DETERMINATION OF VALUE
LOCATION
Location is the single most important factor in determining the value of your property.
COMPETITION
Prospective buyers are going to compare your property both condition and price to other listings in and around your neighborhood. Buyers determine the value, based on properties that recently sold in the area.
TIMING
Property values are affected by the current real estate market. The 3 first 30 days are key to selling your home, this is when the most activity occurs. I have a pricing/marketing strategy that maximizes those important first 30 days your property is on the market.
CONDITION
The condition of the property affects the price and the speed of the sale. First impressions are extremely important, buyers often make emotional purchase based on what they see. I promise to help optimize the physical appearance of your home to maximize the buyer’s perception of value.
PRICING
Pricing your home properly from the beginning is of utmost importance. Pricing your home too high and dropping the price later is not a good idea. I prepare a comprehensive analysis to help determine the best price for your home.
GETTING READY TO LIST
START MAKING REPAIRS
The first impression is the only impression. It may seem counterintuitive to sink money into repairs before selling your house. If buyers see repairs are necessary at every turn, they’ll try to knock the price down significantly, or they may just walk away. Doing the work yourself ahead of time will likely reduce your home’s time on the market and increase its selling price.
Go to your home and make sure everything works as it should – from the small things like doorknobs and locks to bigger stuff like your garage door. Everything doesn’t have to be new for a home to be desirable to buyers, but all the functional aspects of the home should be in good working order to fetch the best price.
No matter how good the interior of your home looks, buyers have already judged your home before they walk through the door. You never have a second chance to make a first impression. It’s important to make people feel warm, welcome and safe as they approach the house. Spruce up your home’s exterior with inexpensive shrubs and brightly colored flowers.
PREPARE YOUR HOME
PAINT
Paint is one of the cheapest, easiest ways to update the look of your home before you list it. Lighter and neutral colors are preferred when selling because they tend to appeal to most people. You never know who will walk through the door to view the house, so it makes sense to keep the styling primary. If you have older wallpaper in your home, it is almost always a good idea to remove it as it can date a home.
LIGHTING
Maximize the light in your home. After location, good light is the one thing that every buyer cites that they want in a home. Take down the drapes, clean the windows, change the lampshades, increase the wattage of your light bulbs and cut the bushes outside to let in sunshine. Do what you have to do make your house bright and cheery – it will make it more sellable.
KITCHEN
Make some minor repairs that will make your kitchen appear more inviting. If the painting, lighting, and countertops all scream the 1970s, you can change all of these without too large of an investment. You can paint as necessary, install new fixtures and replace the countertops to something more appealing (granite and marble are not a requirement for an updated look). Also remove everything from your countertops, keeping only essentials.
CLUTTER
Cutting down on clutter is one of the most important things you can do to prepare your home. Make piles of things to save, to donate, and to throw away. Be ruthless. You can sell items online or hold a garage/ estate sale, but keep in mind that you might be better off donating. As you remove clutter, pay particular attention to these areas in your home: furniture, entry, equipment, bookshelves, periodicals, photos, cables, plants, nightstands and closets.
KNOW THE STEPS OF LISTING
OFFER ACCEPTED
CLOSING
WHAT TO EXPECT AT CLOSING
- The closing process finalizes the sale of your home and makes it official. Also known as the settlement, the closing is when the seller gets paid, and the buyer receives the deed to their new home.
- Closing documents will have been received for review prior to sitting down at the closing table.
- Purchase agreements have been reviewed, title is clear and the mortgage documents have all been processed.
- We aim for no surprises. Money due will be distributed at this time.
ITEMS TO BRING TO CLOSING
Make sure to bring your Driver’s License or Picture ID, house keys, garage door openers and anything you feel would be helpful for the new buyer (any household manuals or maintenance records).
WHAT ARE YOUR COSTS?
Sellers Commonly Pay these Fees: Mortgage balance, any unpaid property taxes or other fees still due, any unpaid special assessments on your property, real estate commission, any broker fees and title Fees.
Buyers Commonly Pay these Fees: Loan fees, down payment, prorated taxes, 1 year of homeowners insurance, and title insurance.
KEY DOCUMENTS FOR TAXES
Make sure to keep copies of all closing documents and all home improvement receipts.
CLOSING AND BEYOND
My clients are clients for life, and I will continue to deliver services to you long after your home is sold. Call me anytime, I am a great resource long after the sale is complete.