How to sell your home for the ….. 

          BEST PRICE, in the 

                  SHORTEST TIME, with the

                           MOST FAVORABLE TERMS

                                        and CONDITIONS? 

                                                 By pricing it right … INITIALLY! 

Major Factor Affecting Value

* SUPPLY AND DEMAND

* SEASONAL MARKETS

* MORTGAGE MARKET

* CONDITIONS

* POLITICAL ACTIONS

* LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION 

Methods of Evaluation

* MARKET VALUE APPROACH(comparable property sales)

* INCOME APPROACH(investment or income producing properties)

* COST APPROACH(most useful on new properties when replacement values are readily determinable)

We’ll do it right! My Comparative market Analysis will consider the factors above and lead us tolisting your property right … from the beginning. 

GETTING YOUR HOME READY 

Inside 

CLEAN! CLEAN! Have the carpet shampooed; wax the floors, wash the walls, windows, blinds, drapes and lighting fixtures. Consider engaging a cleaning service, recognizing that it is a justified moving expense.

KITCHEN AND BATHROOMS Clear off counter tops. Leave your canisters and little else. Maximize the available counter space. These rooms should be gleaming. If unsightly, have the tub re-caulked and remove mineral deposits and grime from the shower walls. Clean the stove, microwave and refrigerator.

PRIMARY STORAGE AREA Like the garage, its time has come to be liberated. Remember, you can do it now and benefit with a more attractive home on the market, or you can do it several months from now, in the process of moving when there is no advantage. Do it now.

REPAIRS Identify and repair dripping faucets, sticking or creaking doors, etc. When people see areas of disrepair they begin to wonder whether there may be other unseen problems.

CLOSETS Remove out season clothing. Organizing your clothing and the shoes on the floor. Remove all clutter from cabinets and closets.

FURNITURE The less furniture, the larger a room appears to be.

A LIGHT APPEARANCE As a rule, do everything to lighten the appearance of the home. Raise the blinds, open the drapes and use light colors. Repaint any room beginning to look shabby.

Outside

Walk the property with a pad and pencil. List anything that you think is less than satisfactory without regard to cost or time. You can review the list afterwards to determine what you can and can’t repair.

THE HOUSE Take a closer look as you walk the property. Clean anything that looks unkempt or dirty; repair or replace anything that looks loose, dingy, rusted or broken. Make sure the door bell works. Replace a tired-looking mail box; clean the exterior light fixtures and wash the windows. Try to spot hanging or rusty gutters, crooked antenna, loose shingles or shutters.

THE YARD Turn and weed the beds; trim the trees and shrubs. Lay in ground cover. Mend the fence, fix the gate latch. Pick up litter. Consider a landscaping/lawn service.

OUTDOOR FURNITURE Examine and spot paint your outdoor furniture. If it’s rusty or un-repairable consider disposing of the pieces.

FRONT ENTRY It’s the first thing your buyers see as they stand and wait for the door to open. Its’ worth the extra effort to spruce it up.

THE GARAGE The time has come. Discard virtually everything in the garage that hasn’t been used for a year. Wash it down.

Think in terms of a home that is sparkling clean, uncluttered and spacious. 

PREPARING FOR A SHOWING

HOMES TEND TO SELL MORE QUICKLY AND FOR HIGHER PROCES WHEN THEY SHOW THEIR BEST!

It’s very important that your home shows well. We’re also aware that it can’t always be perfect. After all, you and your family must live there, too. Develop a routine that will allow you to pick up and be prepared to show in a reasonable period without duress… a 45 minute countdown, for example. This means that certain things must be done in advanced. For example, beds must be made up first thing in the morning and dirty dishes placed in the dish-washer after use so that you needn’t rush around tending to this matter at the last moment. This way you can prepare for each showing in an organized, un-hassled routine. 

BEFORE EACH SHOWING….

PICK UP EVERY ROOM Check counters, floors, halls and stairs. Straighten up or remove newspapers, magazines, mail, toys, clothing, recreation gear, snack glasses and dishes.

TURN ON ALL LIGHTS Even those in closets and storage rooms. Electric lights have an amazing capability for creating an illusion of lightness, airiness and largeness.

OPEN ALL DRAPES, SHADES AND BLINDS Do all that you can to create a bright and light ambiance.  

THE BEDROOMS Make up the beds, neatly and attractively, early in the morning. This is a job you don’t want to have to do so when you learn that the buyers will be there within the hour.

THE KITCHEN Be sure all countertops are clear and “squeaky clean”. Wipe down appliances. Be sure all dishes are in the dishwasher or cleaned and put away. The sink should be clear and clean.

CLEAN AIR Keep air fresheners in closets, bathrooms and kitchen. Be especially careful to keep kitchen odors fresh: coffee brewing or a cinnamon coffee baking in the oven have a lasting, inviting effect.

MUSIC, MUSIC, MUSIC Perhaps you can’t have something baking in the oven every time, but soft, pleasant background music may be very effective.

AIR CONDITIONING If the weather is warm and sultry, have it operating. 

THE BATHROOMS Keep a set of fresh, attractive towels in each room that you can change instantly. 

