My evaluation includes preparing a market analysis of the property. This will help us determine the most effective pricing strategy for your real estate. The analysis will compare your property with other sold and currently available properties. A careful review of this data will indicate the most probable sale price for your property.

Pricing your property correctly is one of the most important steps we can take to sell your property at the best possible price to you. Even in today's real estate market, pricing is still one of the most important considerations in marketing a home. Properly priced homes sell quickly, often attracting multiple offers and often sell for more than asking price. Properties improperly priced sit on the market for weeks, eventually selling for much less than they would have if priced correctly. It is an unfortunate fact of life that not all properties sell right away, or even at all.

• How We Sell Your Property
• How Buyers Learn About Your Home
• Pricing
• Dangers of Overpricing
• Who Pays What
• Tips for Selling

How We Sell Your Property

• Contact existing buyers
• Financially qualify our buyers before showing property
• Network with other salespeople
• Cooperation with all area agents
• Immediately place property on Multiple Listing Service
• Internet presence on multiple sites
• Broker Tour-M.L.S. & office
• Appropriate print advertising in local & regional media
• Stay abreast of current lending programs
• Review and evaluate offers as received
• Office open 6 days a week
• Frequent follow-up with you
• Regular monitoring of market activity
• Appropriate Sunday Open Houses
• Installation/removal of availability signs
• Contact neighbors, "Just Listed" mailing
• Targeted marketing to other top agents
• Installation and monitoring of lockbox

Advertising doesn't sell real estate—agents sell real estate. Our goal is to make sure that every buyer in the market who may be interested in your property knows about your property.

How Buyers Learn About Your Home

Bringing Buyers to Your Home

Understanding where buyers come from allows us to market your property effectively and efficiently. Studies show that the vast majority of home buyers discover your home as a result of the efforts and techniques of a real estate sales professional. We use proven techniques that cover all buyer sources and make extraordinary efforts to build relationships with other sales associates in order to find a buyer for your home.

Pricing

The higher your home is priced above realistic market value, the fewer number of buyers are willing to consider your property.

The Seller can only set the asking price. The Buyer will set the sale price.

Statistics have shown:

• There is a 95% chance of a sale if a home is priced at market value
• There is a 50% chance of a sale if priced at 5% over market value
• There is a 30% chance of a sale if priced at 10% over market value
• There is a 20% chance of a sale if priced at 15% over market value

Dangers of Overpricing

• Many potential buyers won't even look, thinking the house is out of their range.
• Those buyers who do look are comparison shopping, and an overpriced home may convince them to make a bid on a different property.
• In a sellers market it is better to underprice slightly to attract buyers.
• Properties left on the market for extended periods of time usually become "shopworn," causing many to believe something's amiss.
• Overpricing tends to dampen other agents' enthusiasm, making it less likely to be shown.
• Overpricing lengthens marketing time, and invariably results in a lower selling price than would otherwise be realized.

The SELLER can generally be expected to pay for:

• Real estate commission
• Document preparation fee for Deed
• Documentary transfer tax ($1.10 per $1,000.00 of sales price)
• 1/2 of any city transfer/conveyance tax (according to contract)
• Payoff of all loans secured by the property (or existing loan balance if being assumed by buyer)
• Interest accrued to old lender, statement fees, reconveyance fees and any prepayment penalties
• Natural Hazards Disclosure
• Termite report (according to contract)
• Home warranty (according to contract)
• Any judgments, tax liens, etc., against the seller
• Recording charges to clear all documents of record against seller
• Tax proration for any property taxes owed at time of transfer
• Any unpaid Homeowner's dues
• Any and all delinquent taxes
• Notary fees
• Any bonds or assessments due & payable

Tips for Selling

First Impressions are Lasting - How about a few colorful annuals? Is the yard groomed and neatly trimmed? Is the yard free of debris? Do any shrubs need replacing? Are the fences in good condition, gates operating properly? Is the front door free of smudges and fingerprints? Are the windows clean? Does the house need paint? Is the garage tidy? Make sure the yard and surrounding area is free of refuse. Your front door gives a vital first impression. Be sure it is scrubbed clean.

Decorate for a Quick Sale - Are the walls and woodwork fresh and bright? Should the color scheme be more neutral? Most buyers find light colored walls appealing. Can the sun shine in? Open curtains and let the buyers see how cheerful your home can be. Dress up the windows with freshly laundered curtains. If any decorating is needed, (especially kitchen) do it now! $20.00 worth of paint may balance $100 in a price cut. Make up beds with attractive spreads. Don't forget to have all light sockets filled with bulbs. Illumination is like a welcome sign. The potential buyers will feel a glowing warmth when you turn on all your lights for an evening inspection.

Repair Can Make a BIG Difference - Fix those leaky faucets, sticking doors and windows, and warped cabinet doors. Fix screen doors and windows that operate improperly or have holes in the mesh. Make the Interior look BIGGER. Remove clutter from all rooms, including closets. Well organized interiors look largest. Keep all steps clear of hazards.

Bathrooms Help Sell Homes - Make this room sparkle. Invest in new shower curtains, towels & mats in beautiful colors. Check and repair caulking in bathtubs/showers. Keep light bulbs replaced with sufficient intensity.

Arrange Bedrooms Neatly - Use attractive bedspreads and keep the beds neatly made. Remove excess furniture, books and magazines. Keep all shoes and clothing in closets.

Kitchens - Buyers are Super Critical - Keep work space clear and uncluttered—this always makes the area look larger. Stove, refrigerator and sink should all be spotless.

Avoid Last Minute Surprises - If your home has not had a recent structural pest control inspection, it would be wise to order one at the time of the listing. Discuss with your agent the advisability of also obtaining a general home inspection prior to marketing. Having a complete picture of the condition of your home will encourage cleaner offers and reduce negotiations later on. A homeowner can often correct some problems at a much lower cost than what is quoted.

When Your Property is Being Shown

• Leave showing up to the salespeople. It is their business to sell. The salesperson knows the buyer's requirements and can best emphasize the features of your home.
• Don't discuss anything concerning the sale with customer. Your agent is eminently qualified to bring negotiations to a favorable conclusion.
• Never apologize for appearance.
• Never try to sell furniture to a customer before the deal is complete.
• Keep pets out of the way. (One type of buyer is annoyed - the other gets attention diverted.)