Resources

The overwhelming majority of home sellers find it advantageous to team up with a REALTOR®. Most homeowners feel that it is better to entrust the sale of their biggest investment to a professional. There are a number of complexities to modern Real Estate transactions that your REALTOR® can handle for you – not to mention providing access to MLS, advertising, marketing, and the screening of buyers – to assist the seller. Your REALTOR® will know the condition of the market at the time you are selling. Your REALTOR® will also be able to help you determine the value of your property with a Competitive Market Analysis.

Correctly pricing your property is critical. Price your home too low and you’ll lose money; price it too high and buyers will shy away. Your REALTOR® will be able to give you a Competitive Market Analysis for your home, which will help you determine the value of your property, as well as give advice on the condition of the present market.

Today’s buyer is well informed and price sensitive. A property that is priced over the market can often deter buyers who are serious about finding a property. If the property is underpriced, it will most likely sell quickly – to the detriment of your net proceeds. Care and research should be taken when establishing the original listing price.There are many factors that will affect the selling price. The following should help you determine the price you
can expect to receive:

• What are the prices (listing and selling) of similar homes in your area?
• What is the size, layout and condition of your home in comparison to others on the market?
• What is the location of your home, are you in a desirable area
  that is in demand?
• Does your home have amenities that are currently
  popular in the marketplace?
• Is it a buyers’ market or a sellers’ market?

Effective advertising and marketing are essential when selling your home. From descriptive, colorful ads to internet options, our REALTORS® are able to attract potential buyers. Promotional campaigns are most successful when the home is priced right and shows well. Competition and current interest rates can also affect the success of a promotional campaign.

Most buyers do not have a vision – so help them. Present your home dressed in its best! Here are some minor investments that
may have major returns.

• Paint – When it comes to preparing a house, fresh paint gives you the best return for money spent.
• Flooring – At the very least, all carpeting needs to be steam cleaned. Any worn, stained or foul smelling carpet should be replaced. Any flooring that is cracked or damaged should be replaced if possible.
• Clutter – If something is not necessary for your day-to-day life, box it up and store it or throw it out!
• Closets – Closets need to be neat, clean, and organized.
• Cleaning – The cleaner, the better. Dusting, washing, waxing, and polishing everything will always make a good impression.
• Lights – Clean the fixtures and make sure the bulbs work.
• Windows – Replace any cracked windows.

Now is the time to look objectively and unemotionally at your home. Look at it no longer as your home, but as a product to be marketed. Be aware of what you can and cannot change about your home. This knowledge will allow you to concentrate on those items that will bring the highest rewards.Optimize Curb Appeal:

• Remove any junk or clutter from the yard.
• Have a clean, crisp lawn (a bit of fertilizer makes for a greener lawn).
• Trim shrubbery and hedges.
• Wash decks and porches and make sure they are stained or painted.
• Clean and paint or stain your front door.
• All exterior lights should be operational.
• Exterior windows should be clean and operational.
• Clean out gutters and downspouts.
• Walkways should be swept and free of snow or ice during winter.
• Make sure the garage door is closed.

Now that the exterior has been taken care of, it is time to focus on the interior. Room by Room:

• Entryway:
  • Clean and polish everything.
  • Make sure it is well lit.
  • Make sure it is clutter free.
• Bedrooms:
  • Arrange the furniture for the flow of traffic.
  • Make sure they are clutter free.
• Living Room/Family Room/Den:
  • Arrange the furniture for the flow of traffic and to give
    the illusion of space.
  • Remove ashes from fireplaces and woodstoves.
  • Make sure all light switches work.
  • Clean the drapes.
  • Polish and mop the floors.
• Storage Areas (basement, garage, attic):
  • Remove all junk and clutter.
  • If the basement is damp or musty, try a dehumidifier.
  • Make sure these areas are well lit.
• Kitchens Are Under Close Scrutiny:
  • Clean the exterior of all appliances, including
    the stove hood filter.
  • Clean counter tops and cabinet faces: the shinier, the better.
  • Remove clutter.
  • Remove magnets and messages from the
    front of the refrigerator.
  • Clean the floor and consider replacing it if it is worn.
  • If you have ceramic tile, make sure the grout is clean and white.
• Bathrooms Are Also Extremely Important:
  • If faucets drip, repair or replace them.
  • Remove stains from all fixtures.
  • Make sure all lights have the highest wattage that is
    safe for each fixture.
  • Put out fresh, clean towels.
  • Check ceramic tile, making sure the grout is clean.
  • Remove any mildew.
  • Make sure drains are clog free.
  • Shower doors should sparkle.

• Once an offer is made, if you intend to accept the offer, or make a counter offer, do it as soon as possible. Realize that at any time prior to accepting or countering, a buyer can withdraw their offer.
• When you make changes to an offer, they require written approval of all parties for the contract to be enforceable. Know that even minor changes facilitate the opportunity for either the seller or buyer to change their mind.

  The last part of the home selling process is closing. It is the time between signing the purchase contract (once an agreement on price and terms has been reached) to the day the deed is actually recorded, transferring the title. Once everything is signed, then escrow closes and your home is sold.