possible. If you should choose to accept an offer from Skye Homes, you will then decide on the date that best works for you. You won’t have to worry about the sale falling through as with a traditional sale using bank financing. A direct buyer will have the funds available to pay you immediately! A Fast Sale Will Save You Money Point blank, the longer you own the house, the more it is costing you. Investors know this, that is why the goal is always to flip a house quickly! By selling your property to a direct buyer right away, you are potentially saving yourself months of wasted time and money. You are likely paying more for your house than you even realize. There are monthly utilities to consider, homeowners insurance, property taxes that you are responsible for up until the day of closing as well as routine maintenance costs. If you are paying for things such as pool service, pest control or landscaping, those costs will immediately be over and done with. A Direct Sale Offers Guarantees, While A Listing Does Not There is a lot of uncertainty when it comes to buying and selling properties. Deals fall through every day. Banks often take longer than expected to fund a loan. When you list, you are in essence living in limbo until the closing papers have been signed. An agent can list your house for any price you want, even if it has been inflated in order to get you to sign a listing agreement. There is NO guarantee that you will get the price you ask for when you list your the Bay Area house! With a direct sale, you will know both the exact date and amount you will walk away with. This will allow you to plan ahead without having to deal with the unknown!     Have you considered a direct sale of your the Bay Area house? Maybe you should! Send us a message or give our team a call today!

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How To Sell Your House in the Bay Area Without ANY Hassle!

For many people, the thought of selling their home can seem like a lot of work accompanied by a long list of expenses. It might seem even more overwhelming if the property is in disarray or needs repair. However, it doesn’t have to be that way! In our latest post, we will explore the ways you can sell your house in the Bay Area without any hassle whatsoever!  When selling a house in the Bay Area, most people immediately think about hiring an agent and listing the property on the MLS. This is a great solution for many people, however, you should know there are other options available to you. There are many ways to sell a the Bay Area house! Consider your options to discover which selling method is right for you and your situation!   Sell Directly to A Professional Home Buyer You can sell your house without using an agent, ultimately saving a ton of time and money depending on the situation. There are companies such as Skye Homes that will buy your the Bay Area house using a straight-forward and simple process. With a direct sale, you won’t have to worry about commission, repairs, cleaning-up or waiting for a buyer to come along. You will immediately know the amount you are receiving as well as the closing date so you aren’t left in limbo, wondering when your house will sell. Direct sales are becoming increasingly popular, however, not all buyers are the same. Make sure you do your homework on both the local market and the buyer you are working with. A direct sale may not offer full price, but for some people, the amount saved on repairs and wasted time more than makes up for the difference in price. List Your Home With An Experienced Agent Of course, listing your the Bay Area house is an option. Take the time to learn about everything that is involved and what will be expected of you. No two agents work exactly the same and there are no guarantees. Your property can be listed for any price, but there is no guarantee you will receive it. Watch out for agents who try to “wow” you with a high listing price. If it’s priced too high, it will likely sit on the market, possibly for months at a time. You will inevitably have to lower the price, while your property drops down the list of homes available on the MLS. If you decide to list, make sure your agent prices your home to sell. Not just setting a high price to convince you to sign a listing agreement. Offer Seller Financing This can work for some people who don’t need the cash from the home immediately. You can elect to carry the note setting up a “rent-to-own” structure. Your tenant will “rent” the property at a higher than average price, with some of the money going toward a down payment on the home. They will then have the option to buy the property outright at the end of a certain period of time, typically around 2 years. Consider Your Other Options If selling simply isn’t in the cards and you need to move, there are other options. You can rent the house out as either a short or long-term rental. The trouble with this can be finding great tenants and retaining them for as long as possible. Renters can be quite nomadic, and tenant turnover can cost you dearly. If you haven’t done this in the past, consider hiring a property manager to help you keep everything in order.   Do you want to sell your house in the Bay Area? Find out what we can do for you! Send us a message or give us a call today!

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Is Hiring An Agent in the Bay Area REALLY Worth It?

