MarketingStrategies FOR GETTING YOUR HOME SOLD!
Hello!
In my experience, a home isn’t a dream home because of its room dimensions. It’s about how you feel when you walk through the front door, and the way you can instantly envision your life unfolding there. This is about more than real estate—it is about your life and your dreams, and I want to be the real estate professional to help you. I work with each of my clients individually, taking the time to understand their unique needs and lifestyle, and I want to do the same for you. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know I am helping my clients open a new chapter of their lives. That’s why I work so hard to not only get you into that perfect home, but also to handle every last detail of the purchase process, from negotiating the terms of sale to recommending moving companies. This package contains helpful information for home sellers, including an overview of the entire selling process, answers to frequently asked questions, and the steps we’ll take together After you’ve had the chance to review this information, we’ll meet to go over the entire process and get started on selling your home. I am so excited to get started on finding you the perfect home. I truly appreciate the opportunity to represent you in the sale of your home. All the Best,
Why Choose Dana? I absolutely love what I do…
I’m honored to be able to say that my career is far more than a job or income. I have the opportunity to share in people’s lives and help make the most out of one of the biggest financial decisions they’ll ever make and I don’t take that lightly! I love working through the challenges of new clients and new opportunities, love the thrill of negotiating, and take pride in the fact that many of my clients end up friends. I have worked diligently to empower my clients with knowledge and establish myself as a customer service based, results producing REALTOR®, which means I get HOMES SOLD! Communication is critical and I am on top of it consistently keeping you informed of where we are and what’s to come. I have consistently stayed in the top of the real estate industry among all the REALTORS® on the Peninsula and for 2018 was in the top 25 of all individual REALTORS® on the Peninsula.
2018 DIAMOND & GOLD RECIPIENT 2017 PLATINUM SALES RECIPIENT 2016 GOLD SALES RECIPIENT 2015 PLATINUM SALES RECIPIENT 2014 GOLD SALES RECIPIENT 2013 BRONZE SALES RECIPIENT 2012 GOLD TEAM RECIPIENT
Eight Reasons To Hire Me To Sell Your Home! The sale of your home is one of the biggest financial transactions of your life, and you want it to go smoothly and get the most money the market will allow. Here are some important reasons to have a professional REALTORÂŽ such as myself working for you:
1. The price is right. I will help you set the optimal price for your property by preparing a comparative market analysis to determine the value of your home.
2. I'll handle the paperwork. Real estate forms come with a lot of jargon. I will explain what each part of the form does for you and its importance. Furthermore, I have a transaction coordinator who assists to ensure all paperwork is completed in a timely manner. 3. Advertising that works. I know how to promote your home. With quality marketing, I will reach a wider audience and find you the best buyer. 4. Agent expertise. Working in real estate gives me exclusive knowledge and resources to sell homes successfully. Let me share this valuable information with you! 5. Save yourself time. Convenience!!! I'll do the work so you don't have to. I'll communicate with buyers on your behalf, handle all sale interactions, negotiate to get you the best price and coordinate the multiple inspections. 6. Professional advice. I can connect with you local reputable professional service providers. 7. I'll make your home look its best. Proper staging is vital to attracting buyers. I'll determine what homebuyers want and give you guidelines to ensure your home makes the best impression. 8. Access to the multiple listing service. My extensive network gives your listing the exposure it needs and helps find you motivated buyers. The MLS feed then sends your listing out to over 7,000 home finder websites!
Who We Are ABOUT US
The Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand, one of the most recognized in the nation, is a name people trust for superb products and extraordinary service. In January of 2015, Prudential Towne Realty became Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Towne Realty, a TowneBank company. This unique affiliation between a real estate company and a financial institution offers tremendous value and benefit to home buyers and sellers. One-stop shopping is available from a hometown team that is dedicated to all your real estate, mortgage, title, settlement, insurance, and banking needs. Members enjoy a wide array of financial services and personal attention, offered in hometown offices throughout the Hampton Roads community.
OUR STRENGTH
A worldwide holding company based in Omaha, NE. Its chairman and CEO is Warren Buffett, who according to Time magazine’s ranking is among the world’s most influential people. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brings together that world-class brand name with the proven operational excellence of HomeServices of America, leveraging the company’s talent, experience, assets and relationships in the process of becoming the world’s most valued real estate franchise system.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Strength, integrity and trust are the pillars upon which Berkshire Hathaway was founded, and we pride ourselves on adhering to the highest standard of professional and personal ethics. Our clients can act with confidence, knowing that their real estate needs will be handled in a discrete, professional and highly efficient manner. The goal of our organization is to provide world-class client service that consistently outperforms even the highest expectations.
