OUR TEAM
— OUR MISSION — TO BE YOUR TRUSTED REAL ESTATE ADVISORS FOR LIFE.
We are committed to the highest level of client satisfaction which has allowed us to build a loyal and trusting client base that frequently refers friends, family and business associates.
Experience Counts
Ranked top 1% of Realtors® Sales Volume nationwide – Global Summit 2014 – 2022 #1 in Units Sold 2022 • #1 in Listings Taken 2022
LISA’S EXPERIENCE
Lisa has been a full time professional real estate broker since 1992. During this time she’s developed a unique approach that guarantees your home is marketed beyond the ordinary.
• Certified Negotiation Expert, 2012; E-Pro Designation, 2009;
• Resort & Second Property Specialist Certification, 2018
• Graduate of Richard Robbins Sales Training, 2003
• Fine Homes Specialist, 2003–Current
• Developer of Pines at Orehouse Plaza, a 68-unit condo complex, 2003–2006
• Top Producer for American Skiing CO Steamboat Grand Resort, 1998–2002
• Graduate of Relationship Sales Training, 1997–2002
• Member of Steamboat Board of Realtors since 1992
• Association President, Pines at Orehouse Plaza, 2005–2008
• Meadowlark Association Board Member 2013–2018
• Steamboat Grand Board 2013–Current
• Girls on the Run Board Member, 2011–2019 Girls on the Run Coach 2015–Current
• Catamount Advisory Board of Directors and Social Committee, 2015–2019
• Resort Group Association Board, 2018–Current
• Bachelor of Arts, International Relations, Colgate University, Hamilton, NY, 1989
• Master of Science, Counseling, Regis University, Denver, CO, 1995
JOSIE’S
EXPERTISE
Josie focuses her time and energy on finding matching the right property with the right buyer. She dedicates her time to not only knowing the current market trends, but also understanding the most-likely candidates that would be potential buyers.
• Certified Negotiations Expert, 2018
• Resort & Secondary property Specialist certification, 2018
• Steamboat Springs Board of Realtors Scholarship Committee, 2019
• Top Residential Sale, 2016
• Over a decade of local networking and relationship development
• Eye for interior design and staging properties for quick sale
• Neighborhoods at Young’s Peak Board, 2018–Current
• Expert in the Stagecoach area market
EXPERIENCE MATTERS
D IRECT MARKETING TO TARGETED DATABASES
TARGETED MARKETING TO OUR TEAM DATABASE
F INE HOME SPECIALIST
C ERTIFIED NEGOTIATION EXPERT (CNE)
E-PRO®
MAXIMUM EXPOSURE
INDIVIDUAL 24-7 HOME SEARCH
W EB APPEAL
PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEO
1031 EXCHANGES
EXPERT IN FRACTIONAL OWNERSHIP
C ONDO DEVELOPMENT AND SALES
C ERTIFIED COMMERCIAL INVESTMENT MEMBER (CCIM)— BRIAN OLSON
SOCIAL NETWORKING
C OMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
What Sets Us Apart
With 30+ years of experience & 700+ transactions, we know what works in this market. We do targeted marketing to select groups that match the Buyer Profile of your home.
With 2,000+ qualified local/resort buyers from around the country and cooperating brokers in feeder markets, your listing gets exposure to buyers committed to Steamboat.
Well experienced in the marketing and acquisition of luxury properties. Part of an elite group of Fine Home Specialists (top 1%) with connections to qualified clients globally.
With professional negotiation skills, we are able to help clients obtain better results in the sale or purchase of their home.
Dedicated to making the most of today’s social media and technology to help you with your real estate needs. e-PRO® is the only technology certification to be officially recognized, endorsed, and conferred by the National Association of REALTORS®.
Your home will be exposed to a wide variety of mediums – print, social media, youtube, all the major real estate search engines and other unique SIR targeted marketing
Buyers have access to our automated homebuying system that automaticly sends them listings and price reductions that match their specific buying criteria.
Committed to making your home shine on the web. With over 90% of buyers searching for homes on the internet, “web appeal” is more important than ever.
Professional photos, video and visual tours enhance the experience of prospective buyers, increasing the likelihood of inquires.
Well versed in 1031 exchange.
