Oak & Roots Real Estate Group

Cody Wilcoxson | CA DRE# 01847871

(805) 748-2477

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4800 Obispo Rd
Atascadero CA 93422

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Seller's Guide

A Step-by-Step First Time Seller's Guide

Putting your home on the market can be a stressful process, especially when you don’t know what to expect. Fortunately, with the help of an experienced team of real estate agents and this easy to follow guide, you can smoothly complete the process. Following these steps will help you prepare so you can get organized and sell your home for the best price possible.​​​​​​​

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Step 1: Understand Why You're Selling

What do you want to accomplish with the sale of your home? Do you want to make a certain amount of money that you can put toward a larger or nicer home? Do you need to sell it as soon as possible to facilitate a move to a new city or area? Once you understand your needs, you can better craft your offer. For example, if you need to sell quickly, you might want to price your home lower than if your goal is to make a certain profit margin. Make sure you convey these needs to your team of real estate agents once you choose one so they can adjust your selling price accordingly.

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Step 2: Determine Selling Price

Knowing how to price your home is one of the most important parts of the selling process. When you set a fair price in the beginning, you’ll get the most interest from other real estate agents and prospective buyers. Overpricing your home could lead to reduced interest, and underpricing leads to receiving less than what your home is worth. Working with a team of real estate agents is the best way to determine the right selling price for your home. A team of real estate agents with experience can determine what other comparable homes are selling for, evaluate the current market, and may even suggest a home appraisal.

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Step 3: Start Preparations

If you’ve kept your home in showroom condition since you’ve lived in it, you’re in the minority of homeowners. Once you price your home, it’s time to start getting it ready to be shown to potential buyers. This includes getting rid of clutter, depersonalizing the space so that buyers can envision themselves in the space, making any small repairs, and doing a deep clean to make sure your home is in pristine condition.

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Step 4: Develop a Marketing Strategy

We will develop a marketing strategy that is perfect for advertising your home. This involves listing the home and then driving the right people to that listing through social media campaigns, agent-to-agent referrals, traditional media, or SEO advertising. Our team creates a marketing campaign that aims to get the most possible traffic to your listing in the first three weeks after becoming a client.

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Step 5: Evaluate Offers

Receiving an offer is an exciting part of the process, but it doesn’t mean the journey is over. We will evaluate each offer and make sure the party making the offer is prequalified or pre-approved by a mortgage lender and that their offer is acceptable to you. If the offer is too low, you can make a counter-offer or offer other ways to bridge the gap, such as covering some or all of the closing costs, making repairs, adjusting the move-in date, or leaving some appliances or fixtures for the new buyer.

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Step 6: Accept an Offer

Once we deem the offer is acceptable, we will review the proposed contract to make sure it’s all in order and includes the necessary components such as deposit amount, down payment, financing, inspection rights and repair allowances, contingencies, settlement date, and a list of fees and who will pay them. When both parties have agreed to the term, a final contract will be prepared by your team of real estate agents.

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Step 7: Get Ready to Close

You have accepted an offer and are now very close to the end of your selling journey. But first, you and the buyer must make a list of what needs to be done before closing. In some cases, your home may need to be formally inspected, surveyed, and appraised. In other cases, major or minor repairs will need to be made before the house can close. We will head up efforts to develop and execute this list, get each action item paid for by the correct party, and make sure everything is in order by the closing date. A few days before the closing date, we will call the company closing the transaction to make sure everything is ready to go. If you haven’t done so already, you also need to make arrangements to move out of the home so the new buyer can take possession.

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Step 8: Close

You’ve reached the last step in the seller’s process. When you close on a home you are selling, you are legally transferring ownership of the property to the new buyer. We will meet with the company closing the transaction to sign the final paperwork and go over any issues that have not yet been taken care of. During this time, you can also make plans with your team of real estate agents to handle final details such as canceling utilities, cable, and lawn or trash services, changing the name on accounts that the new owner is retaining and ensuring the new owner has instructions for all appliances that will remain in the home.

Congratulations!

Once you have sold your home, you’re free to take the next step on your journey. Whether this is relocating to a new city, moving into a larger home, or downsizing and enjoying your life as empty-nesters, knowing all your selling responsibilities have been taken care of will help you achieve peace of mind for your new path.