You Are My Top Priority »» I treat my clients the way I want to be treated. »» I will consistently represent your best interests by applying my superior knowledge of premier real estate, extensive connections and unique skills to successfully market and sell your home. »» I treat your money as if it is my own. I will use my experience and negotiation skills to secure the highest possible sales price for your home. »» I will handle all of the details required to successfully complete your real estate sales transaction. »» I will communicate with you on a regular basis. The moment I get information, I will pass it on you. »» I fully appreciate the emotional journey involved during the sale of a property, and respect the confidential nature of the information you share with me.
Things To Know AS YOUR AGENT, I'LL: »» »» »» »» »» »» »»
Input your listing to MLS Install for sale sign Provide information flyers Pricing guidance Prepare Advertising Give feedback on showings Review contracts/represent you in negotiations »» Provide guidance in staging your property »» Provide professional photography
SELLER CONTROLS: »» »» »» »»
Property condition Availability for showing Price Home warranty
AS MY CLIENT, YOU'LL: »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »»
Complete all repairs and cleaning Stage your home Hide valuables & prescriptions Keep marketing information out for prospective buyers Call me for additional materials Leave premises for showings Call me for questions Refer friends and acquaintances who might be interested in your property Refuse to discuss terms with prospective buyers or their agents
SELLER DOESN'T CONTROL: »» »» »» »»
Competition Buyer's or seller's market Interest rates When the perfect buyer walks through the door
Our Service Process
Home Preview Current Market Analysis
Listing Agreement
Recommendations for Marketability Photography REIN Multiple Listing Service Sign in Yard Internet
Lock Box
Special Marketing
BHHS Mass Email
Announcement Post Cards
Newspaper Ads
Promotion Within Agent Network Property Status Update
Showings Follow up Feedback
Price and Market Review
Presenting the Offer Negotiation Arrange for Inspections
Offer Acceptance
Broom Swept Condition
Fulfill Contingencies
Final Walk Through
SETTLEMENT
Magazine Ads
Offer is Made Counter Offer Rejected
Collect Earnest Money Deposit
Return Earnest Money Deposit Inspection
Mortgage Company
Credit Report
Appraisal
Title Company
Verification
Communicate Sales Price Comparables
Order Title Insurance & Survey Check on Liens & Encroachments
Order Mortgage Payoff
Follow-Up
Obtain Home Warranty (optional)
Loan Committee
Loan Approval Assemble Papers Closing Turn on Utilities
Get Insurance Policy
Turn in Certified Check
Pay Outstanding Bills
Take Keys to Closing
Selling Your Home PREPARING FOR THE OFFER RATIFIED Signed by all parties, dated, delivered… congratulations, you’re on your way to having your property sold!
COUNTER OFFER Any change to the contract constitutes a counter offer. You are now in the renegotiation stage.
How Buyers Find Homes 37% REALTOR® 24% INTERNET 15% YARD SIGNS
7% HOME BUILDERS
7% REFERRALS 6% ADVERTISING & NEWSPAPERS
5-STAR ZILLOW AGENT 3% KNOWS THE SELLER
1% OTHER
Focusing on Results
THE PROPER BALANCE OF THESE FACTORS WILL EXPEDITE YOUR SALE.
»» LOCATION »» COMPETITION »» TIMING
»» CONDITION »» TERMS »» PRICE
Marketing Your Home WEB EXPOSURE
We utilize key websites to attract a huge pool of consumer leads and prospective buyers worldwide. These include but are not limited to: »» Zillow »» Trulia »» Wall Street Journal Online »» duPont Registry »» Realtor.com
PRINT ADVERTISING: »» Daily Press »» Military Magazine »» Virginia Gazette »» Virginian Pilot »» Richmond Times
SPECIALIZED BROCHURES FOR YOUR HOME
An eye-catching, professionally designed brochure can be one of our most effective tools to illustrate the distinctive qualities of your property. Your brochure will be provided directly to select groups with proven track records of finding buyers for properties of comparable value. These include: »» Residents of your community and the surrounding counties. »» Business professionals, community leaders, and cooperating brokers who represent qualified buyers »» Past clients – a valuable source of qualified referrals and repeat buyers.
