We have a remarkable history, one with deep roots dating back to 1963, with the formation of Gary Greene. From our earliest days in Houston, we have remained a brokerage leader in the real estate industry by developing relationships with our clients and our communities.
LOCAL ROOTS SINCE 1963 Our affiliation with the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate network gives us unmatched international alliances with brokerages as well as the value of a trusted and recognizable brand around the world.
THANK YOU Thank you for inviting me to interview with you today and for considering me as the agent to represent you and your property. I truly appreciate the opportunity. I understand you have many choices in deciding who will best serve your needs during the process. The decision you make will impact the success of your sale. It is BHGRE Gary Greene’s and my sincere objective to market and sell your home while maximizing return in the shortest amount of time. We will use our expertise and extensive marketing tools to promote your property to qualified buyers until it is sold. I promise to communicate with you on a consistent, preplanned basis. I will work diligently throughout the entire process with the principal goal of obtaining for you the highest possible price, as well as a smooth process. I am your advocate who will guide you through the entire home sale process, always keeping your best interest at heart.
SINCERELY, EMILY GREEN
THEELMIGROUP.COM
EMILY GREEN Emily Green is a dedicated real estate professional since February 2023. Although she has recently started her career, Emily brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Born and raised in Tulsa, she made the move to Houston in June 2020, giving her a unique perspective on the challenges and needs of clients who are relocating. Specializing in residential real estate, Emily is passionate about helping people find their ideal homes. Having personally gone through the process of moving from out of state, she understands the importance of empathy and care when guiding clients through the real estate journey. Emily is committed to providing a different and exceptional experience for every client she serves. With a background as an elementary school teacher for 17 years, Emily possesses exceptional people skills, patience and understanding. Her caring and conscientious nature, coupled with her genuine desire to assist others, make her an ideal REALTOR® and friend during the home-buying process. Outside of her professional pursuits, Emily is actively involved in her community through her children’s schools and philanthropic endeavors. She serves as the Board President for The Woodlands Girls Youth Lacrosse and GHGYLA and is also involved in the Bluebonnet Chapter of the National Charity League, a mother/ daughter organization dedicated to making a positive impact in the community. Emily’s passion for real estate stems from her own experiences of moving during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Trusting her instincts and stepping outside of her comfort zone, she realized the importance of having a supportive and knowledgeable REALTOR® by her side. It is this personal journey that inspired Emily to become the REALTOR® and friend that she needed during that time.
Emily is a proud mother to two children, a loving daughter and a son. Her family is an essential part of her life and serves as a constant source of inspiration and motivation. In conclusion, Emily Green is a caring, empathetic, and conscientious real estate professional who is dedicated to helping people find their dream homes. Whether you are a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or someone relocating to a new area, Emily is here to provide you with a truly exceptional real estate experience.
With her educational background in education and a minor in psychology, Emily brings a unique perspective to her real estate career. She understands the importance of building relationships, listening to clients’ needs and helping them navigate the complexities of the housing market. Emily is an active participant in online social media and uses these platforms to connect with clients and provide valuable insights and resources.
THEELMIGROUP.COM
EXPERIENCE. EXCEPTIONAL.
H
E
A
R
T
HO NE ST Y
EMPATHY
A C CO U N TABIL ITY
RES PO N S IVE
TRU S T W O R T H Y
M I S S I O N STAT E M E N T To elevate the standard within the real estate industry through inspired service to our clients, a high level of professionalism, and straightforward, proactive communication.
THEELMIGROUP.COM
CHRIS & JENNY ELMI 77386 REAL ESTATE EXPERTS
$70M TOTAL PRODUCTION IN 77386
77386 MARKET STATS ELMI GROUP
22
OTHER AGENTS
102.17%
101.09%
$167.93 /sqft.
AVG SP/LP%
AVG SP/SQFT
18
AVG DAYS ON MARKET
$593K
$184.75 /sqft.
$480K
AVG SALES PRICE
THEELMIGROUP.COM
The Elmi Group, led by Chris and Jennifer Elmi, is a dynamic real estate team boasting top-tier experience and a commitment to client priorities. Their expertise spans the Greater Houston Area, specializing in North side communities like The Woodlands, Spring, Conroe, and Montgomery. Whether assisting first-time buyers or seasoned sellers, The Elmi Group excels in all real estate segments, including luxury properties, investments, relocations, and rentals. With a strong network, they facilitate seamless transitions for clients moving locally or across borders.
