SARAH HECK? Who is
REALTOR ®
Sarah Heck is an award-winning REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker West. She consistently performs in the top 5% of REALTORS® in San Diego County and within the Coldwell Banker Brand. She has been representing buyers and sellers in all areas of San Diego County and South Riverside County since 2007. Prior to that, she worked in the lending industry. Her knowledge of mortgage lending has proven to be a huge benefit to her clients as it allows them to strategically structure offers and apply for the best loans.
ADVOCATE
After the collapse of the Real Estate Market in 2007, Sarah made it her mission to help distressed homeowners avoid foreclosure by working with their lenders to negotiate an approved short sale. She and her team successfully negotiated over 2,000 between 2007-2019. Her efforts saved homeowners from foreclosure and allowed new buyers access to properties they might not otherwise have been able to purchase. She also helped to pass legislation which protected homeowners from unfair taxation after the short sale. She has continued to advocate for homeowners rights at the local, state and national levels by volunteering her time as an expert witness and as a member for the Associations Government Affairs Committee.
LEADER
Sarah has served as the President of her local REALTOR® Association, Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS®, and has been a Director for the California Association of REALTORS®. She’s involved in the community and stays current on legislation that is going to affect Real Estate so she can advocate for her clients private property rights.
VOLUNTEER
Sarah strives to give back to the community she loves so dearly. Over the years she has contributed financially and served on the board of directors for the Coldwell Banker West Foundation. In addition, she has participated in events to raise money for the Habitat for Humanity Women Build Day, Ronald McDonald House Red Shoe Day, and Just in Time for Foster Youth.
YOUR LOCAL Experts
2,757
1,000+ AGENTS $2.71
Coldwell Banker West was built on the principles of honesty, integrity and always putting clients first. We started in 2007 with one small office in Bonita. We now have over 1,000 agents and 12 offices across San Diego County, and we’re the fastestgrowing franchise within the Coldwell Banker brand nationwide. We are continually growing and expanding, and our reach is limitless.
Our full range of real estate services includes residential, commercial, mortgage, escrow and relocation. We are here to help you with all of your real estate needs.
ACCOLADES Company
Our incredible production in 2023 earned us the following recognitions:
TOP 5
TOP 7% #1 #6
TOP 500
Ranked among the top 5 real estate brokerages in San Diego County for units and sales volume*
Coldwell Banker Chairman’s Circle award, representing the top 7% of affiliates nationwide
The #1 Coldwell Banker affiliate company in California
The #6 Coldwell Banker affiliate company nationwide for GCI
Ranked among RealTrends 500 top brokerages nationwide for transaction sides and sales volume
*Source:
10 Steps to Success
LISTING PROCESS & MARKETING PLAN
1. Sign the listing agreement.
2. Declutter, clean, & stage inside and out.
3. Professional photography will be scheduled & taken of the property.
4. 3D Matterport walk-through technology.
5. Professional marketing created.
6. Print the marketing flyers.
7. Install the yard signs, flyers and lock box.
8. List the property on th day of the Caravan
9. Email marketing blast and social media with no showings until that weekend.
10. Open house Saturday and Sunday the boost the day property is listed (JUST LISTED). first weekend on the market.
EXPECTATIONS Higher
EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE WHEN LISTING WITH SARAH HECK!
“My business is based on referrals. I don’t just sell homes, I build relationships. My clients become friends and my services extend far beyond the closing date.”
• Staging & Design Consultation
• Professional Photography Included
• Aerial Photography Available
• Full Color Property Brochures
• Direct Mail Advertising
• Structured Social Media Campaigns
• Using 3D Matterport Walk-Through Technology
• Multiple Listing Syndication
• Elevated Networking
• Strategic Open Houses
• Constant Communication
I strive to set realistic expectations and not only meet them, but exceed them on every level. Give me a chance to earn your business and I will give you the results you are looking for. “ ”
HOME SALE PREPARATION Checklist
CLEAN
Remove Clutter: Picture frames, accessories, papers, files, books, music, magazines, small appliances, electronics, collectibles, toys, & decorative objects.
Scrub All Surfaces: Think hotel quality clean!
Remove Scents: Your home should be free of all smells including animals, food & cigarette smoke. Remove potpourri, scented candles & air fresheners. Clean homes don’t need extras.
Clean All Baseboards: Dust & dirt collect here and are often overlooked by homeowners.
Clean Windows & Sills: Inside & out! Let the sun shine through to make your home feel spacious.
Clean All Light Fixtures & Ceiling Fans: Spiderweb free!
REPAIR
Take Inventory: Walk-through & around the entire property, then get to work!
Check all Doors: Ensure hardware is working properly.
Windows: Do they open easily? Is the lock secure?
Bathtub: Reglaze if needed. This is an easy way to cover the pink & squa of times past!
Caulking: Check to be sure it is clean & not peeling away in kitchen & baths. Replace if needed.
Ceilings & Walls: Repair any holes or cracks left by settling, & picture frames or wall art.
Replace Showerhead: Find one with multiple settings!
