A successful Real Estate sale requires preparation and planning: The first step is to get your residence or rental property into near "model home" condition with lots of ‘curb appeal’.  That means cleaning, repairing and painting. But don't go overboard with renovations.  Modest-cost cosmetic improvements and basic repairs usually pay off.  Profitable examples include fresh paint, inside and outside.  In fact, fresh paint is the most profitable dollar-for-dollar improvement you can make.  Also consider the following as needed:  new updated light fixtures, new floor coverings such as wall-to-wall carpet, laminate flooring or possibly refinishing hardwood floors, updating vinyl flooring or replacing with tile, and most importantly, 'sprucing up' the outdoor landscaping. 

Your Property's Estimated Market Value and Listing Price will depend largely on the recent sales prices of nearby comparable properties in your San Diego County neighborhood. And please note that most online home evaluations are only generalized estimates and they will not take into consideration recent improvements or current property condition.  So it's important that I personally view your property.  And because 'online' evaluations are usually geared to single-family homes and condominiums only, a personalized analysis by a real estate professional is a necessity for properties with 2 or more units.  Your most accurate current property value will be determined from a more detailed analysis called an 'Appraisal' completed by the Buyer's Lender during the Escrow period.  You may, of course, choose to have an Appraisal done before putting it on the market.  Prospective Buyers have a right to have a professional 'Property Inspection' done and to make requests for repairs.  More specifically, Buyers usually request a credit to the Purchase Offer for such repairs during the Escrow process.  Therefore, any Buyer/Seller negotiated credits to the Purchase Price for termite repairs or other items (such as outdated electrical, heating, plumbing, etc.) will diminish your net sale proceeds.  It's a good idea to have a Pest Inspection/Rreport (aka Termite Inspection) done before selling to provide valuable pre-sale information.  If cosmetic repairs are made before showing the home for sale, the odds of better Purchase Offers will rise accordingly.  And having a 'Property Inspection' done before putting your investment property on the market is an option which will give you a more complete pre-sale review of what specific repairs may be requested by prospective Buyers. 

When you're ready to sell, call me to schedule an appointment for a walk-through of your property, provide you with 'comparable sales' prices in your area, give you some thoughts on possible cosmetic improvements you can make to improve your sale price, and to answer any questions you may have about selling.