We know by experience what it takes to successfully sell your home. We want you to be successful and we want everyone to win.

Today's consumers are comparison shoppers. Although eager to achieve the best possible return on their hard earned investment dollars, they will shy away from properties that are listed too high or too low.

Listing above market value, you will more than likely sell your neighbor's house instead of yours, or at the very least, risk a lack of potential purchasers visiting your home. By listing too low, you create the impression that you are desperate for the sale, or that something is seriously wrong with the structure.

We will provide a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) that includes information on competitor listings, properties that have recently sold, and those that are currently pending. In addition, we will -evaluate your property's location and lot size - appraise your home's condition, size and age, and any improvements you have made  -  review the assessed value of your home, taxes, and utility costs -help determine what is the best selling feature of your home and suggest what interior and exterior repairs should be considered.  

Buying or selling property in today's fluctuating and competitive marketplace takes industry knowledge, a proven track record, and expert opinion. It also takes dedication, commitment and the ability to achieve the goals set before you. When discussing the critical factors in the sale of any property, your real estate agent's expert opinion will guarantee that your home is accurately positioned for market dominance.

In the end, it's still your choice as to pricing. However, by taking into account years of professional experience and real estate wisdom, you increase the possibility of selling your home within the critical first 30 days for the highest possible sale price, or achieving a fair market price for the home you are purchasing.

Disclosing the Facts

No home is perfect! In one way or another, they all have defects to some extent. However, concealing problem areas can result in costly lawsuits....at your expense!

The horror stories come in many forms. During the height of purchasing excitement, not everyone will notice the cracked foundation or faulty roof that leak only when it rains, turn on the hallway light to experience electrical gymnastics, or even flush the toilet to watch it overflow because the septic lines are blocked.

Undisclosed defects can come back to haunt, destroying what you originally considered protected....your pocketbook and peace of mind!

It is in both your best interest and that of your purchaser to obtain a structural inspection during contract negotiation. Settlement and legal fees cost far more than if you had agreed to a price concession or repaired it yourself!

Repair Priorities

You consider your home one of your most prized possessions. You have lavishly decorated to individual taste, using paint and wallpaper as expression of your personality. Eyes glued to yet another magazine, you finally found the perfect window treatment.

Your furniture reflects the colors and textures that have become important over the years. And don't forget, you DID spend hour after weekend hour bent over that magnificent garden. However, it will cease to matter once you sign the "For Sale" agreement.

The paint, the drapes and the carpeting mean nothing to those outside the family. And that lovely bathroom tile you imported from some exotic land isn't even mentioned. How could they NOT notice that you spent a great deal of money and months waiting patiently for it to arrive at the shipyards?

Unlike you, they see the flaws you have come to ignore over the years. They will notice the carpet your cat has used as a scratching post, the tap that drips incessantly, and the ugly stain in the kitchen caused by the leaky roof.

To them, it's nothing but added expense, and probably not worth the effort. After all, there are many, many more properties on the market other than just yours.

However, the marketability of your home WILL increase if you take the time and effort to view it through their eyes, and take extra care in ensuring that minor things are attended to.

One sure way of guaranteeing that your potential purchasers can see themselves enjoying life in your home, is to make it as presentable and uncluttered as possible. What is known in the industry as "curb appeal" may become the difference between "Sold" and "continued showings".

The tiny handprint that adorns the front door is cute only to you. To the other side, it's a combination of filth and downright laziness. Despite the cost of a can of paint, your family room should NOT resemble a mud-room. And remember the sun shining through the windows? A little bit of elbow grease goes a long way!

When the time comes to list your home for sale, take into account that your potential purchasers are searching for new roots. They need to be enticed, enthralled and enchanted at first glance. It needs to feel like THEIR castle, THEIR history, THEIR love story the moment your home comes into view.

If expense is a concern, do it yourself. If there's litter in the front yard or the grass needs cutting, hire the teenager next door. Five dollars and time REALLY CAN make the difference!

If not, there are numerous contractors, painters, decorators, cleaning services, and landscaping firms that your real estate agent can recommend. For the more major repairs including replacement roof, flooring or structural defects, etcetera, you can opt to invest in the repair, or you can choose to disclose this information in the listing contract.

Also pay attention to the "finishing touches" - the serene background music, the tidy bathroom , the made beds, and the bouquet of flowers. Open a few windows, the air will be fresher. A welcome mat at the front door is inviting, and please, no laundry running in the machines while you attempt to catch a few more minutes of lost time!

SOME TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL CLOSING WE EMPLOY

 2. Carefully Select Time Frame - Familiarize yourself with title commitments.  Be careful on sales contracts when you specify time frame for title work to be produced to buyers.

 3. Not Attorneys - Closing Agents are not attorneys. They may refer your clients to an attorney for probate issues, quiet title action, etc…  Do not look to them for any advice.

 4. Middle of the Month, Mid Week - Try to schedule closings during the middle of the month vs. the last few days of the month.  Keep away from Friday closings when at all possible, because EVERYONE wants Friday… end of the month closings.  Loan packages are not delivered ahead of time for closings at the end of the month due to the large volume that lenders have to process.

 5. Insurance - Buyers must have bound insurance coverage prior to coming to closing.  Encourage customers to shop for insurance a month before closing if possible.  Beware of weather conditions that can affect coverage.

 6. Who Orders Survey - Most lenders require new surveys for closing.  Communicate with closing agent on who will order.  Surveys must have proper certifications to be valid.

 7. Review Closing Statements - Learn to review closing statements line by line with sellers and buyers. They are comfortable with you as their realtor and you will place them at ease before coming to closing if you discuss figures with them ahead of time.

 8. Equity Loan Payoff -  Equity Loan payoffs require signed consent forms from sellers before information will be released to closing agent.  Sellers often do not realize that equity loans are considered second mortgages on their property and are required to be paid off at closing.

 10. Proper Funds - Make sure to remind buyers they must have a cashier’s check, certified check or wire transfer of funds to be able to disburse on closing date.

Getting Started:

We are eager to help you answer any questions you have and to guide and represent you every step of the way to successfully sell your home. Contact us today  by email or call us or stop by and let us help you plan where to begin.