Tips for Sellers

In order to get the highest price in the shortest time, you need to know how to market your home. The better you market your home, the more offers you will get. And the more offers you get, the more choices you have to get the price and terms you want.

The most important factor of marketing your home is pricing it right. Your price should be adjusted to reflect the market, and the property's worth. The key is to get many people checking out your property at a fair price instead of having no buyers because your price is set to high.

Another important factor is the condition of your home. Make sure that your home looks ready to be sold. Fix any defects (peeling or faded paint, cracks, stains, etc.) Condition alone can sometimes prompt fast buying decisions. Not only should you fix any defects, but consider upgrading your home by making major repairs and cosmetic improvements before selling. A nice looking home triggers the emotional response that can lead to a financial response.

Learn how to negotiate the best terms for all parties involved. Terms are another factor which may be adjusted to attract buyers. If you insist on getting your asking price, think of what you can offer to the buyers, for example, improvements you've made, or even offering seller financing at a lower than market interest rate on a portion of the sale price. Convince them why they should be paying the price you have set.

Lastly, get the buzz out about your home. List your house with a hot agent that ensures your house is listed on the MLS and on the Internet. On your own, get the word out. It should be visible to passerby’s that your house if for sale, whether it be signs, local advertisements or you telling friends, family, and acquaintances.

If you want buyers to be interested in your home, you need to show it in its best light. A good first impression can influence a buyer into making an offer; it influences a buyer emotionally and visually. In addition, what the buyer first sees is what they think of when they consider the asking price.

A bad first impression can dissuade a potential buyer. Don't show your property until it's all fixed up. You do not want to give buyers the chance to use the negative first impression they have as means of negotiation.

Ask around for the opinions others have of your home. Real estate agents who see houses everyday can give solid advice on what needs to be done. Consider what architects or landscape designers have to say. What you need are objective opinions, and it's sometimes hard to separate the personal and emotional ties you have for the home from the property itself.

Typically, there are some general fix ups that need to be done both outside and on the inside. As a seller, you should consider the following:

*Landscaping - Has the front yard been maintained? Are areas of the house visible to the street in good condition?

*Cleaning or Redoing the driveway - Is your driveway cluttered with toys, tools, trash etc.?

*Painting - Does both the exterior and the interior look like they have been well taken care of?

*Carpeting - Does the carpet have stains? Or does the carpet look old and dirty?

Ask around for the opinions others have of your home. Real estate agents who see houses everyday can give solid advice on what needs to be done. Consider what architects or landscape designers have to say. What you need are objective opinions, and it's sometimes hard to separate the personal and emotional ties you have for the home from the property itself.

If you know exactly why you are selling, then it is easier for you to set the right plan of action to get what it is that you want.

If you are a seller who needs to close a sale as quickly as possible, then you should know that getting the highest price possible is not one of your priorities. It does not mean that you won't or cannot get the highest price, but it means that the price is not the deciding factor. A buyer who can give you a quick closing time will appeal much more to you than a buyer who can offer you more money but the negotiation and closing time drag on.

It's always good to know how low you will go, in terms of selling price. This will help to eliminate some of the offers that you find simply offensive or ridiculous. Even though you should consider all offers seriously and take into consideration the terms of each offer, sometimes, if you know the bottom line and are strict about it, you can save yourself time.

Once you know what your limits and reasons are, discuss them with your agent so that they can help you set your goals realistically. If you decide to list your home on your own, make sure you do research on the current market, and you get the proper advice you need in terms of legal issues, etc. The key is to be realistic and to know what your goals are so that they can be met

The price is the first thing buyers notice about your property. If you set your price too high, then the chance of alienating buyers is higher. You want your house to be taken seriously, and the asking price reflects how serious you are about selling your home.

Several factors will contribute to your final decision. First, you should compare your house to others that are in the market. If you use an agent, he/she will provide you with a CMA. The CMA will reflect the following:

*houses in your price range and area sold within the last half-year

*asking and selling prices of houses

*current inventory of houses on the market

*features of each house on the market

From the CMA, you will find out the difference between the asking price and selling price for all homes sold, the condition of the market, and other houses comparable to yours.

Also, try to find out what types of houses are selling and see if it applies to your area. Buyers follow trends, and these trends can help you set your price.

Always be realistic. And understand and set your price to reflect the current market situation.

1) Analyze why you are selling - If you understand your motives, you will be able to better negotiate and to get what it is that you want, whether it be a quick sale, high price, or somewhere in the middle.

