YO U R H O M E
LISTING
WE ARE Authe ntic . Co mmit ted. Dr iven .
Dan Cottingham (President) and son Daniel Cottingham (Chief Executive Officer & Broker-in-Charge)
A B O U T US Since 1983, Cottingham Chalk has put relationships at the center of real estate. Our strategy is to treat your family like our own — taking the time to get to know you and understanding your needs is essential to our process. We strongly believe in community service. We’re always willing to lend a helping hand — to you and to each other — because we believe the best businesses serve others. Believing in the importance of collaboration and building relationships, our agents know the value of working for a company that promotes authenticity and commitment. With more than three decades of residential real estate experience, Cottingham Chalk has built a team of innovative and passionate agents who can adapt to an ever-changing market to get you the very best results. When it comes to buying or selling a home, we offer sound advice and unwavering support every step of the way.
MA RKET LEADERS Simply the Best Cottingham Chalk consistently outperforms the market. Our agents draw on the collective knowledge and experience of our company. No house or person is the same. We get that. As a boutique firm, we’re able to provide a customized and tailored experience. Simply put, we set the standard for real estate excellence in Charlotte.
Lower Average Days on Market
Higher Sales Price to List Price Ratio
Higher Average Sales Price
Higher Sales Volume per Agent
Higher Average Years of Experience
We Sell Across All Price Ranges
We Are Authentic. We take pride in our agents and the relationships they build with their clients. Cottingham Chalk provides support and education for new and existing agents to ensure they remain knowledgeable about industry trends. We also treat you, our client, with the utmost respect. We know that the decision to buy or sell your home is a deeply personal decision — and we take our role in that process very seriously. We get to know you, understand your needs and treat you like part of our family. We Are Committed. We believe in community and we’re always willing to lend a helping hand — to you and to each other — because the best businesses serve others. We are committed to our agents and their clients and will always do the right thing. We Are Driven. We’re innovative and passionate about what we do, staying up-to-date with market trends and adapting quickly to an ever-changing market so that we can get the very best result for you and your family.
RELO CATION TE AM Award-Winning Relocation Department For over 30 years, the Relocation Team at Cottingham Chalk has had the pleasure of assisting relocations into and out of the Charlotte area. We have received numerous awards recognizing the delivery of excellent service to these transferees. To mitigate the stressors of moving, our full-service relocation department works closely with the homeowner, real estate agent, corporation and relocation management company to make certain every step in the listing process is handled in an appropriate manner to maximize the transferee’s relocation benefits. We maximize exposure of the transferee’s home to a large pool of potential buyers to sell and close within their specified timeframe. Relocation Director Suzanne Lail serves as the main point of contact and oversees the operations of the department.
SUZANNE LAIL, CRP, GRP
MELISSA ALATSIS, GRP
Relocation Director REALTOR®/Broker 704.364.4400 x 1225 slail@cottinghamchalk.com
Relocation Coordinator REALTOR®/Broker 704.364.4400 x 1226 malatsis@cottinghamchalk.com
I ’ M LO CAL I’ M GLOBAL Local Expertise, Global Connections, Powerful Marketing As a member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® (LeadingRE) and Luxury Portfolio International®, Cottingham Chalk can advertise your luxury listing around the globe. LeadingRE is a network of over 560 independently-owned firms in over 70 countries on 6 continents. Membership in LeadingRE is by invitation only and reserved for market leaders. Cottingham Chalk is proud to have been affiliated with this organization for many years.
