Our Commitment to Our Sellers
Susan Kennedy, ABR, CRS, GRI, SFR, ERN and the Kennedy Team Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty 12644-1 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223 904.880.6700 kennedyteam@vanguardcb.com Visit my Website www.SusanKennedyTeam.com
Award Winning Team
AWARD-WINNING TEAM Over the years Susan Kennedy and the Kennedy Team have achieved outstanding results. We have consistently been the #1 Real Estate Team in Northeast Florida. Susan has been in the business for over 30 years. Her Team members are handpicked realtors who are professional and dedicated. Susan and her Team members hold many certifications including, Graduate Realtor Institute, Accredited Buyers Agent, Certified Residential Specialist, Short Sale & Foreclosure Resource Specialist and Elite Realtor Network. The Team’s efforts and dedication have produced consistent results for our customers, including: • #1 REAL ESTATE TEAM - Northeast Florida Association of Realtors since 1999. • NATIONAL TOP 50 TEAMS - Wall Street Journal’s Top 200 Real Estate Teams Nationwide since 2006. • TOP 5 REAL ESTATE TEAMS - In Our Company for homes sold in the United States since 2003. • 100% CUSTOMER SATISFACTION - Pinnacle Service Platinum Customer Satisfaction Award since 2007. • REALTOR OF THE YEAR - Northeast Florida Builders Association Laurel Awards. • RANKED #1 TEAM - Jacksonville Business Journal “Book of Lists” since 2000. • # 1 TEAM MILLION DOLLAR CIRCLE - New construction sales for the Northeast Florida Builders Association Laurel Awards since 1999. • NATIONAL REGISTER’S WHO’S WHO - Susan Kennedy and the Kennedy Team have received this honor since 2004.
We’ll Take You Through The Process Congratulations! You’ve decided to start fresh and sell your home. This is a very exciting time for you and I look forward to guiding you smoothly through this process and helping you to efficiently sell your home at the best price. As you will see, there are several steps you need to take before putting your property on the market. When using me and my team of sales associates and marketing professionals you will feel confident that the sale of your property will be very
1. You’ll have an expert to guide you through the process. Buying or selling a home usually requires disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds, and multi-page settlement statements.
2. Get objective information and opinions. A Realtor® can give you up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace and the price, financing, terms and condition of competing properties. These are key factors in getting your property sold at the best price, quickly and with minimum hassle. 7. Buying and selling is emotional.
3. Enhance the salability of your property.
A home often symbolizes family, rest, and security- it’s not just four walls and a roof. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you stay focused on both the emotional and financial issues most important to you.
Often, a Realtor® can recommend repairs or cosmetic work that will significantly enhance the salability of your property. A professional acts as the marketing coordinator, disbursing information about your property to other real estate agents 8. Ethical treatment. through the Multiple Listing Service or other cooperative As a Realtor® client, you can expect honest and ethical marketing networks, open houses for agents, etc. treatment in all transaction-related matters. It is mandatory for Realtor® to take the Code of Ethics orientation and 4. Benefit from their negotiating experience. complete a refresher course every four years. There are many negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession, and inclusion or exclusion of repairs, furnishings, or equipment.
5. Property marketing power. Real estate doesn’t sell by advertising alone. In fact, a many real estate sales are the result of a practitioner’s contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, and family.
6. Real estate has its own language. If you don’t know a CMA from a PUD, you can understand why it’s important to work with a professional who is immersed in the industry and knows the real estate language.
Dominating The Internet
Over 93%
of recent US home buyers say they used the Internet
in their home search and one-third say they first saw their new home on a real estate REALTOR.com Showcase Listing
search site. Those statistics made us decide to cover every channel out there! From Enhanced Showcase Listings on Realtor.com and Premium Listings on Trulia.com to placement on dozens and dozens of other search sites...we work the web to get the buyers in your door. Plus, we have TWO
Trulia.com Premium Listing
designated YouTube channels giving buyers immediate access to view a video of your property.
Post Listing to ColdwellBanker.com
YouTube Video Creation
Including... Internet Distribution
Your property will be placed on 100’s of real estate search sites.
