Dawna Davies and her assistant Jodi Blanchard did an exceptional job in helping us sell our home in San Luis Obispo. Dawna’s intelligence and knowledge of the business made the whole complex process easy for us to understand and navigate. What seemed like counter-intuitive advice at the start—that we should be extremely thorough in discovering any possible problems with the forty year old house and present them in advance—turned out to streamline the final transaction by building trust in potential buyers and removing the possibility of unpleasant surprises and uncertainty for us. Her contacts with a wide range of local business people who carried out many preparatory operations quickly and economically offered another unique benefit. Her tact and amiability made our numerous interactions pleasant rather than wary. And Jodi’s work in converting the box full of documents from our files into a coherent house-maintenance-history binder meticulous and creative. From start to finish our involvement with Davies Company was personally as well as financially rewarding.
- Negotiation is beyond price. A simple purchase contract holds well over 20 significant points of negotiation. Price is only one. Rely on your agent’s research and skill in tailoring transactions to the seller’s needs so you get what you want and need.
- Use a respected agent. Find and work with a local agent who has positive relationships with the local real estate community. In addition to the benefits of working with an experienced agent, an agent with a good reputation might lead a seller’s agent to encourage the seller to accept your offer over a comparable one from another agent with whom they had a negative past experience.
- Smooth showings often lead to smooth escrows. Be respectful and kind at viewing. Follow your agent's instructions. First impressions on the seller (and their agent) make a difference, especially when sellers want to leave their home and neighborhood in caring hands.
- A clear complete offer will promote openness. As few complications in your offer as possible will help make it apparent that you are putting your best offer out first. This may encourage transparency back from the seller.
- Make a fair, educated offer. Write your offer relative to other available properties. Expect the seller, as well as buyers competing with you for the same property, will have explored the market and be knowledgeable.