Have a sign in your yardLockbox on the property to make possible showing of your houseHave your home listed in MLS and brokers agents internal MLS (if they have one)Submit information about your home to other agent's sales staffHave your agent tour the home with not only agents from their office but local offices as wellYour agent should be getting as much information from all the agents that tour your home David HoodKeller Williams Realty Chino Hills Ca Real EstateOffice Phone: (877) 380-7992 Cell Phone: (909) 972-5569 Visit our web site Chino Real EstateSearch Active Listings Are You Moving into the Area?       10/21/2007

Question you should be asking yourself if you are consider selling.What are some of the most important things buyers will look at when considering my home?It is a must to have an open house?Do music and fresh lowers have an impact on my showing?Do we need to be home during the open house?Should I have a broker tour?What should I do if buyers and agents are asking me questions property?Can I have a 45-day escrow if I need more time? David HoodKeller Williams Realty Chino Hills Ca Real EstateOffice Phone: (877) 380-7992 Cell Phone: (909) 972-5569 Visit our web site Chino Real EstateSearch Active Listings Are You Moving into the Area?     10/21/2007

In previewing homes for sale in Chino this past week I found unheard of new construction homes for sale. These homes are built on lot sizes that are close to 7500 Square feet. New home construction in this market area, you seldom see this lot sizes are closer too 5000 Square feet.No Mello-Roos:Mello-Roos is the common name for the Community Facilities District Act, enacted by the California Legislature in 1982. The name comes from its co-authors, Senator Henry Mello of the Monterey area and Los Angeles assemblyman Mike Roos. Mello-Roos enabled "Community Facilities Districts" (CFD's) to be established by local government agencies as a means of obtaining community funding.Taxes on new construction are closer to 2% in the market area, not on the homes in this new subdivision closer to 1.0... 10/21/2007

Come join the fun at the 13th Annual Firefighters Fun Muster & Chili CookoffWhen: Sunday, October 21st, 2007Time: 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.Where: Chino Jr. Fairgrounds            5410 Edison Avenue, Chino, CA 91710FREE Admission, unlimited carnival wristbands $5.00, Parking $5.00There will be antique apparatus parade, muster competition, food, drinks, entertainment, food and craft vendors, kiddy carnival, opportunity drawings and moreFor additional information contact the Fire District Administation Offices at (909) 902-5260 10/19/2007

College Park will provide Chino's kids and adult sports teams with 100 acres of land for new soccer, softball and baseball fields. When it's built it they will come! Progress is being made! Chaffey College has already laid the foundation and is raising exterior walls. David HoodKeller Williams Realty Chino Hills Ca Real EstateOffice Phone: (877) 380-7992 Cell Phone: (909) 972-5569 Visit our web site Chino Real EstateSearch Active Listings Are You Moving into the Area?   10/14/2007

Where you buy not only affects the home's current and future value, but it also affects your lifestyle. Your agent will be able to conduct a more targeted home search if you outline your preferences in neighborhoods and nearby amenities. Here's a checklist of items you should consider and communicate to your chosen real estate agent. * Urban, suburban or rural* Commute time* School districts* Desirable neighborhoods* Proximity to the airport* Proximity to restaurants and retail* Access to major highways and thoroughfares* Access to public transportation* Health care facilities* Parks and recreation* Length of time you plan to live in the home (Your agent should be knowledgeable about growth trends and projections that could affect your investment.)David HoodKeller Williams Realty Chino ... 10/14/2007

Before you start house hunting, you need to determine how much house you can afford, which will entail getting either prequalified or preapproved for a home loan. A real estate agent can help you find a mortgage broker to begin the process. While getting preapproved is a more in-depth process, a preapproval letter lets both real estate agents and sellers know that you're a serious shopper who means business. What do I do to get prequalified?A prequalification can be done online or over the phone and does not require your submitting financial documents. You will be asked to provide basic information about your finances - for instance, your household income versus your debt load. With this information, the lender will estimate what your maximum loan amount could be if you were to apply. D... 10/14/2007