Your property will be placed on dozens of real estate search sites
Award Winning Global Website ColdwellBanker.com
We Never Stop Moving The Coldwell Banker® brand has been a real industry champion an pioneer since it was founded on August 27, 1906. Today, Coldwell Banker continues to take great pride in its rich heritage, but also continues to evolve and meet the needs of a changing consumer. Coldwell Banker’s® average visitor spends more than nine minutes on the website. We feature lifestyle, affordability, and keyword search tools for fast and easy browsing, as well as, multiple images and videos showcasing unique features of your house.
SusanKennedyTeam.com
We Market Your Home in The Real Estate Book Magazine and on The Web
Why Coldwell Banker Vanguard? listen carefully and communicate fully At Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty we host the most innovative sales and marketing tools in the area. We never forget that the most important tool is the ability to listen carefully and communicate fully. We know your home is one of your most valuable assets and we will treat it accordingly. With respect for your needs, keen attention to property details and exceptional marketing programs we vow to provide you the pinnacle of Real Estate service. The Coldwell Banker® brand has been a real estate industry champion and pioneer since it was founded on August 27, 1906. Today the Coldwell Banker brand continues to take great pride in its rich heritage, but also continues to evolve and meet the needs of a changing consumer. • Over 86,000 sales associates and brokers. • An ever-expanding global presence in over 40 countries and territories. • Approximately 3,100 offices worldwide.
over
Been in business for over
225
• 20% of the agents ranked in Top 400 Real Estate Professionals List are Coldwell Banker Agents.
sales associates
• Coldwell Banker transaction values are 10% higher than the industry average.
36
Coldwell Banker’s® average visitor spends more than nine minutes on the site. We feature lifestyle, affordability, and keyword search tools for fast and easy browsing, as well as, multiple images and videos showcasing unique features of your house.
years
8
offices in the Jacksonville area
$781
million in sales volume in 2014
• 2014 Closed Sales Volume for the United States was $212.2 billion
over
4,010
unit sold in 2014
Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty is proud to serve all of Duval, Clay and Northern St. Johns Counties. We are the number one Coldwell Banker® affiliate in the entire state of Florida. In addition, we are a partner with Cartus, the largest relocation network in the country. This gives us access to buyers from all over the fifty states who are moving into our region and searching for the perfect home.
Coldwell Banker Real Estate is the #1 Brand Online , Again! Agents affiliated with the Coldwell
56%
Banker brand earned more sales volume than any other national real estate brand. According to the 2014 REAL/Wall Street Journal “The Thousand” report.
Coldwell Banker is the most influential Real Estate brand on social media
More than 200,000 followers Since 1933, Previews® Property Specialists have been discreetly serving many of the most influential and successful people of our time – assisting them with transactions involving some of the world’s most prestigious properties The Coldwell Banker Previews International program counts castles, palaces and even islands in the South Pacific among the exceptional properties it has represented. • Coldwell Banker Previews Property Specialists participated in more than 21,000 transaction sides of homes priced at $1 million or more in 2014. The average sales price in this category is $1.9 million. • On average, Previews® handles $106 million in luxury home sales every day. •
Previews® represents some of the world’s most exquisite properties, which currently includes 3 out of 5 of the priciest homes in the United States.
• The most expensive home in U.S. history was listed by Coldwell Banker Previews International® for $150 million. •
Coldwell Banker Previews Property Specialists listed over 5,000 homes valued at more than $3 million and over 2,100 homes at more than $5 million.
Helping You Find The Right Price!
There are two important issues to remember about price: 1. It is easier to come down then to go up.
