Seller’s
Guide
Everything you need to know before listing your home.
E S TA
AL
Billion
ER IN
$1.5
AD
T
• THE LE
LU
E
XU RY R E
2
Maximize your
home sale
Dear Home Seller, Thank you for giving us the opportunity to help guide you through your home selling process. It can be confusing and sometimes complicated, so it is important for you to understand what it takes to avoid unnecessary hassle and to ensure proper planning and a smooth transaction. Rest assured, you will receive our superb, exclusive service incorporating our experience and expertise to safeguard you and your family’s success. Exceptional homes for exceptional people: your success is our business. The information in this handbook will educate and assist you with the following: • Pricing your home • Marketing your home • Pre-listing preparation • Showing your home safely • Offers and counter offers We look forward to giving you our undivided attention through the home selling process. Please feel free to contact us with any further questions you may have after reading this information.
CHASEINTERNATIONAL.COM | 3
Chase International by the numbers
$1.5 Billion IN ANNUAL SALES
2,484 TRANSACTION SIDES
12 LOCATIONS
380+ HIGHLY SPECIALIZED REALTORS®
24 DEDICATED SUPPORT PERSONNEL
6 MARKETING CREATIVES
4
COM PA N Y P R OF I L E
The leader in
luxury
Founded in 1986, Chase International has developed a strong reputation as the “leader in luxury real estate.” The company has a proven track record throughout the region and sets the standard for real estate in all price ranges. Chase International is one of the nation’s most successful independent real estate firms specializing in unique and distinctive luxury properties in the Tahoe/Reno/Sacramento/Vegas regions. We are proud to have sold nearly $1.5 billion in annual sales, brokering 2,484 transaction sides. With more than 380 highly qualified professional REALTORS® and 12 real estate locations, we are committed to our clients’ success. Chase has the most knowledgeable agents with the experience and connections to serve your needs. One Company, One Heart is more than just a slogan. It is our credo, our way of life.
CHASEINTERNATIONAL.COM | 5
530 363 0176
THE PAT H TO A SUCC ESSF UL SA L E
Stand out from the crowd with Chase Ready With Chase Ready, your home will stand out from the crowd by providing buyers full transparency on the condition of your home. Buyers will know what they are purchasing and can make an educated and confident decision when making an offer on your property.
Your home is ready to SELL and easy for buyers to BUY!
What distinguishes a Chase Ready Property? Prior to putting your home on the market, Chase Ready Properties have completed the following: Full Home Warranty for Buyers: Coverage for the sellers during the listing period Property Inspection Fully Completed Disclosures Preliminary Title Search Completed Natural Hazards Disclosure Report - (CA) Completed Sewer Clearance if necessary - (CA) Defensible Space Evaluation if necessary - (CA)
CHASEINTERNATIONAL.COM | 7
8
THE PATH TO A SUCC ESSF UL SA L E
Why choose to sell your home with Chase Ready? Benefits to seller
Benefits to buyers
ATTRACT BUYERS Buyers are more attracted to purchasing homes with the most complete information available.
ASSURANCE Chase Ready Properties provide buyers with the assurance that they are purchasing a home with the most complete information available.
ELIMINATE SURPRISES Eliminates virtually all major surprises that often occur during the property inspection process. SAVES TIME & MONEY Allows you to complete potential repairs and improvements in the most cost-effective manner. By completing repairs prior to putting your home on the market, you have the opportunity to find competitive bids on repairs.
CONFIDENCE Chase Ready Properties enable buyers to make educated and confident decisions when writing a purchase offer. SECURITY Chase Ready properties protect the buyers from the high cost of unexpected systems repairs during the first year of their purchase.
REDUCES STRESS Greatly reduces the stress and lost time of canceled transactions due to repair requests. ASSURANCE Chase Ready Properties provide you with the assurance that your property is ready for transfer at the time the property hits the market.
CHASEINTERNATIONAL.COM | 9
530 363 0176
P RE-L I ST I N G P R EPA R AT I ON
Pricing strategy Timing is extremely important in the real estate market. The graph below illustrates the importance of placing your property on the market both at a realistic price and with realistic terms from the beginning. A property attracts the most interest from the real estate community and potential buyers when it is first listed; therefore, it has the highest chances of a sale when it is new to the market. Make sure your property is priced correctly when listed; this will obtain the results you desire. A property attracts the most interest in its first two weeks on the market. You only get one chance to make a good first impression.