THE ELMI GROUP 2023 STATS ELMI GROUP
47
INDUSTRY AVERAGE
101.72%
28 92%
13
4 2023 LISTINGS SOLD
SP/LP RATIO
AVG DAYS ON MARKET
THEELMIGROUP.COM
AWA R D S AND R EC OG NIT IO NS HOUSTON
TEXAS EDITION
C O N N E C T I N G .
E L E VAT I N G .
I N S P I R I N G .
TEXAS EDITION
By the Numbers:
GOOGLE ADWORDS:
Understanding the True Value of Square Footage
real producer cover story
How to Make Google Do the Work for You
The Daily Schedule of a
Written by Megan Taylor-DiCenzo Photography by Michelle Butler with Kolibri Photography
JENNY & CHRIS
ELMI
Take My Word For It:
SUCCESSFUL REAL ESTATE AGENT
The Power of Testimonials & Making Word-of-Mouth Count
FEATURED AGENT
brokerage. However, they found it difficult to work together—not because they didn’t get along, but because it felt like a conflict of interest if one spouse showed up as the buyer’s agent and the
KELLY CHRISTENSON
have both won HAR’s coveted Top 20 Under 40. They also each hold the prestigious Certified Luxury Home Marketing
JENNY & CHRIS
ELMI
Specialist designation represented the seller.EN So, essenALL-IN WITHother WIDE-OP H EARTS
COVER STORY
THE ELMI GROUP mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com
Top Agent Magazine
3
THE ELMI GROUP 2 • June 2023
@realproducers
with Guild status for tially that was where the first thought their success in the of forming teamother stemmed Jenny and Chris Elmi have knownaeach sincefrom. third grade. In the Luxury Market. years since they walked to Lamar Elementary together, they’ve built a THEProperties ELMI GROUP In 2019, Heritage Texas beautiful family and business founded on their core value: HEART. With friendly compewas acquired by Gary Greene. “We This acronym stands for honesty, empathy, responsiveness, tition, knowledge, and didn’t know muchaccountability, about them,” Chris and trustworthiness, which everything andfitJennycamaraderie, do. it’s no said, underlines “but we found it to beChris a great for us. We appreciate everything they wonder their team of agents has also do to support us into and have withlife forelite that tobeen not take granted. Chris, who “We lived on the same little circle,” Jenny remembered. beenestate, awarded several themgraduafor four years.” always had an interest in real leap of “We were Lamar Leopards together.” Following J U Ndistinctions E At2the 0took 2and 3atime, accofaith to become a REALTOR®. same tion from The Woodlands High School, Jenny attended including In 2020, Rachel Harris the first to Tolllades, Jennywas transitioned Brothers, where The she #1 Texas A&M University. “Chris graduated early and folstayedThrough for the next the time, Team they lowed me,” Jenny laughed. “We became a couple TopAt Producing to joinsophothe Elmi’s team. the five years. alsoorganically. had two-year-old and Olivia. more year.” forBrady Gary Greene (The pandemic, they grew “We twins, Woodlands), #3 Team weren’t looking to grow just for the Chris started as a new REALTOR® at Keller for Gary Jenny graduated with a degree in Marketingsake fromofThe Company-Wide it,” Jenny shared. “We wanted did and well in myGreene first year but joined and Mays Business School at A&M while Chris studied (Houston), the right people atWilliams. the right“I time a team to accelerate my business,” he shared. “I journalism. “Chris is efficient and resourceful,” #8 Nationally amongst wereJenny discerning about who we took on.” stayed on that team for about three years, and it said. “He navigated graduating early in college as well by 13,000 Better Homes spurred me to start my own team a year after that.” completing internships in Mexico and Washington D.C.” and Gardens Agents. Each year, they grew by about two teammates and now have a nine-perFrom 2005-2017, Jenny sold over $100M in new Following college, Jenny joined David Weekley in new son team, including Chris’ sister who What’s next for this power couple? construction for David Weekley Homes and Toll home sales for about seven years, while Chris worked as “We’re in global domiis about working team administrator. mostly on the North sideinterested of Houston, the managing editor at Woodlands Online for six as theBrothers, nation, Jenny laughed. selling across all price points fromobviously,” the low $200s years, becoming well-connected in the community. Chris “But seriously, Their team is different oth- She to just from undermost $2 Million. also obtainedwe herintend to continue held leadership positions across several community orgamaking an imprint