MAY AHN

SELLING YOUR HOME THE RIGHT WAY

Tag: Pasadena real estate agent

  • How to Prepare Your Home for Sale When You’re Already Out of Town

    Selling your home while living in another city—or even another state—can feel overwhelming.

    But with the right game plan and a trusted local expert (👋 that’s me!), it doesn’t have to be stressful.

    If you’ve inherited a property, recently relocated for work or retirement, or you’ve owned your Pasadena-area home for years and are finally ready to sell.

    Here’s how you can confidently get your home ready—without having to fly back.

    1. Start with a Local Market Expert You Trust

    Your first move? Find a Pasadena-based real estate professional who knows the market, understands your goals, and can be your eyes and ears on the ground.

    I’ve helped many out-of-town sellers manage everything from property prep to closing—all without needing to hop on a plane.

    2. Do a Virtual Walkthrough Together

    A video walkthrough (via Zoom or FaceTime) gives me a better sense of your home’s condition. We’ll talk about:

    • What updates or repairs might increase the home’s value
    • How to highlight the best features of your property
    • What today’s buyers are looking for in your neighborhood

    3. Coordinate Repairs and Refreshes Remotely

    You don’t need to lift a hammer or make phone calls. I’ll coordinate with trusted local vendors to take care of:

    • Deep cleaning
    • Landscaping and curb appeal
    • Minor repairs (paint touch-ups, leaky faucets, etc.)
    • Hauling or donation pickups if the home is still furnished

    We’ll keep you updated with photos, videos, and clear timelines so you always know what’s happening.

    4. Professional Staging and Photography

    Homes that show well, sell well. We’ll bring in a stager who can furnish or style the space to help buyers emotionally connect.

    Then we’ll schedule high-quality photos and video tours to make your listing pop online.

    ✨ Buyers shop with their eyes first—and we’ll make sure your home stands out.

    5. Flexible Showing Strategy

    Since you’re not in town, we’ll install a lockbox and work closely with buyer agents to coordinate private showings, open houses (if appropriate), and even virtual tours.

    We’ll also pre-screen serious buyers to make the process smooth and secure.

    6. Go Paperless, Stay Informed

    Every step of the process—from listing paperwork to accepting offers—can be handled electronically. You’ll be able to:

    • Review offers from wherever you are
    • Ask questions in real time
    • Sign documents securely online
    • And of course, I’ll keep you updated every step of the way.
    • You Don’t Have to Be Here to Sell Your Home With Confidence

    Selling from a distance is more common than you’d think—especially for long-time property owners, trustees, and families managing inherited homes.

    If you’re thinking about selling in Pasadena, San Marino, Arcadia, South Pasadena, or San Gabriel, and you’re already living elsewhere, let’s talk. I’ll walk you through the entire process and handle everything locally with care and professionalism.

    📞 Call or text me at 626-329-6999
    📧 may.ahn@sothebys.realty
    🌐 MayAhnHomes.com

  • Selling a Tenant-Occupied Property: What You Need to Know

    Selling a tenant-occupied property comes with unique challenges, but with the right approach, it can be a smooth and successful process.

    Whether you’re an investor looking to cash out or a homeowner transitioning out of the rental business, understanding your legal obligations and strategic options is key.

    Here’s what you need to know.

    1. Understand Your Legal Obligations

    Tenant rights vary by state and city, so it’s crucial to review local landlord-tenant laws before listing the property. In California, for example:

    • Lease agreements remain valid after a sale. If a tenant has a fixed-term lease, the new owner must honor it until expiration.
    • Notice requirements apply. If the lease is month-to-month, landlords must typically provide a 60-day notice if the tenant has lived there for more than a year (30 days for less than a year).
    • ‘Just cause’ eviction laws may apply in some areas, restricting the ability to remove tenants unless they violate lease terms.

    2. Decide Whether to Sell with or Without Tenants

    There are pros and cons to each approach:

    • ✅ Sell with tenants in place – Ideal for investors looking for an income-producing property. However, it may limit your buyer pool to those willing to take on tenants.
    • ✅ Sell vacant – Broadens your market to owner-occupants but may require negotiating an early lease termination or waiting until the lease ends.

    3. Communicate Clearly with Your Tenants

    Selling a home is disruptive, so open and respectful communication is essential.

    • Give tenants plenty of notice about your intent to sell.
    • Work with them to schedule showings at convenient times.
    • Offer incentives, such as discounted rent or moving assistance, to gain their cooperation.

    4. Consider Offering Cash for Keys

    If you want to sell the home vacant but the tenants have a long-term lease, a cash-for-keys agreement may be a good solution.

    This involves offering tenants a financial incentive to move out early, allowing you to avoid legal complications while ensuring a smoother sale.

    5. Market to the Right Buyers

    A tenant-occupied property will appeal mostly to:

    • Investors looking for rental income
    • Buyers planning renovations before moving in
    • Landlords wanting to expand their portfolio

    If selling to an investor, providing details like rental income, lease terms, and tenant payment history can help strengthen your listing.

    6. Work with an Experienced Real Estate Agent

    Navigating a tenant-occupied sale requires expertise. A knowledgeable real estate agent (like me!) can help:

    • Ensure compliance with local rental laws
    • Market the property to the right audience
    • Negotiate lease buyouts if necessary
    • Coordinate showings with tenants to avoid friction

    💡 Thinking about selling your rental property in Pasadena, San Marino, or surrounding areas?

    Let’s talk about the best strategy for your situation. Call or text me at 626-329-6999.