SELL YOUR HOME WITH
Elizabeth Anders
MANAGING Broker | Realtor® DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
509.389.0605 Elizabeth@PRSadmin.com ElizabethAnders.com 4407 N Division St, 9th Floor Spokane, WA 99207
ELIZABETH ANDERS I have a BA in Education and have paired it with my Real Estate experience. I teach continuing education to the Real Estate Agents Statewide. I am the Director of Education for Professional Realty Services International and hold my Managing Broker’s License. Forming Community is one of the most important actions a person can take in their life and that’s how I’ve tried to live my life. I say this because of the important roles an individual has within the community that gives them purpose. There is a give and a take and when acted out properly it’s a system that works organically in giving everyone what they need. I tend to partner with people who have this mentality and the reward is full of family, friendship, relationships, referrals and a win for everyone. My clients and business partners have worked through this cycle with me and know the benefit that comes with it. I provide service that goes above and beyond my client’s expectations. My clients can trust that I will answer my phone calls, relieve any stress, pay attention to detail and make sure they’re in compliance with contracts. Most of my transactions close on time and my clients have been very satisfied with the end results. In my 20+ years of Real Estate experience, I’ve seen the market go back and forth from being a Seller’s to a Buyer’s market. Working and living through this has given me an understanding of what my client’s needs are depending on the market we are working in. I’ve had the opportunity to process hundreds of different types of contracts, which gives me the experience that some lack in this industry. I believe knowledge is power and I’ve earned it in this industry. I tend to read situations accurately and guide my clients with winning advice helping them attain their goals in price and time during each transaction. I am looking forward to working with you in the sale of your home. Thank You,
Elizabeth Anders
MANAGING Broker | Realtor® | DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
SELLER CHECKLIST To assist you better, please complete this checklist prior to our next appointment: Read through this booklet and note any questions you may have Review Listing paperwork (provided) Fill out Seller’s Property Disclosure form Gather homeowners association information (if applicable) Gather all mortgage/loan information (if applicable) Make an extra key
509.389.0605 Elizabeth@PRSadmin.com ElizabethAnders.com 4407 N Division St, 9th Floor | Spokane, WA 99207
PREPARING YOUR HOME MARKET PREPARATION Improving the overall condition of the home, “setting the stage” before showings, and knowing what to do when the property is being shown are just a few of the things that will help maximize the marketing efforts. In this section, we’ll take time to examine your home and explore the alternatives to showcase your property. COMPARATIVE MARKET ANALYSIS This is a written report of the sales transactions and listed properties in the neighborhood that will provide information about similar properties recently sold or currently on the market. This will help to determine a realistic price for the subject property. FINANCING ALTERNATIVES Attractive financing can actually shorten the marketing time and increase the sales price. I stay up-todate with the types of mortgages that are available and maintain business relationships with mortgage professionals to provide multiple choices. BENEFITS OF A PRE-INSPECTION The benefits of an inspection when initially listing the home can make the marketing process move smoother and quicker. I will advertise the home with a disclaimer that a Buyer should have the home inspected themselves, but they are welcome to review the one you have. This lends confidence that you are an honest Seller and that your home has been well cared for, or at a minimum, priced properly. CREATES AWARENESS OF CONDITION OF HOME An independent inspector will identify areas that need attention and serve as a marketing tool to Buyers to give proof to the condition. It can also be used to challenge claims that the Buyer’s inspector might make. ANTICIPATES POTENTIAL PROBLEM AREAS AND SAVES TIME If certain things are identified by the first inspection, it gives the Seller the opportunity to repair them at competitive rates instead of possibly having to rush to get them done prior to closing. By understanding what might need to be done to a home early in the marketing process, it can save critical time between the contract and closing. Most importantly, pre-inspection prevents selling the home twice!
MANAGING BROKER | REALTOR® | DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
SELLER PROCESS You’ve decided to sell your home!
