CELEBRATE YOUR HOME TEAM
Home sellinG guide
DEAR VALUED CLIENT, Thank you for taking the time to learn more about our brand of real estate. At the Celebrate Your Home Team, you are the most important part of what we do. From the beginning to the end of each transaction, we strive for a five-star experience for all of our clients. Whether your are new to the selling process or you've sold many homes before, we know that every situation requires an individualized approach. That is why our team will take the time to listen to your story & find out your WHY. Once we understand your unique needs we devise a customized plan that aligns with your real estate goals. We value our clients and the relationships we form during each transaction and strive to be your trusted real estate advisors for years to come. With a proven track record of success, we give a 100% guarantee that lives up to our promise offering you the level of service you deserve. We judge our success on how well we meet your needs. Thank you for your consideration - we truly look forward to working with you!
Amanda Eckart LICENSED ASSOCIATE BROKER
wHO WE ARE
Celebrate Your Home has built a full team of real estate specialists and customer support staff dedicated to serving our client's individual needs. The collective knowledge, wisdom, and experience of our team gives a depth of expertise a solo agent simply cannot provide.
wHAT WE DO
Selling or buying a home is likely the largest financial decision you will ever make and you can trust our team to do what we do best...we get you to the closing table with as much money in your pocket and the least amount of stress possible.
Team VS SINGLE AGENT Over 38 years of combined real estate expertise, working 24/7 to protect our clients interests. With a team of 8, there will always be a professional available to help you, so... no more waiting to see
CYH creates
homes when your agent is on vacation or sick.
customers for life
CYH has a database of over 4000 buyers and sellers
and lifelong
looking for new homes in our area that we direct
friends. Year after
market our listings to.
year, over 50% of our business stems from repeat customers and referrals.
Because of our standing in the industry, the top 1% in the nation, our networking capabilities are a true advantage to our clients. Our team of contractors, attorneys, inspectors, mortgage professionals, etc, that we have done 100s of transactions with, are part of our well-oiled machine proven to get you to the closing table with as few surprises as possible and certainly less stress!
WHO YOU WORK WITH MATTERS T R A C K R E C O R D O F S U C C E S S
2019
2018
2017
90+ CLIENTS SERVED
71+ CLIENTS SERVED
84+ CLIENTS SERVED
$38,328.34 SALES VOLUME
$34,794,949 SALES VOLUME
$37,835,624 SALES VOLUME
Real Trends 2018-19 Ranked Top Real Estate Teams in the USA
400+
Happy families we have served!
GIVING BACK Pledged thousands of dollars to charitable organizations each year!
ADDED VALUE Exclusive access to our list of trusted resources!
38+
Years of combined real estate experience working for you!
RANKED TOP 1%
Proud to be among the top 1% of Long Island Real Estate Brokers.
We offer white-glove concierge service to our clients and have created many lasting relationships throughout the years!
100+
Five star reviews on Zillow and Facebook! We Strive for 5
TEAM > 1 A team of real estate professionals working for YOU!
INSIDE SCOOP We've got a list of exclusive upcoming homes for sale!
#1 Top Ranking Real Estate Team| KW Points North LISTINGS SOLD + CLOSED UNITS + CLOSED VOLUME + LISTINGS TAKEN
THE PROOF is in our numbers
OUR HOMES SOLD FOR 98% OF LISTING PRICE
1/3 OF OUR LISTINGS SOLD AT OR ABOVE ASKING PRICE These numbers depict not only the trajectory of our business but the expertise, dedication, and commitment you'll receive.
*In 2019, 11 of our 34 closed listings accepted offers at or above asking price.
marketing campaign In today's competitive real estate market our goal is to get your home in front of the right customers using both on-line and offline platforms proven to get results. PRE-MARKETING
INTERNET MARKETING
IN-HOME MARKETING
Syndication to 350+ websites worldwide .
