Dawna is a real pro! I am so glad she was on our team. For nearly four years she guided us through the volatility of the San Luis Obispo housing market, answering our questions from a far (we live in Montana) and flagging appropriate properties or developments along the way. When the timing was right and we found just what we were looking for, Dawna expertly guided us through the negotiations and inspections. This wasn't our first home buying experience, but we really appreciated how easy Dawna and her assistant made the whole process. We successfully closed in less than 30 days.
- Find a REALTOR® before you find the house or property to buy, or before you determine the time to sell. There are over 202,000 people with real estate licenses in California (http://www.dre.ca.gov/). You have many choices. Find one who is available, knowledgeable, responsive, and with a schedule and style that fits yours.
- Talk to your CPA and financial advisors to determine if buying a property or selling your real estate is a good choice for your situation. With an ever-changing economy, your income or losses may have changed from prior years, giving you greater (or less) need for the tax benefits that real estate can provide.
- Get familiar with schedules for Cal Poly and Cuesta College to be aware of the expected school breaks. These are times that many buyers are in town with their students and have time to browse. Time your search to avoid competition to your offer and/or time your sale listing to attract more traffic during these times.
- If you are a seller, start preparing for future property photos. Take advantage of the rainy season! If you are preparing your property for listing, start landscape cleanup several months before listing to allow for plant growth and a vibrant yard before the listing date.
- If you are a buyer, start looking before most buyers will expect to start (January-ish). Some properties might have been on the market since before the holidays. Be aware that sellers may get fatigued and could be more receptive to a lower price or terms before the spring season window.