Faucets: Check for leaks. Supply valves too!
Clean Carpets: Professionally! If they are too worn consider replacing them for your biggest return.
Clean Hardwood: Mop & oil or wax to give them new life!
Clean Large Appliances: Inside & out — buyers will be peaking!
Steam Curtains & Dust Blinds.
Clean Bed Linens: Always have the beds made.
Remove Peeling Paint: Window sills & casings, then repaint.
Clean Shelves: Display only purposeful decor.
Clean Kitchen Cabinets: Remove all grease & grime.
Clean Inside All Cabinets: Declutter & Organize.
Tiles: If possible replace any that are chipped/ broken.
Outlets & Light Switches: Ensure all are in working order. Replace any cracked plates. Hire an electrician if needed. Adding dimmers is also an inexpensive luxury buyers will appreciate!
Electrical Covers: Replace if old, dirty &/or painted.
Replace Bulbs: You want every bit of your home gleaming!
Fire Alarms: Be sure all fire alarms have fresh batteries & are in good working order. Replace any missing arms.
Fences: Be sure your fence is sturdy & attractive. Replace any broken boards & stain if needed.
Yard Space: Fill spots with seed/replace dead plants.
DECORATE
Remove Fussy Window Treatments: Replace with simple, clean blinds or curtains to allow in light.
Decorative Fixtures: If you are taking them to your new home, replace with less expensive alternatives.
Balance: Use only neutral colors on walls & furniture. Introduce color with throw pillows & accessories!
Repaint: A fresh coat can do amazing things! Consider using a low-VOCl/Non-Toxic paint to eliminate the overpowering odors.
Go-To Paint Colors: When in doubt use Benjamin Moore’s SeaPearl & Manchester Tan!
Add Plants: Fresh flowers in a vase or potted brings life inside your home & adds a fresh feeling.
Depersonalize: Do a quick sweep to make sure your home feels catalog worthy!
Define Your Spaces: Each room should have a clear purpose. Ex: a dining room should be a dining room.
House Number: Buy a number sign for your front door & be sure it can be seen clearly from the street.
Fresh Towels: Be sure all bathrooms display clean towels on all holders. Add hand towels!
Use Mirrors: Decorating with mirrors make a space feel larger and reflects light.
Yard Maintenance: Keep lawn mowed, plant fresh flowers in beds, entrance, & window boxes. Mulch!
NEED HELP WITH UPFRONT Expenses?
CB West Preferred provides you with an unsecured line of credit to prepare your home and get the most out of it. From staging to repairs and upgrades, CB West Preferred can help sell your home faster and for a higher price*, with nothing due until closing.**
Designed to take the stress out of selling a home.
Fast | See if you qualify in 90 seconds
Flexible | Use any home improvement vendor
Simple | Repay your loan when the home sells**
• Unsecured personal line of credit up to $50,000
• No impact to credit score when applying
• Access funds same day as approval
• Low interest that only accrues on what is used
• Funds for prep, updates, repairs, moving, and more
*Results may vary. Coldwell Banker West and Notable Finance, LLC do not guarantee or warranty any results. Subject to the terms and conditions of your loan agreement with Notable Finance, LLC. Coldwell Banker West is not providing loans as part of CB West Preferred. CB West Preferred loans are provided by Notable Finance, LLC, NMLS# 1824748 and are made or arranged pursuant to a California Finance Lenders Law license. Loan eligibility is not guaranteed and all loans are subject to credit approval and underwriting by Notable. Rules and exclusions apply. Subject to terms and conditions (notablefi.com/terms).
**Interest applies. Loan funds and interest are due upon loan acceleration, twelve months after origination, termination of your listing agreement, or the date on which Notable otherwise suspends your loan for any reasons stated in your loan agreement, whichever occurs sooner. Subject to the terms and conditions of your loan agreement with Notable Finance, LLC.
PAYS WHAT? Who
ALLOCATION OF BUYER & SELLER CLOSING COSTS
The cost of investing, when chosen carefully, can yield a solid financial return. Below is a chart that indicates who customarily pays what costs in a residential resale transaction. However, this is just a suggested disbursement of fees. It is important to remember the golden rule of real estate... “everything is negotiable!”
THE COST OF MOVING No Surprises!
*A preferred vendor list is available upon request.
THE BASICS FOR MOVING DAY
Boxes & Tape
Bubble Wrap
Newspaper and/or Tissue
Thick Black Marker
Speciality Containers
Professional Movers
Moving Van
Babysitter
Cleaning Supplies
Yours or Theirs?
The distinction between personal property & real property can be the source of confusion in a real estate transaction. The purchase contract is normally written to include all real property: that is, all aspects of the property that are NOT fastened down, or are NOT an integral part of the structure. For example, it does not include things such as potted plants, freestanding refrigerators, washers and dryers, countertop microwaves, unattached bookcases, etc. If there is any uncertainty whether or not an item is included in the sale, it is best to be sure that the particular item is decided upon in the purchase agreement.
DID YOU Know?