What do you do that other agents don't that ensures I'm getting top dollar for my home? What is your average market time versus other agents' average market time?Marketing skills are learned, and sometimes a real estate professional's unique method of research and delivery make the difference between whether or not a home sells quickly. For example, an agent might research the demographics of your neighborhood and present you a target market list for direct marketing purposes. Will you give me names of past clients?Interviewing an agent can be similar to interviewing someone to work in your office. Contacting references can be a reliable way for you to understand how he or she works, and whether or not this style is compatible with your own.  David HoodKeller Williams Realty Chino Hills... 10/14/2007

Before the home search begins, your real estate agent will want to know as much as possible about the features and amenities you desire. To help your agent better serve you, divide your preferences into "negotiable" and "non-negotiable." Here are some details to consider: InteriorNumber of bedrooms:Number of bathrooms:Minimum square feet:Central air/heat:Wiring:Electrical or gas appliances:Security system:Basement/attic:Fireplace:Kitchen amenities:Formal dining room:Home office or study:Laundry room:Flooring preferences:How much renovation would you be willing to do?Must your home accommodate any special needs?David HoodKeller Williams Realty Chino Hills Ca Real EstateOffice Phone: (877) 380-7992 Cell Phone: (909) 972-5569 Visit our web site Chino Real EstateSearch Active Listings Are Y... 10/14/2007

 Close the deal.Congratulations! The moment you've been anticipating has arrived. The closing is where home ownership is legally transferred from the seller to the buyer. It is a formal meeting that most parties involved in the transaction will attend. Closing procedures usually are held at the title company's or lawyer's office. The closing officer will coordinate all the document-signing and the collection and disbursement of funds. A few days before your closing date, your lender will send a final closing statement that outlines your closing costs, if applicable. Your real estate agent will review this document with you to ensure its accuracy, as well as help you gather any necessary documentation that you'll need to bring to closing. David HoodKeller Williams Realty Chino Hills Ca R... 10/14/2007

Remember the 60-second rule: That's all the time you have to create a winning first impression. Here are some simple to significant ways to maximize your home's appeal. Special details for showings* Turn on all the lights.* Open all drapes and shutters in the daytime.* Keep pets secured outdoors.* Buy new towels for bathrooms.* Buy new bedding for bedrooms.* Replace old lamps or lampshades.* Play quiet background music.* Light the fireplace or clean out the ashes and light a candelabrum.* Infuse home with a comforting scent, such as apple spice or vanilla.* Set the dining room table for a fancy dinner party.* Vacate the property while it is being shown.David HoodKeller Williams Realty Chino Hills Ca Real EstateOffice Phone: (877) 380-7992 Cell Phone: (909) 972-5569 Visit our web site Ch... 10/14/2007

Prepare to close. Once you accept an offer to sell your house, you will need to make a list of all the things you and your buyer must do before closing. The property may need to be formally appraised, surveyed, inspected or repaired. Your real estate agent can spearhead the effort and serve as your advocate when dealing with the buyer's agent and service providers. Depending on the written contract, you may pay for all, some or none of these items. If each procedure returns acceptable results as defined by the contract, then the sale may continue. If there are problems with the home, the terms set forth in the contract will dictate your next step. You or the buyer may decide to walk away, open a new round of negotiations or proceed to closing. Important reminder: A few days before the c... 10/14/2007

Value vs. Cost. Pricing your home to sell in a timely fashion requires some objectivity. It's important that you not confuse value with cost - in other words, how much you value your home versus what buyers are willing to pay for it. Don't place too much emphasis on home improvements when calculating your price, because buyers may not share your taste. For instance, not everyone wants hardwood floors or granite countertops. Keep it simple. Because time is of the essence, make it easy for the buyers. Remain flexible on when your agent can schedule showings. Also, avoid putting contingencies on the sale. Though a desirable move-in date makes for a smoother transition between homes, it could cause you to lose the sale altogether.  David HoodKeller Williams Realty Chino Hills Ca Real Estate... 10/14/2007

As the seller, you can control three factors that will affect the sale of your home: SizeWhile some buyers want to simplify their lives and downsize to a smaller home, home sizes in general have continued to increase over the decades, nearly doubling in size since the 1950s. Smaller homes typically appeal to first-time home buyers and "empty nesters," or couples whose children have grown up and moved out. AmenitiesPreferences in floor plans and amenities go in and out of fashion, and your real estate agent can inform you of the "hot ticket" items that are selling homes in your market. If your home lacks certain features, you can renovate to increase its appeal, but be forewarned: That's not always the right move. Using market conditions and activity in your neighborhood as a gauge, your... 10/14/2007