on the North side ers. TheofElmis a top-down MBAhave during this time. nizations, including most recently a board member The don’t of Houston. We’d like to continue our philosophy. Every agent can be a listWoodlands Art Council. production growth. ing agent and a buyer’s agent. “We’re Jenny and Chris joined forces professionally in This year, we’re 2017 and formed “We The Elmiinvesting Group. Chris moved In 2011, a confluence of events left the couple stressed in the people we have rather collaborative,” Jenny explained. to Heritage a luxury boutique out. Sadly, Chris’ mom passed away and he leaned than growing faster. We want to don’t want the agents on ourTexas teamProperties, to remain accessible to the team.” lose their identity; all of our teamrealproducersmag.com Houston Real Producers • 3 mates are full-service.” And they are always accessible. “Having been in real estate since I With Jenny and Chris leading the was 22, we’ve never had a non-workteam, they’re also competitive. ing vacation,” Jenny shared. “We just “Sometimes with spouses, one takes went to Hawaii, but generally, our life the lead and the other is in the backis work and kids, work and kids.” ground,” Jenny explained, “but we have a divide and conquer approach. The twins are in seventh grade now, We’re both heavily involved in proand they keep Chris and Jenny busy. duction and can usually do $24-28M Brady and Olivia participate in tennis, per year just the two of us.” Over the basketball, swimming, football, piano, last two years as a Team, they have and choir. closed about $104M. “Most years Jenny beats me, but I beat her last year,” Chris laughed. “Jenny’s kicking butt the first quarter of 2023, though.” Jennifer and Chris are each Broker Associates and
Last year, Jenny and Chris sold both of their houses. “We weren’t planning on it, but with the market where it was, we saw an opportunity,” Jenny said. “We begrudgingly sold our beach
house and purchased a rental property. We took advantage of opportunities we saw in the market; we’re all-in with our real estate life.” This couple takes care of two kids, four dogs, and a community of people buying and selling houses. They’re all in with wide-open hearts. They’re busy, busy busy, but they still find time to go to lunch together most days.
JENNIFER ELMI Broker Associate, MBA, CLHMS, HSMMS HAR’s Top 20 Under 40 (2021) C: 713.859.5676 | O: 281.367.3531 Jennifer.Elmi@garygreene.com
CHRIS ELMI Broker Associate, ABR, CLHMS, CIPS, GRI HAR Top 20 Under 40 (2017) C: 713.303.2071 | O: 281.367.3531 Chris.Elmi@garygreene.com
T EA M D ESIGNAT IONS CLHMS – Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist
C2EX – Commitment to Excellence
HDMS – HAR Digital Media Specialist
GRI – Graduate Realtor Institute
ABR – Accredited Buyer Representative
CHMS – Certified Home Marketing Specialist
CIPS – Certified International Property
TRLP – Texas Realtors Leadership Program
CMOE – Certified Multiple Offers Expert
MBA – Masters in Business Administration
CNE – Certified Negotiation Expert
THEELMIGROUP.COM
T EA M CO MMUNITY I N V OLVEM ENT
YORK CHAMPIONS CLUB Board Member
NATIONAL CHARITY LEAGUE
THE WOODLANDS ARTS COUNCIL BOARD
Bluebonnet Chapter, Committee Chair
GREATER HOUSTON GIRLS LACROSSE ASSOCIATION
THE ELMIS
2020-2023
Board President
EMILY GREEN
WOODLANDS JUNIOR LACROSSE
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA
Board President
SHARING IS CARING FOOD DRIVE THE WOODLANDS MANOR NURSING & REHABILITATION
OAK RIDGE BAPTIST CHURCH Sunday School Teacher Welcoming Team Missions Team
AMIE PRAVEL
NATALIE BUCKLEY
Warming Hearts and Hands Event
VOLUNTEER
VFW, US Coastguard, MSCO, & ASVT
NORTH COUNTY YOUNG LIFE
Table Host
BASEBALL
RACHEL HARRIS
THE WOODLANDS ARTS COUNCIL
LOVE FOSTERS HOPE
Art Bike Rack Public Art Program - TWTX Bike Rack
Camp Director
BRIDGE CAMP KIDS DAY OUT RESTORATION CHURCH WOODFOREST PTO
YORK CHAMPIONS CLUB SPONSOR SAMANTHA MACKEY
TEAM SPONSORSHIPS
2023-2023, 2023-2024
IMPERIAL OAKS SWIM TEAM Diamond Sponsors 2021-2023
THEELMIGROUP.COM
WE HAVE THE NUMBERS From our earliest days in Houston, we have remained brokerage leaders in the real estate industry by developing relationships with our clients and our communities. The Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate brand was built upon a passion for the home. Sellers benefit from this well known brand through the exposure generated by millions of home searches on their website and the inherent trust of the iconic brand.