PRICED HIGH
If you drop the price later, the best chance to see for TOP DOLLAR
PRICED RIGHT
week 1
has passed you by.
week 2
week 3
week 4
week 5
Weeks exposed to the market and activity level
CHASEINTERNATIONAL.COM | 11
530 363 0176
P RE-L I ST I N G P R EPA R AT I ON
Pricing strategy A key element of successful selling is to properly price the property. All the marketing in the world is not going to attract offers if selling agents and prospective buyers do not believe the property is a good value. A property unique in character and price has a more limited market than a traditional home. To accomplish a successful sale in the shortest amount of time, it is important to make a careful decision in pricing your property and to have a price reduction planned at a set time, if necessary. As individuals, we have earned reputations as responsible real estate professionals committed to excellence in the marketing of special and important residential properties. This expertise, along with our comprehensive network of accomplished real estate representatives, professional contacts and distinguished clients, will enable us to embark on a productive and profitable relationship.
+15%
10%
+10%
30%
market value
60%
-10%
75%
-15%
90%
––––PERCENTAGE OF BUYERS–––––
–––––OFFERING PRICE–––––
SELLING PRICE VS TIMING
CHASEINTERNATIONAL.COM | 13
530 363 0176
P RE-L I ST I N G P R EPA R AT I ON
Marketing strategy Our in-house Marketing Department was created in 1997 with the goal of establishing brand recognition in and out of the region. We design all materials to clearly identify and distinguish Chase International from all others in the marketplace. Through consistent use of our design style, we have created a trademark in the real estate industry. Our in-house staff of designers and media experts provides you with over 150 years of diverse experience in print, broadcast, and Internet promotion. Depending on your needs, Chase offers a variety of marketing and advertising strategies.
National & international advertising When it comes to promoting our luxury properties, Chase International holds some of the finest connections to the world’s most prestigious publications. Some of our most successful ad placements and complimenting public relations articles span the pages of LuxuryRealEstate.com, Forbes, Leading Estates of the World, The Wall Street Journal, Unique Homes and DuPont Registry.
Flyers, brochures and internet presentations Upon completion of your property’s Chase-supervised photo shoot, we will produce brochures that comprehensively detail and correctly depict the property and its features.
Targeted direct mail Chase International believes that direct mail works when a well-represented product reaches a receptive audience. Our client base has developed over thirty years, and includes qualified buyers with diverse interests.
Public relations We develop proactive, strategic public outreach campaigns designed to meet your goals and increase interest. Each month, our public relations firm prepares and distributes press releases to the appropriate media on any listing that justifies coverage. Accolades include editorials with the Wall Street Journal, NBC Nightly News, the New York Times, Fox Television Network, San Francisco Chronicle and the Los Angeles Times.
CHASEINTERNATIONAL.COM | 15
530 363 0176
PR E-L I ST I N G P R EPA R AT I ON
Marketing strategy Marketing & advertising techniques that make a difference In today’s fast paced society, 88% of buyers and sellers around the world depend on the Internet as the key connection to their next real estate investment. At Chase, our homes showcase on more websites each year. We use a variety of techniques to increase Chase’s visibility and lead generation opportunities throughout the world. In addition to Chaseinternational.com, other industry-leading websites feature our properties and provide exposure to a widerange of markets.
Social networking Millions of people regularly use social networking websites. Chase participates regularly on social networking channels, including YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and other fast-paced social media platforms.
Local advertising and promotion After we thoroughly analyze a property for its best market potential, we select various online and print publications for preferred exposure. Editorial content, position, market reach and frequency are essential considerations in the overall advertising program. Chase International closely monitors each publication for its ability to hit targeted audiences with broad market reach.
CHASEINTERNATIONAL.COM | 17
18
P RE-LISTING P R EPA R AT I ON
Preparing your home to sell When listing your house, one of your top goals will likely be to get the house sold for the best price possible. In many cases, it’s the little things that make a big impact. Here are some small projects you can do to make sure your house is in tip-top shape when you’re ready to sell.
10 Tips to improve the curb
10 Tips to make your house
appeal of your house
look like home to buyers
• Give your entry a facelift. Try a fresh coat of paint or a new front door. • Landscape your yard. A well-groomed lawn shows buyers the house was cared for. • Make sure all exterior lights work. • Replace outdoor light bulbs. • Wash all windows (inside and out). Don’t let dirty windows take away from a great view. • Clean out your garage. Consider getting a storage unit to remove any non-essential items you want to keep. Plant flowers. Depending on the climate in your area, you may want to add a pop of color around your yard. • Remove any lawn ornaments you are planning to bring with you to your new home. • Replace a worn-out welcome mat. Welcome
• Clean everything. A clean house will allow buyers to picture themselves in the space and not be distracted. • Give every room a purpose. Even if you used it as a bonus room, clear room identity helps buyers visualize. • Let the light in. Bright rooms feel warm and inviting; dark rooms can feel small and gloomy. • Fix anything that’s broken. Buyers will notice and may offer less for your house if repairs are required. • Declutter your house. Thinning out your closets and pantry will show how much room is available. • Update paint and floors. These are things you can update to sell your house faster and for more money.