Title Insurance
Escrow Companies
Title companies play a critical role in both the initial and final stages of the selling process. Using a reputable company with a long history is vital to ensuring a smooth transaction.
Fees & services provided can differ among escrow companies. Some are broker owned & others are independent. Making sure you work with a company that has superior service and fair pricing is critical for your successful sale.
Buyer Financing
Home Warranties
Not all lenders perform equally. Having closed over 2,000 transactions since 2008, my unique expertise will navigate you smoothly through a multiple offer situation by looking at buyer compensating factors such as their lender/loan scenario.
Some home warranty companies actually work to protect the seller as well by providing a complimentary Errors and Omission Insurance policy for the seller.
WITH A REALTOR® Pricing
Pricing real estate is not a simple process. There are many things that a real estate agent takes into account when pricing a property. An experienced REALTOR® will spend hours researching and “massaging” data prior to determining the list price for your home.
As your agent I will complete a comparative market analysis, also known as a CMA. When a CMA is completed accurately, a home should sell relatively close to the list price & in a relatively short amount of time.
If your real estate agent does not complete a CMA prior to listing, there is a higher possibility that your home will not appraise at it’s expected value. This will end up costing you more money and valuable time.
Common Mistake Sellers Make When Pricing Their Home:
Listing Higher
BECAUSE YOU HAVE TIME.
It is not uncommon for a seller to say, “We are in no hurry to sell, so we want to list our home for more than you suggest.” They also disregard the market analysis because it is their belief it only applies to sellers who wish to move quickly.
Being in no hurry to sell does not mean overpricing your home is a good idea. An overpriced property will not sit on the market for an extended prior of time & begin to develop a “stigma.”
Buyers begin to ask questions such as, “what is wrong with the home?” Even though it’s very possible there is absolutely nothing wrong other than the seller is asking for an unrealistic price. Bottom line...Price is right and it will sell!
Leaving Room
FOR NEGOTIATION.
Many sellers believe it’s a common practice for buyers to make an offer below list price. This belief drives them to list at a higher price point. This is a huge mistake!
Today’s home buyers are very knowledgeable & savvy. The internet has made it easy for consumers to obtain the information they need. If a home is overpriced, buyers will simply not look at it. Potential buyers will not waste their time looking at a home they know is overpriced & may also assume the seller to be unreasonable.
Listing your home for market value as soon as it hits the market will get you the most money in a shorter amount of time!
WE SAID Heck Yes, YOU SHOULD TOO!
Well, where do I start? I don’t normally write reviews unless I’ve received extremely poor service, however, in this case, Sarah deserves a spectacular review.
Sarah is by far the best person for the job! She honestly exceeded our expectations. Sarah is knowledgeable, responsive, and resourceful as hell. Buying a home is pretty stressful, especially in Southern California where the prices are sky high! I really appreciated how extremely detailed she was and how she kept us informed every step of the way. There are a lot of real estate agents out there... I can’t imagine getting better service. I highly recommend Sarah Heck & would use her again and again!
- Chris J.
Nobody does it better than Sarah Heck! She was able to sell & buy our home in such a short period of time. She will do whatever it takes to make sure you get what you want. Best agent you will ever have.
- Kellie S.
Sarah was recommended by a friend and she responded quickly with a marketing plan that we thought was very workable. She suggested movers, painters and others who were essential to making the place ready for sale. She worked through all of the large and small details to ensure all took place in a timely manner. We received a very credible offer within days of the first Open House. Her attentiveness and efficiency ensured that all aspects of the sale moved in a timely manner. We were very pleased with her professional services.
- James L.
HECK YES! We were so thrilled with Sarah Heck! We were about to leave town on a 2 week vacation & got orders to move from my husband’s job. Panicked doesn’t even begin to describe our state of mind! Sarah took care of EVERYTHING. We literally handed her keys to our home and got on a plane. I know she worked tirelessly (photos, open houses, private showings, answering a million questions), and somehow she managed to make it look effortless with a smile that I could feel through the phone. IN ONE WEEK we accepted a full price offer & were in escrow! She even made it easy for us to do paperwork from across the country. Inspections, appraisals, you name it, it was done by the time we arrived home. Thanks to Sarah we were able to simply come home and move on! We’ll never forget our experience and future agents we use will have a tough time filling her shoes.
- Lynn C.
Sarah Heck helped us find our first home and we couldn’t have asked for a more caring, trustworthy, respectful, professional, helpful & extremely knowledgeable REALTOR®. This is a REALTOR® that doesn’t back down from no one or anything. She’s persistent and positive regardless of the circumstances. Not to mention that we commend her in being so receptive and consistent when it came to our particularity. Anybody can be a REALTOR® and show people homes, but not everyone can be a good REALTOR® and not all good REALTORS® can be a “Heck” of a REALTOR® like Sarah! My wife and I learned so much from Sarah. She is the aficionado of realty! We entrusted Sarah with our first home and she couldn’t have done better by providing us with the highest level of service and care. We’re so thankful and blessed we were able to find her front all of the REALTORS® out there.
- Liron S.
