Are you ready to sell your house?
In today’s housing market home values are constantly changing. It's my job to keep up with the current market conditions so I can keep my clients up to date and well informed. How do I set my selling price on my current home?By working together, we can determine the appropriate resale value for your current home. This is a process with a number of considerations.
Emotion versus Reason
When conversing with real estate agents, you will often find that when they talk to you about buying real estate, they will refer to your purchase as a "home." Yet if you are selling property, they will often refer to it as a "house." There is a reason for this. Buying real estate is often an emotional decision, but when selling real estate you need to remove emotion from the equation.You need to think of your house as a marketable commodity. Your goal is to get others to see it as their potential home, not yours.
You will be asked to provide certain documents to your lender in order that your loan can be processed in a timely manner.
Your most important decision when selling your home is the selection of the person you choose to represent you. The job of your Sales Associate is to support you in selling your home with the best possible terms, and to aid you through the entire process.
Your Sales Associate will explain the process of selling a home, and familiarize you with the various activities, documents and procedures that you will experience throughout the transaction.
Developing a Marketing Strategy - In order to sell your home quickly and on with the best possible terms, it's necessary to prepare your home for the market. This process includes:
• Deciding when to put your home on the market
• Establishing a strategic price based on recent comparable sales, local market conditions and your motivation to sell.
• Estimating probable net proceeds.
• Advising you on how to make your home more appealing to potential buyers.
Marketing Your Property
• Ordering a "FOR SALE" sign to be placed prominently on your property.
• Installing a lock box to make it easy for agents to show your home.
• Submitting your home to the regional Multiple Listing Service for immediate exposure to the real estate community.
• Arranging Sales Associates in the area to tour the home.
• Developing a flyer/brochure highlighting the features and benefits of your home.
• Promoting your home at the appropriate Association(s) of Realtors' for maximum exposure to other cooperating agents.
• Holding open houses when appropriate.
• Contacting your neighbors to promote the property.
• Advertising your property on our regular office schedule meetings.
• Featuring your property on my web site.
• Asking clients and colleagues if they know of possible buyers.
Selling Tips
Curb Appeal is Essential - A mowed, trimmed lawn and weeded garden create a good first impression. Inspect the exterior of your property: Shutters, windows, front door and steps. If the house needs painting, buyers will notice and may consider it a major objection to purchase.
Neatness Counts - Scrub each room thoroughly. Give special attention to the entryway, kitchen and bathrooms. Shampoo the carpet if necessary. If carpet is worn or old, consider replacing or removing it if hardwood floors are underneath. And don't forget cobwebs in corners!
Eliminate Clutter - Buyers will open closets and cupboards, so make sure they're as tidy as possible. Get rid of items you don't use. Remove unnecessary furniture to help make each room appear more spacious.
If it's Broken, Fix It - Easily fixable items such as loose doorknobs, a broken dishwasher, a dripping faucet, and squeaky doors all detract from your property's value. An afternoon spent making needed repairs now can eliminate a buyer's objections later.
Small changes can make a Big Impression - New towels can freshen a tired kitchen or bath. Fresh flowers add warmth to any room. And even a fresh coat of paint doesn't cost much.
Don't forget about Aroma therapy - Make sure your home passes the scent test. Right before an open house, bake some cookies or bread, simmer a pot of apple cider & cinnamon on the stove, or light a few scented candles. Strong odors could send potential lookers running out the front door.
Managing the Transaction - You'll appreciate having a strong advocate on your side during the transaction!
Negotiating the Offer - Your Sales Associate will immediately present and explain all offers to you. You will be able to accept, reject, or counter any offer presented. During the negotiation process, your Associate will leverage their experience and skills to advocate your interests:
• Reviewing the contract and obligations before you sign.
• Explaining how contingencies and release clauses work.
• Protecting you from signing a "blank check" for unknown problems or repairs.
• Defining legal disclosure requirements.
• Orchestrate the offer process for "back-up" offers, if necessary.
Throughout the negotiation, your Sales Associate will provide you with a professional, objective point of view; but the final decision of accepting an offer is yours.
After the Offer is Accepted
Once an offer is accepted, your Sales Associate will manage all the details to make the process as stress-free and efficient as possible:
• Staying in contact with the buyer's agent to ensure a smooth escrow.
• Following up on the progress of the buyer's loan.
• Monitoring all contingency removal deadlines.
• Assisting you if a conflict with the buyer arises.
Finalizing and Closing the Transaction
Finalizing the process includes reviewing all closing documents and ensuring both parties have copies. When the transaction has closed, your Sales Associate will deliver the closing check to you and the keys to the new owner.
If you are thinking about or considering selling your home please give me a call, I can assist you with all your Real Estate needs 760-845-1262. |