Call, text, & email to database of over 3500 buyer leads
"Coming Soon" Zillow Lising Premium brochures + 4000 tered regis rs buye
Staging consultation
1500+ visito rs mont hly
CUSTOM BOOK Detailed home summary Survey/co's Disclosures Local area information Home repair receipts Utility Bills
www.celebrateyourhome.com Branded Real Estate sign post with custom rider
Broker and agent networking
Premier Agent exclusive benefits
Showing scheduling service with app
Detailed Home Summary for open house and attached to MLS
High resolution professional photography
Social media shared, paid, boosted, targeted posts
Neighborhood information
Targeted & boosted Facebook & Instagram advertising OPE
U N HO
SE
MS ILLIA R W T H ELLE T S N O R O F KE A L T Y P O I N R
63 1. 4
0 3. 0
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We will help Connect the dots THE REAL ESTATE TRANSACTION IS COMPLEX. NAVIGATING YOU THROUGH EVERY STEP OF THE SALE IS OUR AREA OF EXPERTISE. Initial meeting , walk through, and needs analysis
Receive and present offers Negotiate terms
Sign listing agreement and disclosures
Prepare your house - staging, photography, pre-marketing
Facilitate home inspection process Negotiate inspection issues and oversee repairs
Gather surveys and COs, home improvement receipts, utility bills, & verify taxes Establish a competitive price
Facilitate the contract with attorneys
Officially list your home on MLS
Maintain communication between parties to keep closing on track
Launch a personalized marketing campaign
Attend appraisal
Begin showings and open houses
Oversee buyer's loan process
Engage our agent and community networks
Coordinate final walk through
Provide market updates and feedback
Closing!
S
O
L
D
Staging matters We believe great listings start with great photos! Celebrate Your Home provides a walk-through consultation with a home staging expert so that you can best prepare your home for the market effectively and efficiently.
At the Celebrate Your Home Team, we understand selling your home can be an overwhelming process. As a concierge service, we offer complimentary home staging to our clients. Staging services may include decluttering, rearranging furniture, removing items, and purchasing specific home goods for your home. Our experience proves polished photos will help showcase your home and attract potential buyers for a quicker sale.
HOME STAGING TIMELINE Schedule a home visit Take initial photos Create a plan Discuss changes with the homeowner Take action Schedule professional photos Pre-photo prep
a sample of our 2019 successes
19 Dune Walk, Davis Park $999,999 sale price 100% SP/LP
3 Upper Devon Rd, Belle Terre $789,000 sale price 100% SP/LP
41 Fieldhouse Avenue, Setauket $730,000 sale price 99% SP/LP
6 Virginia Road, Lake Grove $358,000 sale price 105% SP/LP 25 DOM
20 Cygnet Drive, Smithtown $560,000 sale price 101% SP/LP 17 DOM
9 Cynthia Lane, Center Moriches $320,000 sale price 102% SP/LP 21 DOM
219 First Avenue, Port Jefferson $425,000 sale price 100% SP/LP 7 DOM
18 Puritan Path, Port Jefferson $435,000 sale price 99% SP/LP 1 DOM
8 Corie Court, Port Jefferson $485,000 sale price 99% of SP/LP 22 DOM
04
How to coordinate a sale and purchase without losing your mind! If you're looking to graduate from first-timer to repeat buyer, or you need to find the perfect retirement nest, you know things are about to get much trickier. Unless you're a bonafide house collector, you'll have to sell your home to buy —adding a whole separate layer of anxiety to what is already a stressful process. In an ideal world, you'd buy a new home, move, and then, when all the dust settles, deal with the turmoil of selling. But for most people, that's not realistic. There are, however, ways to set yourself up for success! If selling and buying simultaneously is the only way to go, here's what you need to know to make sure both processes go as smoothly as possible.
KNOW THE MARKET FIRST Have a solid understanding of the real estate marketing in the neighborhoods where you are selling and buying. How quickly are homes selling? Strategize the best approach with your agent. Are your goals realistic? Price your home fairly to avoid losing the property you've identified
PLAN YOUR SCHEDULE Prepare your home for sale early Selling first will make it easier to get a mortgage and eliminates the financial burden of paying two mortgages but can complicate the timing Buying first makes it easier to move but can add financial burden
DON'T RELY ON TIMING Prepare yourself for bumps in the road - even the best laid plans go awry Many buyers for your home may also be sellingconsider problems you may run into caused by a domino effect Know who all of the players are going to be including banks and attorneys. Having good relationships with all parties could make the process go much more smoothly! Expect delays caused by home inspections or the process of getting to contract
Source: https://www.realtor.com/advice/buy/buying-a-house-while-selling-a-house/
KNOW YOUR FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS
DON'T LET FEAR RUSH YOU Plan on a short-term rental to relieve stress and avoid making hasty decisions Price your home according to your circumstance - if you are under the gun you may want to offer your home at a lower price Have your house staged and photographed so that you can list and sell in a moment's notice if you find the right property
You may have heard about these options as they exist in other parts of the country but are rarely or never seen in our area.
