SELLER GUIDE
Our Promise
We appreciate the trust you have put in our agent/partner to help you sell your property.
Our commitment to you is that we will exceed your expectations the entire way through the selling process.
So much so that you will want to share your experience with your family and friends. We aim to be a resource for you and your community even beyond the transaction.
Our agent/partner will be checking with you periodically to see how we’re doing and if there is anything we can do to enhance the experience. If we ever fall short of that high level experience, please bring it to our attention so we can change our process immediately.
#1 TEAM IN ASHEVILLE
16 Years In Business
1.07% Of Sales In The Market
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to differentiate ourselves from an industry that has become complacent, and set a new standard in both agent and consumer experiences. We will use our knowledge, expertise and technology to provide personalized, comprehensive services that are tailored to the unique needs and preferences of each client.
1000+ Total Clients Served
529+ Million Dollars In Sales
VISION & VALUES
At Broker Asheville, our actions and decisions are based solely on our core values. These values are what define us and set us apart from other real estate agencies in the area. They keep us energized to over deliver and create opportunities for our clients.
TRUST
We hold trust as a core value, recognizing that it is the foundation upon which we build strong and lasting relationships.
INTEGRITY
Integrity is at the core of everything we do, from our interactions with clients and partners to the way we conduct business.
FAMILY & BUSINESS
Being present at home is paramount. We believe that success is measured by having a thriving family and business, and we strive to show up in everything we do. We are also hungry for business success and are firm believers that is accomplished by leading with significance. Being dependable matters, and empires are built during the pursuit of industry knowledge, connection and being woven into the community. Our family, business and community matter and the Unique brand represents a commitment to these standards.
COMMUNITY
Community is not just a location, but a vital part of our values, and we strive to foster strong relationships with our neighbours and support the growth and well-being of the communities we serve.
FUN
Having fun is a non-negotiable. Where you are and who you are with are not only important, but essential to fostering a positive and collaborative work environment ultimately benefiting our clients and agents.
08 Meet Your Agent
Dave Cash
Listing Agent
Dave’s entrepreneurial spirit, communication and management skills are appreciated by our clients
After spending many years in banking, real estate investment, and insurance brokerage, Dave is one of Broker Asheville’s real estate listing specialists. He has sold hundreds of properties here in Western North Carolina. Prior to Asheville, he founded, ran and sold an Allstate insurance agency in Charlotte.
A US Air Force veteran and a West Virginia State College grad, Dave’s entrepreneurial spirit, communication and management skills are appreciated by our clients. Dave, Sarah and their 3 boys, Harrison, Miles and James live in the Kenilworth neighborhood of Asheville. When Dave is not on listing appointments or attending kids sporting events you can find him skiing, fly fishing on the Davidson River, biking at Bent Creek with his family or wake surfing on Lake James.
Meet Your Agent Jeremy Laster
Listing Agent
Jeremy is an Asheville native and has a passion for helping his clients BECOME A LOCAL.
Jeremy is a Western North Carolina native and proud to call Asheville home. Jeremy combines his knowledge and passion for our LOCAL community with a fun, customer focused, and consultative approach. Jeremy is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and his professional resume includes active duty military experience as an Air Force Officer and sales executive roles for market leading medical
device and information technology companies. Jeremy has deep roots in our community and has a passion for giving back. During the football season, you can find Jeremy volunteering his time as an assistant football coach for North Buncombe High School. Jeremy is married to his high school sweetheart, Karen. Together, they have a beautiful daughter, Ella, and a dog named Bear, who often makes appearances in Jeremy’s listing videos.
Meet Your Agent
Bret Frk
Buyer Agent
Bret has over 20 years of experience in the real estate and development industry. He is regarded as one of the region’s top Buyers Agents in both buyer units and volume year after year.