L isa’s fractional sales expertise with the Steamboat Grand provides her with move up buyers and an extra edge in helping resort buyers navigate the offerings in Steamboat.
We can assist developers through the entire development process from start to finish. Having worked with many developers not only helps provide us with a large database of prospects, but gives us the inside scoop on new developments coming online.
No other team in town has a CCIM on their team. The CCIM gives us access to an exclusive database of commercial brokers nationwide for listings in this category.
Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Twitter—exposure for your listing to name a few.
We care about our community and are committed to giving back, not only with a portion of our profits, but also with our time, dedication and energy. Known as community members who are always willing to roll up their sleeves and help out a good cause.
How We Are Different
HOW MOST AGENTS OPERATE
One person juggles your needs and those of other clients.
O thers manage ALL tasks by themselves including sales, marketing, advertising, customer service, admin, etc.
Eventually run up against the limits of time, energy and money. This means less time to spend on getting your home sold.
HOW THE OLSON | TOLAN TEAM IS DIFFERENT
You receive a team of professionals working for you who are all assigned to specific tasks in their areas of expertise.
I n addition to the Olson Team brokers, we also have a full-time marketing and graphic design specialist, office manager, 4 front desk staff people and over 70+ other full time brokers with complete knowledge of your listing.
We never run out of time, energy or money to market your property effectively. We understand the importance or properly investing in the sale of your property.
Testimonials
“Lisa is a great Realtor and person, easy to deal with and very knowledgeable of local real estate and the process. By far the best Realtor I have dealt with. In the highly populated field of real estate brokers and agents in Steamboat, I feel Lisa Olson’s professionalism makes her stand out. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for the best of the best in Steamboat real estate professionals.”
— STEVE B.
“ We have worked with Lisa for almost 15 years and have bought and sold several properties with her. She is super knowledgeable and so helpful with the whole process. She even helped my children with their home purchases. Highly recommend her for your realtor needs.”
— PATTI M.
“ Lisa was just the agent we needed. This was the fastest purchase we have ever made, mostly via text and e-sign documents. Lisa is a rock star!”
— PAUL & SUSAN B.
“Great service! Two weeks from listing to closing, having three very good offers to pick from. How could we not be ecstatic!”
— MURRAY & SANDRA U.
“ I really appreciated the relaxed approach Lisa Olson brought to the property buying experience. She clearly knew what she was doing and what was required each step of the way. She did not try to steer me in any particular direction—she figured out what I was looking for, then set out to find that. Communications were clear and timely. Due to the pandemic and my remoteness, I didn’t actually meet Lisa in person until the closing, and I don’t think the entire process could have gone any smoother. I definitely recommend Lisa to anyone looking for property in Steamboat Springs.”
— MARK B.
“ Lisa Olson is great! My wife and I first met Lisa based off a referral from a Realtor we know in Fort Collins seven years ago. We were looking for a condo in Steamboat, as it is our favorite “get away” destination in the state. Our long term goal is to move there within the next several years, and it was time to start looking for some land to build on in the future. Lisa did an excellent job when we first used her, and she repeated her first performance this time around. We closed on our land two weeks ago. Lisa was of great assistance, not only due to her knowledge based upon years of experience in the area, but also for guidance on pros and cons of various land types and states of improvement. We definitely recommend and would use again in the future.”
— TIM B.
“ Lisa did an excellent job in dealing with our concerns. I would absolutely use and or recommend Lisa again. She has been our agent on several transactions in the past 25 years in Steamboat.”
— HARVEY A.
Testimonials
“Working with Lisa and her team was great! She sold my condo in 11 days! Lisa knows the Steamboat market very well, and she gave me expert advice, guidance, and support, through every step of the selling process, including working with other professionals. She kept in constant communication with me, which made the entire experience streamlined and comfortable. I’m happy to recommend her!”
— MARY H.
“ Incredible job done by these people. Josie Tolan took care of everything - start to finish! First, she located the property that filled all of our wish list. Then, based on her recommendation we bought without ever seeing the property except by pictures. She kept everything moving—inspection, appraisal, and mortgage financing. Not one hiccup! Then, icing on the cake as Josie sold our other property. The level of trust that you have with Josie cannot be understated. Long distance buying made easy. So happy with everything!”