Luxury Portfolio International is the industry leader when itI’M comesLOCAL to marketingI’M luxuryGLOBAL properties. It is®our partnership with this network that allows Cottingham WEadvertise MARKET YOUR PROPERTY TO THE WORLD.both on a local LOCALChalk to your luxury listings When selling your home, you need global exposure in addition to the strong EXPERTISE,and global marketing expertise we deliver locally.can As an affiliate of Leading Real Estate level. Our agents effectively market Companies of the World, we have the resources to market your property GLOBAL your home to a possible targeted, high net-worth audience to the highest number of potential buyers. With 130,000 talented ONNECTIONS, associates around the world, we expose your property to buyers on six utilizing quality marketing and branding tools both continents ensuring more eyes on your property. In addition, we receive POWERFUL inbound clients from other affiliates around the globe who are interested in in print. MARKETING.online and purchasing a home. ®
Leading Real Estate Companies of the World is a pedigree denoting the • Luxury Portfolio is a syndicated website very best companies who represent qualified clientele and wish to do business with similar firms. Each year our network is collectively responsible Cottingham Chalk partners with that exclusively for over one million transactions on a global basis. advertises homes listed at $800K and higher in the When your home is posted to our website locally, it is immediately Charlotte market. promoted on the LeadingRE.com website. It is also immediately connected ®
• Our agents are able to offer the benefits of Luxury Portfolio to our clients at no cost. • Your luxury home is posted to luxuryportfolio.com where it is syndicated to other websites, including the Wall Street Journal. • The global reach for the Luxury Portfolio website is expansive, attracting over 3 million high-net-worth consumers annually. When selling your luxury home, you need global exposure in addition to the strong marketing expertise we deliver locally. As an affiliate of LeadingRE and partner of Luxury Portfolio, we have the resources to market your property to the highest possible number of potential buyers. Cottingham Chalk is proud to be part of this global network where only the best of the best are able to offer these services to their high-end clients.
to the websites of over 565 of our affiliated real estate firms in the world.
1 .1 M I L L I O N
Transactions Annually
WE’RE LOCAL WE’RE GLOBAL
®
ON TRANSACTIONS
ON IN HOME SALES 565 COMPANIES 4,300 OFFICES
565 FIRMS
SALES ASSOCIATES
VER 70 COUNTRIES
130,000
SALES ASSOCIATES
ENCOMPASSING
4,300 OFFICES OVER
70
40
of Top 125 US Markets where a LRE Affiliate Ranks #1
COUNTRIES 565
Independently-Owned Firms in over 70 Countries
®
Companies of the World. All Rights Reserved. Equal Housing Opportunity
372 BILLION in Sales in 2017
YOUR AGENT
KATHRYN PEARSON After moving back to Charlotte, North Carolina from New York City, it has truly been incredible to see the continued growth in the North & South Carolina real estate market. The ever-evolving neighborhoods, restaurants, sporting teams, and new construction is bringing so many new faces to a wonderful place to call home. I absolutely love what I do everyday in matching families with the REALTOR® / BROKER kpearson@cottinghamchalk.com 704.813.7253
perfect home for them. Whether you are buying or selling your home, I hope to make the transition process as easy as it can possibly be. I will be there with you every step of the way from when the search begins to when you sign your closing documents. Your happiness and helping you buy or sell your home will always be my number one priority. I look forward to working with you!
PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS & DESIGNATIONS • Licensed in North & South Carolina • National Association of REALTORS® • North Carolina Association of REALTORS® • Certified Military Specialist
PERSONAL INFO • Born and raised in Gastonia, North Carolina • Lived in NYC for five years until I moved to Charlotte in 2015 • Graduated from The University of Georgia • Married and have one son named Jack • Member of the Mint Museum Auxiliary
TE ST IMONIALS
“What an amazing home buying experience! Kathryn continually worked overtime to find us our dream home while making sure we knew exactly what was occurring and we were comfortable during the entire home buying process. Kathryn is attentive, enthusiastic, professional and very knowledgeable of the Charlotte and surrounding markets! She made our home purchase easy. We highly recommend using Kathryn for ALL of your real estate needs!”
— William & Maria
“Kathryn was such a big help when our family decided to move across the country to Charlotte. She immediately understood what we were looking for in our next home. The amount of dedication and attention to detail that she put into assessing the properties we were interested in was truly appreciated. Her approach is personalized — she would let us know whether or not she herself would want to live in each place, which was helpful given that our entire search was remote. She went above and beyond with researching properties, video calling us during her site visits, coordinating with our movers, and helping set up utilities. She’s a kind, down to earth, and warm person who genuinely cares about helping people. We could not have been more happy and grateful for her help!”