Bret graduated from University of Cincinnati with a degree in Urban Design/Planning. Before joining our team, he spent eight years as an land planner focusing on new communities and infill development. He then turned his focus to land conservation assisting with the preservation of over 45,000
acres of undeveloped land in the Western NC Mountains and Foothills. Bret is well loved by our buyers because he has a relaxed, no pressure personality. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, coaching baseball, being near water and traveling. He has lived and owns homes in the River Arts District, Lake Lure, West Asheville, and Haw Creek.
Meet Your Agent
Nan Kramer
Buyer Agent
Nan has strong ties to Western North Carolina, having spent her summers as a child at Montreat, attending UNC Asheville, and settling permanently here in 2007.
With a bachelor’s degree in Health and Wellness and a master’s degree in Public Health from East Tennessee State University, Nan was the Regional Community Engagement Coordinator in 8 counties west of Asheville. This experience has given her a distinctive perspective on our region that she applies to her real estate career.
A natural people-person with a bright personality, Nan is driven by her passion for helping others. As a Listing Specialist with Broker Asheville, Nan has the knowledge and experience to help you navigate the process with ease.
In her free time, Nan loves playing with her dog Tally and enjoying the outdoors. She can often be found working in her garden or sharing time with her friends and family. Nan’s enthusiasm and dedication will make your sale less stressful and more enjoyable.
The Team Advantage
Having a team behind a real estate agent can provide numerous advantages, particularly when it comes to selling a home. One of the most significant benefits is the ability to delegate tasks among team members, allowing each member to focus on their specific areas of expertise. For example, a team may have one member who specializes in marketing, another in negotiations, and another in administrative tasks.
Julie Crosson Listing Manager
With more than 15 years of office experience, in both administrative and financial roles, Julie’s keen eye for detail combined with her passion to provide superior customer service make her a valuable asset to our listing team. Julie graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder where she met her husband. After visiting Asheville and falling in love with its beauty, they relocated from Texas in 2006. They currently live in North Asheville with their two teenagers, cat (Mr. Mittens) and dog (Lady Ellington). In her spare time, Julie loves hanging out with her family, bird watching, reading and using her creative side to design and fabricate epic Halloween costumes.
This allows the team to work more efficiently and effectively, providing the seller with a smoother and faster selling process. Additionally, a team can provide a wider network of contacts including other agents, contractors and service providers. With a team behind them, our real estate agents provide a higher level of service, giving the sellers a competitive advantage in the real estate market.
Amber Thomas Closing Agent
Amber grew up in Greensboro, NC, and is proud to be a native of North Carolina. After attending Appalachian State University, she moved to Raleigh and called the Triangle home for 12 years. Her love for the mountains brought her to the Asheville area over three years ago. Amber has over 15 years of experience in the real estate industry. Amber believes that every interaction with a client is very important and holds that to a high standard. In Amber’s spare time she enjoys having a good local craft beer at many of the local breweries, going on hikes with her husband, Buddy, and her Cocker Spaniel, Boone, and traveling the world.
Erin Spurrier
Marketing Director
As a marketing and graphic designer with a degree in Illustrative Design from RMCAD, Erin brings a unique blend of artistic creativity and strategic thinking to every project she works on. When Erin’s not busy designing, you can usually find her exploring the great outdoors through hiking and other activities. She’s also a big music lover and enjoys going to concerts with friends to discover new artists and genres. In Erin’s free time, she indulges in creative hobbies such as painting, drawing, and digital art. She bring strategic thinking to every project she touches.
Alan Fraebel Multi Media Specialist
Alan Fraebel relocated to Asheville from Winter Park, FL with his wife and two children. Alan graduated from Florida State University with a degree in Theatre and an emphasis on the technical elements of productions; using those skills to progress into lighting design and photography. He joins Broker Asheville as our full time photographer and videographer. He enjoys being a community ambassador for Broker Asheville and doing his part in helping them to continue with the success of the company. Alan and his family are excited about fulfilling their dream of living in the beautiful mountains of Asheville. When he is not behind the lens of a camera he can usually be found watching sports, cooking up a good steak, and enjoying being with his family.
