Manteca California Homes | Real Estate Listings - Manteca CA

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A fresh coat of pain? Financing? Bread Baking in the oven? Each can be important in a winning marketing strategy, says Merrill Lynch Relocation management (MLRM), the company that helps the nation's largest corporations move their transferring employees. Following are tips on how to help transferring employees market their homes most effectively at the best possible price. The program includes a guide which spells out proven marketing techniques and strategies such as:

Interview several real estate agents before making a choice. The agent you select should: Be affiliated with a reputable real estate firm that has experience selling similar homes in your area. Have a successful track record of home sales in your area: Be recommended by friends, neighbors, local banks or lenders: Most important, there should be good "chemistry" between home-seller and agent. The agent should be easy to talk with and have a clear understanding of the home-sellers goals.

Analyze the local housing market and your home. Carefully examine local economic conditions, the supply and demand for housing, similar listings and sales in the area. The location and condition of the home and financing alternatives must all be looked at carefully to make sure the home is competitively priced. A realistic list price is the most important factor in attracting a serious buyer in a reasonable amount of time. The seller should ask the real estate agent's help in this task. An agent should be able to provide information on seasonal patterns in the area and " extras" offered by competitive listings as well as identify a home's strenghts and weaknesses. These specifics should be discussed: *What types of homes have sold recently in the area? *What are buyers looking for? *How many similar homes are for sale? What are the terms and their conditions? *How long is it taking to sell similar homes? *What type of financing is available, and how important is it to the sale? *What can be done to enhance your home's value and minimize its negative features? A home that remains on the market too long becomes shopworn and may require a major price cut to finally sell. A home's initial exposure to the market is critical. Experience has shown that the first offer made is usually the best offer received.

A few dollars spent to make your home more attractive can go a long way increasing its apparent value. The seller should try to look at the home through the eyes of a potential buyer and make improvements based on a buyer's viewpoint. In general, MLRN's experience is that homes with clean, coordinated decor and a harmonious look are the most salable. Here are some tips that will help show your home to its best advantage: *Clean thoooroughly, especially bathrooms and kitchen; *Give away items that are no longer needed- the less clutter the better; *Keep the home neat at all times in case potential buyers want to view it without advance notice; *Clean and touch up marred walls; *Be sure all lights work, doorknobs are tight, drains aren't clogged and faucets don't drip; *Straighten closets and cabinets - this makes them seem roomier; *Be sure the "For Sale" sign is visible *Trim lawn, shrubs and lower beds (remove ice in winter); *Check the entrance area - peeling paint should be repainted, steps repaired, light fixtures clean and working; *Clean the windows, especially those in the front; *Patch a leaking roof; *Remove any debris from back yard, patio, deck; *If there is a swimming pool keep it clean.

The seller might try these ideas to create a more appealing atmosphere for potential buyers: *It is best not to be home when your house is being shown. Many people feel uneasy around the owner and will not make a thorough inspection; *People are attracted to homes that seem festive, family pictures, fresh flowers, music and the aroma of bread baking please people alomost instinctively. *Prospects do not like to be followed from room to room by pets or children; *Keep the house bright and cheery: open draperies during the day and turn on both inside and outside lights at night; *Keep the temperature comfortable: cool in summer, warm and cozy in winter.

Finally, say the experts at Merrill Llynch, the seller shouldn't be complacent. After a few showings the agent can provide feed back: What comments have people made? What improvements can be made in response? The agent can fine-tune your marketing strategy: Schedule open houses, review your home's listing, plan for periodic changes in price and description to encourage showings and interest. A seller usually receives the best offers during the first month a home is on the market. Planning and following some basic guidleines can be the critical differnce betwwn "For Sale" and "Sold."