It's all about timingMarket conditions greatly dictate a builder's incentive to make a deal you cannot refuse. When a builder has inventory on his hands, his carrying costs start adding up. When this happens, a builder might be more amenable to strike a favorable deal, whether it's throwing in upgrades or taking a bit off the asking price. A real estate agent can help you know when market conditions are right for these benefits. Also, watch for builder close-out sales. Builders promote these special events when a new subdivision is near completion but empty inventory still remains. A word about paying upWhile there are always exceptions, most builders require a deposit when a purchase agreement is signed. They also require that the buyer pay for any upgrades prior to closing. If you bac... 10/13/2007

As the seller, you can control three factors that will affect the sale of your home: * The home's condition* Asking price* Marketing strategyHowever, it's important to note that there are numerous other factors that influence a buyer, and you need to understand these consumer trends when you enter the sellers' market. The more your home matches these qualifications, the more competitive it will be in the marketplace. Your real estate agent can advise you on how to best position and market your home to overcome any perceived downsides. LocationUnfortunately, the most influential factor in determining your home's appeal to buyers is something you can't control: its location. According to the National Association of REALTORS(r), neighborhood quality is the No. 1 reason buyers choose certai... 10/09/2007

The asking price you set for your home significantly affects whether you will profit in the sale, how much you will profit and how long your home will sit on the market. Your real estate agent's knowledge of the overall market and what's selling - or not selling - will be invaluable in helping you determine the price. The objective is to find a price that the market will bear but won't leave money on the table. Here are some points to consider: Time. Time is not on your side when it comes to real estate. Although many factors influence the outcome, perhaps time is the biggest determinant in whether or not you see a profit and how much you profit. Studies show that the longer a house stays on the market, the less likely it is to sell for the original asking price. Therefore, if your goal... 10/08/2007

 Before the home search begins, your real estate agent will want to know as much as possible about the features and amenities you desire. To help your agent better serve you, divide your preferences into "negotiable" and "non-negotiable." Here are some details to consider: InteriorNumber of bedrooms:Number of bathrooms:Minimum square feet:Central air/heat:Wiring:Electrical or gas appliances:Security system:Basement/attic:Fireplace:Kitchen amenities:Formal dining room:Home office or study:Laundry room:Flooring preferences:How much renovation would you be willing to do?Must your home accommodate any special needs?David HoodKeller Williams Realty Office Phone: (877) 380-7992 Cell Phone: (909) 972-5569 Visit our web site Chino Real EstateSearch Active Listings Are You Moving into the Area?   10/08/2007

 Remember the 60-second rule: That's all the time you have to create a winning first impression. Here are some simple to significant ways to maximize your home's appeal. Interior* Evaluate the furniture in each room and remove anything that interrupts "the flow" or makes the room appear smaller. Consider renting a storage unit to move items off-site.* Clean and organize cabinets, closets and bookshelves.* Clean all light fixtures and ceiling fans.* Shampoo carpets.* Remove excessive wall hangings and knick-knacks.* Repair all plumbing leaks, including faucets and drain traps.* Make minor repairs (torn screens, sticking doors, cracked caulking).* Clean or paint walls and ceilings.* Replace worn cabinet and door knobs.* Fix or replace discolored grout.* Replace broken tiles.* Replace worn... 10/08/2007

The unscrupulous vendorHave you ever started a business or moved into a new house and suddenly found your mailbox full of junk mail? Unfortunately, this also can happen when you put your house on the market. When you sell your home, it necessitates all kinds of new purchasing decisions and less-than-ethical vendors are keenly aware of this. Though MLS organizations enforce rules on how posted information is used, some companies have found ways to cull information from various sources to produce mass mailing lists. If you find yourself regularly emptying your mailbox of junk, let your agent know. He or she can tap the appropriate sources to prompt an investigation into the matter. The naïve buyerYard signs, Internet listings and other advertisements can generate a lot of buzz for your ho... 10/08/2007