Rent-back agreement-- negotiate with your buyers to be able to remain in the property for a maximum of 60 to 90 days after closing Contract contingency: request that your new home purchase be dependent on the successful sale of your old home. This is not an acceptable contract to most NY attorneys, but if you are buying in another state, contingencies are very common. Consider low-downpayment financing options to allow you to purchase before selling
Selling and buying a house simultaneously will be stressful— but carefully considering and planning for the risks and hurdles can mitigate the stress.
Mistakes to avoid Waiting too long to prep your home for selling may create delays or cost you your dream home! Skipping the backup plan may leave you in a bind. Have a plan in place in case anything goes wrong! Keep your emergency fund well stocked! Failing to get pre-approved on your new loan will limit your ability to plan properly! Give yourself a cushion on the price for which you need to sell your existing home. The real estate market is vulnerable. Failing to compromise. Be willing to give and take a little - there are many players in the game. Using two different agents.
Source: https://www.realtor.com/advice/buy/buying-a-house-while-selling-a-house/
02
BUYING ANOTHER HOME CAN BE EASY! You’ve done it before and so have we, thousands of times. Getting a second mortgage shouldn’t be complicated. Whether you’re upgrading, downsizing, or looking at a vacation home, at Embrace we make it easier than ever. We believe every home-buyer is unique, so we personalize the loan process. A SMART MOVE.
Embrace offers many types of loans, including VA and Conventional loans. Regardless of your current or previous mortgage, we’ll work with you to determine the right loan for your current needs, no matter where you are in the process.
our clients
us
Amanda Eckart is hands down the best agent in town!
Mike was able to provide all
Her pricing was spot on and
the details that the town has
our house sold fast. She is
to offer. Due to our work
very personable and
schedule, he was extremely
responsive. If you want to
flexible and was able to get
buy or sell your home, we
realtors we conferred with.
us appointments at all
She understood what we
different times and days of
are looking for and did not
the week to accommodate us
persuade or influence us
to view available properties.
other than sticking with
highly recommend Amanda! -M. Coffey. 2019 Amanda and her team were extremely personable and knowledgeable. She kept us apprised of the market conditions, was readily available to answer questions, and always kept us informed. She provided insight in preparing the house for viewing and added their
He was pleasant to work with and made it a stressfree environment from beginning to end. We thank
Donna was amazing! She knew the “pulse” of Port Jefferson, unlike other
what we wanted. An excellent experience! We love our house. -Ilona P, buyer 2018
you for being a part of
We chose Amanda from the
helping us make our new
start due to her
house into our future home!
professionalism, passion,
-Port Jefferson buyer 2018
and up to date marketing knowledge. We chose to list
personal touch to stage the
It was a great experience
our house for sale or rent
house. We felt she maximized
working with Amanda. The
which brought interest from
our sale price based on the
main thing she is absolutely
multiple parties. In the end,
market conditions at that time.
trustworthy. We felt
we chose the best option for
She also recommended a local
completely in great hands with
us in a shorter time
attorney who provided
her all along this listing
impeccable service all the way
process. She is very
through the final closing. We
knowledgeable, patient to
highly recommend Amanda
answer any question possible. I
and Celebrate Your Home
would absolutely recommend
doubt we will be working
Team.
Amanda and her team!
together again!
-Port Jefferson Seller, 2019
-Olga K, bought a home 2018
-Lindsay & Daniel, Sellers 2018
We have over 100 client reviews on Zillow, Facebook, and Yelp. 12
frame. Amanda is the one to list your home with. We highly recommend working with her and her team. Thank you for all you did for us. We have no
seller SUCCESS STORY
Before
After
LISTED. STAGED. SOLD. IN 17 DAYS!