— Dipti & Sanjay
MARKETING PLAN
MA R KET ING SERVICE S Innovative, Award-Winning Marketing Team Successfully marketing a home requires industry know-how, skills, and dedication. With years of experience, the Cottingham Chalk marketing team understands the complexities of marketing a home specific to each of Charlotte’s neighborhoods. We start by identifying our audience, targeting them with effective, timely, and memorable materials. We engage potential buyers with a full-service marketing plan to ultimately sell your home. Our marketing team will assist our agents with the following, making sure your home looks its best and gets in front of as many potential buyers as possible: • Cross reference our firm’s database of buyer clients and prospects with your home • Collaborate with agents who have recently sold a home in your neighborhood or a high-end home • Hire a professional photographer to capture your home • Create a full-color marketing brochure • Create a listing on LuxuryPortfolio.com, showing your home to international buyers • Host a REALTOR® event for Cottingham Chalk REALTORS® and other REALTOR® firms with potential clients interested in buying
Our Resources • Marketing Director and in-house graphic designers • Access to a database of professional real estate photographers and videographers • Relationships with the multitude of top real estate publications in the Charlotte region
• Target relocation clients • Offer showing advice and provide staging recommendations • Clearly communicate pricing changes to seller and all potential buyers • Showcase listings in local advertisements, like the Charlotte Business Journal, Scoop Charlotte, etc. • Feature your home on Cottingham Chalk social media channels • Up-to-date assessments of the market conditions
MA R KETING BASIC S Property Brochure
For Sale Sign
In this customized brochure, we select the best professional photographs of your home and highlight all of the details that make your listing unique. The brochure is also available online at Issuu.com, with easy-to-navigate hyperlinks for potential buyers.
The Cottingham Chalk logo has come to stand for integrity and loyalty over the years, and our For Sale sign signals that you’re working with a trusted partner with deep ties to the community.
FIRST NAME LAST NAME
704.364.1700 704.364.1700
CMLS “Matrix” Database
Cottingham Chalk Website
We regularly add and update all of our listings on the Charlotte Multiple Listing Service Matrix Database (CMLS), where licensed REALTORS® can easily access important information to share with clients.
The Cottingham Chalk website serves to highlight current listings to potential buyers. Your home will be featured on the website, as well as on your listing agent’s personal web page.
PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Professional Photography & Virtual Tours Cottingham Chalk knows that professional photography is essential to capturing the charm and character of your home, while highlighting architectural details and showing it in the best lighting possible. A well-photographed listing can lead to more showings and online viewings, as research tells us that that 98% of homebuyers who searched for a home on the internet found photos to be among the most useful features. We can also assemble photographs into a video format, giving potential homebuyers the option to do a virtual reality tour of your home.
Matterport 3D Virtual Tours Matterport is a 3D virtual tour platform that allows you to showcase your home virtually in 3D. This allows potential homebuyers to virtually walk through your home and truly feel like they have stepped inside. The Matterport tours are also easily shareable to multiple media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube and Instagram and can be added to your online listing.
AD D IT I O NAL MARK ETING Direct Mail With access to an up-to-date database, we target potential buyers with postcards mailed to specific areas or neighborhoods.
Cottingham Chalk Property Tour Our Cottingham Chalk Tour is another place to give your listing great exposure. The tour goes out to a variety of local agencies giving them an opportunity to preview your home.
REALTOR® Events Our REALTOR® events allow us to tap into our network of contacts within the residential real estate industry. These events are great opportunities to introduce your home to other local agents representing potential buyers. Some of the most popular events include REALTOR® Luncheon, REALTOR® Coffee and REALTOR® Wine & Cheese.
Open Houses Typically held on Saturdays and Sundays, open houses showcase your home to potential buyers.
Website Syndication In today’s marketplace, over 93% of homebuyers begin their home search online. In order to increase visibility of your home, we ensure that it is listed on a multitude of the most popular real estate websites, giving it both national and international exposure. In addition to the websites listed below, your home will also be featured on all IDX affiliated third-party websites. The following are a few of the websites where we feature properties:
Additonal Digital Marketing • Social Media marketing • Search Engine Optimization • Paid Search • Email marketing campaigns
Social Media Social media has become a necessary tool to remain competitive in the real estate industry. It allows us to build relationships with the community, share company updates, events, news, and market trends. It’s also become an essential tool for our agents to connect with potential buyers and agents in the surrounding areas. Through various social channels, we offer behind the scenes snapshots, showcase recent listings, and promote property events.