If the asking price is:
Real estate agents agree that one of the keys to buying and selling a home revolves around 15% Over Market Value the price of a property. Sellers who price their homes too high are likely to turn away potential buyers, while individuals 10% Over Market Value who bid too low for a home may be hurting their chances. However, a recent Coldwell Banker survey of real estate professionals Fair Market Value demonstrates that more home sellers are coming to terms with the need to price 10% Under Market Value homes fairly. Ideally, you should price your home in the range of actual fair market value. In addition, Real Estate agents agreed that more sellers said they would be open to making changes to their home to make the property more appealing to potential buyers. According to the survey results, a higher percentage of sellers are making the most common and effective changes to their homes to increase their chances of selling it.
t
94% of sellers are making small improvements to their
t
78% of Real Estate agents say sellers are taking strides to
homes, such as applying new paint and taking steps to remove clutter.
remove personal and sentimental items from the home, another common piece of advice that adds to the home’s appeal.
59%
of home sellers have purchased new furniture or
t decorations to liven up their homes.
10% of the Market
30% of the Market
60% of the Market
75% of the Market
Realtors like to show their buyers the newest properties on the market, which is why it’s important to list a home at the right price from day one. The first month of showings can be the most important. This can help homeowners avoid pricing a home too high or too low. While beautiful pictures and descriptions of a house may entice potential buyers, properties that are priced too high may quickly turn buyers away before they even see the home. Homes that are priced too low may have a similar impact, as buyers may perceive there is something wrong with the property. Remember, the Seller sets the price and the Buyer determines the value!
Five Critical Elements Of A Sale 1. Asking Price. This is the number one factor in the sale of your home. Our sales and marketing programs provide exposure to a large segment of potential buyers. The actual market value is then determined by what a buyer is willing to pay and what the property appraises for. 2. Property Location. The second most important factor in the buyer’s mind is location. The proximity to area amenities and schools is typically a concern. Street traffic, proximity to expressways and public transportation are considerations. 3. Property Condition. Buyers look at the structural and mechanical integrity as well as the upkeep and cosmetic appeal of a property. Neutral dÊcor, including floor and wall coverings, appliances and fixtures offer the broadest appeal to potential buyers. 4. Market Condition. Interest rates, competition from other properties, the economy and consumer confidence all influence the sale of your home. We must respond to these conditions with the appropriate marketing and price considerations. 5. Contract Terms. The terms of a sale can make or break a contract. House sale contingencies, closing dates, and exclusions of accessories or fixtures should always be handled clearly up front in order to avoid any confusion that could affect a potential sale.
Week 1 Initial Activity
Week 2
Increasing Activity
Week 3 Peak Activity
Week 4 Declining Activity
Selling your Home is a Complex Process From specialized marketing to financing and the actual closing of the transaction, we provide the luxury of Pinnacle ServiceÂŽ every step of the way.
Negotiating on your behalf Answering Objections
Negotiating Price & Terms
Expediting Buyer’s Offer
Post-Contract Negotiations
Purchase Agreement
Expertise and Advice Seller Updates
Pricing
Agency Alternatives Listing
Presenting the Offer
Merchandising Recommendations
Estimate of Proceeds
Financing Options
Showing Feedback
Assist in Completion of Seller Disclosure Documents
Home Market Analysis
Handling the Details Advertising Yard Signs Promotion to Vanguard Sales Associate Promotion to Local Real Estate Community
Showing The Home
Direct Marketing Internet Marketing Multiple Listing Service (MLS)
Open Houses Local Buyer Contacts Out-of-Town Buyer Contacts Personal Referrals
Possession Closing Property Survey Inspections
Now that we’ve sold your home, it’s moving day! Are you ready? Use the handy checklist below to help guide you through this hectic time.
Six Weeks Before Moving
__Make an inventory of everything to be moved. Collect everything not to be moved for a garage sale or charitable donation. __Contact the charity for date/time of pickup. Save receipts for tax records. __Select mover, arrange for exact form of payment at destination (cash, check). __Get cartons and packing materials to start packing NOW, unless you have packing services. __Contact insurance agent to transfer/cancel insurance coverage. __If relocating as part of employment, check with employer to find out what moving expenses they will pay.