2) Prepare you home for the buyer - Maximize the strengths of your property and fix up it's weaknesses. You want the buyer to walk away from your home with a lasting good impression.

3) Find a good real estate agent that understands your needs - Make sure that your agent is loyal to you, and can negotiate to help you achieve your goals. In addition, they should be assertive and honest with both you and the buyer.

4) Be prepared for negotiation - Learn and understand your buyer's situation; what are their motives? Can you demand a big deposit from them? Try to lock in the buyer so that the deal goes through.

5) Negotiate for the best price and the best terms - Learn how to counter offer to get more from every offer.

6) Make sure the contract is complete - Be honest with your disclosures; you do not want to lose the deal because you were lying or diminishing your home's defects. Insist the buyers get a professional inspection. This will protect both you and the buyer.

Not all agents work the same way. The most important attribute of an agent is that he/she is well connected to the real estate industry. He/she should know the market and provide information on past sales, current listings, his or her marketing plan, and at least 4 solid references. In addition, you also want to look for an agent that is honest, assertive, and one that best understands your needs.

Try to go with a local agent. They can better serve your needs; they are familiar with what the local market condition is, the local prices are, and what's hot or not in your community.

When reading an offer, keep in mind that you are out to get the best price AND the best terms for you. If you focus solely on the price, you may overlook terms that could be favorable to you as a buyer.

Some terms that may work in your favor:

*higher-than-market-interest in a second mortgage for your home

*the buyer will pay for most or all of the closing costs

*the buyer will take care of any repairs

*quick close - the buyer is pre-approved and ready to close in a time that best suits you

*all-cash deal

When reading through offers, remember to look at the whole package. Take the time that you need to assess what is being offered and if it meets your needs.

A professional home inspection protects both you and the buyer. It allows both you and the buyer the opportunity to learn about the property's defects.

A home inspection usually covers the following:

*Plumbing conditions - if there is leakage or clogging

*Roofing conditions - the extent of deterioration, if there is leakage

*Electrical conditions - if there are inadequate circuits or potential fire hazards

*Structural problems - if there are problems with the underlying foundation of your home

As a seller, the home inspection reports protect you because it establishes the actual condition of the property at the time of sale.

Nothing turns off a potential buyer faster than peeling paint, a broken window, or a splintered front step. It's wise to make necessary repairs before you put your house on the market. A house in good condition demonstrates pride of ownership-one of your best sales tools. Start by covering these areas:

Inside the House

Fix or replace damaged flooring, such as torn linoleum or cracked tiles.

If you can't afford to replace damaged or worn floors, consider offering the buyer an allowance for renovation.

Fix any drains, faucets, or plumbing fixtures that aren't operating.

Fixes can range from replacing a faucet washer to buying a new toilet.

Paint the interior.

Fill and paint any cracks or holes in the walls. (You may need to repaint entire walls to mask such repairs.)

Replace burned-out bulbs and broken electrical sockets.

Most agents will want you to turn on all the lights before a showing.

Replace or fix broken stairs.

Fix any creaks as well.

Replace old locks and doorknobs.

Make it easy for a buyer to walk in.

Fix any doors that don't open easily, including the garage door.

If your garage door opener doesn't work, repair or replace it.

Outside the House

Replace cracked windows and torn screens.

Don't let your house be shown with the equivalent of a black eye.

Fix cracks in the driveway and entry walkway, and clean up stains.

If the driveway requires major repair, it may be preferable to offer the buyer an allowance for the work.

Paint the exterior.

Touch up peeling paint, window frames, porches, and shutters. Repaint the entire exterior if it is drab or peeling.

Replace broken gutters or missing downspouts.

Good drainage is key to passing a home inspection.

Replace or fix broken stairs.

It's a matter of both safety and aesthetics.

Reseal the deck and repair broken boards.

A new coat of sealer can spruce up a fading deck.

Repair the roof.

Replace shingles and tack down loose flashing. If the roof is old, you may want to replace it and adjust your sales price accordingly.

Past Transactions

Past Transactions

 Home Valuation

Home Valuation

 Buyer's Guide

Buyer's Guide
See Why Our Clients Love Us

Testimonials

Read what our clients have to say about working with us.

