LET’S GET SELLING!
FIELD GUIDE TO SELLING A HOUSE
SO YOU’RE READY TO SELL? I CAN HELP. No need to stress. I’ll help every step of the way. Whether you’re ready to move into a bigger home, downsize to a smaller place or relocate to a different area, the process of selling a house requires work. Even the smallest improvements can make a big impact on the success of your sale. My goal is to help you attract serious buyers who will pay top dollar for your property. Let’s get to work! WRITE MY NAME AND PHONE NUMBER HERE:
JOT DOWN MY NAME HERE
AFTER THE CLOSING. So you’re done, right? Well, not just yet. There are some things you should tend to after the closing. AFTER CLOSING CHECKLIST: l Keep your paperwork in order. All of the paperwork related to the sale of the house will be needed for tax time to have proof of the expenses you paid and the money you made from the sale. Even after your tax return is filed, you will still want to keep these records in case the IRS audits you. l Pay attention to tax laws. Tax laws change frequently. Look up or talk to your tax preparer about capital gains rules for an explanation of the tax law. l Keep records related to any home improvements that you made to the house. The IRS may allow you to use these expenses to improve your tax situation – especially if you have a capital gain.
PHONE NUMBER
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GET READY. Today’s buyers can get hung up on little things. Before putting your house on the market, I’ll take a close look and recommend any minor updates that can be made. We want potential buyers to love what they see right from the start. PREPARING YOUR HOUSE FOR SALE CHECKLIST: l Complete small renovations that will make your house look updated and fresh, like newly painted walls. l Improve curb appeal. Consider repainting the exterior or cleaning the siding. Plant new flowers and make sure the lawn is well-maintained. l Clean and declutter. Remove family photos, keep counters clear and make sure each room is easy to navigate. Consider hiring a professional stager. l If you own pets, you might want to make temporary, alternate plans for them during showings. Remember, you only get one chance to make a great first impression. Make it count!
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GET SET. After factoring in updates and local market conditions, we’ll set an asking price. Many sellers make the mistake of overpricing their house. For a quick and successful sale, keep your price in line with the sold properties found in the comparative market analysis report. Sign up for our free listing alert program to stay updated on your competition and surrounding market activity. On RealEstateOne.com, click “Register” in the upper right corner. Select me as the agent you’re working with. WRITE YOUR FIRST TO KNOW NEW LISTING ALERT LOGIN AND PASSWORD HERE: LOGIN
USERNAME
PASSWORD
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SELL! It’s time to get your house listed! My online marketing will attract prospective buyers, but they’ll also need opportunities to tour the house. Keeping it pristine and showing-ready while it’s on the market is encouraged. PREPARING FOR A SHOWING: l Figure out a safe place for you and your pet(s) to go. l Disinfect and clean all main surfaces before and after the showing occurs. l Reduce clutter to maintain a safe distance from as many items in your home as possible – clear the floor of laundry, make the beds, vacuum daily and keep the sink clear of dishes. l Turn on all lights to avoid touching of light switches. l Open all interior doors, blinds, drapes, garage access, along with some cabinets.
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GOT AN OFFER. NOW WHAT? You may get an offer on the first day your house goes to market or it may take a couple of months to find the right buyer. If your house’s price range is in high demand or your neighborhood is particularly popular, you may receive multiple offers. Be sure to consider all aspects of each offer, not just whichever bid has the highest price. We can negotiate by making a counteroffer. It isn’t always about the sale price, and can include taking on closing costs for the other party, making some repairs or adhering to other needs of the buyer.
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REQUESTS FOR REPAIRS. There’s no need for you to fix everything a home inspector thinks could stand an improvement. A home inspection report is not a to-do list. Although, there is a chance the buyer may cancel the contract if you don’t. Some repairs may be required by lenders in order to finance the buyer’s house purchase. Usually these are structural defects, building code violations or safety issues. If an inspection reveals such problems, you may be responsible for fixing them. You can repair them or offer the buyers a credit so they can do the repairs themselves. That way you won’t have to oversee the process and can move out and on with your life. Cosmetic issues and normal wear and tear usually don’t have to be fixed. I’ll work with you to figure out what items you should tackle and where you might want to push back.
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YOU’RE UNDER CONTRACT! Once the price and conditions have been determined and agreed upon, you’re under contract! During the due diligence period (most commonly the first 10 days you’re under contract) the house will be inspected and appraised. PREP LIST FOR APPRAISAL + INSPECTION: l Clean the house the day before the appraiser arrives. l Get ready for the home inspector. Ask your agent to provide you with a home inspection checklist, so you’ll know in advance what the inspector will want to see. Prepare the attic and basement for inspection, too. Move items away from the walls in the garage and basement.
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PREPARE FOR CLOSING. Once your house has gone under contract, prepare for the closing so nothing falls through the cracks. PREPARING FOR CLOSING CHECKLIST: l Gather your closing documents including: closing statement, seller disclosures, purchase contract, and documentation that agreed upon repairs were completed. l Notify everyone you are moving. l Cancel your insurance once you are sure ownership has officially changed hands. l Cancel utilities. Until utility companies are notified that you moved, you’ll keep getting charged even after the buyer moves in. l Clean thoroughly. l Put all the keys, remotes, manuals and warranties for appliances, etc., in one place. l Personally look over everything one more time to make sure you don’t leave anything behind.
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HAND OVER THE KEYS. Now that you are heading out the door to the closing, make sure you have the following with you: WHAT TO BRING TO THE CLOSING: l Your valid driver’s license and anyone else’s who is on the purchase and sale agreement. l Any unanswered questions regarding the closing statement. l The key(s) to the house and garage door openers.
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SO YOU’RE READY TO SELL? I CAN HELP. No need to stress. I’ll help every step of the way. Whether you’re ready to move into a bigger home, downsize to a smaller place or relocate to a different area, the process of selling a house requires work. Even the smallest improvements can make a big impact on the success of your sale. My goal is to help you attract serious buyers who will pay top dollar for your property. Let’s get to work! WRITE MY NAME AND PHONE NUMBER HERE:
JOT DOWN MY NAME HERE
AFTER THE CLOSING. So you’re done, right? Well, not just yet. There are some things you should tend to after the closing. AFTER CLOSING CHECKLIST: l Keep your paperwork in order. All of the paperwork related to the sale of the house will be needed for tax time to have proof of the expenses you paid and the money you made from the sale. Even after your tax return is filed, you will still want to keep these records in case the IRS audits you. l Pay attention to tax laws. Tax laws change frequently. Look up or talk to your tax preparer about capital gains rules for an explanation of the tax law. l Keep records related to any home improvements that you made to the house. The IRS may allow you to use these expenses to improve your tax situation – especially if you have a capital gain.
PHONE NUMBER
2
11
LET’S GET SELLING!
FIELD GUIDE TO SELLING A HOUSE