Top 10 Things to Know Before Selling:

1. How long are you prepared to stay in the home?
   
   If you need a quick closing to provide funds for your next purchase out of town then you will need to price it to sell. If you will not be leaving the area and do not have a special home that you want to purchase, then you can go a little higher in an effort to maximize your return. Just don't forget to factor in the carrying costs of the home. If you get an extra 5,000 for the home yet it takes 3 months longer to make it happen, have you really gained anything in the end when you factor in interest expenses, insurance, and HOA fees?
   
   
2. What are the current conditions of the local market?
   
   The market is in a constant state of change.  Things are always either heating up or cooling off.  This fluctuation is caused by economic factors, seasonal changes, and supply v/s demand. I like to use a theory known as the “slightly less/slightly more” pricing strategy. When things are in a state of decline, your price must be better than the competition. When things are growing, you may be able to sell your home at slightly more than other recent transactions.
   
   
3. How many other properties will your home be in competition against?
   
   If you can find the same home down the street, what are you offering that the other's are not?  Every home in your neighborhood is in competition against the rest.  When you are priced below the competition and the newest on the market, you have the greatest chance of selling your home quickly.  When time is not a critical factor, you may be able to set the home at a different price knowing that you are prepared to wait until the right buyer comes with the right offer.
   
   
4. Do you have any known problems in the home?
   
   Known problems should always be resolved as soon as possible.  Not only will they become an issue for you when the inspection is done but these issues could get worse and ultimately cost you more money.  Known issues in the home such as structural problems, leaks in the roof, etc… must be disclosed on the disclosure statement if they are active problems.  Get these things fixed today.
   
   
5. Have you done a detailed walk-through of the home?
   
   A detailed walk through is best performed by someone other than yourself.  I like to do a detailed walk of the home from every corner of the yard and all the way through the house. I can be the ideal person to have walk the home because I have a fresh set of eyes.  I will see things that you have miss simply because I have never been to the home before.  I will also advise you on things that I see that can end up being a red-flag for a potential buyer.  We will work together to determine what should be fixed as well as ways to enhance your property.  Factors such as eliminating clutter, furniture placement, closets, etc… are all key factors to consider when preparing your home to be sold.
   
   
6. Is your home prepared for a visit on an hour's notice?
   
   Get into the habit of leaving your home in visit ready condition everyday. Visit ready would include beds being made, carpets vacuumed, dishes cleaned and put away, lawn in order, blinds opened, clothes put away, etc… However, try not to worry about every little detail. On the first visit to a home most buyers are just looking for general things such as floorplans, exterior features and general condition. When a buyer wants to do a second walk through, the home must be in its best possible condition. Buyers will analyze every possible detail since they have now become very interested in possibly purchasing your home. Typically you will have a longer advanced notice for a second visit. Make it count!
   
   
7. What are your expectations for your realtor?
   
   Every seller is looking for something different from their agent. Some sellers would like frequent communication and others simply want a touch base once a week. Some sellers want flyer boxes and others don't even want a sign in the yard. We all have different expectations so the important piece will be talking about it out ahead of time. I will even put your expectations onto paper to ensure that there are no misunderstandings. This becomes my written service guarantee.
   
   
8. Will you be providing a home warranty?
   
   Home warranties are great and they show the buyer that you have confidence in your home. The best part about most home warranties is that the protection for the home starts the day you list the property. When you call in to activate your warranty, you have protection until you sell the home. Sellers don't pay for the warranty until the home closes and the “1 year clock” only starts after the home is sold. What could be better than that!
   
   
9. Where will you go when it sells?
   
   Do you have a plan for housing when your home sells? I advise sellers to plan that the home will sell the first day you put it on the market. Living along the coast provides numerous rental possibilities that most areas don't provide. We have countless condos on the beach that sit empty 6 months out of the year. These owners would love to see you come in and stay for awhile especially if it means heading out in time for the peak rental season. And they're furnished as well; just bring your clothes and food. What could be better? If you already know that you will buy as soon as you sell, we can arrange for a simultaneous closing. These closings can put you under a new roof on the same day when combined with some careful planning on my part.
   
   
10. Will you try selling it on your own or listing it with an agent?
    
    This will be a critical decision. Generating a successful sale where you get to the closing table on time, with the fewest problems and the most money in your pocket is your ultimate goal. To me, the two of the biggest advantages that I provide among others will be visibility and accessibility for your home. I provide extensive marketing opportunities at my expense on your behalf to attract a prospective buyer. Lock boxes provide accessibility (with your advanced permission) to other agents and buyers on a short notice. I can't tell you how many times I have had buyers that were ready, willing and able to buy but we were unable to gain access to a home they were interested in. Don't miss out on them!