"Jim and Sydney's knowledge of real estate options and connections to the community have been reassuring as I consider a move to the Central Coast. They make every effort to match my expectations to the listings and bring areas to my attention that I hadn't thought about. Very helpful in my search!"
"Jim and Sydney's knowledge of real estate options and connections to the community have been reassuring as I consider a move to the Central Coast. They make every effort to match my expectations to the listings and bring areas to my attention that I hadn't thought about. Very helpful in my search!"
Mih I.
"Jim and Sydney are clearly at the top of their field. They always have extensive knowledge of their market, current conditions, relevant inventory as well as an industry-wide perspective. They’re clearly very well-known throughout California, and I know they have both shown commitment to their field beyond the California market, which means a lot to me. A conversation with them gives me both the local climate but also the national perspective which, as a client, is a rare benefit most people rarely receive. I know them to be deeply vested in ethics and integrity, as well as delivering the best results for their client. My experience with them is one of the hardest working and most successful professional teams in real estate. As a client, that’s a home run for me."
"Jim and Sydney are clearly at the top of their field. They always have extensive knowledge of their market, current conditions, relevant inventory as well as an industry-wide perspective. They’re clearly very well-known throughout California, and I know they have both shown commitment to their field beyond the California market, which means a lot to me. A conversation with them gives me both the local climate but also the national perspective which, as a client, is a rare benefit most people rarely receive. I know them to be deeply vested in ethics and integrity, as well as delivering the best results for their client. My experience with them is one of the hardest working and most successful professional teams in real estate. As a client, that’s a home run for me."
Buyer | Seller
"My family had a great experience buying our first home with Evan Peterson. Evan has been very professional and promptly responded to our inquiries and concerns, even after we closed escrow and were all moved in. In one such case, we were already living in our home for a few months and needed matching paint on very short notice. I contacted Evan in the evening to see if he could help, and he delivered the paint the next morning when we needed it on a Saturday. He's also a native of San Luis Obispo County, so he is very familiar with the surrounding area. I would definitely work with Evan again and highly recommend his friendly and helpful services."
"My family had a great experience buying our first home with Evan Peterson. Evan has been very professional and promptly responded to our inquiries and concerns, even after we closed escrow and were all moved in. In one such case, we were already living in our home for a few months and needed matching paint on very short notice. I contacted Evan in the evening to see if he could help, and he delivered the paint the next morning when we needed it on a Saturday. He's also a native of San Luis Obispo County, so he is very familiar with the surrounding area. I would definitely work with Evan again and highly recommend his friendly and helpful services."
Alex D.
"You will not find anyone better than Evan and his team on the central coast. This young man made my experience as stress-free as possible and he put forth all his effort to actually make my home-buying process a pleasurable one. I was simultaneously selling my house in the Central Valley and purchasing my home in Templeton. He made the process feel like I was a local by facilitating all my paperwork. He even helped me by showing up at the new house to sign for an appliance delivery. He is smart, knowledgeable, and one of the kindest people I have ever met. He had such great insight into reality on the central coast which greatly helped me make my final decision. I highly recommend him. He is truly the very best!"
"You will not find anyone better than Evan and his team on the central coast. This young man made my experience as stress-free as possible and he put forth all his effort to actually make my home-buying process a pleasurable one. I was simultaneously selling my house in the Central Valley and purchasing my home in Templeton. He made the process feel like I was a local by facilitating all my paperwork. He even helped me by showing up at the new house to sign for an appliance delivery. He is smart, knowledgeable, and one of the kindest people I have ever met. He had such great insight into reality on the central coast which greatly helped me make my final decision. I highly recommend him. He is truly the very best!"
Gabriel M.
"Oak and Roots is headed by Cody Wilcoxson. He and his Team are some of the most knowledgeable and skilled real estate advisors I've ever collaborated with. Their local expertise, negotiation skills, and exceptional communication make them true partners for homebuyers and sellers. He and his team are patient, and empathetic, and always put their clients first, making them trusted advocates in the market. If you're looking for a real estate company that will work tirelessly to achieve your real estate goals, look no further."