#
1
SINCE 1963, NO ONE HAS SOLD MORE HOMES IN THE HOUSTON AREA
2.46B+
$
2023 TOTAL SALES VOLUME
1.15B+
$
2023 LISTING VOLUME
1.3B+
$
2023 BUYER VOLUME
5.5K+
2023 TOTAL TRANSACTIONS
2.5K+
2023 LISTINGS SOLD
3K+
2023 BUYERS REPRESENTED
THEELMIGROUP.COM
WE HAVE THE ROOTS Locally owned since 1963, the Gary Greene name has been a part of the Greater Houston Metropolitan area real estate landscape and consistently provides high-quality representation and outstanding service to generations of home buyers and sellers. Aligning with its long-standing principles, Gary Greene also incites meaningful change through the Gary Greene Realtor® Foundation, which has given over $4 million back to the community. “We are Houston,” says Mark Woodroof, Gary Greene’s Managing Partner. “We didn’t parachute in from somewhere else. We have proudly been serving and giving back to our local communities for over 58 years.”
THEELMIGROUP.COM
friend, relative, neighbor
real estate agent
online
6%
homebuilder or their agent
6%
yard & open house signs
4%
knew the seller
28%
3%
print newspaper advertisement
WHERE BUYERS FIND THEIR HOME NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® BUYER AND SELLER REPORT
51%
1%
THEELMIGROUP.COM
ONLINE MARKETING WEBSITE EXPOSURE More than 90% of buyers begin their initial home search on the Internet. We offer an impressive online presence for your property which allows us to present your property to potential buyers across multiple platforms, locally, nationally and globally, offering you maximum digital coverage. Our listings can be found on the following websites: • GaryGreene.com • HAR.com • Realtor.com
• BHGRE.com • Zillow.com • Chron.com
• Homes.com • Listglobally.com - Syndicates listings globally to over 93 websites in over 60 countries
CUSTOM LISTING WEBSITE We generate an entire website dedicated to your listing, with all property information and our professional photography prominently displayed. We are also able to connect a myriad of marketing tools to the site including our custom property videos, tours, etc. CUSTOM VIDEO We will create a Search Engine Optimization (SEO) -friendly YouTube video of your property, complete with listing information and professional photos which will allow your listing to get maximum exposure as soon as the property hits the market. APPLICATIONS 90% of the time people spend on mobile devices is spent using apps, and engagement is up to four times better in apps than mobile web browsers. A more recent study showed 40.1% of website views come from mobile and HAR specifically has over 50%. Our listings can be found on the HAR App, Zillow App, Homes.com App, Realtor.com App, Trulia App, and The Houston Chronicle App.
THEELMIGROUP.COM
ONLINE MARKETING DIGITAL BOOST Our digital advertising also includes deploying campaigns targeting users based on characteristics exhibited in their browsing habits which allows us to get your home in front of the right buyers as quickly as possible. Our strategies are crafted to target home buyers with appropriate demographics across a wide array of online networks.
SOCIAL MEDIA We launch your listing on Facebook, Instagram and Google with a unique approach to maximize your exposure at the critical time when your listing hits the market. This enhanced multi-day campaign is geographically targeted to expose the listing to potential home buyers searching in your market.
EBLASTS Our online marketing involves emailing appropriately designed content to consumers. Through our technology platform, targeted marketing is sent to potential buyers in your market area as well as to area Realtors®.
THEELMIGROUP.COM
ONLINE GLOBAL REACH Since 1963, Gary Greene has been committed to service excellence across Houston’s eight county region and beyond. In addition to our regional presence, we are affiliated with the Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate Network. When selling your home, you need global exposure in addition to the strong marketing expertise we deliver locally. As an affiliate of Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, we have the resources to market your property to the highest possible number of potential buyers. With our global reach, we expose your property to buyers on six continents ensuring more eyes on your property. When your home is posted to our website locally, it is immediately promoted to over 90 website portals, 60+ countries and over 160M potential buyers. ARGENTINA AUSTRALIA AUSTRIA BELGIUM BULGARIA CAMBODIA CANADA CHILE CHINA COLOMBIA DENMARK ESTONIA
FRANCE FRENCH POLYNESIA GERMANY GREECE HONG KONG INDIA INDONESIA ITALY JAPAN LAOS LATVIA LUXEMBORG
MACAU MALAYSIA MEXICO MOROCCO MYANMAR NETHERLANDS NEW CALEDONIA NEW ZEALAND PANAMA PAPUA NEW GUINEA PERU PHILIPPINES
POLAND PORTUGAL QATAR ROMANIA SENEGAL SERBIA SINGAPORE SLOVAKIA SOUTH AFRICA SPAIN SWEDEN
SWITZERLAND TANZANIA THAILAND TUNISIA TURKEY UKRAINE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES UNITED KINGDOM URUGUAY VENEZUELA VIETNAM
THEELMIGROUP.COM
THE REAL ESTATE COMMUNITY Because statistics show that a large amount of home buyers facilitate their home search and purchase through a real estate agent, it is important that we market your listing to as many real estate professionals as possible.