Get behind the scenes, amazing properties & CC events.
If you are looking for a little bit of everything this is the ideal spot for anything CC.
LinkedIn Charlotte information company news & market conditions.
YouTube Home to our virtual tours & company videos.
LO CA L ADVERTISING
Print Advertising Opportunities We advertise with local publications to reach buyers in a variety of neighborhoods. Publications are distributed to ideal clientele that are currently living in or want to live in Charlotte’s most popular areas. You can find our ads in SouthPark Magazine, Charlotte Home Design & Decor Magazine, Myers Park Life, SouthPark Life and Our State Magazine, and more.
the life in
sout hpar k
February 2021
A Publication for and by the residents of Foxcroft, Morrocroft, Carmel Park & Barclay Downs
MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS:
THE RENNES! Your Stories. Your Photos. Your Community.
Photo by Katie Smith Photography
YOUR PROPERTY
T HE L I STING PROCE SS After 35 successful years in business, we are experts in the Charlotte market. We will walk you through each step with sound advice.
SEL LERS CH ECKLIST I NT ER I O R •
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• • • • • •
Walls should be freshly painted (neutral color), free of nail holes, scuff marks and free of any unframed pictures, posters, etc. Floors should be clean and in good condition Carpets should be vacuumed; clean them if needed Clean HVAC registers and grates Clean all windows and doors; Ensure that all open and close easily Make certain all cabinetry doors and drawers open easily Repair or replace faulty wall switches, outlets and light fixtures; make certain all light bulbs work! Tighten or repair leaky faucets and/or noisy toilets Ensure all kitchen cabinets, countertops & appliances are clean (inside and out) Bathrooms should be sparkling clean, including tile and grout. Faucets should be polished; bathtubs and showers should be caulked as needed Bedrooms should be straight, clean and free of clutter Remove all clutter from rooms and closets. Clutter will always make a room or even an entire house appear smaller! Make certain there are no food or pet odors Have an aroma that will make a prospective buyer feel at home: fresh bread, cookies, cinnamon on the stove, etc. Make your house as light, airy and spacious as possible For every showing, open drapes, turn on lights, remove pets from home, and set the heat/air at a comfortable temperature
SEL LERS CH ECKLIST EXT ER I OR • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Remove all debris from yard (rotting lumber, sticks, leaves, and trash) Lawn should be cut and trimmed Spray or remove weeds from driveway, natural areas, patio and sidewalk Trim/prune shrubbery. If you have older shrubs/trees, trim them for a fresher look Apply a fresh layer of mulch/pine needles in natural areas and around trees If you have heavy tree cover, trim to allow additional light Plant flowers, seasonal bulbs; place “welcome” flowerpots at your entrance Power wash exterior, patio, sidewalk and stoop Gutters should be cleaned out; downspouts should be routed away from the house, allowing for proper drainage Put a new door mat at the front door Clean screens, windows and storm windows If necessary, paint exterior. No exposed wood or peeling paint should be visible Replace any deteriorated exterior siding, etc. Repair any loose bricks at porches, stoops, etc. Caulk or mortar any area where there is a gap (brick siding, patio, steps, siding, around chimney, etc.). Remove any wood debris from the crawl space or basement Straighten garage and/or basement
P R OPERT Y MARKE TABILIT Y
Comparative Market Analysis & Pricing We start by conducting a comparative market analysis for a realistic guide to estimate the best price obtainable in the current market. Our goal is to price your property realistically and competitively, without overpricing, so you can benefit from interest among buyers in the shortest time possible. We make sure to consider the competition, housing market conditions, and current supply of buyers to list your home at a price that challenges the competition, attracts attention, and ultimately generates activity.
Interior & Exterior Presentation We’ll help you prepare the interior and exterior of your home, showcasing the unique features and architecture that will attract buyers. We have a long list of trusted painters, landscapers, and vendors than can get your home ready for viewings.