"Oak and Roots is headed by Cody Wilcoxson. He and his Team are some of the most knowledgeable and skilled real estate advisors I've ever collaborated with. Their local expertise, negotiation skills, and exceptional communication make them true partners for homebuyers and sellers. He and his team are patient, and empathetic, and always put their clients first, making them trusted advocates in the market. If you're looking for a real estate company that will work tirelessly to achieve your real estate goals, look no further."
Sean S.
"Cody and his team will take excellent care of you from start to finish. Their practical knowledge and experience from thousands of transactions will help you buy or sell with confidence. Oak And Roots is run by Cody Wilcoxson, who is the protege of Jim Liptak, the former president of the California Association of Real Estate Agent. Their depth of knowledge as a team can’t be surpassed."
"Cody and his team will take excellent care of you from start to finish. Their practical knowledge and experience from thousands of transactions will help you buy or sell with confidence. Oak And Roots is run by Cody Wilcoxson, who is the protege of Jim Liptak, the former president of the California Association of Real Estate Agent. Their depth of knowledge as a team can’t be surpassed."
Peter Van G.
"Cody Wilcoxson who heads Oak and Roots Real Estate Group is a of a kind real estate agent. He went above and beyond in securing my wife and our first home in this tough market. He is very knowledgeable with a bunch of tips, tricks, and resources up his sleeve. We will be looking to Cody when it comes time to start a new chapter."
"Cody Wilcoxson who heads Oak and Roots Real Estate Group is a of a kind real estate agent. He went above and beyond in securing my wife and our first home in this tough market. He is very knowledgeable with a bunch of tips, tricks, and resources up his sleeve. We will be looking to Cody when it comes time to start a new chapter."
Jonathan P.
"As out-of-state home buyers, we relied heavily on Cody to help guide us through the California real estate transaction process. He did a great job explaining the contract terms and the entire transaction from the beginning to close of escrow. He was there when we needed him to answer questions and was always a step ahead. Cody is a professional in every sense, very knowledgeable of the market, and very customer-centric. We were fortunate to have found him and will definitely use his services in the future."
"As out-of-state home buyers, we relied heavily on Cody to help guide us through the California real estate transaction process. He did a great job explaining the contract terms and the entire transaction from the beginning to close of escrow. He was there when we needed him to answer questions and was always a step ahead. Cody is a professional in every sense, very knowledgeable of the market, and very customer-centric. We were fortunate to have found him and will definitely use his services in the future."
Michael M.
"As expected, Cody was the best resource we could have utilized in our journey to sell our home and move across the country the day after closing. He ensured all of our concerns were addressed, our needs met, and our peace of mind maintained throughout the entire process. Cody was the most knowledgeable agent we could have asked for, bringing both a sense of professionalism and personal attention to our transaction, making us feel comfortable with every decision along the way. Any friends and family in the Central Coast area who ask for a real estate professional will undoubtedly get Cody Wilcoxson as our only recommendation."
"As expected, Cody was the best resource we could have utilized in our journey to sell our home and move across the country the day after closing. He ensured all of our concerns were addressed, our needs met, and our peace of mind maintained throughout the entire process. Cody was the most knowledgeable agent we could have asked for, bringing both a sense of professionalism and personal attention to our transaction, making us feel comfortable with every decision along the way. Any friends and family in the Central Coast area who ask for a real estate professional will undoubtedly get Cody Wilcoxson as our only recommendation."
Ian A.
"Cody was amazing! Not only did he help me find my perfect house, but he did so with a sense of humor, and honesty. Cody fought for me every step of the way and I ended up with an incredible deal on my new house. He answered all my questions, dealt gracefully with me changing my mind, and quickly tuned in to what my priorities and price points were and found me some great homes that fit the bill. Ultimately, I don't think there is a better advocate for a buyer or seller in the area. Not only is he savvy and knowledgeable but he does the work with good humor and a kind, but effective attitude."
"Cody was amazing! Not only did he help me find my perfect house, but he did so with a sense of humor, and honesty. Cody fought for me every step of the way and I ended up with an incredible deal on my new house. He answered all my questions, dealt gracefully with me changing my mind, and quickly tuned in to what my priorities and price points were and found me some great homes that fit the bill. Ultimately, I don't think there is a better advocate for a buyer or seller in the area. Not only is he savvy and knowledgeable but he does the work with good humor and a kind, but effective attitude."
Amy F.
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Cody Wilcoxson | CA DRE# 01847871

(805) 748-2477

4800 Obispo Rd Atascadero CA 93422

Oak & Roots Real Estate Group

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Get in Touch

Cody Wilcoxson | CA DRE# 01847871

(805) 748-2477

4800 Obispo Rd Atascadero CA 93422

Oak & Roots Real Estate Group