Questions about selling your home: answered

How will you determine my home’s value?

To determine your home’s value and set a listing price, I will complete a Comparative Market Analysis. The CMA uses recent sales of homes close in geography, age, size, and features to yours. (A CMA is not the same as an appraisal, which a licensed appraiser can perform.)

Is it a good idea to start the list price high?

Many sellers like the idea of “starting high” to see if they get higher offers, but this strategy isn’t usually practical. First, buyers may not see your listing if they use a price filter set to what they expect prices in the area to run. Second, you run the risk of the appraisal coming in lower than your contract price, which will require your contract to be renegotiated or canceled. Third, if your listing price puts your home higher than your neighborhood value, your home will likely sit on the market longer as buyers wait for you to make a reduction. It’s best to set a realistic listing price that will bring you buyers quickly. My goal is always to get you the highest possible price in the shortest amount of time.

How soon can I get my home on MLS?

Once we agree to work together, I will begin entering your home information on the MLS system. I will also schedule a time for a professional photographer to take photos of the property. As soon as all the important information and pictures are uploaded, your listing can go live on MLS.

What do I need to do to get ready to list?

For your part, it’s a good idea to begin cleaning out or organizing storage spaces, closets, and drawers and putting away some of your décor or belongings. You may also want to have the exterior pressure washed, and the landscaping cleaned up. We can talk further about specific things that will help your home show better.

How will showings be conducted?

We want to make the home accessible to buyers without too much disruption to your personal life. We will use a Showing Service to notify you in advance of showing requests. We typically use electronic lockboxes that only active members of our local Realtor association can access.

How will you market my property?

Marketing your listing is extremely important! Most buyers find their properties online through MLS (via their agent,) Zillow, or other search engines. Listings in our MLS system automatically show up on these sites when they become active. In addition, we share our listings with the agents and buyers in our own network. We can discuss additional opportunities such as hosting open houses and marketing within your neighborhood.

How long will it take to find a buyer?

Several factors influence the time it takes to find a buyer. These include the market conditions, price range (higher-priced or luxury homes typically take longer to sell,) location (whether your home is in a desirable neighborhood or a unique location,) and the condition of the home (is it move-in ready or in need of renovations?) We always provide you with factual data about the average and median days on market for similar homes that have sold in your neighborhood, so you can know what to expect for your home.

Will you qualify the buyer?

When an offer is received, we always do everything in our power to qualify or vet the buyer. All offers should be accompanied by either a pre-approval from a mortgage lender or, if paying cash, by verification of funds available to cover the purchase price. Once you accept an offer, the buyer must put down the agreed upon Earnest Money deposit, schedule any inspections as stipulated in the contract, and, if financing is involved, their lender will initiate the loan approval process. I will stay in close contact with the buyer’s agent and the buyer’s lender to make sure the process is followed without delays or hiccups!

Will you also represent the buyer?

If I happen to find the buyer for your home, be assured that I am trained and experienced in handling both sides of the transaction fairly. As a professional, I respect the confidentiality and loyalty required in dealing with both parties. On the plus side, communication is easy when I am representing both sides. Working on both sides of the transaction is hard work, but it would not be a problem.

How often will we communicate?

Communication is key to an easy and successful sale. I will keep you updated every step of the way. You are welcome to reach out to me with questions or concerns. When we go over the listing information, we will discuss our preferred means of communication and schedules to make sure we know each other’s availability and boundaries.

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