Marketing Plan We’ll also compile a unique marketing plan to broaden your listing’s reach to potential buyers. Our plan includes print and digital channels that are frequently used by potential buyers.
External Factors We believe it’s important to educate our clients about the external factors that may affect the success of a listing. They include: Physical Features Location, size and acreage, floor plan, architectural style
Market Conditions Interest rates, financing availability, buyer demand
The Competition Number of similar properties for sale, competitor pricing, financing, location and physical condition
O U R UNI QUE PROCE SS At Cottingham Chalk, we are honored to work with our clients throughout the buying and selling process. When it comes to choosing the perfect real estate agent, we understand the importance and commitment it takes to ensure client satisfaction and we will always go the extra mile. Client Focused Cottingham Chalk agents always put their clients first. Our agents always have our clients best interests at heart and will support them with integrity and dedication throughout the home buying or selling process.
Marketing Experts Our agents are not only experts on the Charlotte market, but they are also marketing connoisseurs. Working with industry communication materials and technology they will market your home efficiently and expertly. Cottingham Chalk agents also have a full time staff on hand that offers additional support and marketing strategy.
Access to Technology We provide our agents with access to the most innovative technology available. • Multiple Listing Service (MLS) • Digital Brochures • Virtual Tours • On Site IT Support
• Electronic Docusign and Zip Forms Technology • Showing Time Digital Scheduling
WE GIVE BACK TO COMMUNITY HEROES WITH SUPERIOR SERVICE AND REAL ESTATE REWARDS LeadingRE HEROES is an exclusive real estate reward program for local community heroes that are buying or selling a home.
For example, as an eligible public service professional selling a home for $300,000, you would receive approximately $1,500 cashback at closing. MONEY BACK IN YOUR POCKET!
LeadingRE HEROES is powered by Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, a global network of over 500 premier real estate firms, giving you access to exceptional service from top quality associates living and working in your market, providing you with a seamless real estate transaction and exclusive benefits.
REGISTER ONLINE TODAY! Visit LeadingREHeroes.com/CottinghamChalk or call 704.364.4400 x 1225.
* Rebates are not allowed in all states. In some states, a gift card or commission credit at closing may be provided in lieu of the Cash-Back bonus. You must register with U.S. Military on the Move® before contacting a real estate agent and be represented by the assigned real estate firm at closing to qualify. All real estate transactions are negotiable. Other terms and conditions may apply.
HOW LONG WILL YOUR HOME LAST? A part-by-part guide to the life expectancy of the pieces and systems in your home
SHOWINGTIME SHOW INGTIME
Sellers love ShowingTime because it’s simple to stay informed and easy to confirm appointments. Sellers can be notified of showings automatically, see feedback from potential buyers and view all activity on their home during the sales process!
1.
TEXT MESSAGE AND EMAIL NOTIFICATIONS Don’t have time to make or take a phone call? That’s OK! Electronic notifications are perfect for the busy homeowner. Easily confirm, decline or reschedule showings by text message or email. Don’t need to confirm appointments but want to be notified of all showings? That’s OK too! Sellers can be notified of just confirmed or canceled showing appointments by text message and/or email.
2.
HOMEOWNER’S LISTING ACTIVITY WEBSITE
3.
SHOWING FEEDBACK UPDATES
Every email notification includes a “Quick Link” that takes sellers directly to their personalized “Listing Activity Website”. Here sellers can see all activity documented for their home such as showings, feedback and more! No need to remember a username and password, simply click the “Quick Link” provided within the email notification and you’re in!
Wondering what buyers and Showing Agents thought about your home? Not anymore! Then your agent receives new feedback remarks from a recent showing, that feedback can also be sent to you via email. This helps give homeowners complete insight on all showings!
8AM - 11PM EST DAILY | 800.SHOWING (800.746.9464) | SHOWINGS@SHOWINGTIME.COM
STAGI NG FOR ALL 5 SENSE S As you prepare your home for sale, keep in mind that there is more to the process than meets the eye. While we rely almost solely on sight in our daily lives and particularly as we shop for homes, sometimes it’s the subtle engagement of our other senses that make the biggest difference.
