Sellers.

 

Chances are, if you’ve lived in your home for more than a few years, you can likely turn a tidy profit. That’s very good news. But sealing the transaction requires more than just a handshake. You’ll have to consider if now’s a good time to sell? What’s the best way to get the word out? How do you get top dollar for your property? These are just some of the questions that I can help you answer.

In real estate, timing influences your home’s selling price. Working with our team can help make timing work for you.

In a seller’s market, top price and a fast sale can go hand-in-hand. In a buyer’s market, more sellers are competing for your potential buyer. If you have to sell right now, consider lowering your asking price a bit to speed up the sale. We can help you figure out the right price-to-speed ratio.

If you sell your existing home for a ‘low’ price, you’re probably also buying at a low price. If you are upgrading to a larger home, this actually works to your advantage. If you’re downsizing from a bigger home to a smaller home or a condo, you need to pay a bit more attention to the market.

There are many reasons why we can be a great asset when selling your home. But don’t simply go with the first REALTOR® who suggests the highest asking price.

Lots of people out there want to buy your home. The right asking price will attract attention and get you a maximum return. With our help you can set a fair market value on your home – the most that interested buyers may be willing to pay for your property.

We know the general factors affecting your market and can calculate your home’s value within your market. It’s nearly impossible to replace the initial flurry of interest and activity a new listing will generate. REALTORS® in your area will want to see your home right away and tell their buyers all about it. Be sure you’re priced and poised to capitalize on this first wave of excitement.

Similar to when you bought your home, it’s essential to have a lawyer handle all the various legal documents that change hands. Before you agree to a lawyer, make sure they’re experienced in real estate, ask how they structure their fees, and get an estimate of the other legal costs you can expect.

Break out the mop and the paintbrush. It’s time to give your home a mini-makeover. Here are all the little things you can do to attract the big offers.

See your home through a buyer’s eyes. Get rid of clutter. Clean everything. Repair as much as you can, within reason. Depersonalize your home. Never underestimate the power of paint. Add some beautifying touches. Weighing the cost of improvements vs. the potential return.

Despite our leaps in technology, the “For Sale” sign continues to be an extremely effective way to advertise. Anybody responding to your sign is a solid lead because they’ve seen your home with their own eyes.

We are part of an extensive community of REALTORS® who collectively represent hundreds of eager buyers. REALTORS® can call other REALTORS®, who can call other REALTORS®, who can call other REALTORS®

Open House is an efficient way to attract REALTORS® to see your home with their own eyes. If your home is perfect for one of their buyers, you can be sure they’ll rush right out and tell them! Your REALTOR® can organize everything and get the buzz started.

Many buyers want to get a feel for your neighborhood before they start working with a REALTOR®. That’s why Open Houses to the public are so important. They usually last a few hours on a Saturday or Sunday, and there are a few simple but important rules to follow.

A “lock box” is a small, sturdy metal box that’s affixed to your front doorknob. It’s a mini safe with a key to your house inside. REALTORS® are given a combination to the lock box, so they can show your home to interested buyers. Be patient with visits. Hopefully they will lead to a great offer, soon.

Before the offers start rolling in, you should prepare for the massive amounts of money that will pass through your hands. Many people use the proceeds from the sale of their home to “discharge” or pay off their mortgage. If you have what is known as an “open” mortgage, you can pay it all off without any penalties. If you have a “closed” mortgage, be prepared to pay a few months’ payments in penalties.

If the home was your primary residence, you will not have to pay taxes on any capital gain (the increase in the value of your home). If you had tenants living in part of your home, such as the basement, you will pay capital gains tax on a portion of your profits. You may also owe capital gains tax if you’re selling a vacation or investment property. Talk with an accountant to find out what you’ll have to pay.

A successful negotiation is one that leaves both you and the buyer feeling satisfied with the outcome. This is a highly emotional time, so be sure to regularly “check your head”, and ask yourself “How important is this particular detail to me? Am I willing to jeopardize a sale over this?” Remember once you “sign back” an offer, you are releasing the buyer from their offer and they are free to walk away.

Your negotiations were a success and you have a legally binding agreement. But before your house is truly sold, it’s time for the vital final steps known as “closing”. Our team and the lawyer will take care of the many complicated and time-consuming legal maneuvers. That’s why you’ve hired pros