REAL ESTATE HOME GUIDE - MILITARY EDITION
The guide highlights listings available near military bases as well as REALTORS® with Military affiliations at Berkshire Hathaway HomeSerives Towne Realty.
57,000 COPIES ARE DISTRIBUTED THROUGH THE MILITARY FLAGSHIP AND PENINSULA WARRIOR.
“Dana is an excellent resource. She responds to questions quickly, and goes out of her way to make herself available for house showings, or simply to answer any questions or concerns. We have a house that we are trying to sell in another state, and wish that Dana was available for that area. All in all, a friendly, genuine person, who we highly recommend!” - BRUCE & LUCY, KINGSMILL, WILLIAMSBURG
Pricing Strategy SELLING PRICE VS. TIMING
»» Timing is extremely important in the real estate market. »» A property attracts the most activity from the real estate community and potential buyers when it is first listed. »» It has the greatest opportunity to sell when it is new on the market.
PRICING FACTORS
More buyers purchase their properties at market value than above market value. If you price your property at market value, you are exposing it to a much greater percentage of prospective buyers and you are increasing your opportunity for a sale.
PRICING MISCONCEPTIONS
It is very important to price your property at competitive market value at the signing of the listing agreement. Historically, your first offer is usually your best offer.
BUYERS & SELLERS DETERMINE VALUE
The value of your property is determined by what a BUYER is willing to pay and a SELLER is willing to accept in today’s market. Buyers make their pricing decision based on comparing your property to other property SOLD in your area.
COMPARATIVE MARKET ANALYSIS »» Recent Sales »» Current Listings = Competition »» Expired Listings = What has not Sold
Staging Your Home FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE EVERYTHING
The current condition of your home and the first impression it makes on prospective buyers carry enormous financial weight in the marketing of a property.
HELPING BUYERS EMOTIONALLY CONNECT
Prospective buyers need to emotionally connect to the home they are considering by envisioning themselves in it without their mind’s eye getting clouded by family, pets, and personal effects.
STAGING ACCENTUATES THE POSITIVES
In light of the exacting standards of today’s more discerning homebuyer, one of four strategies includes collaborating with professional stagers to enhance your property’s best features.
Homeseller Checklist
CLEAN AND DECLUTTER
Cramped rooms are a buyer's turnoff, so make sure you open and brighten each room. Start with the furniture - remove the oversized pieces, or those that don't fit the room's main purpose.
MAKE NECESSARY REPAIRS
There are two kinds of repairs you should consider before selling your home. The first is cosmetic repairs. These are the “it’s nice to have” for buyers, the associated costs should be relatively low. Repaint rooms to be less bold, and replace outdated light fixtures or hardware. Second, with the help of a professional, you should determine any fixes that could affect your home’s ability to sell. If you have an aging roof or radiator, a professional will tell you if they’ll need to be replaced.
GET CURB APPEAL
Picture yourself as a buyer pulling up to your home for the first time. The lawn is well cared for, the landscaping is impeccable, and the front door has a fresh coat of paint. These natural observations set the tone for the entire walkhrough, so don’t underestimate the importance of curb appeal.
HIRE A REALTOR, SET A PRICE
Last year, per the National Association of REALTORS®, sellers using realtors to sell their homes netted $26,300 more on average than those who chose not to hire an agent. $26,000! Agents understand the local market and the marketing practices necessary to sell your home.
OFFER UP YOUR HOME'S HISTORY
There is a lot of public record data out there, but wouldn't you rather buyers hear it directly from you? Create a simple binder showcasing the price you paid, past owners and price history, and any upgrades you've made to the property.
GET READY FOR OPEN HOUSES AND SHOWINGS
When a buyer is coming to look at your property, it is important that you leave your home for the duration of the visit. Make sure your home looks and smells clean, and then leave until they are done.
Home Warranty
Plans go a long way to alleviate some risks and concerns. For a modest price, the seller can provide to the buyer a one-year warranty covering specified heating, plumbing, electrical, water heater or appliance breakdowns. Coverage under most plans commences at closing. In all cases, there are important limitations and exclusions (example: appliances/systems must be operative at commencement of coverage).
