One of the largest hurdles families face in the search for a new home is what to do about the home they are currently living in. We hope this three part series helps illustrate how trading a home can benefit a family.
The first of this series discussed the most common hurdles families face when seeking to move to a new home. This second part discusses how a new home builder offering a Trade In Your Home program can help overcome these challenges. The third part will discuss how a trade program works.
What Is Trading
Trading your home is when you trade (sell) your current home to a builder and then buy one of their new homes. This is similar to trading in an automobile, however it is done on two separate contracts instead of one document.
Both transactions will close at the same time at the same title company. Your equity in your old home can be used towards your down payment on your new home.
How Much Is My House Worth
The value of your current home will be determined the same way a real estate agent would determine what price to list your home for sale.
A builder will typically order a Comparative Market Analysis, inspect your home and order a real estate inspection. This will give him or her the information they require to determine a value for your house.
Once the builder is able to determine what improvements are required (paint, carpet, roof, etc..) if any and the price the home will sell a trade value will be determined for the home.
Our company offers a “net price” meaning that we deduct out real estate commissions, repairs, marketing fees and negotiation factors. Here is a case study on a recent trade offer.
Here is what this family would most likely net out if they listed with a real estate company;
Realtor Lists & Sells Home
List price $260,000
Negotiations (3%) & Commission (6%) ($22,932)
Home Warranty & Title Policy ($2,597)
Carpet, Paint & Repairs ($13,000)
Landscaping upkeep and grooming ($1,500)
Total Adjustments off of list prices $40,029
Projected Homeowner Net Proceeds $219,971
Here is what a family would most likely net if they traded in their home;
Builder Offered Trade Value
Retail value of home $260,000
Less Carpet & Paint (major items) ($11,000)
Less Seller Adjustments – 10% ($26,000)
Total Adjustments off of list prices $37,000
Net Value For Trade Credit $223,000
In this example the home owners are most likely going to receive a bit more net value for their home than trying to sell it themselves. Please keep in mind that every trade is different and individual circumstances will vary.
Repairs
All homes require repairs and updating to be ready for sale. When a builder takes a home in trade he has developed a plan to address those items and will be able have his crews handle the repairs once you have moved out of the home.
By conducting the repairs with his crews and in a vacant home, he is often able to save on costs versus what they would cost you to have the same work done. Builders are also less inclined to be worried about small cosmetic items which may make a typical home buyer nervous.
Benefits
The builder will often take your home in its current condition without requiring you to replace the carpet, do paint touch up or fix sheetrock damage.
You can avoid the trouble of negotiating a sale or dealing with odd buyer requests. You will not have to be ready to jump at a moment’s notice when a Realtor wants to show your home of have any pressure to keep the home in show ready condition all the time.
However, the biggest benefit is that you are able to move when you are ready into a home you want in a timely manner with minimal disruption to your life.
What Can You Trade
The best trades are when the property you are trading in is worth less than one half the price of the property you are seeking to purchase.
Most commonly a family will trade in their existing home. However, sometimes a family will offer a vacant lot or an investment property.
Thank You
During down markets, trading is a great means of moving without taking the risks associated with attempting to sell your existing home. In a hot market, trading may offer a great means of being able to move on the house you want before someone else beats you to it.
Either way, if you are considering a move, look at all your options including trading. The last part of this series will detail the steps of how a trade will work. To see the entire series visit our blog.
If you have a question on how to a trade program works, please feel free to email your questions to our offices. Garabedian Properties is a full service building firm serving the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. We offer new luxury homes, premium remodels, green building/remodeling, home care services, storm/roof repairs and commercial building contracting.
Please feel free to leave your comments, drop us an email at mike@garabedianproperties.com or call our office at 817-748-2669. I also encourage you to visit http://www.garabedianproperties.com to see movies on our homes, hundreds of pictures and information on how we can be of service to your family or clients. Or become a fan on Facebook.
If your family is not quite ready for us at this time, we will be at your service when you are in need or wish to request our assistance. If you know a family or client who may be in need of our services, we welcome and honor your referrals.
