The first step in preparing is to calculate your home equity and figure out exactly what you owe on your current mortgage. It is important for me to see your home in person, so that I can fully calculate its true value.
I will give you a professional home evaluation to assess the current market value of your home. I will also use my experience as an interior designer and home stager to help you realize the full value of your home and its features.
1. List the repairs and projects you will want to do to get your home in top selling condition.
2. It is always my goal to find inexpensive ways to dress up your property, i.e. lighting, fixtures, moulding, paint, curb appeal, redesign of existing furniture and accessories. I will assist you in prioritizing these items and decide where you will get the most bang for your buck.
3. In some cases, to get top dollar consider remodeling projects and upgrades that will increase the value of your home.
4. Expect to pay 7 to 10% of the homes sale price and closing costs including real estate agent commissions transfer taxes and prorated property taxes. This can be detailed out in a net sheet upon your request.
5. Additional costs may include: professional home inspections /capital gains tax/mortgage payoff penalties/staging rental expenses and moving expenses.
Determine how fast you need to sell your home and how much money you would like to get from the sale. We will sit down together and see if they match the current market.
You need to consider whether the sale of your home needs to be contingent on you finding another home or not. If you are not sure about this ask your lender. I have many good lenders in my network to refer you to upon request
Also consider pre-inspections and possibly clearing section 1 repairs before listing your home on the market. This can keep you from having to give credits for repairs later.
I will research multiple listing service records and public records to collect information on recent comparable homes in your area with similar square footage, construction age, and condition. I will also include homes currently on the market. This will assist you in determining the best price to list your property at.
I will create a strong MLS listing, a coming soon campaign, and start collecting info on potential buyers. Next, I will utilize the ReMax Gold International Network to advertise and market your home. Finally, I will take care of hiring a professional photographer to capture your home in the best light possible and with the newest technology.
1.Now is the time to get rid of sell or donate everything you don’t need or really like. This is a great time to have a garage sale or to donate your items. I can assist you with recommendations during this process.
2. Make any necessary repairs throughout the property per my recommendations. Here is where you should take advantage of having a complimentary professional home designer to guide you.
3. Make improvements to increase your curb appeal i.e. grass, plants, bright colored front door, wreath, bark, etc.
I will help you to declutter, depersonalize and decorate every room and outdoor area so that buyers can imagine themselves living in the home.
We will discuss painting interior rooms neutral colors, replacing outdated lighting fixtures, window treatments, etc.
I will walk you through the disclosure process while protecting your best interests.
During this time you will want to keep your home and show-ready condition at all times, I have lots of insider tips for you on making this work
I will set up a lock box so agents can show the home when you’re not available.
You will need to setup arrangements for pets to be in a safe place or removed from the home during showings.
When possible, I will hold exclusive open house for local real estate agents to introduce them to your home (this will often include food and refreshments).
I will handle the open houses, the MLS, and the signage in your area!
For each offer, note the proposed offer price, preapproval letter, contingencies, earnest money amount, proposed closing date and offer expiration date.
Together we will look over multiple offers and I will help you to choose the strongest offer. I have found that having me as a third party for support helps to keep emotions in check during this process.
We will approach each offer as an opportunity to negotiate! If the buyer’s offer is contingent on selling a home, counter with a Removal of sale Contingency or speed up timelines.
If your worried you won’t be able to buy a home immediately after you sell. It is possible we can negotiate a rent back on your current home from the buyers after escrow closes for a short time.
Your escrow officer will order a title search, request payoff information for your mortgage, prepare and record documents, and hold/disburse funds and prepare closing statements.
Just before close of escrow you will receive a closing statement from title. Then you will sign a closing statement that will tell you what funds will be needed to be brought in at close of escrow.
Prepare for the final walk-through inspection for the buyer. This normally happens within the last five days. You will need to give them access.
A few days before closing everyone on title must sign with escrow in the office or with a mobile notary if out of town. Bring your photo id, a copy of your insurance policy, and any other documents requested by the lender or escrow officer.
You will need to decide whether you want the funds wired, auto-deposited, or a check written at this time.
It is recommended to keep all water/utilities on through close of escrow.
Always keep and leave all applicable paint materials for the interior and exterior of the home for the new buyer as well as home manuals
Stop all utilities a day after close, leave all keys/mail/garage door openers/for the new buyer in a top kitchen drawer.
Keep copies of your documents for reporting the sale on the federal and state tax forms.