For many people, when they think about selling their houses, the first thing they will do is look around for a local agent. Agents can be a wonderful asset when selling your house, however, it is not the only strategy you should consider. By doing a little homework, you can successfully sell your house on your own, saving you time and money overall. In our latest blog post, we will discuss some of the most common costs of a traditional listing, so you can determine if hiring an agent is the best choice for you!   The Pre-Listing Costs Before you consider putting your home on the market, take a look at other homes on the MLS. Check out what people are asking for comparable properties and more importantly, look at what comparable properties are actually selling for. How does your house stack up? Will people opt for your house over the one next door? You will need to look t it from a buyers point of view. They will want to get the most for their money. This means you will likely have to make some repairs, touch-ups and even upgrades to the home in order to be competitive. Houses that sit on the market lose interest among buyers over time. If the property doesn’t sell, people will likely believe there is something wrong with it. You need to come out of the gate with a house that wows potential buyers and proves to be an excellent value for the money. Agent Costs Agents don’t work for free. Many agents work incredibly hard and deserve every penny you pay them. That said, be wary of those who don’t. While every agreement is different, when you commit to listing with an agent, you also commit to paying their commission which typically runs about 6% of the final sale price. You will own the agent this amount, even if you sell the property on your own to someone you know. In addition, some agents will charge you for administrative costs, listing fees, marketing, listing sites, photography, and more. Make sure you know exactly what’s included in your listing agreement as no two agents are the same. At The Closing Table Once the closing date comes around, in addition to paying your agent, you will also have to come up with the closing costs. You can usually estimate this to be approximately 2% of the final sale price. The closing costs include things like appraisal fees, taxes, deed recording, title search, dee recording, credit checks and more. With a direct sale to Skye Homes, all of these costs are covered for you. Time Is Of The Essence When you list your house, you are in a sense, gambling. You aren’t offered any guarantees such as how much you will get or when the house will close by. This can make it difficult to plan ahead and move on with your life. In addition, you will have to continue paying the monthly costs for the home such as insurance, taxes and monthly utilities. An agent can list your house for any price they want, however, that doesn’t mean you will get it. With a direct sale to [comapny], you will be able to know the exact amount you will receive as well as the closing date before signing anything. We aim to make the process as clear and as simple as possible.   Do you want to sell a house in the Bay Area or the surrounding area? Before hiring a the Bay Area agent, give our office a call or send us a message! Find out how we can help you!

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How Much Does Holding A Property Cost in the Bay Area?

Are you holding on to a property in the Bay Area and you aren’t exactly sure why? Every day that you continue to own the property, you are spending money on it. Before you hold on to it for another day, consider the below points. It might be time to think about selling your the Bay Area home! How much does holding a property cost in the Bay Area? Keep reading to find out!   Ask any property flipper and they will tell you this: the faster you make the flip, the more money you will make. Plain and simple, owning real estate costs money. And if you are holding on to the property for sentimental reasons or because you “might” use it one day, you are only throwing your money away. The property you own should be working for you NOW. It can be your primary residence, providing a monthly income, or be used for recreational purposes. If your the Bay Area house isn’t doing one these things, it might be time you consider selling it!   Costs of Holding A Property In the Bay Area   Property Taxes Property taxes can be high With recent changes to the tax code, they are no longer deductible either. As long as you are listed as the owner of the home, you will be responsible for the taxes on it. By selling your house in a timely manner, you can immediately end your tax obligation for the home. Utilities Monthly utilities add up quickly. If you were to add up the amount you’ve spent on electricity, water, gas, tv, and internet you might be surprised at how high that number is. Even if you aren’t residing in the home while selling it, you will still need to keep the lights and the water on for the people who come to see your house. If your house is older and less energy efficient, you are likely to have utility bills significantly higher than what you would find in a new home. Maintenance & Repairs A good rule of thumb for maintenance costs is the one percent rule. This rule states that you should plan to spend about one percent of your purchase price on maintenance each year. For example, if your house was purchased for $250,000, you should plan to spend about $2,500 on home maintenance each year. Of course, these numbers can vary widely, but many investors use this formula to estimate costs. Homeowners Insurance The premium for a homeowners insurance policy will vary based on the house and its location. You can expect to pay over $1000 annually for an average the Bay Area home. Mortgage Payments It can be difficult to come up with a mortgage payment each and every month for a property you don’t want to own. The average mortgage payment nationwide is well over $1000 each month. Some people are struggling to pay thousands of dollars each month when in reality they would be much better off selling the property. Opportunity Costs What else could you be doing with the money you have tied up in the house? You could very well be missing out on a better home or investment opportunity. Look around at what else is out there and decide if you are truly happy with your current situation. If your property isn’t doing anything for you, it might be time to find something new!   As you can see, selling your home now as opposed to later can help you keep more money in your pocket. For every day you continue to own it, you will also continue having to be financially responsible for it. The bills and maintenance costs add up quickly. Run the numbers for yourself and make the decision that makes the most sense for you!   Are you holding onto a property you aren’t using? We can help! Send us a message or give us a call today!