Importance of Engaging All 5 Senses: • Appeal to smell with fresh, subtle scents like flowers, plants, mild cleaning products, and candles that do not overpower. Smells from animals, damp spaces, or excessive cooking can be a major turnoff. • Silence is uncomfortable, especially in an unfamiliar house. Make sure there is some form of white noise – the fan on the HVAC system, light music, or even some open windows if it’s nice out. • Be sure the temperature is comfortable so people want to stay for a while, especially in summer and winter. Also, an inviting, relaxing place to sit can allow buyers time to take a load off and bond with a home. • Having small snacks available can be a welcomed pick-me-up for people, especially when they are touring many homes. And you can never go wrong with chocolate. • People’s eyes draw them to a house before anything else, so a neutral, decluttered, beautifully staged home is a must. Personal photos are generally a no-no, but a few that showcase a desirable lifestyle can help buyers connect with a home.
MOV I NG CH ECKLIST Two Months Before Moving: • Investigate moving options. Get quotes in writing. • Create a “move file” to keep track of estimates, receipts, and other important formation. • Check with the IRS to see what expenses can be deducted on your next tax return. Let them know your new address. • Pull together medical and dental records as well as prescriptions for your family and pet(s). • Arrange to have school records transferred. • Call your insurance agent to see what changes to expect in your policies. Give them your new address. • Contact member organizations you have joined. Ask how you can end, sell, or transfer your memberships. • Inventory all household items to be moved. • Make a list of friends, relatives, businesses and credit card companies who need to be notified of your move. • Start working your way through each room taking inventory and deciding what to get rid of. • Start planning a yard sale or donate to local charity. • Plan to use up things that can’t be moved. • Purchase boxes and other packing supplies.
One Month Before Moving: • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Get an itemized list of all moving related costs and review with mover. File a change of address through your post office. Update magazine subscriptions with new address. Contact utility companies to disconnect, transfer, or connect service. Call your newspaper carrier, lawn service, pool cleaner, trash pick-up, security company, etc. and set a date to cancel your service. Make sure all library books are returned and all dry cleaning or items out for repair are picked up. Start packing items you don’t use. Decide if you will keep plants or give them away. Properly dispose of flammables and poisons. Have your automobile serviced. Contact your bank and/or truck rental reservations. Make arrangements for your pet(s) for moving day. Call the Animal Control facility in your new county to find out about regulations for licenses, tags, vaccines needed for your pet(s).
One Week Before Moving: • Finish packing and prepare an “essentials” box. Designate several boxes and items as “last load”. • Drain gas and oil from your mower and other motors. Gas grills, kerosene heaters, etc. need to be emptied as well. • Empty and clean your refrigerator at least 24 hours before moving day. Don’t forget to thaw your freezer. • Prepare all appliances for loading. • Fill any necessary prescriptions, medications needed for your family and pet(s) for the next 2 weeks. • Do not ship any valuables (jewelry, legal documents, money, insurance policies) with the moving company. • Prepare specific directions to your new home for your moving company, including your travel itinerary and emergency numbers. Be sure to leave a copy of this information with someone you trust. • Don’t disconnect your phone until the day after loading. • Pick up ice, beverages and snacks for moving day. • Have currency on hand for day of move.
Moving Day: • Make sure family and friends know about your new address. • Have your children help out. Keeping them involved makes it easier for them to take the move in stride. • Strip beds. Cover mattresses with mattress bags. • Walk through every room and check every closet as well as your garage and yard to see if you forgot anything. • Be sure to leave all keys, garage door openers, warranties, remote controllers, etc…for the new homeowner or REALTOR®. • Turn off water and lights and set the thermostat at 55°. Lock windows and doors. tags, vaccines needed for your pet(s).
THANK YOU FOR LETTING US GUIDE YOU KATHRYN PEARSON REALTOR ® / Broker 704.813.7253 kpearson@cottinghamchalk.com
COTTINGHAMCHALK.COM/ KATHRYN-PEARSON
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704.625. 2364
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