Helpful Information for Sellers
Selling a home the right way is critical in reaching your financial goals and objectives. Most sellers would like to generate the highest price possible, in the shortest amount of time, and with the least amount of inconvenience. We specialize in making this happen! The selling process is complicated and there are many variables that affect marketing time, price and showings. I believe that a seller should never hire a real estate agent and then wind up with a “do it yourself” project. I deliver proven strategies and marketing plans that save you, the seller, time, effort and increase the probability of a higher sales price.
I will keep you informed and managing the selling process is a huge benefit. Checklists help eliminate many of the pitfalls, time delays and aggravating issues that can surface during the home selling process. You can bookmark this page on your computer so you can return to it frequently and maintain control over your experience.
House Selling Checklist
|
INFORMATION: Be an informed seller. If you are going to sell your home on your own, learn applicable laws, market conditions, closing procedures and how to safeguard your home, property and yourself during the showing process. If listing with a real estate company, actually interview and determine the services and level of service being offered. A sign in the front yard and an Internet posting is not the same as a comprehensive marketing plan involving local, regional, national and advanced web-based strategies. You need to find an advocate who will represent you and keep you informed. |
|
REALTOR OR REAL ESTATE AGENT: If you are hiring a real estate agent, you might want to hire a Realtor. Not all real estate agents are Realtors! A Realtor is a member of the National Association of Realtors and usually a member of state and local boards. An important distinction is that Realtors have taken a pledge to adhere to a strict code of conduct and ethics. Members are trained to better serve you! I am a member of the Houston Association of Realtors, The Texas Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors. |
|
INTERVIEW AND COMPARE: Not all real estate companies or their agents are the same, nor do they provide the same level of service. Most sellers fail to focus on service and professionalism. You might want to hire a friend, but it is more important to engage the services of a friendly professional. The sale of your home is an important business transaction. An educated seller knows the value of hiring for competence. Invite us in.. We get results! |
|
UNDERSTAND PRICING: Sellers need to take the time to learn about market conditions and the value of their home. Precise data and sales information is a benefit offered by Realtors. A comprehensive analysis can render important pricing strategies. Be wary of a one-stop visit with comparable sales. Your home is unique, and you should seek a Realtor who takes time to understand aspects such as features, upgrades, condition, location and area amenities. I offer a comprehensive Price Trend Analysis, as well as Market Analysis in assisting our sellers with the best price tool. |
|
UNDERSTAND PRICING STRATEGIES: When pricing a home, one size does not fit all. Take time to list your objectives and priorities for the sale. Pricing involves dollar amounts and market information, time frame, home preparation, deferred maintenance, interior staging and much more. Once you know your goals, you can seek the right strategy. |
|
MARKETABILITY: Preparing your home for the market, prior to entering the market, is crucial. Concentrate on what you can or cannot change about your house. Take time to understand cost vs. return improvements. Many sellers invest money that does not capture return. The advice of a Realtor can reap tremendous rewards. The key is to understand what the market is demanding, not what a seller feels would be a selling point. |
|
HOME PREPARATION: Spend time in the preparation phase and get it right. First impressions are important. I provide helpful checklists to assure your home is prepared and inviting to potential buyers. |
|
INSPECTIONS: For some sellers, it might be prudent to obtain a home inspection prior to entering the market. Take time to be informed of the advantages and disadvantages of having a pre-listing home inspection report. |
|
CLUTTER: Eliminating clutter is crucial. Often clutter is invisible to sellers, but not to buyers and this situation can negatively impact price or day on market. Sellers often need the help of trained professionals to understand how a buyer will see the home. It’s not just the bulging closets and “stuff”, clutter can involve very expensive collectables. |
|
DONATE: Sellers with useful items that will not be making the move can lend a helping hand by donating to local charities. Many of these organizations will schedule a pick-up and provide tax deductable receipts. |
|
GARAGE & YARD SALE: This is a great way to raise money for deferred maintenance issues and pre-marketing improvements. |
|
HOME STAGING: Take time to be sure your home is staged and presentable to a buyer. This might involve re-arranging furniture, accessories or lighting to assure that home catches a buyer’s eye. |
|
CURB APPEAL: When a buyer drives up, what do they see? Sellers need to inspect and ensure the property says “Buy me! I’m in good shape!” I have a checklist to help you welcome potential buyers who are driving by for a look. |
|
HOME WARRANTY: Sellers should investigate how residential service agreements can be a positive incentive for potential buyers. I can provide brochures and information on many companies that offer these services. Sellers should be informed as to how a Realtor can include this benefit in the marketing package. |
|
MARKETING PLAN: Selling is no longer a sign in the front yard and a website posting. Sellers need the assurance of a comprehensive marketing campaign that opens the door to as many potential buyers as possible. My plans include strategies to reach buyers locally, regionally, nationally and through the Internet. All of our associates utilize direct mail for "just listed" and open houses. My Open House Program gets results (Our O.H. program leads to a sale approximately 30% of the time)! We also use technology to draw people to online marketing and lead capture. Quality marketing material is produced by my marketing department for distribution in print form (flyers, property cards, etc) and electronically for email and social media. For details on these services, contact me today. |
|
SHOWINGS: Sellers should be flexible and permit showings during reasonable times. Be sure you have a system in place that makes it easy for potential buyers to schedule showings and provides you, the seller, a record of showings. Safety issues should be considered and addressed. |
|
CONTRACTS: Take time to be familiar with the contracts that will be used in the sale of the home. I am trained to help you utilize contracts to ensure the details of a transaction are addressed and conveyed clearly. |
|
NEGOTIATION: Sellers who have taken time to become educated from a provided checklist will find that they are ahead in the negotiation process. I seek to the keep seller informed on items listed above so that when we negotiate and make recommendations, the seller has the information necessary to make sound decisions. Negotiating is an exciting part of the process and stress can be reduced if care is taken to align the outcome with the seller's objectives. |
|
MOVING PLANS: Sellers need to have a plan in place to ensure ease in departure. I can provide home buying services and information on how to make your move with the best results. |
|
CLOSING: Selling will require signatures on many documents. During the pending period, care should be taken to see that all information is accurately and timely conveyed to the title company and all parties. Deadlines are not guidelines and must be met, or the result can be costly. My clients benefit from sales associates who oversee this process. I am present at closing to ensure the obligations of the contract are met. |
|
AFTER SALE SERVICE PROGRAM: Sellers using the services of a real estate company should inquire about after sales service programs. This can be helpful if the seller needs copies of documents or an issue arises outside of closing. |
|
THINKING OF SELLING: Call me. We will be happy to visit with you about your goals. My clients are the heritage and future of the company. Let us serve you! |