— ALAN B.
“ I needed to sell a high-end Steamboat condominium deep into the economic downturn. The choice of Lisa Olson and her team as my real estate reps was one of the very best decisions I could have made. Her marketing strategy was impeccable and cost efficient. I was able to realize a better outcome than I expected in a reasonable time frame. Any agent can trade when times are good, the true test of a real estate professional is how they perform in the worst of times. Lisa is a consummate professional with a stunning, can do, attitude and a compelling earnest presentation that shows both compassion and strength. When I buy back into Steamboat it will be through her!”
— WOODROW M.
“ Working with the Olson Team was the best decision I could have made when deciding to list my condo. Josie Tolan was so incredible to work with during the sale of my condo and purchase of a new home. She is very knowledgeable about the market in Steamboat and surrounding areas. She is quick, efficient and a joy to work with. Thank you so much!”
— APRIL B.
“ Lisa was my agent for what turned out to be a “complicated” condo purchase, and she was truly outstanding in all respects. She is friendly, efficient, responsive, and, when necessary, tenacious. I truly cannot say enough good things about her. If you want someone with a lot of experience and local knowledge and who provides excellent service, Lisa is the agent to choose.”
— ANDY R.
“ Lisa is an incredible realtor. She is extremely professional, knowledgable, reliable, responsive, and is a genuinely good and honest person. She always put our needs and wants first. She was able to sell our home and get us into our new family home with ease. If issues arose, she handled them quickly and with complete accuracy. We would recommend Lisa without hesitation!”
— SUZI M.
Preparing & Marketing Your Property
The Olson Team at Steamboat Sotheby’s International Realty offers the most comprehensive marketing exposure available. From print advertising to exposure on the internet, our goal is to reach as many potential buyers as possible in an effort to sell your property as quickly as possible and for the highest price possible.
WITHIN ONE WEEK
• Assist you in preparing your home for sale—Staging
• Create your property story—Home Selling Book
• Have professional photos taken
• Create virtual tour, video or matterport
• Work with property manager to obtain rental info & HOA information
• Gather utility information, surveys, warranty info & other relevant info
• Enter into MLS and Sotheby’s International Realty’s Access system
• Install Sotheby’s International Realty for sale sign if allowed
• Present property at Monday sales meeting of top SSIR brokers
• Show property highlights on Apple TV at SSIR meeting
• Send property info to Steamboat SIR—cascading website platform
• Send property info to syndication partners websites around the globe
• Send email blast to 300+ brokers
• Create high-end flyers & place at all four SSIR offices for display
• Place marketing brochure in supplements in the MLS
WITHIN TWO WEEKS – ONE MONTH
• Advertise property in Steamboat Pilot and Today
• Advertise in digital media including new listing banner in Homefinder
• Execute targeted Facebook ad & social media campaign as appropriate
• Submit virtual tour, Matterport or video for internet syndication
• Personally call any buyers that match your listing
• Send auto-email notifications to any buyer that matches your listing
• Market to the Olson Team database of over 2,000 buyers
• Provide a link for you to place on your personal social media
• Create a blog specific to your property
• Send reminder email blast to 300+ brokers in Steamboat
• Place property on MLS tour (broker open house)
• Submit property to magazines for next publication (Homefinder, Collection)
• Prepare & send postcard mailing campaign
• Personally call all brokers with buyers that show interest in your property
BRAND
ONLY ONE REAL ESTATE BRAND HAS IT ALL
We have heritage, a global network of offices and brokers, and a reputation for delivering the highest level of service and results. We are networked to share knowledge and resources. We are greater than the sum of our parts.
SOTHEBY’S AUCTION HOUSE
SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
We Are Connected
SIR AFFILIATE NETWORK
ONLY ONE REAL ESTATE BRAND HAS IT ALL
We are SSIR, and we are your gateway to the exclusive resources of a diverse Global Brand and the local expertise of the Steamboat Springs Lifestyle. When you work with a SSIR realtor, you get US ALL.
STEAMBOAT
SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
Global Connections of Sotheby’s International Realty
In 1976, Sotheby’s International Realty was launched from the same passion that guides the Sotheby’s Auction House.
