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Decide to Sell
So you have decided to sell your property. Before anything else, it is a good idea to sit down and clarify your motivations and draw up a basic time frame for the selling process.
Why Sell?
Why do you want to sell your property? Do you intend to simply find a larger property, or do you plan on moving to another neighborhood, school district, city or state? You might think your reasons are obvious, but it would do well to consider the implications of each option for your lifestyle, opportunities, and finances. Being clear about your intentions for selling will make it easier for us to determine the most appropriate option for your specified financial, lifestyle, and real estate goals.
When Should I Sell?
You should immediately establish your time frame for selling. If you need to sell quickly, we can speed up the process by giving you a complete market analysis and action plan to obtain all of your goals. If there is no pressing need to sell immediately, you can sit down with one of our expert real estate agents to thoroughly review the current market conditions and find the most favorable time to sell.
What Is The Market Like?
When you work with us, you can be sure that you will have our knowledge, expertise and negotiating skills at work for you to arrive at the best market prices and terms. We will keep you up-to-date on what is happening in the marketplace and the price, financing, terms and conditions of competing properties. With us, you will know exactly how to price and when to sell your property.
How Do I Optimize My Finances?
Deciding to sell your property demands a serious consideration of your current financial situation and future possibilities. With the help of our qualified agents, you will be able to effectively assess the cumulative impact of these changes, estimate potential proceeds of selling your property, and plan effective tax savings and estate planning strategies. We will ensure that you not only take control of your finances, but use them to their fullest potential.
When working with us to sell your home you will receive personal attention and professional service that is second to none. Exposure, price, location and condition are the keys to success! We will discuss your goals, price and suggestions for getting your home ready to compete in the ever changing market. Together we will get your home sold.
When interviewing a listing agent make sure to ask them the following:
1. How long have you been in the business?
2. Are you a full time agent?
3. How many homes have you sold in the last 12 months?
4. What designations are you working towards or do you have?
5. Do you provide a display book for prospective buyers?
6. May I see a sample flyer?
7. What is your average list-to-sales price ratio?
8. What is your average days on the market for my area?
9. What type of reports and programs do you provide sellers?
10. How often will you communicate with me?
11. Do you have a solid marketing plan?
At our first meeting we will tour the property together, we’ll discuss all aspects of the home including condition, updates, repairs if any, our exclusive and proven marketing plan and realistic expectations of the process. For our meeting, make sure to have a list or repairs/updates you’ve done since you’ve owned the home in the last 5 years.” After reviewing the home, the comparables in the area and deciding if we are a great fit, we’ll discuss price and get it listed and sold.”
Call Kristine or email us today to set up an appointment!
Not quite ready? Request the FREE, no obligation My Neighborhood Report. The My Neighborhood Report is an excellent tool to keep you in the loop of your neighborhood. The report provides you with detailed information regarding homes for sale in your area.
Tips for Selling
Clean up outside.
The first thing people see when they drive up to your home is the lawn and the entrance. Make sure the lawn is mowed, shrubs are trimmed and the porch is free of clutter. Give the front door a good scrub or fresh paint. In winter, make sure a path has been cleared through any snow.
Let the light in.
During the day, open all the shades and window coverings. If it’s nice outside, open the windows to let in fresh air. In the evening, turn on as many lights as possible. Light gives a positive feeling to the home and can make rooms feel more spacious.
Be aware of the aroma.
Pet odors, smoke, greasy cooking odors and even strong fragrance sprays are unpleasant smells. Some people may even be allergic. Take some time before the showing to open windows and air out the house. Then put on a pot of coffee, boil cinnamon on the stove or turn on a burner for a moment and put a drop of vanilla extract on it. Subtle, natural smells are best.
Clean up and “Pre-pack”
Before your first showing, clean your home from top to bottom. Pay special attention to the kitchen and bathrooms and light switches, windows, storm doors and baseboards. Scrub sinks and mop floors. Repair any damaged or discolored caulking and be sure towels are bright, clean and folded.
Pre-packing is often the hardest part, but so important. Pick up all loose items and clear hallways. Organize all closets, and remember, the less you have in the closet the bigger it looks. If needed, rent a storage unit to hold items until your home is sold.
Keep it tidy
Get into the habit of making beds and cleaning up every day. Pick up papers and dishes and make sure everything is freshly dusted and vacuumed. Remove your kitchen trash before every showing. You want your home to look like a model home – a home with furniture, but no residents.
Pet control.
If you have pets, it’s best to find a place for them to stay during the showing – either with you away from the home or with a friend or family member. If you are unable to do this, pets should be penned in an area of the backyard or kennel. Try to keep indoor cats in a specific room and put a sign on the door.
Pay attention to the little things.
Check all doors, knobs, drawers and windows to make sure nothing sticks or is loose. Be sure to get all the little things fixed, it can make a big difference in the perceived value of the home.
Right temperature
A showing is not the right time to save on utility bills. Make sure your thermostat is set to a comfortable setting for the season. The goal is for potential buyers to not even think about the temperature in the home.
Leave the house
During showings, potential buyers will feel more comfortable and are likely to spend more time viewing the home.
When preparing to sell your home it’s important to pay attention to the details. Showing your home is one of the most important steps in the selling process. During a showing, potential buyers are able to view every inch of the home and often do so with a critical eye. Things you may have become accustomed to seeing around your house may need some changing. It is essential to make sure your home is clean and organized and presents a comfortable environment.
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