Tips for Selling Your Home on a Busy Street in Orange County

Even in a seller's market where prices seem to always be increasing there are concerns to selling a home. However, some concerns are truly more challenging than others.

 In Southern California, everyone knows the freeway commutes can test your level of patience whether there is traffic accident or just normal congestion. Some drivers avoid them altogether and use major streets and side streets.

Homes located on busy streets are the type of home that presents challenges and requires additional skills to sell at a good price. 

The following are some tips to sell your home in neighborhoods with lots of traffic. Most importantly of all, your home needs to be priced accordingly based on your location. Appraisers certainly value homes differently that back a major street or receive more normal amount of traffic. 

1. Have realistic expectations.
Many homeowners are thrilled when they find homes online that they believe matches theirs and begin to think they can ask for the same price. The sad fact is that, this type of research can be inaccurate — particularly if the other homes are on a quiet street and your home is on a busy street.

A realtor will have plenty of data available to figure out an accurate price of your home.  In general, homes on busy streets are likely to be priced 10% less than similar homes on a quiet street.

 2. Improve the landscaping
Like many of the upscale neighborhoods in L.A., there's a lot of tall privacy bushes in the front yard. Make the front of your home lush so the curb appeal just makes it very welcoming.

 

3. Add a barrier
Many of the new subdivisions in Orange County have their backyard or one side of the house backs busy streets like El Toro Road, Moulton & Alicia Parkway. You'll notice most have a stone wall, a wooden fence and/or shrubs to create not only for a sound barrier but also a visual barrier.

In addition, a fence or stone wall comes in very handy for those with children and/or pets as it keeps them more secure.  

4. Install noise-reducing windows.
If you have the funds available,  look into buying and installing noise reducing windows. You want to maximize your insulation against street noise. 

5. Hire a local experienced agent 
If you want to sell your home on a street with much more traffic than nearby streets,  a local agent who knows how to find buyers for a home like yours is a must.

Although areal estate agent needs to be paid a commission, which is subtracted from your profits, the agent is more likely to obtain a very favorable offer. 

While many test the waters of selling their home as a "for sale by owner" in a sellers market to save on commissions, they could still be losing!   In strong seller's markets such as Orange County,  bidding wars on homes are not unheard of. Lots of homes sell substantially more than the list price because of how competitive it is for buyers.

People are literally fighting over homes and will pay more. Instead of you dealing with all the headaches of time wasting unqualified home buyers, those that are undecided or want inspection upon inspection, your agent could have handled it and fetched you a higher price by maybe $10,000-$20,000 more.

Why Is a Home Inspection Important When Buying a Home?

For a large majority of people, purchasing a home is among the biggest financial decisions you will ever make. Therefore, it's a good idea to protect yourself by knowing fi there's anything wrong about your purchase.  After all, most people inspect a used car before buying it too.

Appearances are not always what they seem. Even if the home looks impeccable, there may be undetectable problems. Don't let the agent or seller prevent you from performing your due diligence. A lot of non-visual  problems can turn out to be expensive repairs.

As a home buyer, it's very common to pay for a home inspection report.  The cost for the report ($250-$600) may save you thousands of dollars in repair costs later on. A home inspection doesn't guarantee you will know every possible problem. But you should learn about immediate and near future issues than if you hadn't inspected the home.

What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is done by a professional home inspector, licensed or unlicensed. The home inspector will physically check the HVAC system, plumbing and electrical systems, insulation, windows, doors, roof, walls, and the structural portion of the home. Following the inspection, a written report will be provided to you and your real estate agent about their review and recommendations.

It is recommended to use a professional inspector from a trusted company to perform your inspection. Don't use contractors who are doing this as a side job. Your real estate agent may be able help you with a referral in your area. Although there are not any licensing requirements for inspectors in California, there are some who are certified.

Should you be present at the inspection?
Absolutely! Although it's not mandatory you attend, you can receive some valuable information about your home from an expert.  It is wise to be there at the appointment or have a representative.   You are free to ask questions and get educated during the process.

