For Sellers: Overview

Factors We Cannot Influence:

• Location: the largest factor affecting the value

• Timing: economic conditions, interest rates, other available homes in your area

Factors We Can Influence:

• Price: set carefully to reflect the current market trends

• Condition: identify what to repair and/or replace

• Terms: broaden the base of potential buyers through flexible terms

• Marketing: provide maximum exposure to buyers and agents

• Accessibility: make it easy for agents and qualified buyers to view

• Step 1: Consultation. During the first meeting I will listen to your requirements, share my marketing strategy and walk you through the selling process.

• Step 2: Prepare your home for sale. I will discuss how to best prepare your home for sale. This includes which reports to order, disclosure items, as well as the cost effectiveness of repairs and staging when applicable.

• Step 3: Price your home. In order to establish a strategic list price we must pay careful attention to factors such as the comparative market analysis, your time frame and personal requirements, as well as local market conditions.

• Step 4: Market your home. My aggressive marketing techniques combine traditional and new media channels to ensure that information about your home reaches the widest possible pool of potential buyers.

• Step 5: Sell your home. After an offer is received I will assist you in evaluating your options and negotiating with the buyer.

• Step 6: Close escrow. Once a contract is signed by all parties I will manage the escrow. During this time it's important to maintain communication, monitor all paperwork and make sure contingencies are removed according to the contract. The ‘escrow closing’ signifies the change of ownership from the Seller to the Buyer and usually includes the execution and recording of the Grant Deed and Deed of Trust.

What does it cost to sell a home?

Common costs in selling a home include:

• Real Estate Commission: The commission is not fixed by law and is generally negotiated between the seller and the seller's agent.

• Closing Expenses and Costs: Costs vary depending on the sales contract and may include items such as transfer taxes, loan payoffs, termite inspection, any judgments and liens, recording fees, tax pro-rations, notary fees and any other negotiated items.

What is 'escrow'?

Escrow is a process for handling the details of the transaction from the time the purchase agreement is accepted until title is transferred to the buyer. An escrow is a temporary deposit of assets, such as funds and documents, with a neutral third party that makes sure that the terms of the purchase agreement are carried out. The money is released when the conditions of the contract between the two parties have been met.

How long is an escrow?

The length of an escrow is determined by the terms of the purchase agreement and can range from a few days to several months. An escrow often takes an average time of 30 to 45 days.

How are real estate agents compensated?

A commission amount is negotiated between the Seller and the Seller's agent, and that amount is usually divided among the Seller's agent's Brokerage, the Seller's agent, the Buyer's agent's Brokerage, the Buyer's agent and any referring agents. Real Estate commissions are traditionally paid at the close of escrow from the Seller's proceeds.

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