Process for Sellers

When a potential client reaches out to me for advise to get their home sold, it’s typical that I’d start with following tasks:

I book a time/date when I can do a quick walkthrough. Please know the house doesn’t need to be in perfect order, I just need to see it and can look far beyond “stuff”.
While I’m there I can suggest what I think you should do and, most importantly, what you shouldn’t do. I can also give suggested contractors.
While I’m there we’ll review what’s active that directly competes with your house and depending on your proposed list date, discuss a list price.
This is also a good time to pencil in a timeline to keep us both on track and accountable.

COVID and the Pandemic

Since COVID hit the spring of 2020, many sellers are wanting to know how things have changed.

While the bases of our research remains the same, we must tweak our findings. Since we are still in the mist of uncharted territories, we are forced to be challenged to make market predictions based on the same research we’ve always relied on but with a wide eye to global events and current stats.

In this complex market, listing your property with a full time, proactive agent, has never been more important! I encourage sellers to list quickly, price accordingly and to be aware of the new world we’re in.

Process for Selling: 6 Basic Steps

STEP 1

Choose a Realtor

Choose a Realtor that is seasoned enough to speak intelligently about your current market conditions. Since having 17+ years in this industry, I’ve successful been able to give sellers clear predictions that are backed by facts. My solid reputation, marketing background, community networking, book of resources, and competitive nature will ensure a well-directed successful process.

As your Realtor, I will:

Go thru your home with you to fully understand the condition, features and presentation of the home. I point out and explain those features that add value as well as those that may detract from the value.
Discuss with you how you can enhance the property value to potential buyers.
Provide a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) of homes in the area that are Active, Under Contract and Sold to establish a price range.Together we can analyze this from a number of perspectives to make sure we set the right price to maximize your return. I include detailed listings of comparable properties so you fully understand the comparison to your home. Finally, together we will sit down and thoroughly review all of this information.
Provide you with price ranges and supporting documentation. At what price you list your property is dependent on a number of factors.
- How much work do you want to put into the home?
- How fast do you want to sell it?
  - Top Price Range – includes what you would need to do to get this price.
  - Most Likely Sell Price Range – this is where your property will most likely sell.
  - Low Price – your property should sell for at least this amount.

I can also create a Seller’s Net report for each of the price points so that you know how much money you will have after settlement.

STEP 2

Build a Marketing Plan

Every property is different and every seller has their own situation, so I design your marketing plan once I have full understanding of your unique circumstance. Most plans include:
Placing our sign on the property.
Securing a lock-box on your property to provide access for Realtors. This lets us both know when the home is shown and by whom.
List the property in the Multiple Listing Service ( MLS) to provide maximum exposure to all Realtors and potential Buyers.
Taking several pictures, inside and out, and upload them for the MLS, other home search websites & my own website for Realtors and buyers.
Featuring your home on www.CrabbyHomes.com, complete with expanded description and your pictures.
Producing flyers to post on the front of your property so that walk-up traffic can get a better idea of the listed property. (When appropriate)
Hosting a Broker’s Open (when appropriate). This is an open house for all realtors to attend so they can see your home, offer suggestions and help find buyers!
Hosting Public Open Houses (when appropriate).
Constantly evaluating the success of the Marketing Plan and modifying it as needed. Typically I will review the initial results within the first two weeks and mutually modify your Marketing Plan as needed.

STEP 3

Prepare for Showings

I use Centralized Showing Service (CSS) to schedule showing appointments. This is a great tool/service for the following reasons:

CSS operators have extended hours for phone service and Realtors can schedule appointments 24/7 online. Realtors who only schedule through their broker’s office are limiting access to your home!
CSS sends an email to us whenever a showing is scheduled.
CSS automatically sends the showing agent an email requesting feedback from the potential buyers.
You have online access to CSS so that YOU can see how many showings are scheduled, when they are scheduled and read for yourself the feedback from potential buyers.
At any time, I can email agents who have showed the home with any changes in price so that they can make their buyers aware of the changes.

I will keep you well informed of everything that is happening with your home. I will send frequent email updates and we will discuss the progress weekly or as needed.

STEP 4

Review Offers

As offers come in, I will:

Review all the terms and conditions of the contract offer with you so that you fully understand the full extent and implications of what the buyer is offering.
Prepare a Seller’s Net based on the offer so you know how much money you will receive at settlement.
Make sure that the buyer is pre-qualified to buy the home.
Explain the options and recommend a response.
Negotiate on your behalf to make sure you are getting the best deal.

STEP 5

Ratify the Contract

I will:

Coordinate and work with the all the parties involved to make sure everything that is required to happen via the terms and conditions of the contract take place on time.
Coordinate any inspections, request for information, and other ministerial tasks.
Handle any issues that may arise, involving you only as necessary.
Create a stress free experience for you and assure we get to the settlement table on time!

STEP 6

Complete the Settlement

I will prepare you for Settlement. Reviewing the Settlement Sheet (ALTA) with you in advance so that you know the final amount you will net, will help you understand what to expect at the Settlement table.

I will go with you to Settlement to make sure everything goes smoothly and assist if any issues arise.