THE GARY GREENE REACH - ACCESSING OUR VAST INTERNAL NETWORK Your home is presented and discussed in detail at our weekly sales meetings, with a visual walkthrough via a digital tour by our Gary Greene network of agents. Being #1 in transactions in the market area, our digital tour ensures that your property is being previewed by agents with the largest market share.
PERSONAL NETWORKING In addition to providing detailed information and professional photos of your property on MLS®, which reaches more than 47,000 Houston area Realtors®; we pride ourselves on going above and beyond by personally connecting with agents who have listed or sold a home in your market area within the past 12 months.
BROKER OPEN HOUSES At your discretion, a special open house preview showing for brokers and agents will allow them to personally tour the property, both in person and virtually, and become familiar with it for possible presentation to their own clients, as well as visit with your listing agent to discuss specifics.
THEELMIGROUP.COM
RELOCATION CONNECTIONS Your property’s new owner might be someone moving to the Greater Houston Metropolitan area as a result of a transfer or a new job. With many Fortune 500 companies and an expanding global presence, corporate relocations are a great source for potential buyers. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene remains the oldest relocation brokerage in Houston and has been relocating buyers and sellers in and out of the Greater Houston area for over 57 years. We are a principle broker in the Realogy Advantage Network (formerly Cartus Network), the industry leader in global mobility, and are proud of our affiliation with over 60+ other relocation management companies. Our reach covers the entire Houston MSA (9,444 sq. miles) along with 10 counties. We actively participate in the major national mobility organizations, relationships that benefit our sellers and help secure significant group moves. We have been a selected broker for group moves such as ExxonMobil, XTO Entergy, Shell, Sabic, Westlake Chemical, McKesson Pharmaceuticals, BP, The Williams Company, Murphy Oil and many more, and since 2019, we have processed over 9,500 referral authorizations.
THEELMIGROUP.COM
YARD SIGNS & OPEN HOUSES The Better Homes and Gardens® brand is a trusted and recognized institution, which extends beyond real estate with an audience of over 40 million consumers engaged 365 days a year. Our brand resonates with buyers when our sign is placed in your yard. Once our branded sign is displayed, it is important to make your home available for consumers to tour. Public open houses, both in-person and virtual, are held and scheduled (at your discretion) on selected dates. IN-PERSON PUBLIC OPEN HOUSES Your home should be made-ready for the public open house as you would for any showing by keeping the exterior and interior in impressive condition. We will arrive early to place open house signs, turn on all lights, open window coverings, adjust interior temperature, etc. At the conclusion of the public open house, your home will be left as it was found; we will provide feedback, and follow-up with visitors about a second showing or offer. VIRTUAL PUBLIC OPEN HOUSES Like in-person open houses, your home should be made-ready and kept in impressive condition. We will arrive early to set up and make any adjustments needed and will conduct the open house virtually. We will also return the home to the condition it was found, provide feedback, and follow-up with visitors about a second showing or offer. PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE PROMOTIONS Your open house will be promoted on GaryGreene.com, HAR.com, Zillow.com, Realtor.com and all of their corresponding apps. If in-person, there will also be strategically placed open house signs to draw prospective buyers. If virtual, buyers will be able to attend the virtual open house on several technology platforms and view the recorded virtual open house at a later date.
THEELMIGROUP.COM
FRIENDS, RELATIVES & NEIGHBORS Gary Greene has an award-winning, in-house graphics and marketing department skilled in the preparation of effective marketing materials and tools made available to all buyers, including your friends, family, and neighbors. CUSTOM LISTING WEBSITE We provide an entire website dedicated to your listing, with all property information and our professional photography prominently displayed, which is easily shared with friends and family. We are also able to connect a myriad of marketing tools to the site, including our custom property videos, tours, etc.
CUSTOM RESIDENTIAL MAILINGS We create a custom, professionally designed “Just Listed” postcard which is mailed directly to your nearby neighbors alerting them that your home is active on the market. By using smart technology we are better able to pinpoint the recipients, which ensures we are marketing your home as effectively as possible.
THEELMIGROUP.COM
LUXURY MARKETING PROGRAM Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene has been representing luxury homebuyers and sellers in the Houston market area with great success since 1963. We have in-depth knowledge of the market and are proud to bring the distinctive legacy of our brand to the sale of your property.