Sotheby’s International Realty is the only truly global luxury real estate company with 26,500 advisors working in 1,115 local offices across 84 countries and territories. Our unparalleled network works together to meet your needs and expectations.
MOUNTAIN OFFICE
1855 Ski Time Square Drive
2
80 + SUPPORT STAFF DAYS/WK OFFICES AGENTS OPEN
10 +
7
SSIR – Who We Are
MAIN OFFICE
610 Marketplace Plaza
Strategically located on the Ski Mountain, and at the gateway to Mount Werner and the Steamboat Ski Area
Our dedicated team of professionals are collectively focused on upholding the quality standards and service that are synonymous with Sotheby’s International Realty
Full-time real estate professionals who network together within a culture of high standards for excellency
A real estate professional is available 7 days a week to field inquiries and answer questions or to show your property to prospective buyers
SIR’s Colorado Presence
Sotheby’s International Realty has earned a dominant presence in Colorado with 40+ offices in 18 key markets and a team of professional brokers who collectively sell more real estate in Colorado than any other brand.
We can connect individually and personally to every regional, national and global affiliate to make sure your property reaches the largest audience of qualified buyers. Local, national or global, we have more than connections; we have faces, names and relationships.
Market Share
Steamboat Sotheby’s International Realty is committed to providing our clients with the best possible selling experience and believe the numbers below show our effectiveness.
Top Real Estate Firms in Steamboat
*Info from Steamboat Springs MLS, based on residential sales
INTERNATIONAL REALTY®
Luxury Leader
PUBLIC RELATIONS SHARE OF VOICE
PUBLIC RELATIONS SHARE OF VOICE
PR Share of Voice
SOURCE: MELTWATER, JANUARY 1, 2023 – DECEMBER 31, 2023
Our reputation is your advantage.
As the most profiled luxury real estate brand in the news, Sotheby’s International Realty provides unmatched editorial exposure for notable properties.
JANUARY 1, 2019 - NOVEMBER 25, 2019
Source: Meltwater, January 2018 – June 2018
The Voice of Luxury Real Estate
O ur press office possesses strong relationships with leading national and international media outlets who drive buyers to our website and your property. We are the most profiled luxury real estate brand in the news.
When it comes to high-quality real estate, we drive the conversation. Our public relations team fosters relationships with leading media outlets who generate awareness of the Sotheby’s International Realty brand and position our proprietary global network as the voice of luxury real estate.
EXPOSURE
NOBODY DOES MORE THAN STEAMBOAT SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY TO PROMOTE YOUR PROPERTY. The process at SSIR is structured and scientific, with a strategic objective to create the kind of exposure that will generate inquiries that lead to showings, and ultimately to the sale of your property.
SIR Brand Advertising
We work with the best online and print publishers to drive more performance and return for our clients. Through the SIR brand we have the opportunity to participate in advertising programs that leverages high- profile, global media partners to offer a targeted reach to qualified buyers.
2024 Brand Marketing Opportunities
Exclusive Partnerships, Superior Exposure
Exclusive Global Media
NEW YORK TIMES
Real Estate Slideshow Sponsorship (100% SOV)
Property Listing Search Unit
ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST
Property of the Month
WALL STREET JOURNAL
Friday Real Estate Article Buyout
DWELL
Featured Properties on Dwell’s Homes. Real Estate
Home Tours, and Kitchen Landing Pages
FINANCIAL TIMES
Lifestyle Section Sponsorship
NIKKEI
Featured Listings Showcase
Editorial
RESIDE® Blog Article Feature
Inman Leading in Luxury Article Feature
Social Media
Extraordinary Property of the Day
YouTube Daily Featured Videos
Significant Sales Newsletter & Social Media Feature
Sotheby’s Auction House
The Collection Newsletter
(Sotheby’s Clients & Top Agent Distribution)
Extraordinary Properties Feature (Sotheby’s Magazine)
Property Syndication
Property Syndication Partners
Cascading Websites (100+ Website Distribution)
SIR Mobile App
sothebysrealty.com Homepage
Property Display Feed
For all property syndication opportunities. submit for consideration via dash.
Apple TV/Top Tier e-Gallery
Global Property Search Ad Unit
Public Relations
Leverage our award-winning public relations team to determine if your upcoming listing or significant sale is a fit for national press efforts.