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How Much Will Listing Your House Really Cost in the Bay Area?

If you plan on listing a the Bay Area house, there are costs to contend with before you list, during the listing process, once an offer has been made and when you find yourself at the closing table. In our latest post, we will take a look at some of these listing costs so you can determine if a direct sale of your property would be the better choice for your situation.    The price to sell a house in the Bay Area can fluctuate greatly. It all comes down to the house itself, the needed repairs, the location, etc. Each agent will work a bit differently. Some will charge you for things, while others are “all-inclusive.” Before you commit to an agreement, find out what listing your house in the Bay Area will really cost you!   Upfront Costs Before you even talk to an agent or get started on a listing, you will need to take care of the following things. Some you can do yourself, while others you might have to pay for. You might need all of these things, but they are all important to consider. Cleaning To create an environment that is appealing and welcoming, you will want to make sure the house is clean. You can do a good job yourself, but bringing in a professional to do a thorough cleaning of the house from top to bottom, can make the whole house look different. If you aren’t replacing the carpets or flooring, you will want to pay to have a professional clean those as well. Don’t neglect the outside. If you have a second story, it might pay off to hire a pro to come wash your windows! Storage While cleaning the home, it is a great time to pack away all of your unnecessary items. People don’t want to see personal possessions or clutter when touring your home, so you will want to make sure everything is packed away. You might need to consider an offsite storage space or pod to hold your items until you have moved into a new house. Repairs & Upgrades You will want to fix up anything visibly broken or worn. This includes fixing and painting walls, replacing cracked tiles and smoothing floorboards.You might also take this opportunity to make minor upgrades such as new fixtures or hardware. Sending money on these things can help improve the value of your home. You just need to be comfortable paying up front. Landscaping You can’t have a beautiful listing with an ugly yard. The front yard is the first thing people see. This should not only be cleaned up but also used to showcase your home. Many people will add plants, flowers, new doors or fencing to make their curb appeal pop. While The House Is Listed While the property is on the market, you will still find yourself paying to have it for sale. There are many expenses you will be paying during this time that you could avoid with a fast and direct sale upfront. Monthly Costs While the house sits on the market you will still need to pay the monthly utilities. Even if you have moved out of the house, you still need to keep the water and electricity on for people viewing the home. You will also have to continue paying the homeowner’s insurance and property taxes up until the day of closing. You will also need to continue taking care of the cleaning and routine maintenance of the home. With many properties sitting on the market then having to go through escrow, it could be months until the house has officially closed. During this time, you could be out thousands of dollars you could have otherwise kept in your pocket. Marketing Some agents will include great marketing, while others will not. To successfully list your house, you will want to ensure there are great listings and great photography of the home. Some people are even hiring drone photographers to capture their homes from above. After An Offer Has Been Made Once an offer has been made, and accepted, you will still be responsible for the insurance, utilities, and taxes up until the day of closing. Depending on the lender this could add several weeks to your timeframe. In turn, adding more money you are paying to own the home. Most offers are contingent on an inspection and appraisal process. You can avoid the below costs with a direct offer from a company who purchases as-is. Negotiated Repairs Once the inspection has been completed, you might have to negotiate repairs based on the severity. If there is a major problem with the house, the potential buyer will likely request it be fixed before going through with the sale. (The bank isn’t likely to fund a loan for a damaged property either.) If your buyer decides to rescind the offer, you will need to disclose the needed repair to all potential buyers going forward. At The Closing Table Commissions Once you are signing final sale paperwork, it is also time to sign over a check to your agent. This will typically run about 6% of the final sale price of the home. Closing Costs Many additional fees are lumped together as closing costs. These include document filing, title search fees, credit check costs, transfer taxes, property taxes and more. On average, this will run you another 2% of your final sale price.   Once you add up all the costs, you can see that listing may not be right for every property. Many people find greater benefits by choosing a direct sale! Run the numbers for yourself, and make the decision that works best for you!   Interested in selling without the traditional listing costs? We can help! Send us a message or give us a call today!