• BHGRECollection.com - is a central repository for our most exclusive listings, represented by Distinctive Collection real estate professionals across the country. Your property will take its place among this impressive collection, ready to be showcased to affluent prospects. • WSJ.com - reaches an audience of 42M digital readers per month with the average household income of $242K+ and average net worth of $1.4M+ • RobbReport.com - reaches an audience of over 2.1M with over 3M in unique page views with the average household income of $480K+ and average net worth of $3.1M • Listglobally.com - reaches over 160M potential buyers in over 61 countries • PaperCity - reaches over 270K readers in the most affluent Houston neighborhoods • Houston Modern Luxury - reaches over 160K readers in the most affluent Houston neighborhoods • Town and Country - Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Distinctive Collection runs a full page ad 3x year in the national luxury publication • Distinctive Collection National Luxury Magazine
social
online
ADVERSTISING
• Facebook - strategically targeted sponsored ads • Instagram - strategically targeted sponsored ads • Twitter - strategically targeted sponsored ads
THEELMIGROUP.COM
LUXURY MARKETING PROGRAM Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene has been representing luxury homebuyers and sellers in the Houston market area with great success since 1963. We have in-depth knowledge of the market and are proud to bring the distinctive legacy of our brand to the sale of your property.
property & events
PRINT MATERIALS • • • •
Custom 8 or 16 Page Property Brochure Custom Feature Sheets Custom Just Listed Postcard Custom Broker Open House Invitations
THEELMIGROUP.COM
COMMUNICATION & FEEDBACK Our communication with you, the seller, is critical to an exceptional selling experience. You will be contacted via your preferred method with feedback, reports, and comments on a regular basis. ACTIVITY REPORTS We will provide periodic activity reports that detail all marketing and advertising efforts. The reports will include open houses, showing activity and comments from prospective buyers and their agents, as well as a neighborhood market activity report that includes a list of comparable properties on the market that are active, pending, or recently sold. Also, a digital activity report will be provided, outlining the online traffic being driven to your property. OBJECTION VS CONDITION It is important to differentiate between possible objections and conditions regarding the property. •
An objection is a feature or state that can be adjusted or corrected. Common objections: outdated paint or wallpaper, carpet in disrepair, landscape in need of sprucing, etc.
•
A condition is a feature that can’t be changed or altered. Common conditions: property located on a busy street, property backing to commercial property, located in a flood plain, etc.
ADVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS Armed with the knowledge of the difference between objections and conditions, we will review and consider all market activity and feedback provided by prospective buyers and their agents and will share suggestions based on all pertinent information so you are armed with the best information to make informed decisions along the way.
THEELMIGROUP.COM
COMPETITIVE POSITIONING Approximately 80% of market activity occurs during the first six weeks and proper “market value” pricing results in greater exposure and an increased probability of a quick sale. An overpriced home may experience fewer showings and can miss this first six week surge of opportunity and may ultimately be overlooked.
AVG. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIST PRICE AND SELLING PRICE BY LENGTH OF TIME ON MARKET*
-1.90%
-3.60%
-5.60%
-8.90%
Less than 4 Weeks
4 - 12 Weeks
13 - 24 Weeks
More than 24 Weeks
MARKET ACTIVITY OVER TIME A C T I V I T Y
VALUE OF COMPETITIVE POSITIONING LIST PRICE IN RELATION TO MARKET
1
2
3
4
5
WEEKS ON MARKET
6
7
8
9
+15% +10% +5% -5%
% OF BUYERS WHO WILL VIEW PROPERTY
MARKET
10% 30% 60% 85% 95%
*Based on NAR Homebuying and Selling Survey
THEELMIGROUP.COM
PREPARE Together, we will tour your home to prepare a detailed summary of the interior and exterior areas of the property. Since first impressions are lasting, we will suggest improvements to enhance the marketability of your home and ensure that it will compete more favorably with other homes in the marketplace.
show organize
stage
polish
THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF SOME OF OUR TYPICAL RECOMMENDATIONS: • • • • •
Evaluate how your home looks from the street. Curb appeal is paramount and the first impression. Cut and trim the lawn and get landscaping in top condition, adding new plants and color as necessary. Consider painting the front door, replacing the mailbox and doormat to freshen the entrance. Paint any part of the house that needs it. Clean walls and windows, inside and out. Repair screens and windows so they show and work properly.
• • • • • •
Neutralize the home of any pet, smoking or cooking odors. Make sure the home smells fresh and clean. Repair any plumbing leaks and repair or replace any unsightly caulking around tubs and sinks. Clean carpets and patch or replace if necessary. Wax floors where appropriate. Make rooms appear larger by storing or removing excess furniture. Replace any items that are of a permanent nature (light fixtures, etc.) but will not be a part of the sale. If you have a pool, make sure it sparkles.