Client Cheers The decision to leave Newport News and move out of state was a quick one. We loved our home, didn't want to give it up, but the new opportunity was one we couldn't pass up. I've sold over 10 homes in my lifetime and I knew to expect stress and disappointment. There are so many steps along the way where things can go awry. In fact, our first buyer got cold feet before the inspection and pulled out. But, Dana Robbins remained upbeat and focused the entire time. After that offer fell through, without skipping a beat, Dana was back at work, making calls, and we had another offer, a better offer, in less than a week - and that offer went to completion. From the moment she stepped into our house she was a champion for us and for our beloved home. She was the second agent we interviewed. The first agent came in and saw everything that was wrong with our house; however, Dana saw everything that was right, and had suggestions to remedy the things that weren't. I told Dana at the beginning that I'm a worrier. That didn't faze her, or her assistant, and the two of them kept us moving forward to a successful sale and close of our home, and passing it on to the next person who will love it as much as we have. We highly recommend Dana Robbins....
Grace and Barry Fuller,
Nelson Road, Newport News
We met Dana at an open house and immediately connected. She is professional, intelligent, very knowledgeable of the area and not pushy at all. She gave us honest feedback on our home, put it on the market when we were ready and explained the intricacies of the process. We had an offer in less than a week and Dana guided us through that complex process. Then she found us the home of our dreams and coordinated the inspections, financial processes and patiently held our hands during that stressful time. We have been in our new home for two months now and are so happy. What you should know about Dana
»» She is your ally. »» Your best interest comes first and she works so hard for you every step of the way. »» She is very smart and has extensive knowledge of real estate and our local area. »» She is responsive and available. »» Dana will do everything within her power to bring you potential homes or buyers and is in constant communication through text, email, or phone. »» Dana has the patience of a saint. »» She is also level-headed, has an excellent rapport with other professionals and is detail focused. We were very picky and demanding at times and she understood and kept us moving forward. If you are thinking about buying or selling a home, Dana is definitely someone you should contact. She knows her stuff!
The Alworth Family,
Warwick On The James
Client Cheers We met Dana Robbins last fall at an open house, and expressed our desire to list our 96 year old duplex the following spring. She followed up with us in early February and offered to look at our home and recommend what might be needed to be done to get it ready to sell. This guidance was very helpful and she also had a list of tradespeople for us to consider and use, many of which we did. In early June Dana listed our house, above the price we thought we could get. The house sold the next day, at full price, to the first couple that looked at it! Dana also helped us find our current home, which we love. We had already scheduled a three week vacation, never thinking our house would sell so quickly. As a result, many of our last minute financing and contract tweaking had to be done long-distance and electronically. Dana stayed on top if it all. We had a smooth move when we returned, and Dana is now preparing to host an open house so we can meet our new neighbors. She has been the most remarkable realtor with whom we have ever worked, and made a complex path most manageable and low stress. We recommend her most highly!
Sam & Nancy McPhail
"Since this initial move, I've sold their new home, Nancy's Mother's home, and three of her friends' homes!"
Up until I met Dana, trying to sell my Newport News home from New York City had become a very difficult proposition. The first broker I hired, turned out to be a complete waste of time. We listed our home for 6 months with him, and didn’t have anything to show for it. When I first met Dana, she was like a beautiful ray of sunshine. She established a game plan and walked me through it every step of the way. Problems that came up, were quickly solved by her and her many connections. After a while, I couldn’t help but ask her, who don’t you know Dana? So, if you’re looking to buy or sell your home, call Dana Robbins. She will not only lead the way, but she’ll make your experience a very pleasant one. I highly recommend Dana, whether your buying or selling your home.
Victor Rodriguez Out of State Seller
Dana was amazing in helping us negotiate a very difficult market. She went the extra mile to make our house sell fast. And she gave sound advice on how to prepare our house. I really appreciated how she gave honest feedback about what items were worth investing in presale, and which improvements really wouldn’t matter. She has great insight regarding what buyers are looking for. The follow through to the very end of the process was absolutely professional in every way. I would highly recommend Dana to anyone looking to buy or sell a home.
