Home Selling Guide

Selecting a Realtor®

Your most important decision when selling your home is the selection of the person you choose to represent you.

The job of your Sales Associate is to support you in selling your home with the best possible terms, and to aid you through the entire process. Your Sales Associate will explain the process of selling a home, and familiarize you with the various activities, documents and procedures that you will experience throughout the transaction.

Tips For Selecting A Realtor®

Your Real Estate Professional should be:

• Aware of the complicated local and state requirements affecting your transaction.
• Effective in multi-party, face-to-face negotiations.
• Highly-trained, with access to programs for continued learning and additional certifications.
• Resourceful in attracting the largest possible pool of potential buyers.
• Knowledgeable in the technology resources that facilitate the transaction.
• Assisted by a fully-staffed marketing department.
• Supported by professional legal counsel.

Developing a Marketing Strategy

• Deciding when to put your home on the market.
• Establishing a strategic price based on recent comparable sales, local market conditions and your motivation to sell.
• Estimating probable net proceeds.
• Advising you on how to make your home more appealing to potential buyers.

• Ordering a "FOR SALE" sign to be placed prominently on your property with a brochure box so that drive by clients can get access to information regarding your home.
• Install an agent sign rider with a direct dial number to the listing agent's cell phone for instant access to information or to schedule a showing.
• Installing an electronic, high security lock box to make it easy for agents to show your home.
• Performing a virtual or video tour of your home which is posted on the MLS as well as Realtor.com and our website and other cooperating websites.
• Submitting your home to the regional Multiple Listing Service for immediate exposure to the real estate community.
• Developing a flyer/brochure highlighting the features and benefits of your home.
• Promoting your home at the appropriate Association(s) of Realtors' for maximum exposure to other cooperating agents by sending out just listed email notices.
• Holding open houses when appropriate.
• Featuring your property on our web site and REALTOR.com as well as other real estate websites.

You'll appreciate having a strong advocate on your side during the transaction!

Negotiating the Offer

Your Sales Associate will immediately present and explain all offers to you. You will be able to accept, reject, or counter any offer presented. During the negotiation process, your Associate will leverage their experience and skills to advocate your interests:

• Reviewing the contract and obligations before you sign.
• Negotiate an acceptable amount of earnest money to protect your interests.
• Verifying the buyer's capability to perform financially on their contract.
• Explaining how contingencies and release clauses work.
• Negotiating through the inspection work orders that may be requested by the buyers following their inspection.
• Defining legal disclosure requirements.
• Orchestrate the offer process for "back-up" offers, if necessary.

After the Offer is Accepted

Once an offer is accepted, your Sales Associate will manage all the details to make the process as stress-free and efficient as possible:

• Staying in contact with the buyer's agent to ensure a smooth close.
• Following up on the progress of the buyer's loan.
• Monitoring all contingency removal deadlines.
• Assisting you if a conflict with the buyer arises.

Finalizing and Closing the Transaction