Seller Checklists

Getting Ready For The Market and Photo and Video Shoots

 Make one of your alarm access codes 0816.  Assure front entry door is flawless and distraction free. If painted, put a fresh coat of paint on the front door.  Have extra keys ready in the home in case one quits working.  Remove all stains and marks from floors and ceilings (Mr. Clean Magic Eraser)  Make sure every light bulb works and all the bulb types are consistent.  Clean all gutters.  Weed all beds and remove any vines from home.  De‐clutter and make design changes as requested, on back.  On photo days, park all cars away from the home and remove from the garage/carport.  Remove and substitute all personal photos.  Remove all items from the refrigerator exterior.  Dust ceiling fan blades and the top of the refrigerator.  Keep only matching appliances on the counter tops. No food, except for fresh fruits and vegetables in a bowl.  Remove all plants from funerals or hospital stays.  Remove all personal cards and notes.  Remove all silks plants from above any cabinetry.  Move/Cover any large TVs/electronics from focal points.  Move all furniture currently against a wall a minimum of six inches from the wall.  Place slip proof mats under every loose rug.  Light all unlit, visible candles. Burn for a minute or two, then snuff out. Unlit candlewicks are tacky.  Add colorful flowers in all exterior focal areas. Stick with the three‐color rule.  Assure nothing falls out of a closet when opened.  Make all minor repairs.  If your kitchen faucet is less than stellar, change it out to a recommended faucet.  Remove all pet smells.  Remove any item that would indicate a political party preference or polarizing issue.

Please complete the “Home Information Sheet” for the new owner (attached).

Rev. 8/28/2009

When We’re Showing Remember…

 If it’s dark, turn on all ambient lighting including small lamps and oven hood.  If it’s daylight, keep curtains and blinds open allowing as much natural lights as possible. I’m not a big proponent of leaving the lights on during the day due to energy efficiency.  If it’s over 80 degrees outside, keep the temperature set at 72 degrees while away. If your home is vacant, keep the temperature on a minimum of 76 degrees.  If it’s below 50 degrees outside, keep the temperature set at 68 to 70 degrees.

If your home is vacant, keep the temperature at a minimum of 65 degrees to avoid busted pipes and cold showings.  Put all commode seats down and assure they are all flushed.  Close all shower curtains.  Keep private toiletries out of clear sight.  Place fresh, clean towels on all bar racks (preferably white, if décor appropriate)  Put a little bleach in the toilets. Everyone loves a fresh bathroom.  Clean any entry glass door.  Clean the litter box and move to a non‐dominant area.  Remember that TV and music is a distracter from the home. Please leave all electronics off.  Keep all storm doors unlocked.  Do not cook any smelly food before showings (fish, international spices, sausage, etc.)  Avoid lighting scented candles and using plug outlet deodorizers.  Make sure you are out of the house five minutes prior to the showing time. If you return home and the showing party shows up late, graciously let them in and take a short walk.  Make sure all keys to any locked area (basement, crawlspace, garage) are in plain site on the kitchen counter tops and labeled.  Buyers WILL snoop. Make sure the refrigerator is clean and odor free.  A business card is typically left by the showing agent. Please refrain from calling, emailing or contacting him or her in anyway for input or questions.  Make sure all beds are made and laundry is all properly placed.  You may not be present for showings, unless discussed with Brian.  Feedback will be requested within 24 hours of the showing twice. You will receive the feedback within 24 hours of receipt. If no emails are returned, a phone call will be placed. If feedback is not given, assume the buyer is not interested and the agent doesn’t want to give feedback.

Coming Soon: The Contract and Inspection Preparation Checklist

Rev. 8/28/2009

Things To Remember About Inspections

Now that your home is under contract, we have agreed to an inspection period that will be over in the next _____ days. You must give access to your home during all reasonable hours for all tests and inspections. Inspections may include the following:

• General Home Inspection: Licensed inspector will check every aspect of every system, door, window, floor, faucet, appliance, etc. Remember, the inspector’s job is to diagnose not give opinions. You WILL see things on the report that will annoy you (light bulb above vanity does not function, smoke alarm battery is dead, etc.), but don’t get mad at the buyer or inspector. It’s not “us” against “them” here. We want to deliver a quality product as part of the brand you’ve joined. The inspectors are supposed to find everything.

Budget to be away from your home for four hours. You may not be present for the inspection. Frequency: 95‐100% of transactions.

• Termite Inspection: A licensed termite company will inspect the home for live infestation and/or damage. It usually takes 15 to 45 minutes. If you have a current termite/pest contract, please alert Brian prior to all inspections. You will not need to leave your home from the termite inspection. If live insects are found, you are required to treat the home at a cost of usually $800 to $950. Frequency: 95‐100% of transactions.

Frequency of discovered live insects: less than 25% of transactions.

• Radon Gas Inspection: Radon gas is a cancer causing gas sometimes found in our area’s soil. When you return home from the inspection you may see a box in one of the rooms, typically in a heavy living area. It will remain for 48 hours minimum. Do not move or touch this box. Make sure when you are home and away, all doors and windows are closed. The radon test setter will return to the home to pick it up. You will not have to leave your home for the drop off or pick up. Frequency: 50% of transactions.

• Mold Test: If dampness is questionable mildew is found, a buyer may opt to have a mold test. You will not have to leave your home for this test.

Frequency: less than 50% of transactions.

• Sewage Line Inspection: This test is growing more common, especially in historic neighborhoods. The inspector will check the sewage line from the street to your home. You do not need to leave your home for this test.

Frequency: less than 10% of transactions.

Rev. 8/28/2009

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Appraisal: The appraisal is conducted by the banking institution. The appraiser will call me sometime as short as an hour before the appraisal to get quick access. You will not need to leave the home for the appraisal.