Four Weeks Before Moving
__Notify all magazines of change of address. __Check with veterinarian for pet records and immunizations. __Contact utility companies for refunds of deposit, set turn-off date, establish record of new residence for transfer __If relocating as part of employment, contact real estate broker in new community to set up utility turn-on date. __Service power mowers, boats, snowmobiles, etc. that are to be moved, drain all gas/oil to prevent fire in moving van. __If relocating as part of employment, check with doctors and dentist for all family records and prescriptions and get children’s school records. __Check freezer and plan use of food over next 2-3 weeks. __Remove all jewelry and other valuables to a safe deposit box or other safe place to prevent loss during move. __If relocating as part of employment, give away or arrange for transportation of house plants (most moving companies will not move plants, especially in winter). Plants also can be sold at a garage sale or given as thank you gifts.
One Week Before
__If relocating as part of employment, transfer or close checking and savings accounts. Arrange for cashier’s check or money order to pay moving company on arrival to new community. __If relocating as part of employment, have automobile serviced for trip. __Fill out Post Office change of address forms, give to postmaster. __Check and make inventory of all furniture for dents and scratches, notify moving company of your inventory and compare on final day. __Dispose of all combustibles and spray cans (spray cans can explode or burn). __Pack a separate carton for cleaning materials and tools. __Separate cartons and luggage you need for personal travel. __Organize at least one room in the house for packers and movers to work freely. __Cancel all newspapers, garden service, snow removal, etc., or transfer to new residence. __Review the entire list to make certain that you haven’t overlooked anything. Check and double-check everything you have done before it’s too late.
Moving Day
__Plan to spend the entire day at the house. Last minute decisions must be made by you. Don’t leave until after the movers have gone. __Hire a sitter or send the kids to a friend’s house for the day. __Stay with the moving van driver to oversee inventory. __Tell packers and/or driver about fragile or precious items. __Make a final check of the entire house- basement, closets, shelves, attic, garage, every room. __Approve and sign Bill of Lading; if possible accompany driver to the weigh station. __Double check with driver to make certain moving company records show the proper delivery address for your new house. __Verify the scheduled delivery date, too. __Give driver phone numbers both here and in new community to contact you in case of a problem. __Get complete routing information form the driver and phone numbers so you can call the driver or company while en route. __Disconnect all utilities and advise the real estate agent who sold or is selling your house. __Lock all doors and windows. Advise your real estate agent and neighbors that the house is empty.
Let me help make your move even more smooth! I have access to numerous vendors in the area and would love to share that information with you!
Notes from Our Friends... “My husband and I were very lucky when we were referred to Susan to sell our home? She made us feel as though our house was the greatest house in the neighborhood and she was very enthusiastic about the possibilities of working with us and selling it for us. Her dedication to her job and to the people she represents is unsurpassed. I would recommend Susan to all looking for a new home or selling their present one.” ~ Shirley Hart “I really appreciate everything you did to help me sell my home as well as help me find the perfect home, we just love it! Your extreme patience in working with us made it possible, and we thank you for that. I’m also grateful for all the time and effort you put into selling my house. It seemed like an impossible task, but you did it!” ~ Lance & Susan Crawford “If you want to sell your house FAST, get Susan Kennedy! If you want someone to really, really, work hard for you, get Susan! If you want buying and/or selling to be a pleasant and fun experience, Susan’s the person! There is no doubt that we will continue to contact Susan for any future real estate ventures and we will continue to refer her to our friends, relatives, and neighbors.” ~ Cheryl & Dean Skinner “Susan has been our “friend in the business” for several years and real estate transactions. She is the BEST - and the ONLY realtor whom I would recommend - even to my parents, in-laws, neighbors and friends (all of whom she has helped with similar results!) Her attention to detail, customer service, and support even AFTER the sale is worldclass. If you have a real estate need, look no further because Susan is THE best!” ~ Liz and Gregg Milo “Thank you so much for doing such a great job for selling our house. We were very impressed and will refer you in the future.” ~ Mandy Brown “Susan, Thank you for your assistance in selling our house. We were so pleased with your marketing of the house and for all your professional expertise. I will surely call for our next selling/purchasing of a home in Jacksonville.” ~ Nancy Eschen “My experience with dealing with you and your team last year was wonderful. It was my first time for selling a home and you all made it so simple and easy for me. ...if I were to sell my present home, I would want you to be my agent ...” ~ Paul Ake