For Sellers

10 Steps Before Selling

Your first step is to choose a REALTOR®!

Choose an agent that you feel comfortable with. You will be working closely with them and you should connect with them on a few levels...personality, professionalism and ability to serve or assist you in your home buying/selling process
Choose an agent who will offer you prompt professional service, be available when you need them, and is easy to contact by phone, email, and text messaging.
Choose an agent who is experienced, and knowledgeable and will help guide you through the real estate process
Choose an agent with a strong record. Ask me for referrals. Don’t do business with me because I have a nice website, let my previous customers tell you how I serviced them
Make an appointment and interview me, ask me about my marketing tactics, placement in MLS, services offered, commission rate, etc.
Get a feel for my knowledge and experience of the industry and the area and more

Choose your REALTOR® wisely!
Get Pre-Approved for a Home Loan. Market conditions change rapidly and you do not want to get caught off guard with any unexpected issues involving your credit, so be sure to get pre-approved before you get into the home buying or selling process. Find a lender you trust and research the housing market in the area where you wish to live so that you have a good idea how much it will take to buy a replacement.How To Start ResearchingStart looking for two types of real estate: Houses that seem to match the one you'd like to buy Houses that are similar to your current home.
Check Your Mortgage Payoff. Call your lender to find out the payoff for your current home mortgage. You'll need the figure to complete Step 6.
Determine How Much the House Is Worth. Determine your home's fair market value. I can help you by doing an initial Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) report to see what recent home sales have been in your area and then arrange for an appraisal of a property you are interested in.
Estimate Your Costs to Sell Your Existing Home. As your real estate agent, I deal with transactions every day and can give you a very close estimate of seller closing costs including the following factors:
- Real estate commission
- Attorney, closing agent and other professional fees
- Documentary Stamps or the Tax on the sale (price x .007)
- Prorated costs for your share of annual expenses, such as property taxes, home owner association fees
Determine Your Costs to Acquire a New Home. Total all expenses related to buying a new home including: Moving expenses, loan costs, down payment, home inspections, title work and policy, new hazard insurance policy, etc. Your lender should give you a disclosure of estimated costs when you apply for pre-approval.
Calculate Your Estimated Proceeds. Will your closing proceeds cover your costs to acquire a new home? Will you have cash or other funding to make up the difference? Calculate your proceeds by: Deduct your mortgage payoff from your home's fair market value. Deduct your costs to sell from the remainder to get an estimate of the proceeds you will be paid at closing.
Make Necessary Repairs. Make all major priority repairs (low to high priority items identified on Home Seller’s Tips page) unless you want the house to be regarded as a fixer-upper. I'm not referring to cosmetic updates, but to items in need of repair. Anything that's out of line, gives potential buyers a reason to submit a lower offer.
Get the House Ready to Show. Most houses need at least a little spiffing up before they are shown to potential buyers. Great curb appeal, fresh paint indoors (and sometimes out), organized closets and cabinets, clean windows and appliances, and a clutter-free atmosphere are essential if you want the house to appeal to buyers.
Make Your Home Accessible and Comfortable. That means it's always ready to show. Many agents won't bother showing a house that takes 24 hours to get into. Don’t crowd home buyers when they are viewing your home and make every effort possible to make them feel comfortable while in your home.

5 Tips To Prepare Your Home For Sale

Many buyers today want move-in-ready homes and will quickly eliminate an otherwise great home by focusing on a few visible flaws. Unless your home shines, you may endure showing after showing and open house after open house — and end up with a lower sales price. Before the first prospect walks through your door, consider some smart options for casting your home in its best light

1. Have a Home Inspection

Be proactive by arranging for a pre-sale home inspection. For $250 to $400, an inspector will warn you about troubles that could make potential buyers

balk. Make repairs before putting your home on the market. In some states, you may have to disclose what the inspection turns up.

2. Get Replacement Estimates

If your home inspection uncovers necessary repairs you can’t fund, get estimates for the work. The figures will help buyers determine if they can afford the home and the repairs. Also hunt down warranties, guarantees, and user manuals for your furnace, washer and dryer, dishwasher, and any other items

you expect to remain with the house.

3. Make Minor Repairs

Not every repair costs a bundle. Fix as many small problems — sticky doors, torn screens, cracked caulking, dripping faucets — as you can. These may seem trivial, but they’ll give buyers the impression your house isn’t well maintained.

4. Clear the Clutter

Clear your kitchen counters of just about everything. Clean your closets by packing up little-used items like out-of-season clothes and old toys. Install closet organizers to maximize space. Put at least one-third of your furniture in storage, especially large pieces, such as entertainment centers and big televisions. Pack up family photos, knickknacks, and wall hangings to depersonalize your home. Store the items you’ve packed offsite or in boxes neatly arranged in your garage or basement.

5. Do a Thorough Cleaning

A clean house makes a strong first impression that your home has been well cared for. If you can afford it, consider hiring a cleaning service.

If not, wash windows and leave them open to air out your rooms. Clean carpeting and drapes to eliminate cooking odors, smoke, and pet smells. Wash light fixtures and baseboards, mop and wax floors, and give your stove and refrigerator a thorough once-over.

Pay attention to details, too. Wash fingerprints from light switch plates, clean inside the cabinets, and polish doorknobs. Don’t forget to clean your garage, too.