Frequency: 100% of financed transactions.

•

Miscellaneous Inspections: You never know what a buyer will want to test.

During the inspection period, they have the right to test for everything from buried oil canisters to grave plots. Frequency: less than 5% of transactions.

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“After Inspection” Inspections: After the home inspection, often the report will say, “Inspector recommends a licensed roof contractor/plumber/HVAC technician, etc. assess the system.” The buyer and all agents never know what will be recommended. If something is requested to be re‐inspected, do not freak out. It’s more than likely a deeper step to assure that everything is functioning well. Frequency: 50 to 75% of transactions.

Before all inspections, assure the following:

 All keys for EVERY locking aspect of the home are labeled and on the kitchen counter.  At least one garage door opener (if applicable) is on the kitchen counter with fresh batteries.  All the little “stuff” is working and minor repairs have been made.  All crawlspaces are obstruction‐free.  All exterior fences are unlocked and areas are accessible.  All animals are removed from the property or kenneled.  All utilities are on, even if its summer and you have the gas off.

Coming Next: Final Walkthroughs & Preparing For Closing Your Home

Rev. 8/28/2009

Final Walkthroughs

A final walkthrough or inspection will be conducted at your home, typically, within three to five days before closing. You will be given the final walkthrough time as soon as the buyer’s agent alerts Brian of the date and time. Make sure the following are accomplished:

 All repairs are made.  The lawn is mowed within two days of closing.  All proof or repairs and/or receipts for the repairs are either on the kitchen counter or given to Brian.  Any extra paint is left in easy view of the new owner.  All agreed appliances (washer/dryer, refrigerator, etc.) are left and clean. If you are in doubt of what was agreed to, call, text or email Brian.  If you are moving out of the residence, an additional final walkthrough will occur within 24 hours of closing.

As You Officially Leave Your Property

     

Ensure all your personal items are removed including yard hoses, grills, plants, planters, etc. Once we close, anything left behind on the property belongs to the new owner.

Make sure the home is well cleaned.

If you do not want an item, do not leave it behind without consent of the new owner via the agents. Do not leave unwanted items behind. Just because it was there when you bought it doesn’t mean it stays.

Remove all trash from bins and alleys. Do not leave the trash bin full for the new owner. If trash day hasn’t happened, hire a trash removal company for this one time or find a local waste drop‐off convenience center.

Schedule all utilities to be disconnected within 24 hours after closing. Do not schedule prior to closing. You never know what delays may occur.

Remember, when you leave your home for closing, this will be your last time in the home.

Rev. 8/28/2009

Preparing For Closing Your Home

A title company or attorney will be closing your home on the agreed date at a convenient time. Expect the following between now and your closing date.

A minimum of three days prior to closing, you will receive a HUD‐1 statement from the title company. Please examine it carefully and contact Brian with any questions on this document.

You will receive a call or email from a “Closing Coordinator” within a few days/weeks of closing. Have the following information/items ready.

 Loan number: ___________________________________________________________________  Lender’s Name: _________________________________________________________________  Lender’s Contact Information: _________________________________________________  Power of Attorney Documents, if applicable  Proof of previous title policy for discount  Your legal name, include if you’re a Jr., Sr., IV or beyond

Remember And Bring To Closing

 Your driver’s license or legal photo identification.  A power of attorney letter, if applicable.  All keys and garage door openers (with fresh batteries), unless otherwise instructed.  Your reading glasses.  A well‐rested relaxed hand for all the signatures. You should budget one hour for closing.  Just because we did our jobs, doesn’t mean everyone else did. Be patient and flexible on closing day in case of schedule changes and delays.  A blank or cancelled check if you want proceeds directly deposited into your account.  A cashier’s check for the amount of money you are required to bring to closing, if applicable.  Take no medications or alcohol/substances prior to closing that could inhibit your clear thought process.  Your forwarding address.

Rev. 8/28/2009

Home Information Sheet

We are so happy you have found our home. Here are the answers to some of the most common questions your may need to know about your future home.

________________________________________ ________________________________________

Legal/911 Street Address: __________________________________________________________ City:

_______________________________________________, Tennessee Zip +4:

_________________‐__________

Water and Sewage: __________________________________________________________ Contact Information: __________________________________________________________ Expected Bill Amount: $______________

Gas:

__________________________________________________________ Contact Information: __________________________________________________________ Expected Bill Amount: $______________

Electric:

__________________________________________________________ Contact Information: __________________________________________________________ Expected Bill Amount: $______________

Cable Television:

__________________________________________________________ Contact Information: __________________________________________________________ Expected Bill Amount: $______________

Internet Provider: __________________________________________________________ Contact Information: __________________________________________________________ Expected Bill Amount: $______________

Security Provider: __________________________________________________________ Contact Information: __________________________________________________________ Expected Bill Amount: $______________

Lawn Service:

__________________________________________________________ Contact Information: __________________________________________________________ Expected Bill Amount: $______________

Pest Service:

__________________________________________________________ Contact Information: __________________________________________________________ Expected Bill Amount: $______________

Rev. 8/28/2009

Neighborhood Association: __________________________________________________________

Association Contact: __________________________________________________________

Neighborhood Events: ___________________________________________________________

Trash Pick Up Days: ___________________________________________________________

Recycling Pick Up Days: ____________________________________________________________

Closest Emergency Clinic: ____________________________________________________________

Closest Emergency Vet: ____________________________________________________________

Things We Want You To Know About Your Future Home (history, quirks, etc.):

Neighbor’s Names and Contact Info (if available and permitted):

Closest Place To Grab Hardware/Houseware While Moving In:

Who Delivers Food?

Rev. 8/28/2009