Greg & Rebecca Moser Short Sale
Moving Checklist
NEW TELEPHONE NUMBER: ____________________________________________ NEW ADDRESS: _____________________________________________________ Before you move, you should contact the following companies and service providers:
UTILITIES: ¡¡Electric ¡¡Telephone ¡¡Water ¡¡Cable ¡¡Gas PROFESSIONAL SERVICES: ¡¡Broker ¡¡Accountant ¡¡Doctor ¡¡Dentist ¡¡Lawyer GOVERNMENT: ¡¡Internal Revenue Service ¡¡Post Office ¡¡Schools ¡¡State Licensing ¡¡Library ¡¡Veterans Administration CLUBS: ¡¡Health and Fitness ¡¡Country Club
INSURANCE COMPANIES: ¡¡Accidental ¡¡Auto ¡¡Health ¡¡Home ¡¡Life ¡¡Renters BUSINESS ACCOUNTS: ¡¡Banks ¡¡Cellular Phones ¡¡Department Stores ¡¡Finance Companies/Credit Cards SUBSCRIPTIONS: ¡¡Magazines ¡¡Newspapers MISCELLANEOUS: ¡¡Business Associates ¡¡House of Worship ¡¡Drugstore ¡¡Dry Cleaner ¡¡Hairstylist
Utility And Other Useful Numbers ELECTRIC DOMINION ENERGY Call 1-866-366-4357 www.dom.com »» Advance Notice: One business day »» Connection Fee: $15 »» Service Area: Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, Yorktown, York County, Smithfield, Williamsburg and Glouster Deposit: If costumer does not have established credit with Dominion Virginia Power or any regular electric company. The deposit is approx. $90.00 - $180.00. Deposit will be billed in 3 monthly installments. Military personnel may be able to obtain deposit guarantee from military credit unions so the deposit will not have to be paid. TELEPHONE/TELEVISION/INTERNET VERIZON FIOS www.verizon.com/home/fios 1-877-265-6965 »» Advance Notice: One or two weeks »» Deposit: May be required based on internal credit check. COX COMMUNICATIONS www.cox.com 1-800-818-0679 »» Advance Notice: One or two weeks »» Deposit: May be required based on internal credit check. CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS www.charter.com »» 1-866-513-4900 »» Advance Notice: One or two weeks Deposit: May be required based on internal credit check. VIRGINIA NATURAL GAS www.virginianaturalgas.com 1-866-229-3578 »» Advance Notice: Two or three business days. »» Connection Fee: $15.75 »» Service Area: Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, Williamsburg and York County. »» Smithfield: Columbia Gas 1-800-543-8911
»» Suffolk: 757-539-5371 (Amerigas) »» www.amerigas.com Deposit: May be required based on internal credit check. The deposit is approx $40.00 and up depending on usage. ($75 with gas range and gas heater, $240 with gas range, water heater and gas heat) Deposit will be billed in 3 monthly installments. Military personnel may be able to obtain deposit guarantee from military credit unions so the deposit will not have to be paid. Water and Electric have to be connected prior to installation and can take up to 8 weeks on new construction. PROPANE (INSTEAD OF NATURAL GA)S AMERIGAS (FORMERLY COLUMBIA) 1-804-693-9046 »» Revere Gas: 804-693-6602 »» Phillips Oil & Gas: 804-642-2166 »» Service Area: Hampton, Newport News, Gloucester, and Mathews County. Deposit: May be required based on internal credit check and usage/tank size Approx $50.00 to $125.00 WATER & SANITATION (TRASH PICKUP) Newport News Waterworks 1-757-926-1000 www.nnva.gov/326/Phone-Numbers- LocationsDirections »» Gloucester: 804-693-4042 »» York County: 757-898-5488 »» Williamsburg: 757-220-6188 »» James City County: 757-253-6800 »» Suffolk: 757-923-3675 ($40.00Deposit) »» Isle of Wight: 757-365-6284 »» Smithfield: 757-365-4200 Advance Notice: One business day Deposit: approx $25.00. Deposit will be on initial bill. Service Area: Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, and York County.
DIRECT (757) 268-6675 OFFICE: (757) 873-6900 Dana@RobbinsNestRealtor.com www.RobbinsNestRealtor.com
1 OYSTER POINT ROAD • NEWPORT NEWS 23602 (757) 873-6900
Exclusive Agent Representing the Seller. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted and is solely a guide to prospective purchasers who should satisfy themselves by inspection or otherwise as to the correctness of this information. © 2019 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc. ® Equal Housing Opportunity. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Towne Realty is an affiliate of TowneBank.