• • • • •
Organize closets to show off storage space. Remove unnecessary items from kitchen cabinets to show off their spaciousness. Impress with a spotless and uncluttered kitchen. Clean appliances and keep in good working condition. Clean garage and storage areas.
• • • • •
Keep interior in impressive condition and at a comfortable temperature. Open window coverings and turn on lights. Lamplight is more pleasant than harsh overhead lighting. Make sure all light fixtures and lamps are working properly. Keep all pets and children out of the way during showings. Show off all rooms, including the attic and storage space, to their best advantage.
THEELMIGROUP.COM
SHOW Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene offers sellers two options for tracking showings and feedback on your listing. ShowingSmart and ShowingTime are the two programs Gary Greene agents and our clients can access to schedule and manage showings. With 24/7 availability, agents and sellers can receive optimal service any time of the year. Showing services were developed to enhance the Seller and Buyer experience in the transaction and a better home-selling experience. Our showing services address all aspects of the home selling process, starting with bringing each showing request to sellers’ fingertips, sending notifications when a showing is complete, tracking showing activity on a listing(s), and consolidating all feedback and activities in easy-to-read infographics. Both Showing Services offer an APP to simplify the process for our clients and makes it easy to manage and take part in the home-selling process. BY DOWNLOADING THE MOBILE APP, YOU CAN: • • • •
Confirm/decline showing requests See all upcoming appointments Review your home’s showing and feedback activity Adjust your notification preferences
SHOWING FEEDBACK We will contact each buyer’s agent and/or prospective buyer for feedback to discuss the interest level, answer any questions, address buyer concerns, and encourage scheduling a possible second showing of the property. We can also determine what impression your home may have made on the buyer and/or agent and take action on any suggestions or recommendations that might better market your home.
THEELMIGROUP.COM
AFTER THE CONTRACT IS SIGNED 1. 2. The Earnest Money Contract (EMC) is signed.
3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.
The Realtor® Associate will “open title” at the title company named in the Earnest Money Contract, and the title company will deposit the earnest money check. If the amount of the earnest money is greater than $5,000, and will be held for an extended period of time, you may request it be placed in an interest bearing account. Seller receives Option Fee as per terms of EMC and deposits. Buyer schedules property inspections and contacts insurance agent, paying close attention to the Option Period, if applicable, as defined in the EMC. Buyer makes loan application with their selected mortgage lender according to the time specified in the EMC and delivers documentation requested by lender. The mortgage lender will begin processing the loan by: a. ordering an appraisal of the property; and b. verifying prior loan history, employment and financial position. Simultaneously with the loan processing, the title company will research the title and send their title commitment to the buyer, seller, Realtor® Associates, attorneys, and mortgage lender. The title company will act as a neutral 3rd party, escrow agent and title insurer. The escrow agent will coordinate with all entities to receive the following information for closing: a. invoices and loan documents from the buyer’s mortgage lender b. buyer’s hazard insurance from the buyer’s insurance agent c. tax certificates d. survey Once the buyer’s loan and title are approved, the closing date is coordinated between all parties.
Buyer and seller contact utility companies to transfer service to buyer. Note: the seller does not turn off utilities until the home is sold. The title company will prepare a closing statement with charges to both buyer and seller, usually available for review the day prior to closing. Parties sign closing papers and title transfers from the seller to the buyer upon funding.
The above procedure averages approximately 30-45 days. If the buyer’s credit is rejected or he cannot qualify for the payments, the contract is cancelled and the buyer’s earnest money is returned if all parties agree to the release. Contracts may be contingent on inspections and buyer’s ability to qualify for payments. The house must appraise satisfactorily and the title should be clear. Therefore, buyer and seller should not make definite plans until all contingencies have been removed.
THEELMIGROUP.COM
CONTRACT TO CLOSING You and Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene n
Gary Greene helps negotiate the offer.
n
Buyer and seller agree on price and conditions.
n
The buyer orders mechanical and general inspections.
n
The listing or selling agent sends signed earnest money contract to title company.
n
Buyer makes loan application (if applicable).