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6 Tips For Moving Long Distance That Will Make Your Life Easier – Skye Homes

Moving can be tough no matter how far you are going. But moving a long distance can add additional stresses and a sense that you are jumping into the unknown. To keep the process as easy and manageable as possible, we’ve put together some great tips for moving a long distance in California.   1) Pack like a pro: There are many clever tricks you can utilize to pack your possessions efficiently. If it makes sense in your situation, wrap up your clothes in dresser drawers. Don’t leave any loose space in boxes.   Pack items within each other. For example, put your silverware inside your Tupperware. Wrap linens and towels up in black trash bags, and use them to pad boxes.   It might not be glamorous, but it is a great way to be efficient, and efficiency is key when preparing for a big move.   2) Downsize:  There is no better time than now to purge your belongings for your fresh start. Even if the new house is similar in style, you are not going to want to bring it all with you. If it isn’t something you absolutely love, now is the time to sell it or give it away.   Often times people move with all their possessions, only to find months later they are still surrounded by boxes they have never unpacked. If it’s not something you love or need, you probably aren’t going to miss it very much.   Also, if furniture costs more to ship than it’s worth, you might want to consider leaving it behind. 3) Take heed when hiring movers: Always keep sentimental items and valuables, such as jewelry, with you if possible. For items of value, that you won’t be moving on your own, have the items insured in case they become lost or damaged.   Make sure to mark boxes with name and address as many big moving companies will move several families items on one big truck. 4) If possible, drive your car: See the county (or state) and make it an adventure. Shipping a car can be expensive and can have ambiguous dates of arrival. Many shipping companies wait until they have many cars to move, before getting your car loaded up and on the road. Being in a new city, without transportation will get very frustrating, very fast.   Being in a new city, without transportation will get very frustrating, very fast. 5) Be prepared to buy some new things: As with any move, there are always things you will inevitably need when moving into your new home. Think a new dish drainer, silverware organizer, paper towel holder and other similar items.   Plan ahead and stash a little cash away for these purchases. You don’t want to add any additional stress to the move by worrying about buying the little things you will need to make your house a home. 6) Be patient and give it a week or two: When you find yourself in a new town, it is more than just physically settling into your new house. You must settle in emotionally too. It will take a couple of weeks to really feel comfortable in your new town.   Get to know the area, and do some exploring. Be patient and you will feel right at home in no time.   Are you looking to relocate without any stress? Give Skye Homes a call now at or fill out this form, and we will be in touch right away!

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5 Hot Summer Home Selling Tips in the Bay Area

With summer coming up, sellers are wondering what’s the best way to sell their house in the summer and if there are tricks and tips they can use to sell this season. In this blog post, you’ll read 5 hot summer home selling tips in the Bay Area…   Summer will be here soon enough (or maybe by the time you’re reading this it’s already here!) Well, if you’re planning to sell your house this summer then you’ll want to know these 5 hot summer home selling tips in the Bay Area!   5 Hot Summer Home Selling Tips In the Bay Area Tip #1. Run The Air Conditioner And A Fan People buy houses that they feel comfortable in because they picture themselves owning and relaxing in that house. And during a hot summer day, there’s nothing that says “comfort” like a cool home.   Run the air conditioner and some fans. The air conditioner cools off the house and the fans help to circulate the cool air and avoid any warm spots or stale air from building up.   Tip #2. Power Wash The Outside Walls During the winter and spring, the exterior walls of your home can attract a lot of grime and dust, which dulls your home. Spend a bit of money and an afternoon power washing the outside walls of your home to really help make your home look clean and fresh – it will surely stand out from all the other houses on the street! Tip #3. Add Flowers Flowers are an inexpensive way to add a pop of color to your home. Buy flowers to plant around the outside of your home, and bring a beautiful bouquet of flowers into your home as well for a splash of color and interest.   Don’t be afraid to add lots of flowers to the garden bed and pathway!   Tip #4. Invest In A Lush Lawn As soon as possible, start seeding, fertilizing, and watering your lawn. Don’t be afraid to over-seed it in order to get even more grass growing as thick as possible! A beautiful, vibrant lawn can really stand out when it’s cared for, and that will help to add to the perceived value of the home.   Tip #5. Set The Stage People buy houses because they see themselves in the home. That means helping people see themselves in the home! For that reason, consider setting the stage so they can feel like they are already there enjoying it.   Bring the barbecue and patio furniture close together. Set the table. Have some fresh lemonade and glasses on the counter. Create a friendly, livable atmosphere!   Summary If you want to sell your home this summer, use these 5 hot summer home selling tips in the Bay Area to help you make your home even more attractive to buyers.   Alternatively, you can bypass these steps and just sell your house directly to us. To find out how much we can pay for your home, click here now and fill out form or call our office at

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How Long Does It Take To Sell My House With An Agent Vs An Investor?