DOWNSIZED AFTER 40 YEARS After living in the same home for 40+ years, Richard and Jean were ready to downsize and move to an assisted living community. Their biggest obstacle was selling their lifetime home in a short period of time to guarantee the purchase of their new residence. They needed an experienced and knowledgeable agent who new the market well and could price the property accordingly , so they could net the most money and make the transition as easy as possible . They were referred to Donna Mckeown by a previous client that knew her experience fit the bill and would be the perfect realtor for the job. After the initial meeting, Donna worked with her inhouse Home Stager to ensure the property would look its best when hitting the market. She also studied the current market data to ensure the home would sell as quickly as possible, without being under-priced. After hitting the market, Donna had 5 offers in the first week, and was able to have this home under contract in only 17 days and for over asking price ! Jean & Richard are happily living in their new over 55 community enjoying the retirement lifestyle.
Before
After
We feel very fortunate we found Donna--She created a customized approach to fit our unique situation and overall life plan. We highly recommend her to anyone looking to downsize quickly! Satisfied Sellers, 2019
Hey, did ya' know.... The CYH team is in the top 1% of all agents nationwide? YES...WE ARE THAT GOOD!
Seller Closing Costs
In addition to any real estate broker commissions for which you are responsible, there are other expenses associated with the sale of a property. These expenses are required to complete the transfer of title and to record the necessary documents associated with the closing. TRANSFER TAX Whenever a property is transferred in New York State, the State transfer tax is due from you at the time the new deed is recorded. The State tax is $4 for every $1000 of the selling price. There are additional transfer taxes for: (1) NYC Properties; (2) Properties in the Peconic Bay Towns; and (3) "Mansions over $1M. For most properties (sales less than $500,000.00), the RPT is 1% of the sale price. SATISFACTION OF MORTGAGE(S) Don't forget that you may have a mortgage, home equity line of credit, or other liens to satisfy from the proceeds of your sale. Additionally you are obligated to pay a nominal fee to the County Clerk to record the original Satisfaction of Mortgage. This one time expense is approximately $550, which varies according to the county. This is often included in the payoff given to you by your mortgage company. TITLE CLOSER GRATUITY It is customary to pay the title closer for each mortgage paid off since that person b ears the responsibility for making sure that cash gets to the bank, and the SAT actually gets filed. This non-optional charge ranges from $250-300 per mortgage payoff. PROPERTY CONDITION DISCLOSURE As the seller of residential property, you are required by law to complete and sign a Property Condition Disclosure Statement. If you have chosen not to provide this to the buyer prior to the buyer signing a binding contract of sale, the buyer will be entitled to a credit in the amount of $500.00 at closing. SELLER'S ATTORNEY While attorney fees vary, a reasonable fee charged by a skilled real estate attorney is always a wise investment. Some attorneys charge an hourly rate, while others offer a “flat-fee” closing. An average to budget would be $1000-1500.
Projected Selling Price
$____________
Title Cost
$300
Commission
$____________
Property Condition
$500
Transfer Tax
$____________
Seller's Attorney
$1200
Mortgage Satisfaction
550 $____________
Approximate Net to Seller
$____________
Disclaimer: We do not represent that these are the entirety of potential costs. This list is to be used as a general guide.
9
frequently asked questions YOU ARE NOT ALONE! ARE THERE THINGS WE SHOULD DO TO OUR HOME TO HELP ENSURE THE MAXIMUM PRICE? Yes, there is a benefit to making sure your home looks its best before offering it for sale...we will advise you about specific improvements that can increase your home's marketability and value. We also offer staging services.