CONTRACT
LOAN
Your Title Company
Your Mortgage Company
Receives executed contract and earnest money check (which is cashed)
Verifies all financial information on buyer
Begins title work and tax information
Orders, receives and reviews appraisal and property survey
Abstractor begins title search
Compiles loan package and submits to underwriter
Examiner verifies title
Loan is rated by underwriter
Issues title commitment Closer reviews title commitment and notifies all parties of any defects Title company forwards title commitment to lender and Gary Greene Title company receives closing instructions from lender Closer consolidates all closing documents CLOSING OCCURS Title company sends signed documents to lender for final approval
Collects and packages additional materials as requested by underwriter Repackages and resubmits to underwriter Loan is approved Prepares and delivers loan documents and funds to title company Gets Buyer approval Orders flood certificate REVIEWS FINAL, SIGNED DOCUMENTS SENT FROM TITLE COMPANY
FUNDING 1. All documents are recorded in the county clerk’s office. 2. Title policy is sent to the Mortgagee and the owner.
THEELMIGROUP.COM
HELPFUL TERMS MORTGAGE TERMS ADJUSTABLE-RATE MORTGAGE (ARM): Mortgage loan in which the interest rate of a home may vary at specific intervals during the loan term. AMORTIZATION: A payment plan by which the borrower gradually reduces the balance of the mortgage by making monthly payments of principal and interest. CAP: The maximum interest rate on an adjustable rate mortgage that may be charged. CONVENTIONAL LOAN: Any mortgage loan other than a governmental loan. FIXED RATE MORTGAGE: Mortgage loan in which the interest rate will not change throughout the duration of the loan. GOVERNMENTAL LOAN: A mortgage loan guaranteed or insured by a government agency such as the Veteran’s Administration (VA) or the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). POINT: One percent of the loan amount paid to the lender, usually in exchange for a lower interest rate on the loan. PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST PAYMENT (P&I): The monthly payment of interest charges and part of the principal loan balance. With taxes and insurance included, this makes up the monthly mortgage payment (PITI). PRIVATE MORTGAGE INSURANCE (PMI): A policy that protects the lender in the event of default, and insures repayment of the loan in case of the borrower’s death or disability. PMI is generally required if the buyer’s down payment is less than 20 percent of the purchase price or appraised value.
CONTRACT/CLOSING TERMS APPRAISAL: The opinion of an appraiser in estimating the market value of a home; usually required by a mortgage lender. ASSESSED VALUE: Estimate of property value by a public tax assessor used as the basis for calculating property tax.
CLOSING: The final step in the sales agreement where property ownership is transferred from seller to buyer. CLOSING COSTS: Fees and expenses, other than the cost of a property, charged to transfer ownership. EARNEST MONEY: A down payment the buyer gives the seller up front as a show of good faith, indicating the buyer’s intent to purchase the property.
TITLE: A document that refers to the ownership of a particular piece of property. TITLE INSURANCE: Policy that protects the holder from any loss resulting from defects in the title. TITLE SEARCH: Research of public records to identify ownership, liens and encumbrances affecting the property.
REAL ESTATE TERMS
ESCROW: 1. Arrangement between a buyer and seller to place the down payment and other monies or documents with the third party until the completion of the contract closing. 2. A portion of the monthly mortgage is placed in an escrow account to pay taxes and mortgage insurance.
AGENCY: A term used to describe the legal relationship between a seller and a broker, or a buyer and a broker.
HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE: Also called hazard insurance, covers physical damage to the property, as well as theft and personal liability. It does not cover flooding; flood insurance must be purchased separately.
BROKER: A person licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission who acts as the fiduciary agent of the seller or buyer in a real estate transaction.
INSPECTION: Service performed by an inspector to identify any possible structural or mechanical problems. LISTING CONTRACT: An agreement between a homeowner and an agent authorizing the agent to offer the owner’s property for sale. MARKET VALUE: The highest price a buyer would pay and the lowest price a seller would accept. OPTION: A real estate option is a specially designed contract provision between a buyer and a seller. The seller offers the buyer the option to buy a property by a specified period of time at a fixed price.
AGENT: Term used to describe a real estate salesperson licensed by the state who, under the supervision of a broker, represents a buyer or seller in the purchase or sale of a home.
BUYER AGENCY: Agency relationship in which a buyer contracts with a broker to represent the buyer’s interests in real estate transactions. MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE® (MLS): A computerized list of all properties for sale by member brokers. REALTOR®: A licensed agent or broker who is a member of the National Association of Realtors®, through local affiliates such as Houston Association of Realtors. Realtor® membership is voluntary and represents a commitment to the highest levels of professionalism.
SELLER OR OWNER DISCLOSURE: Legal requirement that the seller disclose in writing any known defects or repairs that have been made to the property. SURVEY: Required by the lender, a process whereby the property is measured and a scaled blueprint of the land and its property lines, structures and easements are drawn.
THEELMIGROUP.COM