Sometimes you need to sell your house fast. Sometimes it doesn’t matter. If you find yourself pressed for time and wondering “how long does it take to sell my house with an agent vs an investor?” then this blog post will guide you through the answer…   You want to sell your house, and perhaps you need to sell in a hurry. Chances are, you arrived at this blog post because you’re hoping to find the best solution for you that sells your house as quickly as YOU want.   Before we get to the answer, it’s important to understand the difference between what an agent does and what an investor does:   When you sell your house with an agent, you are asking the agent to represent you in a sale and to try and find a buyer on your behalf. In other words, you’re selling THROUGH an agent to a buyer.   When you sell your house with an investor, you are actually working directly with the one who will be buying the house. In other words, you’re selling TO an investor (they are the buyer).   Now that you understand the difference, here’s how long it can take…   How Long Does It Take To Sell My House With An Agent Vs An Investor? The Agent… An agent needs to show your house to prospective buyers and try to convince them to buy. Therefore, they’ll want your house to be in pristine condition, and then they need to find as many prospective buyers as they can to show your house to.   Therefore, it can take weeks or months for you to fix up your house before an agent feels that it’s ready to list. And once the agent lists it, it can take months for the agent to find buyers to show your house to, and for one of those buyers to make an offer (on average, it can take 3-6 months… sometimes as long as 12 months for this to happen). And what people don’t realize is: if the buyer can’t get financing or gets cold feet in the deal then they can back out and you go through the process again.   Therefore, it can take months to sell your house through an agent – it all depends on how quickly you can get your house in “showroom condition” and how quickly they can find a buyer and whether the buyer goes through with the purchase.   How Long Does It Take To Sell My House With An Agent Vs An Investor? The Investor… This part surprises most people: an investor can buy your house very fast – some investors can even buy in as little as 7-10 days if that’s what you want. That’s because the investor is the buyer (so no showings are necessary) and many investors (including us here at Skye Homes) buy houses in any condition so you don’t have to fix up the property either. So, should you sell through an agent or sell to an investor? That’s up to you. An investor is faster so if speed is important to you then you may want to think about selling to an investor.   Want more information about selling? Great! We’re here to help. Whether you need to sell fast or just want to understand the process a bit more, get in touch by calling or by clicking here and entering your information and we’ll gladly spend the time talking to you about the house-selling process for your situation.

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How to Move if Your House Hasn’t Sold Yet in California

So you’ve found your dream home. There’s just one problem: You haven’t been able to sell your house yet. So what do you do? In this article, we hope to help you figure out how to move if your house hasn’t sold yet in California. Moving can be tough when you are trying to buy and sell a home all at once. The FHA, Fanny Mae, and Freddie Mac all have rules about getting a second mortgage while you still own your home. If you want to secure an additional mortgage, you will have to clear a few hurdles.   How to Move if Your House Hasn’t Sold Yet in California First off, to qualify for a second mortgage through the FHA, you must meet certain qualifications. You need to have a good reason for needing to move right away, and not after your current house has sold. For example, moving because your family needs a larger space, you are separating from your spouse or for work purposes.   Also, you cannot owe more than 75% of the value of the first home. There are additional restrictions as well, do your homework before assuming you will qualify for an additional loan through the FHA.   Asking family can be another route, so long as you put everything in writing. Agree to pay them back in full upon the sale of your first house. Whenever you borrow money from family, you want clear terms to be set and adhered to.   If you think a family relationship could be damaged because of money, you might want to look for a different way to secure the financing you need. A bridge loan or as it’s sometimes called, a “wrap” loan can help “bridge the gap while you attempt to cover two house payments. These types of loans will take both mortgage payments, and combine them into one interest-only payment. These are typically short-term loans, lasting 6 months to one year.   Lenders have different requirements, but you must typically have great credit and be financing less than 80% of the value of both houses. While it may not be your first choice, you can talk to your boss or plan administrator about borrowing from your 401k. Make sure you understand how the tax penalties will work, and pay yourself back after the sale of the original home. This may not be an option for everyone, but definitely, something to look into. Try to offer the seller of the second home, the option to rent it back from you for a few months. Depending on their situation, they might love the idea of being able to stay in their home while they shop for a new one. If you are attempting to carry two mortgages, this is a great way to alleviate the cost. Add in a contingency in your offer allowing you to close on the new home, only after your home has sold. If your home is new to the market and priced well, it should sell right away. Present this to the owners of the second home, along with your offer. Ensure them that the closing won’t be delayed and that you agree to close in a certain amount of time   Whether you are looking to buy or sell, we can help you with all of your Real Estate needs! Fill out this short form, or give our office a call today!