Leah Stewart Owner/CEO
Originally from Camden, South Carolina, Leah met Jeff during a summer in Maine where Leah had landed for an interim college summer job; the rest is history! A University of Georgia graduate, Leah has a Bachelors in Environmental Design and a Masters in Urban Planning. With a background as a city planner and an enterprising attitude, Leah plays a pivotal role. Leah is “the boss” and we are proud to have her working as Chief Quality Officer. When she’s not in the office, you can find Leah visiting the local Asheville hot spots with their two sons, Jackson and Wyatt.
Jeff Stewart Founder
Jeff was raised in the mountains of Asheville, North Carolina, and graduated from the University of Georgia Terry College of Business. Following several years of incredible success working with buyers and sellers, and being named a top producer at Keller Williams, Jeff and his wife Leah founded Broker Asheville. Jeff’s love of his hometown, specifically the natural beauty of Western North Carolina, translates into Broker Asheville’s community mindedness, where he works to build a team that empowers clients to make savvy decisions with confidence.
Key Market Factors
We Want You To Know
Net the most money
Most sellers we work with are looking to achieve the following...
Experience the least amount of hassle A timeline that matches their motivation 1 2 3
22 Promotion
Creating a unique way of promoting and marketing your home is crucial because every home and homeowner is unique. Our customized approach ensures that your home’s specific needs, features, and attributes are highlighted, and the right audience is targeted. It is essential to showcase your home in a way that resonates with potential buyers and sets it apart from similar properties in the market.
Home Buyers Resources
Where
Our Reach
18 Point Marketing System
Before Listing
STRATEGIC POSITIONING IN PRICING
We don’t price your home to sit, we price it to SELL using experience and Scientific Market Analysis.
MASSIVE EXPOSURE
We market heavily to agents as 87% of residential sales involve REALTORS®.
ADVERTISING
We spend approximately $10,000 every month in advertising, which increases our listings’ reach and market share.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Promotion
Only the best photos highlighting the features of your home will be placed online or in any publications. Our in-house multi media creator creates curated photos that set your listing apart.
18 Point Marketing System
Activating Listing
GLOBAL NETWORKING
1 in 12 real estate transactions in the US involve an international party, so we pay to have your listing exposed to the global marketplace through ListHub Global and Proxio Pro.
MASSIVE INTERNET EXPOSURE
83% of all consumers view properties on the internet prior to purchasing.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Your home will be featured on social media and online platforms.
EMAIL CAMPAIGNS
We are constantly cultivating qualified buyers in the Asheville area.
PRINTED TAKEAWAYS
Full color, professionally designed and printed marketing material will be displayed inside your home for potential buyers.
Promotion
YARD SIGN & SUPRA
Placement of the “For Sale” sign in your yard will attract the attention of neighbors and drive-by traffic. A lock box is an important tool when listing your home for sale. It provides convenience, security, access control, and increased exposure, which can all help you sell your home faster and with less hassle.
SHOWING TIME SERVICE
Showing scheduling convenience that texts / calls / emails sellers to confirm showings instantly. We follow-up and respond to feedback within 24 hours of showings.
OPEN HOUSE
Hosted by trained agents, utilizing social media postings, door knocking, and physical advertising through signage to create exposure for your listing. We share the results on Mondays.
BUYER SCREENING
Promotion
We market to agents who will bring pre-qualified buyers to your home, reducing stress and eliminating “tire-kickers.”
Listing Duration
QUICK, RELIABLE RESPONSIVENESS
We pledge to return all correspondence within a timely manner.
CANVASSING YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
When applicable, we will communicate with neighbors as they occasionally refer buyers to your property.
SKILLED NEGOTIATING
Your best interest is our best interest and we will represent you in every phase of the transaction.
UPDATES ON THE MARKET
We will continue to track how many hits your listing generates and respond to online inquiries.
LISTING COVERAGE
Our team is available to field inquiries on your listing.