• Paint or replace the street numbers on your
• Organize the kitchen. Pack away any nonessentials or small appliances and clean all the surfaces.
house. Make them more visible to potential buyers.
• Clean up. Empty all trash bins and hide any dirty laundry.
buyers with a fresh step into your house.
• Power wash outdoor surfaces. Give them a ‘like new’ feeling. (ex: siding, sidewalks, driveway).
• Fix the doors. Fix any squeaks or creaks on interior and exterior doors. a Replace light bulbs with new ones. • Make sure all the switches work properly in your house.
CHASEINTERNATIONAL.COM | 19
PR E-L I ST I N G P R EPA R AT I ON
Photo Shoot Everyone searches for homes online. High-quality, professional photos stand out, while amateur photos are ignored. You have seconds to make a positive first impression with buyers scanning hundreds of listings, so let us connect you with professional photographers who can portray your home in its best light.
P RE-L I ST I N G P R EPA R AT I ON
Video 58% of buyers want and expect to see video of a home they’re looking at online. Original, well-produced videos create connections with buyers on a more personal level, helping you sell faster and potentially for a better price. Not many real estate firms use video to its fullest potential, which creates a huge opportunity for us to differentiate your property.
CHASEINTERNATIONAL.COM | 21
22
ON MARK ET AC T I V I T I ES
Open house and virtual tours 1.
Chase will offer personalized virtual walk-through home tours via Zoom to allow prospective buyers to view your home without actually walking inside.
2. If your schedule allows, we will try to do 1-2 open houses a month, depending upon the seller and activity at the home. First open house is hosted by us with provided food and drinks, the second and/ or other open houses are hosted by either another team member, or Chase agent. 3. It is absolutely fine if your wish is to NOT hold any public open houses, but please let us know so nothing is assumed of your preference. 4. Please note that feedback after open houses is given by Monday afternoon. We do our best to provide feedback quickly, but it may not be until Monday afternoon. Sometimes we have appointments after the open house, or the agent hosting will have other appointments, and we want to give them a chance to respond. 5. Ensure all valuables and medications, are secured and/or removed from the property. All firearms and weapons are safely secured and/or removed. 6. If anything is a health or safety issue, or something that we may not be readily aware of, please let us know. (Loose stairs, broken deck boards, wide railings, etc). 7. If you have any sound systems, playing soft classical music is sometimes a nice addition to the open house. Let us know if you would like us to have it on, and if yes, how to use without disrupting any other systems. 8. Please let us know if we need to speak to the HOA in advance of any open houses, what codes we are allowed to use for daily use or sharing privately with agents and days of planned open houses.
CHASEINTERNATIONAL.COM | 23
24
ON M A R K ET AC T I V I T I ES
Offers and counteroffers In many transactions, there is a fair amount of negotiation. Offers and counteroffers are common before both parties are satisfied. Negotiations are one aspect of a real estate transaction in which an agent is invaluable. Not only can an agent draw upon his or her experience and market knowledge to offer sound advice during a negotiation, but he or she can also serve as a buffer between the buyer and the seller/seller’s agent. Negotiating for a home can be a highly charged and emotional process. But the most emotional buyer will look like a cool customer behind the right agent, and, in the end, you usually wind up with what’s important to you.