WILL YOU BE PRESENT AT ALL SHOWINGS? At open houses, I or a member of my team will be there. For showings, potential buyers will bring their agent to see your home. Most buyers prefer only their agent to be present when evaluating a prospective new home. WHAT IF ANOTHER AGENT TELLS US THEY CAN GET US MORE $ FOR OUR HOUSE? Some agents will quote a higher listing price just to get your business, but an overpriced house will not sell. If you choose to work with me, I will conduct a comparative market analysis before recommending an asking price for your home. I will explain how I arrived at the price, but ultimately the decision is up to you. I will offer my professional opinion on how the market and potential buyers will value your home. HOW LONG DO YOU EXPECT MY HOME TO BE ON THE MARKET? Netting our sellers MORE and selling their homes FASTER by pre-marketing their home online and to agents before we list creates urgency and a surge of interest for our sellers which results in 1/3 of our listings to be sold for at or over asking price. We will discuss the best strategy for your situation. WHAT HAPPENS ONCE WE GET AN OFFER? We will help you consider each offer and negotiate the best deal for you. Once you've accepted an offer, we will guide you through the entire closing process and let you know what to expect each step of the way.
CLOSING FOR A CAUSE When you buy or sell a home with us, we donate a portion of the proceeds to the Long Island Chapter of PinkTie. This local charity gives 100% back to organizations in our community such as Stony Brook Children's Hospital. Purchasing a home with us positively impacts our local community.
Real Estate Powerhouse W o r l d w i d e
Keller Williams Realty is the largest real estate franchise in the world - with offices throughout the country and on 6 continents. These increased connections prove beneficial for marketing to agents in other areas or when clients are moving into or out of our market area.
Staff & Team Members MEET THE AWESOME PEOPLE BEHIND THIS BRAND AMANDA ECKART
LICENSED REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATE BROKER
Amanda is a self-proclaimed real estate nerd bringing over 20 years of experience to her clients and team. Amanda has over 400-lifetime sales to her credit and consistently ranks in the top 1% percent of Realtors on Long Island. Amanda attributes her continued success to staying focused on industry trends, maintaining client relationships, and her island-wide reputation for excellent service. Outside the office, Amanda loves cheering on her daughters at their sporting events, going to concerts with her husband, and spending time at home with friends. Amanda also understands the importance of giving back and actively partakes in her local Chamber, PTA, Royal Education Foundation, and Pinktie Charity.
DONNA MCKEOWN LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON Donna is a life long resident of Long Island, residing on the North Shore in Port Jefferson. Donna is an active mom of two with a sunny personality and a leader in her community serving both her local PTA and Rotary. She can be found most summer nights gathering at the beach with friends and family sharing a meal and watching the sunset. Donna attributes her success as a realtor to her in-depth knowledge of the Celebrate Your Home Team market area, her ability to form strong client relationships built on trust and honesty, and her individualized approach to every transaction.
MICHAEL AMBROZY LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON As a Penn State graduate, Michael has had a successful career in Healthcare Marketing and Sales. Mike is dedicated to helping his clients attain their real estate goals, finding the perfect house, negotiating the best options, and seeing the contract through to closing. The level of service he offers his clients is what truly makes him an asset at the Celebrate Your Home Team. Michael currently resides in Port Jefferson with wife Lisa, daughters Katie, Charlotte, and Emily, and beloved dog DJ. In his spare time, Michael enjoys sharing his love of the outdoors through fly-fishing and cold water conservation efforts. As a selftaught home chef, Michael is always ready to create unforgettable meals with friends and family.
BETH HAYDE CLIENT CARE COORDINATOR CERTIFIED HOME STAGER LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALESPERSONÂ
As Celebrate Your Homes Client Care Specialist, Beth is incredibly committed to making sure clients receive the level of service promised and works behind the scenes implementing marketing strategies and increasing brand awareness. She is also Certified as a Home Stager and utilizes her design eye when preparing each home for sale to ensure picture-perfect listings for her team. Beth enjoys all things outdoors and can often be found snowshoeing or skiing in the winter and paddleboarding or hiking in the summer. Our team is continually evolving according to industry demands and may include additional Licensed Real Estate Sales Professionals and staff.
celebrateyourhome.com
CELEBRATE YOUR HOME TEAM at Kel l er Wi l l i ams Poi nt s Nor t h 111 N. Country Road Port Jefferson, NY 11777 631.403.0053
100 Crossways Park Drive West, Suite 104 Woodbury, NY 11797 516.865.1800