Cooperative Advertising
Leverage media planning services for print and digital advertising opportunities.
Local Brand Advertising
Steamboat Sotheby’s International Realty creates on-going ad campaigns strategically aimed to drive viewers to the steamboatsir.com website or to the three Steamboat SIR offices.
High quality local brand advertisements reflect the quality of the Steamboat Sotheby’s Realty brand and its understanding of the local lifestyle which increases the effectiveness of driving buyers to the steamboatsir.com website where they can inquire about a property.
Local Property Advertising
Every real estate firm advertises in local media, but no real estate firm has the overwhelming saturation of local and regional print and digital media that Steamboat Sotheby’s International Realty offers.
No matter what publication you pick up, we will have a strong presence, advertising our featured listings and driving traffic to our website and local offices. The advertising saturation and brand recognition expose your property to the broadest range of potential buyers possible.
The Collection
Produced twice a year, The Collection is our exclusive magazine featuring locally curated content and showcasing the properties we represent throughout Steamboat and the Yampa Valley. More of a coffee table magazine than a real estate magazine, it has excellent shelf life and is recognized as one of Steamboat’s premier magazines.
THE COLLECTION
Exclusive placement in the arrivals & departures areas of Yampa Valley Regional Airport, Atlantic Aviation Private Jet Terminal, in rental properties & high traffic locations in Steamboat, as well as digital distribution, allow us to reach potential buyers who are interested in the Steamboat lifestyle.
Open House Events
On-going open house events are promoted by Steamboat SIR. Brokers leverage this effort through customized advertising campaigns, press releases, the Steamboat SIR website and social media.
OPEN HOUSE TOUR
Our open house events are promoted across many media channels, resulting in excellent attendance at the events.
Signage
Every new listing at Steamboat Sotheby’s International Realty proudly displays the most recognized real estate sign in the world.
No other brokerage in Steamboat has the brand recognition that Steamboat SIR does. The Sotheby’s International Realty brand is synonymous with quality and service.
Property Story
Your property isn’t simply a collection of bedrooms, bathrooms and features. Every property has a story. Through the use of high resolution photography, photo descriptions, video and 3D virtual tours, we tell the story of your property in a captivating and inspiring way.
Your first showing is online. Steamboat SIR showcases the best characteristics and personality of your property to capture the most effective first impression possible. Connection & emotive response are the most effective tools to create a property inquiry.
Matterport 3D Tours
3D Photography allows a prospective buyer to move through your house from a computer, phone or tablet and view it from any angle, providing a unique view of your home like never before. SothebysRealty.com and SteamboatSIR.com integrate 3D photography into the listing, providing a more immersive experience.
3D photography is literally just as good as being at a property and people stay on a page with a 3D walk-through 10 times longer than those without; and the longer a viewer stays online, the greater the chance they will make a property inquiry.
Virtual Staging
Virtual staging is the transformation of photos into virtually staged scenes to make listings that are not furnished or in need of a refresh, look more appealing. Virtually staged photos can improve marketing exposure of properties across sothebysrealty.com, Apple TV, SIRMobile, and the brand’s syndication partner websites.
At Sotheby’s International Realty, we are proud to work with the best virtual staging experts in the industry.
We make your listing easy to find online with our Webby Awardwinning website and finely tuned SEO. Sothebysrealty.com enables millions of visitors to immerse themselves in engaging videography, impactful photography, and inviting virtual tours.
52M sothebysrealty.com visits in 2023 15 languages
Videos played in 2023
STEAMBOATSIR.COM
steamboatsir.com & lisaolson.com
We have taken the online property search to an extraordinary new level optimizing the user experience by incorporating multiple search features, intuitive functionality, with accurate content while users can customize and save searches.
Steamboatsir.com is part of Sotheby’s International Realty’s “cascading network,” so your listing will be distributed to local websites around the world, translated into 15 languages and currencies and searchable by location or lifestyle.
Reports
M onthly and Annual Market and Resort Reports
Searches
Robust and versatile search functionality including lifestyle
Steamboatsir.com & lisaolson.com provides visitors with the ultimate real estate experience on any device. With high resolution photography, video and robust search options that make it unique from other real estate websites.
