Selling a home...

THE HOME SELLING PROCESS …

The listing appointment will cover the initial elements of the sale.  We will discuss your needs and priorities, discuss a marketing plan, and establish a pricing strategy.  The marketing plan will include a discussion of any possible enhancement recommendations. 

After completing any staging we will carry out scheduled marketing activities and begin to show the property to prospective buyers and other Broker and Real Estate Agents.  At this point, communication with you will be determined by the activity generated by buyer’s interest in purchasing you home.  We will monitor marketing results and modify our strategy as necessary. 

When we have received an offer, we will present it to you as soon as possible.  Having the right contact information for you at all times is critical.  If you are going to be out of town, we will need to have a back up plan to present offers as they occur.  Regular contact is important to the negotiating process to consider any concessions or changes necessary.  Once all the details of the offer have been addressed and all the documents signed, all parties to the transaction will be notified and the contract is receipted with the Title Company. 

The lender handles the underwriting while the title company takes care of the title search and both entities will produce the necessary documents to conduct the sale.  The buyer will attain an inspection for the home and at this point any necessary repairs or treatments will be addressed.  After the removal of any contingencies and after the documents have been completed, the closing is scheduled.  After the closing funding takes place upon approval of the closing documents by the lender and the transaction is completed. 

As your Realtor, we are happy to provide a comparative market analysis, an informal estimate of value based on comparable sales of like properties in your neighborhood.  We will use listing prices of homes currently on the market as well as those that have recently sold.   We compare your home with properties of similar size, construction and location.  Another option is to pay for an appraisal performed by a certified appraiser. 

Lenders require an appraisal as part of the loan process; the buyer usually pays this.  Appraisers use several factors when estimating a home’s value, in including the home’s size and the square footage, amenities and the condition of the home.

SELLER’S TIPS …

1. Maintain the property in ready to show condition right up to the minute it is sold. 
2. Try to be flexible in the scheduling of appointments to show your property within reason.  Obviously, if you are having company or need to suspend showings for a time, discuss this with your agent to make the necessary arrangements with others. 
3. Communication is the key, you need to let us know where you can be reached if you go out of town, or will otherwise be unavailable for a time.
4. Remove or lock up valuables, jewelry, cash and prescription medication and safeguard any breakables, because the Broker does not assume any responsibility or liability for these items.
5. Try not to be present at showings, and either securely pen up pets, or take them with you if at all possible. 
6. If approached directly by a buyer whose is not represented by a real estate professional, please contact us.  Do not allow them into the property unescorted.  If you do talk to a buyer’s representative, please ask them for a business card. 
7. Be cautious about saying anything to buyers or their sales professionals that could weaken your negotiating position, especially regarding price or your urgency to sell.
8. let us know if there is any change in the property’s condition that would need to be disclosed to potential buyers.
9. Be available to discuss with us the list price and condition of your property if it has not sold within a reasonable period of time.

FSBO = For Sale by Owner …

If you want to sell your won home without the assistance of a Real Estate Professional, there are a few important facts to consider.

• What if you over price your home?
• How long will it take to sell?
• Do you know how to write a contract?
• Will you be offering a clear title without any liens or clouds on it?
• How do you know that a prospective buyer can afford your home?
• Do you have time to show your home to prospective buyers?
• Do you have time to help a buyer to arrange financing?
• Can you directly negotiate with a prospective buyer?
• Will most buyers want to negotiate directly with you or with an intermediary?

These considerations should impact your decision to go it alone.  They don’t even address the legal ramifications of liability, disclosure and equal housing laws.  When you take all those issues into account, you can see that Real Estate Professional is well worth the investment.