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4 Home Improvements To Make Before Selling This Summer

95132, 95127, 95035, 95123, 95111, 95121, 95122, 95116, 95133, 95112, 95131, 95110, 95125, 95118, 95134, 94565, 94509, 94520, 94518, 94523, 94596, 94070, 94531, 94303, 95124, 94545, 94561   Are you thinking about selling your house this summer? If so, make sure you read this blog post all the way through to discover 4 home improvements to make before selling this summer so you can increase the likelihood that you can sell…   When is the best time to sell? Some would argue that the spring is the best time and the summer is a bit more challenging, with families going away on vacation.   But just because the summer isn’t always the best time to sell doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Even small upgrades can increase the value of your home. Here are 4 home improvements to make before selling this summer to increase the likelihood that you’ll sell faster and closer to the price you want to sell for. Home Improvement #1. Clean Your Exterior When potential buyers are looking for a home, they want one that will be easy and carefree to look after, and one that they can move into with the confidence that the previous homeowner took care of the home too.   One way to indicate that is by giving plenty of extra attention to the exterior of your home by cleaning it up.   Power wash the walls, weed the path, wash the windows, replace the missing downspout. These might seem like small actions but they can have a bit effect.   Home Improvement #2. Landscaping   Next, think about landscaping. You don’t have to be extravagant but put in some time to make your home’s exterior and yard look really good.   Turn the soil in the garden and plant flowers, put mulch around each tree, apply a weed killer and fertilizer to encourage grass growth. Maybe plant a bush or two. Again, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a big impact.   Home Improvement #3. Paint The Exterior If you’ve owned your home for a while, the paint trim on the doors and windows can fade or chip. A new paint job, which can be quickly applied on a weekend, will have a tremendous upgrading effect to encourage buyers to take a second look at your home. Home Improvement #4. Add A Deck   This last home improvement might seem like a lot but you can add a smaller deck fairly affordably to your backyard, and it will just make your backyard seem so much more inviting and ready for family barbecues. Some homeowners might balk at the expense but if it’s the difference between selling now versus selling later, it just might be worth it!   Summary The summer is a pretty good time to sell a house but you can still help to speed up the process a bit by making these 4 home improvements to make before selling this summer. You’ll be glad you did!   If you’d like to sell faster and spend less time and effort and money on these improvements, why not sell directly to a home buyer like us? We’ll give you a fair all-cash offer to buy right away. Click here now and fill out form or call our office at

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Should I Hire A Real Estate Agent To Sell My Home In the Bay Area Or Sell To An Investor?