Property Distribution
Top media partners drive traffic to your listing
As soon as your property is on sothebysrealty.com, it is also distributed across a variety of leading websites across the world, maximizing reach and exposure.
STEAMBOATSIR.COM
steamboattoday.com
We have taken the online property search to an extraordinary new level optimizing the user experience by incorporating multiple search features, intuitive functionality, with accurate content while users can customize and save searches.
New listings are featured daily on the steamboattoday.com home page, with high resolution photography and a trackable link to the property details, photos and video at steamboatsir.com.
• 1,800,000 impressions per year
• Displayed to audience already engaging in Steamboat
• Average click-though rate of 1.5%
(Almost 20X the industry average of 0.08%)
Showcasing your property to a digital audience of consumers who are interested in Steamboat Springs increases exposure and opportunities for inquiries.
Social Media
Our connections become your connections
The Sotheby’s International Realty brand creates exclusive content featuring our property listings on multiple social media platforms and engages with more than a million followers each day. Additionally, our YouTube channel has more subscribers and video views than any other real estate brand.
Our mobile app — now in 15 languages — is the only luxury real estate app that serves properties around the world. You can experience homes on your mobile device with property videos and 3D tours.
GET THE SIR MOBILE APP Visit app.sir.com in your browser from your phone or tablet
Apple TV
Our innovative Apple TV app gives consumers the big-screen details of our properties from the comfort of their living rooms. It’s the best way to explore a home from afar. Our app is the only one that lets users explore by lifestyle and amenities, highlight properties and recent searches, and view property videos.
LOCAL
STEAMBOAT SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY STAYS CONNECTED WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY.
Steamboat SIR understands the people who are attracted to our very special community, and supports the people and organizations in our community through many different programs.
Community Fund
Steamboat Sotheby’s International Realty is proud to have collaborated with the Yampa Valley Community Foundation to create the Steamboat Sotheby’s International Realty Community Fund in order to support Yampa Valley and Steamboat Springs non-profit organizations through a collective funding and semi-annual granting process. The Community Fund has granted over $130,000 to local non-profits since its inception in 2017, and Steamboat Sotheby’s International Realty contributed $10,000 to local organizations in 2023.
As the largest local real estate firm, Steamboat Sotheby’s International Realty agents and staff collectively participate in the fund, aiming to make a significant and meaningful impact to people and organizations in our community.
Community Support
The Olson | Tolan Team believes in giving back, with sponsorships and personal support of great causes.
In an effort to enhance our affiliation with Sotheby’s Auction and support the local community, our collaborative contributions to local organizations allow us to build and maintain meaningful relationships within our community.
PROCESS
WE WALK YOU THROUGH EVERY STEP OF THE SELLING PROCESS.
From consultation to closing and beyond, we are a team. Our communication, expertise and resources create a selling experience that is streamlined and as stress-free as possible.
The Homeselling Process
INITIAL CONSULTATION
• Determine your needs and priorities
• Review options and select appropriate working relationship
• Discuss Marketing Plan
• Establish Pricing Strategy
DESIGN & IMPLEMENT MARKETING PLAN
• Complete home enhancement recommendations
• Carry out scheduled marketing activities
• Show the property to brokers and prospective buyers
• Communicate with you on a regular basis
• Monitor results of marketing activities
• Modify Marketing Plan and Pricing Strategy as necessary
REVIEW OFFER AND REACH AGREEMENT WITH BUYER
• Buyer’s real estate professional presents offer
• Discuss and clarify proposed terms and conditions
• Negotiation; possible counter offers
• Reach final agreement
COMPLETE SETTLEMENT PROCESS
• Deposit of buyer’s earnest money
• Sign documents
• Title search; preliminary title report to buyer
• Inspections
• Removal of remaining contingencies
• Buyer’s final walk-through of property
• Loan funding/balance of funds from buyer
• Recording of title
• Relocation of seller; possession of property by buyer
AFTER-SALE SERVICE
• Help you find your next home, as needed
• Assist you with relocation, as needed
• Provide resources for other after-sale homeowner needs
Pricing Strategy
UNDERSTANDING YOUR PROPERTY’S VALUE
The existing pool of prospective buyers determines a property’s value based on:
• Location, design, amenities and condition