18 Point Marketing System
Promotion
29
PRESENTATION
The presentation of your home creates a lasting impression on visitors and potential buyers, which significantly impacts the overall value of your property. A well-presented home exudes an inviting atmosphere and makes potential buyers feel comfortable, leading to a quicker sale. Ultimately, taking the time to present your home in the best possible light is a wise investment that will pay off.
Preparing Your Listing For Sale
For Showings
Turn on all the lights
Open drapes and blinds in the daytime
Keep pets secured or outdoors
Play quiet background music
Light the fireplace (if seasonally appropriate)
Vacate the property while it is being shown
Cycle fresh air in via doors or windows when possible
Presentation 30
Interior
Remove excessive wall hangings, furniture and knick knacks
Clean or paint walls and ceilings
Shampoo carpets
Clean and organize cabinets and closets
Repair all plumbing leaks, including faucets and drain traps
Clean all light fixtures, switches, doors, door handles and door frames
Exterior
Keep the grass freshly cut
Remove all yard clutter
Apply fresh paint or stain to fences if applicable
Paint the front door
Weed and apply fresh mulch to garden beds
Clean windows inside and out
Pressure Wash or paint the home’s exterior
Tighten any loose door handles
Ensure gutters and downspouts are firmly attached
Presentation
32 Price
Pricing your property at a competitive market value is critical. Historically, your first offer is usually your best offer. More buyers purchase their properties at market value than above market value. If you price your property at Market Value, you are exposing it to a much greater percentage of prospective buyers and you are increasing your opportunity for sale.
Pricing Your Listing
Timing
Timing is extremely important in the real estate market. A property attracts the most activity from the real estate community and potential buyers when it is first listed and therefore has the greatest potential to sell when it is new on the market.
Additional Considerations
The proper balance of these factors will expedite your sale.
PRICE
Pricing your home properly from the start will determine how long it will take to sell.
CONDITION
The condition of the property affects the price and the speed of the sale. As prospective buyers often make purchases based on emotion, first impressions are so important. Our team will help in optimizing the physical appearance of your home to maximize the buyer’s perception of value.
COMPETITION
Prospective buyers are going to compare your property – both the condition and the price – to the other listings in and around your neighborhood. Those buyers will determine value based on properties that are listed or have recently sold in the area.
TIMING
The first 30 days your property is listed is the critical window of opportunity when buyers and their agents discover your property and are most likely to visit and make offers.
LOCATION
Location is the single most important factor in determining the value of your property.
TERMS
Your goals, needs and motivations can impact the terms of the agreement.
Price
The Offer
Showings Begin
Agent Feedback
The Offer
Negotiating Contracts
1. ACCEPT THE OFFER in which case you have a contract.
2. COUNTEROFFER you are rejecting the buyers’ proposal but are putting a new offer on the table.
3. REJECT THE OFFER This should be used as a last resort when counter offering is not an option.
Price
Active To Market
Contract To Close
Congratulations on selling your home! Once you have accepted an offer, the process of contract to close begins. This typically involves a series of steps such as a home inspection, appraisal and title search.
Once you accept and sign the offer, your home is considered to be “under contract” and the closing process begins. Broker Asheville’s Closing Coordinator will take the lead in this process and your agent will be there to guide you through each step! We’ve simplified this process into ten steps to help you finalize the sale of your home.
1
2
3
4 5 6 7 8 9 Under Contract Inspections Due Diligence & Negotiations
Title Search & Survey Appraisal & Loan Approval Repairs Made & Tracked Review Closing Disclosure Final Walkthrough Closing, Recording & Keys
Close
Inspections
Inspections and potential repairs are the number one reason sales don’t close. Typically, buyers have a certain number of days in which to inspect the property and accept or reject the property based upon these mechanical and structural inspections.
HOME WARRANTY PLANS
Home warranty plans go a long way to alleviate some of the risks and concerns buyers have when purchasing a home. For free, the seller can provide a warranty covering specified system of the home, plumbing, electrical, water heater, and/or appliance break downs during the listing period. Coverage under most plans can be taken over at closing with a fee.