Are you thinking about selling your house? Perhaps you’re weighing the pros and cons of how to sell and wondering, “Should I Hire A Real Estate Agent To Sell My Home In the Bay Area Or Sell To An Investor?” If so then this blog post is for you! (It also applies to anyone looking to sell a house in 95132, 95127, 95035, 95123, 95111, 95121, 95122, 95116, 95133, 95112, 95131, 95110, 95125, 95118, 95134, 94565, 94509, 94520, 94518, 94523, 94596, 94070, 94531, 94303, 95124, 94545, 94561 zipcode or surrounding area)…   Selling a house is a big, complex decision, so you’re smart to be thinking through all the steps of the process.   Should I Hire A Real Estate Agent To Sell My Home In the Bay Area Or Sell To An Investor? Pros And Cons Of Working With An Agent Pros: The agent has probably done this before so they know the process You won’t have to do the actual negotiating – the agent will take care of that for you The agent will guide you step-by-step You might get a price closer to your asking price   Cons: You’ll have to pay to fix up your house You’ll have to clean up your house You’ll have to wait while an agent shows your house to buyers – this could take months … which means you’ll have to pay bills, taxes, and insurance on the property the whole time the house is being shown You’ll have to pay the agent’s commissions You might not get a price closer to your asking price   Should I Hire A Real Estate Agent To Sell My Home In the Bay Area Or Sell To An Investor? Pros And Cons Of Working With An Investor Pros: The investor will have done this often and knows what they are doing You’ll know exactly what the offer is right away – there’s no guesswork or gambling on the market You don’t have to pay to fix up your house You don’t have to clean up your house You don’t have to wait months … which means you don’t have to pay bills, taxes, and insurance on the property that whole time You don’t have any commissions or fees to pay Cons: You might not get “market price” for your house – an investor may pay less Which Is Better For You? For many property owners it comes down to just a few simple questions: How soon do you want to sell? Would you rather gamble and see IF you can get market price (but pay more in bills) or know right away exactly how much you’ll get (and save money in all those expenses)? When you answer those questions then you’ll discover the answer to your question, “Should I Hire A Real Estate Agent To Sell My Home In the Bay Area Or Sell To An Investor?” Ready To Sell Soon? If you’re thinking of selling and have questions about the process or to see how much we can offer for your property, just reach out to us and let us know about the house and we’ll see how we can help – we might be able to give you a cash offer to buy your house right away or we might be connected you with a great real estate agent that we know and work with. Just call us at or click here now and fill out the form and we’ll get back to you right away.

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The Surprising Truth Of Being A Landlord In the Bay Area

Do you own a rental property in the Bay Area? Make sure you know the surprising truth of being a landlord in the Bay Area because it’s not always what you think it’s going to be…   Owning a rental property seems like a great idea. You buy it cheap, you find a tenant, and then you profit from the rental income while you manage the property… how hard could it be?   Problem is, it’s often much harder than people realize and you may find (as many landlords do) the surprising truth of being a landlord in the Bay Area: You give up your personal life – no more private time, no more vacations, no more weekend getaways… all because you’re so busy as a landlord.   There’s the work required Owning a rental will keep you busy. There’s the work required to find the property, then to fix it up, then to find a tenant, then to answer the phone from them every time they call. Even if they call late at night because the toilet is overflowing, you have to take their call and deal with it. That means: no more vacations, either, because what will happen if the toilet overflows while you’re in a different country? There’s the time Some landlords try to own a rental property while they have another job but many discover that it’s just as time-consuming… it’s like having a second full-time job! Between chasing down your tenants to fixing things around the house, it’s one thing after another and you may simply not have time to work at your other job… and that’s with ONE rental property. Landlords who own two or more are even busier. There’s the cost Rental properties aren’t cheap. Sure you get some rental income from the tenant but you also have to take care of the property, fix it up, make upgrades, and repair it if the tenants trash it when they leave. In other words, the costs add up and the financial rewards of owning a rental property may not be there for you. There’s the stress When you add up all of those things so far, it equals STRESS! You’ve got so much to juggle with the rental property, and you worry about it constantly, and perhaps you even fear opening the mail because you may find bad news in the next envelope. That’s no way to live.     If you own a rental property and want to get rid of it, we can help. We buy properties (even frustrating rental properties that have damage or bad tenants you can’t get rid of). Can we make you an offer on yours?   Click here now and fill out the form or call our office at and we’ll make you a fair offer today.

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5 Tips For Moving With Kids in California

