The A to Z's of Selling Your Home

Appraisal

The act of estimating or judging value. A licensed real estate appraiser provides an appraisal report to the buyer’s lender as part of the mortgage approval process.
More of an “art” than a “science.”

Buyer’s Agent

Engaged to work in the best interests of a buyer throughout the real estate transaction
Sort of like your mother or a bodyguard.   

Curb Appeal 

The visual impact a property projects from the street
First impressions can never be changed.

Disclosures

Property condition reports provided to potential buyers that represent information on the property to the best of the seller’s knowledge and belief.  
CT State law mandates these forms be completed by all sellers.  If not provided, seller owes buyer $300 at closing.

Expectations

Realistic expectations on all sides improves everyone’s experience. Understanding current market conditions is essential.
Expectation management is one of my many roles. 

Features of your Home

Accentuate the positive. Allow buyers to look past your personal possessions.
Present your home in a way that a buyer can imagine living there. 

Good Faith Estimate

An estimate of closing costs that a lender must give to a mortgage applicant within 3 days of the application being completed.
Takes the mystery out of securing a mortgage.  

Home Helpers

A list you “can’t live without” from dumpster rental companies to home handymen and everyone in between.  These are the pros who can help get your property in “ready to list” condition.
RuthAnne’s Home Helper Resource List.

Internet Searches

According to the National Assn. of Realtors 2010 survey:  89% of buyers searched for a home online.
Make certain the agent you select to sell your home provides you with an internet exposure driven property marketing plan.

Junk Removal

Don’t let anything distract buyers.  Clean and de-clutter.  Why move it to your new home?
When in doubt, THROW IT OUT!

Keys

A lockbox is key (no pun intended, really!) to selling your home.  This locked metal box allows cooperating agents to show your home to potential buyers.  Secured to a doorknob with a compartment for keys, only MLS members have an electronic key for entry.
The easier you make your home to show, the more buyers will see it.  Traffic=Sale!

Listing Agreement

A contract between the seller and the real estate broker. Includes start & expiration dates, list price, compensation amount and other listing terms.
An Exclusive Right to List agreement is an employment contract between you and your listing agent. May I have an interview please?

Marketing

We’ll agree on a marketing approach (including price positioning), regularly evaluate our progress & discuss any changes needed.
Focus on breadth and depth of internet exposure.

Negotiating an Offer

Any offer is a chance to begin negotiating, which often leads to a sale. Negotiating is an art and I have the experience and training to bring you the best sale price or purchase price possible. 
Ask me about “Lizard brain”…I’ll do everything possible to avoid that from occurring!

Open Houses

Broker Open Houses are an excellent way to expose your property to local agents who have the potential to sell it.  Public Open Houses successfully sell properties less than 5% of the time.
Public Open Houses are held at seller’s discretion. 

Photographs and their Importance

Most buyers start a home search online.  Per the NAR 2010 survey, 85% of buyers found photos “very useful.”  Interesting angles showing a clean, neutral, uncluttered interior & exterior will grab their attention.
Think Pottery Barn catalog.

Q & A’s

From the very start, I’ll ask you questions and you’ll ask me questions.  With frequent & honest communication we’ll reach our goal of buying or selling your home.
Remember, there is never a stupid question!

Realtor Caravans

A tour of homes for Realtors only.  Caravans give your home exposure to more agents who know exactly what their buyers want.
Realtor to Realtor networking is the ticket to selling.

Showings

First impressions are lasting impressions.  Be ready.  Consider a pre-inspection to identify defects.  Make it easy to show.  Make yourself scarce. 
Yes, buyers will look in closets!

Time on Market

A new listing gets the most attention online.  (i.e., breaking news story)  More days on market=more price reductions=buyers assume something is wrong. Most common reason: overpricing. I will provide on-going updates of market activity and price re-positioning recommendations.
Please don’t shoot the messenger!

Underground Oil Tank

Underground oil tanks present potential liability issues for buyers and sellers. If your property has an underground tank, be sure to discuss this with your agent.
Most lenders will not lend and most buyers will not buy a property with a UST.

Visual Tour

The next best thing to being there.  Video tours are accessible anytime, so buyers can “visit” a home at their leisure…
In their sweats, with the dog…this is on-line marketing working hard for you. 

Walk Through

A final showing before closing that permits the buyers one final tour of the property they are purchasing.
“Broom clean and in working order” are the mantras of this day.

Xpect the Unexpected

Whether buying or selling, knowing what to expect makes a challenging experience more comfortable. 
I’ll be there to guide you through the process, but may use the word “flexible” from time to time.

You are the Boss!

You hired me for my professional expertise.
I am the E Street Band, but you are always Bruce. 

Zestimates

Zillow’s computer generated estimate of house values based on available public data and computer modeling. 
Why rely on a “Zestimate” when I will provide you with a complimentary Market Valuation report specific for your property and market area?