Close
CLOSING DAY
The closing process finalizes the sale of your home and makes everything official. Also known as settlement, the closing is when you get paid and the buyer receives the deed to your home.
A Few Things To Bring To The Closing
A valid government-issued picture ID
House keys
Garage door opener(s)
Mailbox and any other spare keys/fobs
Your Costs
Sellers commonly pay the following at closing:
Mortgage balance and prepayment penalties, if applicable
Other claims against your property, such as unpaid property taxes
Close
Unpaid special assessments on your property
Deed Transfer Tax
Attorney Fees
Agents Commission
As You Vacate
Remove all belongings and debris in the interior and exterior of the property
Leave property clean
Attorney Duties
The attorney will look over the purchase contract and identify what payments are owed and by whom; prepare documents for the closing; conduct the closing; make sure taxes, title searches, real estate commissions and other closing costs are paid; ensure that the buyer’s title is recorded; and ensure that you receive any monies due to you.
FAQ
How fast can you list my home?
We will move as quickly as possible while still ensuring the Presentation is ideal. Once a home is staged and photography has occurred, we can be ready to activate your listing within 48 hours.
How will you market my home?
We utilizes a comprehensive Marketing Strategy to ensure the most thorough exposure of your listing. More detailed information can be found within this packet.
What will the list price be, and how do we know we couldn’t have gone higher?
The list price is determined by looking at your individual house as it compares to the local market. We evaluate the qualitative and quantitative factors with you in great detail to arrive at the price. The market corrects, meaning if your home has more value to buyers, they will bid up the price to own it.
At what price will my home sell?
The three factors that will ultimately determine the market price or sale price of your home are Promotion, Presentation and Price. We will work with you to create a tailored plan, matching your individual goals, to sell your house.
How do showings work?
Once your property is active on the MLS, licensed agents can request to show it. We set the schedule based on your needs. You will be alerted of the request by your preference of phone, text or email. At the confirmed time, the agents use their secure login to access a code to the lockbox.
How much will I net in the sell of our home?
We can help you determine an approximation of what you will net by using a worksheet which calculates the fees associated with selling your home. Percentage of sales price, per diem taxes and HOA fees and seller concessions are some of the variables that will affect the actual amount of proceeds you will receive.
Client Success
I have found Broker Asheville Team to be both professional and personable in all areas of real estate. They are “go-getters” with excellent follow-up skills. They do their research on market sales to provide the best advice on pricing. Cannot recommend them highly enough! - Jim C.
We had an absolutely wonderful experience purchasing a second home in Asheville with the assistance of Jeremy Laster, Dave Cash, and Amber Cloutier of the Broker Asheville team. It’s a daunting prospect to buy a house more than 500 miles away, but these real estate professionals guided us every step of the way--from getting to know us well enough on the front end to find the type of house we were interested in, to patiently providing over several months property listings to consider both in and around Asheville, to helping us negotiate a favorable price, to making sure all latent repair needs were identified and addressed by the seller, to easing us through closing. - Maura M.
I can not give high enough praise to the Broker Asheville team that surrounds him. We had our home listed with another agent for six months with no luck. Once Broker Asheville team let loose his marketing machine, we were under contract in one week! Post contract to closing our hands were held and the process was amazingly seamless. - Norm L.
These folks are so very impressive, from the listing agent to the open house agent to the closing agent, all the best of the best! I can’t imagine EVER selling or buying again without first contacting Broker Asheville! Even after the sale has closed, they are still in contact trying to help in any way they can. THE REAL DEAL, folks! - Billy A.
Broker Asheville were an extreme pleasure to work with throughout the entire selling process. From their friendliness and extensive market knowledge, to quick response as a team for any setbacks I encountered I was very impressed with how professionally they handled everything. I would highly recommend them to others looking for a realtor and plan to use their services in the future as a repeat customer. - Michael P.
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