• Availability of comparable (competing) properties
• Economic conditions that affect real property transactions
Factors that have little or no influence on the market value of a house include:
• The price the seller originally paid for the property
• The seller’s expected net proceeds
• The amount spent on improvements
The impact of accurate pricing:
• Properties priced within market range generate more showings & offers, & sell in a shorter period of time
• Properties priced too high have a difficult time selling
DANGER OF OVERPRICING
• Few buyers are attracted and fewer offers received
• Marketing timing is prolonged and initial marketing momentum is lost
• The property attracts “lookers” and helps competing houses look better by comparison
• If a property does sell above true market value, it may not appraise and the buyers may not be able to secure a loan
• The property may eventually sell BELOW market value
PERCENT OF BUYERS WHO WILL VIEW PROPERTY
My Job Upon Receiving An Offer
NEGOTIATE THE AGREEMENT
• Explain the offer to you and answer your questions
• Help you determine the best course of action by pointing out potential advantages and disadvantages of the offer and clarifying the choices available to you
• Negotiate through the buyer’s agent, and handle possible counter offers, to reach a final agreement that is favorable to you
COMPLETE THE TRANSACTION
• Explain to you in detail all the steps that will occur for a successful closing, and answer any questions you might have
• Work with the buyer’s broker, settlement officer, title officer and others to help coordinate their activities and keep the transaction moving forward
• Monitor progress of inspections, the buyer’s loan and other contingencies as called for in the purchase contract. Resolve questions or problems that might arise, to ensure a timely closing
• Arrange for a pre-closing walkthrough of the property
• Assist you in handling details required for the completion of the transaction
• Communicate with you on a regular basis so that you can stay informed and as worry-free as possible.
FOLLOW UP AFTER THE SALE CLOSES
• Confirm that all your real estate-related needs have been met, and provide information on service providers you may require
• Offer relocation assistance, if moving to a new area
• Help you locate a new home, if remaining in this area
What You Can Do As a Seller
GENERAL
• Maintain the property in ready-to-show condition
• Ensure that the house is easily accessible to real estate professionals (lock box and key)
• Try to be flexible in the scheduling of showings
• When you are not at home, let me know how you can be reached in case an offer is received
• If approached directly by a buyer who is not represented by a real estate professional, please contact me—do not allow them into the property unescorted
• Remove or lock up valuables, jewelry, cash and prescription medications
• If possible, do not be present when the property is being shown
• Securely pen up pets, or take them with you
• Be cautious about saying anything to buyers or their sales professionals that could weaken your negotiating position, especially regarding price or your urgency to sell
• Collect the business cards of real estate agents who preview your home, pass them on to me
• Let me know of any change in the property’s condition that would need to be disclosed to buyers
• Be available to review the price/condition of your property if it hasn’t sold in a reasonable period of time
• Contact me at any time with questions or concerns
PREPARING YOUR PROPERTY FOR SHOWINGS
• Disassociate yourself from your home—Remember your house is a product to be sold
• De-Personalize—Pack up personal photographs and family heirlooms. Buyers can’t see past personal artifacts, and you don’t want them to be distracted
• De-Clutter!—Pack up knickknacks, clean off everything on kitchen counters, put items away in bathrooms, organize closets/cupboards, put away toys
• Examine carefully how furniture is arranged and move pieces around until it makes sense
• Rent a storage unit if necessary—Almost every home shows better with less furniture. Remove pieces of furniture that block or hamper paths and walkways and put them in storage
• Make minor repairs—Replace burned-out light bulbs, patch holes in walls, fix leaky faucets, fix doors that don’t close properly, kitchen drawers that jam, replace cracked floor or tiles
• Make the house sparkle—Clean dishes, make beds, empty wastebaskets, vacuum, clean floors, dust, clean out cobwebs, wash windows, re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks, replace worn carpet and drapes
• Odors are a no-no—Clean and air out any musty smelling areas, get rid of pet or smoking odors
• Consider painting walls neutral colors, especially if you have grown accustomed to purple/pink
• Check Curb Appeal—Shovel walkways/plow driveway, mow lawn, trim hedges/shrubs, remove the clutter (toys, yard tools etc.), take care of oil spots in driveway, paint if necessary, park car in the garage/on road