THE ENTRYWAY It’s the first and last impression that your buyers will have of your home – make it a good one! Check it regularly for sharpness. 

Prepare well for your showings! Set the stage to make the best impression on each prospective buyer. 

THE SHOWING

Everything is going to be fine. The agent has called in advance and you have made your last minute preparations as indicated in “Preparing For A Showing”.

RELAX There is nothing more to do. Pick up a magazine while you are waiting. Try to be understanding; the agent may have several home showings scheduled and he or she may be a bit early. It’s very difficult to be perfectly precise.

THE DOG Keep Fido away. Pet lovers will be distracted by your fun pet. For those who do not have pets, it may be bothersome.

CHILDREN SHOULD BE SEEN AND NOT HEARD This is a new experience for the kids. Naturally, they are excited, but they will disturb the professional flow of the showing. Ask then to remain away from the agent and buyers, to go outside, or to watch TV.

DING DONG Answer the door as you would for any welcome guest. The agent will take care of the introductions. If there is a situation that needs mentioning, perhaps a sick child in the second bedroom, do so now. You may invite the agent to begin showing the home and then you may excuse yourself.

LOW PROFILE Discreetly remain away from the buyers. As helpful as you wish to be, your presence will be intimidating. They need to be able to discuss the home freely with one another. And the agent needs to learn from the buyers how they are responding to your home. Your presence can limit that free communication.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO? Read a magazine; watch a TV program; take a walk outside; continue with a chore. Pick a room and settle down. When they stop to preview that room, you may leave, but it’s not really necessary. After all, they don’t want to feel that they are chasing you around the house. If there’s a room that you should try not to be in, it would be the kitchen since buyers, generally, spend more time there as they evaluate appliances, counter space, cabinets, etc,

CONVERSING WITH THE BUYERS If you are asked a question about the neighborhood, schools, etc., by all means answer pleasantly. However, avoid becoming engaged in a conversation. Questions regarding terms of sale should be referred to the agent. If the agent is a cooperating broker and does not have the answers, advise him or her that I, your agent, will contact him. 

INCLUSIONS The listing sheet should clearly identify items that are included and excluded in the offered property. Don’t initiate conversations about other personal property that you may be interesting in negotiating. It rarely is ideal clincher, may be distracting, and besides, there will be time to discuss this at the offer presentation time. 

LET THE “PRO” WORK As much as you love your home, don’t be tempted into doing the agent’s job. HE or she has been working with the buyers and should know what is important to them. Whether the agent mentions you new refrigerator now, or after they leave, its in his hands.

You’ve done all that you can. Now, relax as we do our own job. Soon, I’ll be calling you to say “Congratulations … we have and offer to present to you.”

WHEN AN OFFER IS MADE

1. PRESENTING THE OFFER

Presuming that the offer to purchase your home is generated by an agent other than myself, I will contact you immediately to arrange a meeting. The timing may be inopportune but it’s usually best to meet as soon as possible to consider the contract.Please note that when I call you to arrange for the presentation, I will not be aware of the terms of the offer. However, I will review all the terms and condition at that time. 

2. THREE OPTIONS TO CONSIDER

A) Accept the offer exactly as presented… and your home is SOLD!

B) Make a counter proposal – Propose changes to the offer, i.e. price, personal, property, closing or possession dates, etc. so that it is acceptable to you.

C) Reject the offer 

3. DELIVERY OF THE CONTRACT

A copy of the finalized contract will be delivered to both buyer and seller by their respective real estate agents. All pertinent legal documents can be delivered to your attorney, if you desire. 

4. FINALIZING ALL CONDITIONS

A) If the contract states that financing will be provided by a lender, it is the buyer’s responsibility to make and application for the mortgage loan as soon as possible. The buyer will have a set number of days to procure the loan, as stated in the contract. The lending institution will verify the buyer’s credit, work records, and determine his ability to meet the monthly obligations.

Since your buyer’s mortgage loan is to be secured by the house itself, the lending institution will assign an appraiser to visit your home to determine that its value is enough to secure the loan that they are making to your buyer. When all the information is received, the mortgage loan underwriter will either approve for disapprove the loan.

B) After the loan is approved, more legal work is necessary, though you will have very little involvement. The land title will be searched, title insurance will be ordered and an updated survey of the property may need to be ordered. If the property is a condominium, your Association may have to be contacted. 

C) When the paperwork is in order, the time and place of settlement will be agreed to by all parties involved. We will assist your attorney  to insure a smooth and timely closing. 

D) Prior to the time of closing, the buyer may request a physical inspection of the home. An appointment will be arranged through my office. They buyers may or may not be accompanied by a property inspector whom they have engaged at their expense. E) Keys will be delivered to the buyer at the closing, or whenever possession of the property has been agreed upon. 

F) At closing, all documents finalizing the sale will be signed by all parties and all funds will be disbursed. 

MY RESPONSIBILITIES 

My responsibilities are not fulfilled until the transaction is completed.

A) I will follow the progress of all the steps mentioned so I ma keep you abreast of developments.

B) I will do everything in my power to work with your mortgagee, accountant, lawyer, etc. To ensure a timely and highly satisfactory settlement for you.

List Your Property Here