When do I schedule the inspection?
This depends on the seller. Most sellers allow an inspection immediately after your offer is accepted. Some sellers who have an empty house will let you do an inspection before making an offer to remove that contingency. In either case, the inspection findings will let you know if you should move forward on the purchase or not.

The inspection results?
If the inspection report uncovers major problems, you may be able to negotiate with the seller to fix the problem or reduce the purchase price.

With that being said, every home has some sort of problems. This includes new construction homes. Small issues can be repaired by using a price reduction or seller to fix it.  

Summary
Remember that buying a home is one the biggest purchases in your life in the dark. Don't let the cosmetic condition fool you into thinking there's zero problems. A thorough home inspection by an experienced home inspector can help protect you from large expenses in the future. Buying a house is costly.This is not an expense to skimp on.

This Week’s Featured Listings in Dana Point

Dana Point Homes For Sale

25591 Rocky Beach Ln, Price: $949,500 Sq Ft: 2,759 MLS ID: OC18117366

Description: A large well-cared for home with personality. Included is copper plumbing; Added steel roof; paid-for solar panels; Custom Casement windows; Chimney swept; fresh interior paint and newer carpet. Flexible floor plan including downstairs bedroom, Updated kitchen and baths, and a Master bath fit for a movie star. And the termite work is done! BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE!! The grounds are lovely with lots of classy stone work and plants. A front porch beckons you to come and sit a spell while you watch the sunset.,or maybe visit with your neighbors. A fairyland has been created in the back yard and cleverly laid out to become almost two rooms: One end offers a bubbling brook that's pleasant or listen to while someone prepares a meal inside or out. The opposite end is shielded with dense shrubbery where one just might discover an above ground spa that measures 12 feet by 7 feet. Day or night, it's a great place to take a moment and appreciate your surroundings .All this and a beautiful cul-de-sac approx. one mile from the sand at fabled Doheny Beach and Dana Harbor!

35414 Via De Daum   Price: $2,295,900 Sq Ft: 3,493 MLS ID: S490841

Description: Beautiful ocean-view custom-built impeccably maintained home on pool-size lot! Elegant & charming w/ amazing curb appeal and exterior stone & artisan lighting. Main floor has living room, dining room, kitchen w/ eating area, family room w/ fireplace, den/office (4th bedroom) and ¾ baths. Second story has master suite, 2nd bedroom w/ full bath, 3rd bedroom w/ ocean view, full bath, bonus/media/game room w/ fireplace and built-in (5th bedroom); & laundry room w/ utility sink & built-in cabinetry. Gourmet kitchen has granite counter tops, travertine back splash, under-cabinet lighting, walk-in pantry, over-sized island, SS Viking appliances. Master suite has ceiling fan, fireplace, walk-in closet, bath w/ double sinks, separate tub & dual-headed shower w/ glass enclosure. French doors lead from living room to front outside area & from master suite to front private balcony so you can feel the ocean breeze, and (2) from family room to entertainer’s back patio to enjoy the amazing mature landscape. Travertine floor downstairs & in all the baths & laundry room, plush neutral color carpet on stairs & upstairs hall & all bedrooms. Exquisite details include 10' trey ceilings with amazing crown molding, 8' Mahagony doors,7.5" baseboards, recessed lighting, Roman blinds & designer’s paint throughout.Carriage porch, 2-car garage with attic space, huge backyard & lighted/gated dog run. Private beach location close to shopping & entertainment. No HOA dues & no Mello-Roos.This is a must see!.

34172 Crystal Lantern St  Price: $1,350,000 Sq Ft: 3,198 MLS ID: 790862

Description: Beach House Bargain! 5 bedroom or Bonus Room plus a separate entrance self contained studio! Walk to Doheny Beach, dining and shops. Potential for a fabulous Vacation Rental investment producing year round income stream. Most of the property has been remodeled or upgraded with wood and travertine flooring, all new kitchen and appliances, center island, range hood, plantation shutters, etc, Roof top deck offers has panoramic Village views with an ocean peak. A great buy for this much Coastal Home in prime downtown Dana Point!

Interested in seeing additional properties like these? Click here to search all listings.