“City to country” is a phrase I adopted when Josh and I were making our move out of the suburbs.  So many people I talk to dream about getting out of town and moving to country.  In the Central Valley, we don’t really have “big city” living, but we do have plenty of neighbors on either side of us and their pesky dogs that bark at all hours of the night.

As a Ranchette realtor I strive to make this “city to country” move a seamless process. Real estate-wise, it takes a lot of coordination to ensure that both deals (buying your new home & selling your old one) go smoothly, but I’m confident that we can work together to make your country living dreams a reality.

It’s human nature to not like the unknown.  It can take some time to find the perfect country property especially in Merced, Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties where the demand is so high.  Most clients are hesitant to put their “city” property on the market without finding their “country” one first.

I always say that it only takes losing your dream Ranchette once before you get more aggressive.  As the seller you are in charge. You are calling the shots.

To start, I always suggest listing your house first. That doesn’t necessary mean a sign out front and a bunch of photos on Zillow, but it does mean that we have signed an agreement and it is for sale.  This way when the right property comes up we can let the other agent know straightaway that you’ve already listed with me. I promise, there are some buyers out there don’t list their house the first time around - and they miss out. I can also promise you that they’re more prepared the second time and list their house first thing. 

Next, let’s show off your house! Allow me to advertise and show it to potential buyers while we look for your new property!  (We’ll be sure to let potential buyers know that you’ll need time to find your new home.)

Then, once we have your house in escrow or pending and we have found your Ranchette, the real work begins. Don’t worry, though - together we can make more exciting than stressful! It’ll take some coordination of time lines, appraisals, financing, inspections, and close of escrow dates to make sure that we close both properties in a timely manner so that you do not end up without a home. (Yikes!)

It is not always easy to trust someone else’s advice. We always think we know what’s best - but when a realtor like myself specializes in Ranchettes and moving clients from “city to country,” take my word for it -TOGETHER we’ll be successful!

- Nat