Whether you are moving across the street or across the country, moving with kids can be stressful on both you and them! Luckily, the move doesn’t have to be painful for anyone!   Check out our tips for moving with kids, and make your relocation a breeze!    Tips For Moving With Kids! Nobody likes saying goodbye. Not to their friends and not to the house they know and love. Moving can be especially hard for children who may not fully comprehend the reasons why you are moving or the reasons why the move will actually be better for them in the long run. Tip #1: Talk To Them As soon as the move is a definite go, share the news with your kids. Make them feel apart of everything, and openly discuss the new and exciting changes about to happen.   Reassure your children that all of their possessions, books, toys etc., will all be coming with them and share all of the wonderful and exciting benefits of the move. Tip #2: Get to Know Your New House If the house is nearby, get your kids excited by going to see it. Let them see their rooms and have them plan out how they want to decorate.   If you’re moving further away, show them lots of pictures and use google to learn all about the area.   You could even draw out the room, and let them decide how they want their furniture arranged. Tip #3: Let Them Help With Packing Make sure younger kids know that their stuff is being packed up and moved and not being thrown away. Older kids might understand the process, but it may be more difficult for little ones to grasp.   Let them help pack up their toys and then have them decorate their boxes so they will be easily recognizable after the move. As much as possible, try to get their items and room set up first, even if it means ordering pizza and keeping your kitchen in boxes for a couple days.   Having that sense of familiarity will help keep their anxiety down. Tip #4: Get to Know The Neighbors and the New Area As soon as possible, become a part of your new community. Introduce yourself to the neighbors. Invite people on your street over for a house warming party.   Participate in local activities that will allow both you and your kids to make new friends. If your child is on the shy side, talk to them about making new friends and help them think of ways to break the ice with the kids at their new school. Tip #5: Keep Your Routines Do you always get ice cream on Saturday afternoons? Or maybe you spend Sunday mornings at the park? Whatever routines you can keep, you should do so.   Try to remain consistent with meal times and bedtimes. Keeping kids in their routine will help keep them calm and will help you feel a sense of order.   Always remember, while moving might be hard on you, it might be even harder on your kids. As much as possible, stay positive with them and make the whole process a grand adventure. Make the process fun and memorable and as stress-free for them as possible. (It will help you feel more relaxed too!)   Are you looking to relocate with zero stress? Give Skye Homes a call now or fill out this form and we will be in touch right away!  

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How To Sell Your Home for the Right Price This Summer in the Bay Area

Are you thinking about selling your house this summer? Of course, you want to get the right price for it, so make sure you read this blog post right away to learn how to sell your home for the right price this summer in the Bay Area…   If you’re selling your home then you want to get a great price for it. But how? What should you do? What should you be aware of?   There are several strategies of how to sell your home for the right price this summer in the Bay Area, and these are some of the most important concepts you need to know…   How To Sell Your Home For The Right Price This Summer In the Bay Area   #1. The Right Price When you think of selling your house for the right price, you might be wondering, “what is the right price?”   Ultimately, the right price is the price that the house sells for. Too high of a price and it won’t sell; too low of a price and you’ll lose out. But the right price is the one that sells the house.   #2. Timing Another aspect of selling at the right price this summer is timing. When people want to buy in the summer, they often want to be able to close and move in before their kids have to be in school. For that reason, you may benefit from selling quickly and offering a fast possession date, and that might give you an advantage in terms of selling at the right price. #3. Invest One of the best ways to get people buy at the right price is for you to first invest in upgrading and updating your home so it is ideally positioned for buyers to buy it. This could include painting or redoing the bathroom or kitchen, but will ultimately differ from one neighborhood to the next. Talk to your real estate agent and see what might provide you with the best return. Of course, this does mean you have to spend some money and time upfront, but it could be worth the effort. #4. Negotiate As mentioned earlier, the right price is the price that the house sells for. To get to that price, you should start your asking price higher and then be willing to drop it slightly to meet the buyer part way. You might not get exactly the price you want but the buyer probably won’t get the price they wanted either so you use negotiation to find a price in the middle that will work for both of you. Summary If you want to sell your house this summer, you want to get a good price and actually sell it. To help you do that, we’ve given you 4 strategies about how to sell your home for the right price this summer in the Bay Area.     If you want to bypass the sales process entirely and sell directly to a professional house-buying company, get in touch with us today! Simply click here now and fill out form or call our office at

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Skye Homes

Sell to Us! Get Up to $3,000 in Moving Costs

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On the other hand, there are some sellers who need a custom solution due to either the property’s condition or the seller’s personal situation, or a combination of the two.

When the property is in really bad shape, they’re likely going to sell to an investor, so it may make sense to save money on commissions and find their own investor.

Some examples of personal situations that we can help with are: hoarding, pre-foreclosure or other financial issues that require a fast home sale, house with non-paying tenants or squatters, severely delinquent property taxes, homeowners who want to rent back the home longer than normal, or sellers who value privacy and/or are embarrassed by their home.

If your seller lead meets these criteria, you should propose the idea of making an introduction to me. You can simply suggest to them that your partner or colleague buys houses and ask if they are interested in speaking with me. Remember, you are not performing real estate agent duties. See our disclaimer below. The main thing to keep in mind at this point is to qualify them as a good fit or not. I can help you with the documentation and process things.