CHASEINTERNATIONAL.COM | 25
26
CLOSI N G T HE SA L E
From contract to closing In a real estate transaction, there are dozens of loose ends to tie up between signing the contract and closing the sale. Chase is known for our attention to detail during this important phase in which we coordinate and oversee the following steps: • Obtain important documents, such as property disclosure forms and condominium documents (budget, declaration, condo association minutes), and deliver them to the buyer • Monitor all contingencies to ensure they have been met in a timely fashion • Recommend service providers for moving, home improvement and repairs • Schedule a final walk-through. Again, both the buyer and the buyer’s agent should be present • Coordinate your closing
CHASEINTERNATIONAL.COM | 27
28
THE PAT H TO HOM EOW N ER SHI P
Who pays for what during the transaction One very common question about real estate transactions is: “Who pays for what in a real estate transaction?” Below is a list to give you an idea of some of the common expectations, but this list will vary from region to region. Also, a buyer’s or a seller’s market could possibly change the common fee responsibility. This is a breakdown of what the SELLER and BUYER should generally expect to pay for:
Sellers
Buyers
• Real estate commission
• Lender’s title insurance premium
• Document preparation fee for deed
• Escrow Fee
• Documentary transfer tax (negotiable)
• Mobile notary (if applicable)
• Any loan fees required by buyer’s lender (VA, FHA*)
• Document preparation fee (if applicable)
• Pay off all loans in seller’s name • Interest accrued to lender being paid off, statement fees, reconveyance fees and any prepayment penalties • Termite inspection (VA loan - negotiable)
• Recording charges for all documents in buyer’s name • Termite inspection (according to contract) • Tax proration (from date of acquisition) • Set up/capital contribution fees
• Termite work / repairs (negotiable)
• All new loan charges (except those required by the lender for seller to pay)
• Home warranty (negotiable / Sellers if Chase Ready)
• Interest on new loan from date of funding to thirty (30) days prior to the first payment date
• Any judgments, tax liens, etc., against the seller
• Inspection fees (roofing, property inspection, etc.)
• Tax proration (for any taxes unpaid at time of title transfer) • HOA seller’s package
• Home warranty (according to contract / Sellers if Chase Ready)
• Any unpaid homeowner’s dues and transfer fees
• Homeowner’s insurance premium for first year
• Owner’s title insurance premium
• Transfer tax
• Recording charges to clear all documents of record against seller • Any bonds or assessments (negotiable) • Any and all delinquent taxes • Mobile notary (if applicable) • Escrow fee (split) • Wood stove exemption and/or certificate • *VA/FHA have upfront fees/premiums due at closing
CHASEINTERNATIONAL.COM | 29
Offices
ZEPH YR COV E | L AK E TA H O E | N E VA DA
headquarters
30
ZEPHYR COVE
CARSON VALLEY
190 Highway 50 Zephyr Cove, Nevada 89448
1644 Highway 395, Suite B4 Minden, Nevada 89423
775 588 6130 | 800 322 6130
775 782 2777
GLENBROOK
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE
2070 Pray Meadow Road
989 Tahoe Keys Boulevard
Glenbrook, Nevada 89413
South Lake Tahoe, California 96150
775 749 5663 | 800 914 5663
530 544 2121 | 800 776 2120
INCLINE VILLAGE
TAHOE CITY
917 Tahoe Boulevard, Suite 100 Incline Village, Nevada 89451
531 North Lake Boulevard | Post Office Box 854 Tahoe City, California 96145
775 831 7300 | 866 831 8999
530 581 0722 | 800 581 0722
RE NO | NEVADA
CORPORATE
RENO
SPARKS
985 Damonte Ranch Parkway, Suite 110 Reno, Nevada 89521
2848 Vista Boulevard Sparks, Nevada 89434
775 850 5900 | 877 922 5900
775 737 5900 | 855 495 5900
HENDERSON
TRUCKEE
2831 St. Rose Parkway Suite 218 Henderson NV, 89052
10344 Donner Pass Road, Suite 2 Truckee, California 96161
702 550 5900
530 550 2464 | 866 441 0424 international office
ROCKLIN
LONDON, ENGLAND
4875 Granite Drive, Suite B Rocklin, CA 95677
Mayfair International, Cashel House • 15 Thayer Street Mayfair, London, England W1U 3JT
916 837 9867
011 44 (0)20 7467 5332
CHASEINTERNATIONAL.COM | 31
ONE COMPANY.
ONE HEART. ONE PHILOSOPHY.
NEARLY $1.5 BILLION IN ANNUAL SALES. Chase International is one of the nation’s most successful independent real estate firms specializing in unique and distinctive properties in the Tahoe/Reno region. With more than 380 compassionate and determined REALTORS® in 12 locations, we are committed to our clients' success. We have more qualified luxury professionals and top lakefront specialists with the experience and connections to serve all your needs. We empower people to achieve unlimited possibilities, make magical life decisions, and bring peace and harmony into their lives. This is our secret power. Put the Chase Power of Success to work for you.
THE LEADER IN LUXURY REAL ESTATE
|
CHASEINTERNATIONAL.COM
ISABEL FOLEY & RENEE SALETTA REALTORS®
775 790 1387 | 512 698 2412 ifoley@chaseinternational.com rsaletta@chaseinternational.com NV S.0189583 | NV S.0188764
Zephyr Cove | Glenbrook | Incline Village | South Lake Tahoe | Tahoe City | Truckee 32
Reno | Sparks | Carson Valley | Sacramento | Henderson | London