HOUSE STORIES & HOW WE WORK No house is exactly the same and each properly has its unique set of challenges to overcome before introduction lo the market. No two transactions are ever the same because there are a host of variables that impact the selling process. To name a few: the personalities involved, the seller’s motivation, condition of the home, location of the home and time sensitive requirements. Even a seemingly “perfect” home will have issues to deal with.
The following House Stories are included to illustrate how we approach preparing a home for market and a few examples of challenges that were solved with creative solutions and strategies resulting in positive outcomes for our clients.
L O R I L E G L E R + C H E R Y L H ATA
HOUSE STORY 1: Steep Road to Home & Timing This private. contemporary home with soaring ceilings and generous sized rooms is located in the desirable Glorietta neighborhood. There were 3 main challenges for this property. CHALLENGE 1: Lots of deferred maintenance CHALLENGE 2: Long. steep and narrow private driveway leading up to the home with a large turnaround area in front of the house CHALLENGE 3: Sellers had a short timeline to get the home into contract & they had moved out of the area SOLUTION 1: Pre-inspected the home and outlined a list of work to be done which was presented to the sellers on a spreadsheet with estimates prioritizing in order of cost effective impact. Project managed the selected work to be done and set up a timeline to execute. SOLUTION 2: Pre-marketed the home to a cultivated network of top agents in the area and hosted private showings once the home was staged. This addressed both challenges 2 & 3. RESULT: Sold through one of our network agents before it went to market. The Sellers were pleased with the price and the short timeline was met.
HOUSE STORY 2: Loft Like Home An architectural modern beauty built into a rock hill on over 1.56 acres with gorgeous views of the Orinda Country Club. CHALLENGE 1: No flat yard anywhere on the property. CHALLENGE 2: One loft style bedroom SOLUTION 1: Stage the front and side outdoor patios with urban garden and entertainment possibilities. Created a 3D Tour of the home so potential buyers could virtually walk through and see the layout of the home. Floor plans were also provided so buyers could imagine possible modifications to privatize. SOLUTION 2: Market as an urban home in a suburban location. RESULT: SOLD to a couple moving back to California from New
HOUSE STORY 3: On the Market Before Mid Century modern with impeccable updates throughout. This is truly one of our favorite homes sold with its serene setting. CHALLENGE 1: Had been on the market for 5 months prior with another agent and most buyers had seen it before. It was mandatory that photos online look completely different. CHALLENGE 2: The pricing strategy needed to be corrected in order to meet the Seller's financial goals. SOLUTION 1: Flip Flop the master bedroom to be closer to the secondary bedrooms instead of on the lower level of the home. Convert the lower level room into a guest suite. Stage the secondary bedroom with twin beds. Create outdoor entertainment areas/ vignettes. This presented a fresh look online to prospective buyers. SOLUTION 2: Price at what the Seller's financial threshold would be versus 20% lower to garner multiple offers and hopefully elevate the price. RESULT: Received two offers over the asking price and the purchase price surpassed the Seller' s financial expectation.
Recent Property Website Examples Now, more than ever, it is important to incorporate every virtual tool possible so Buyers can see as much of the property virtually before they visit the property. We utilize top-notch stagers and photography because an excellent online presentation is critical to enticing prospective Buyers to make an appointment to visity your home. Below are recent samples of these virtual tools. 58Oak DriveOrinda.com • Video • Aerial photos • Floor Plan Visual • Seller List of Improvements • What Seller Loves About The Home
1820Ivanhoe.com • Video • Aerial photos • Floor Plan Visual • Seller List of Improvements • What Seller Loves About The Home
213Oak Knoll Loop.com • Video • Floor Plan Visual • Seller List of Improvements • What Seller Loves About The Home
2434RoyalOaks.com • Floor Plan Visual • Neighborhood
THE SELLING PROCESS INITIAL CONSULTATION & PLANNING • Determine your needs, priorities and timeline • Discuss marketing plan and establish pricing strategy • Identify home improvement recommendations (repairs/staging) • Fill out Seller disclosures for disclosure packets to prospective buyers • Open pre-sale escrow and order a preliminary title report CREATE & EXECUTE MARKETING PLAN • Schedule inspections to find out condition of home • Complete home improvement recommendations if needed • Professional photographer scheduled & marketing production timeline set • Place home on multiple listing service (MLS) which syndicates to online sites • Schedule showing appointments within the new COVID 19 rules • Communicate progress to you on a regular basis REVIEW OFFERS & REACH AGREEMENT WITH BUYER • Discuss and clarify proposed terms of the purchase agreement • Negotiate offer terms including possible counter offer COMPLETE TRANSACTION PROCESS • Buyer deposit earnest money; appra isal isscheduled • Review any inspections buyer may have obtained • Removal of contingencies (inspection, appraisal & loan) • Loan funding/remaining of funds deposited into escrow • Record at the county / Close of escrow AFTER SALE SERVICE • Assist you with relocation needs • Provide resources for after sale homeowner needs / services
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU Communicate on a timely basis. Timely updates and juggling our clients’ busy schedules are what we do every day. We will use whatever mode of communication works best for you (email, text, cell or Zoom call) and with your preferred frequency (as needed throughout the day. once a day or once a week). We thrive on details while keeping focused on the plan and will keep you fully informed. Hold your hand throughout the process. Sometimes the transaction can be emotional, but we are here to guide you through the bumps of negotiations and occasional surprises that may arise during the transaction. We can supervise any work being done at the house including inspections. Also, our team of trusted tradesmen and resources can aid with most challenges that may arise. We will be your partner before, during and alter the transaction as needed. Share our insider real estate information with you. Close relationships with a network of local agents keeps us keep in touch with properties that are being sold off market, in contract / not closed yet, and homes preparing for market providing you with the most current information to aid you in pricing your home. Our network of top producing agents combined with the multiple listing service will give you the full picture of the market. Give you an honest opinion... Even if it is something you may not want to hear. This will be done based on experience and with diplomacy. It is our job to give you all of the facts (good and bad) and it is your responsibility to make the final decision.
L O R I L E G L E R + C H E R Y L H ATA
The Power of Two CHERYL HATA (510) 912-5882 CHERYL@HATAHOMES.COM REALTOR® DRE 01389346
LORI LEGLER (925) 286-1244 LORI@LORILEGLER.COM REALTOR® DRE 00805732
Helping you transform your vision into reality.