01
02
03
04
Meet with Elizabeth to discuss the Real Estate market & overall plan
Review & sign listing paperwork with Elizabeth
Clean, organize & stage for photos
Marketing & promotions deployed
05
06
07
08
Schedule open house with Elizabeth
Discuss open house feedback to make any adjustments to plan
Discuss any offers with Elizabeth
Sign offer or counter offer
09
10
11
12
Schedule appraisal & inspection
Review inspection & requests, then make agreed-upon repairs
Pack your belongings
Attend closing & sign paperwork
Congratulations! Turn over keys 509.389.0605 Elizabeth@PRSadmin.com ElizabethAnders.com 4407 N Division St, 9th Floor | Spokane, WA 99207
FIRST IMPRESSIONS Your home has just one chance to make a great impression. And it can! This list will help you keep track of what needs to be done prior to putting your house on the market. THE CURB APPEAL Mow lawn/trim shrubs Edge gardens & walkways Weed & mulch Add color, fill in bare spots with plantings Sweep walkways/driveway, remove branches/ litter/toys Take stains off your driveway with cleanser Remove mildew or moss from walls or walks with bleach & water or a cleaner Stack woodpiles neatly Clean & repair patio & deck area Remove any outdoor furniture which is not in good repair Make sure pool or spa sparkles Replace old storm doors Check for flat fitting roof shingles Repair broken windows & shutters, replace torn screens, make sure frames & seams have solid caulking Hose off exterior wood & trim, replace damaged bricks or wood Touch up exterior paint, repair gutters Paint the front door & mailbox Add a new front door mat & seasonal door decoration Shine brass hardware on front door, outside lighting fixtures, etc. Make sure doorbell is in working order
THE INTERIOR Add a fresh coat of interior paint in light, neutral colors Shampoo carpeting, replace if necessary Clean & wax hardwood floors, refinish if necessary Wash kitchen & bathroom floors Wash all windows/sills, vacuum blinds Clean the fireplace Clean out & organize closets, add extra space by packing items you won’t need again until after you’ve moved Remove extra furniture, worn rugs, & items you don’t use Keep paper, toys, etc. picked up - especially on the stairways Repair problems such as loose door knobs, cracked molding, leaking taps & toilets, squeaky doors, closets or screen doors that are off their tracks Add dishes of potpourri, diffuse essential oils, or add a drop of vanilla on light bulbs for scent Secure jewelry, cash & other valuables THE LIVING ROOM Make it cozy and inviting, discard chipped or worn furniture & frayed/worn rugs THE DINING ROOM Polish any visible silver & crystal Display a centerpiece
MANAGING BROKER | REALTOR® | DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
THE KITCHEN Make sure appliances are spotless inside & out Make sure all appliances are in working order Clean often-forgotten places: top of refrigerator & under sink Wax or sponge floor to a brilliant shine & clean baseboards Unclutter all counter space, remove countertop appliances Organize items inside cabinets, pre-pack items you won’t be using before you move THE BATHROOMS Remove all rust & mildew Make sure tile, fixtures, shower doors, etc. are immaculate & shining Make sure all fixtures are in good repair Replace loose caulking or grout Make sure lighting is bright, but soft
THE BASEMENT Purge unnecessary items Organize and create more floor space Clean water heater & drain sediment Change furnace filter Make inspection access easy Clean/paint concrete floors & walls Provide strong overhead lighting THE GARAGE Purge unnecessary items Clean oily cement floor Tidy storage or work areas Provide strong overhead light
THE MASTER BEDROOM Organize furnishings to create a spacious look with well-defined sitting, sleeping, & dressing areas THE ATTIC Tidy up by discarding or pre-packing Make sure air vent is in working order Provide strong overhead lighting
509.389.0605 Elizabeth@PRSadmin.com ElizabethAnders.com 4407 N Division St, 9th Floor | Spokane, WA 99207
MARKETING PLAN PRICING: I will assist you with pricing your home based on a competitive market analysis. This will help you set the best price for your home so that it will sell within your time frame. PROFESSIONAL REALTY SERVICES SIGN: I will place one of my reflective signs on your property as well as directional signs at major intersections when appropriate. LOCK BOX: I will place a lock box on your property to increase showings and provide you with the security of knowing who has shown your home. MULTIPLE LISTINGS SERVICE (MLS): I will enter your home’s information into the MLS, giving your home exposure to 2,500 Realtors® in Spokane County within 24-hours of listing. This will give other Agents information about your home 24/7. MAIL TO NEIGHBORS: I will mail “just listed” postcards to 20 neighbors closest to your home. BUYER/REALTOR® SURVEY: I will survey Realtors® who show your home for their and their Buyer’s feedback on your home. OPEN HOUSE: When appropriate, and with your permission, I will hold your house open. TRANSACTION MANAGEMENT: I will manage the details of your transaction to ensure that your contract closes on time - and you can move on time. While the industry average has less than 50% of contracts closing on time, I will strive to ensure I meet your time deadlines. INTERNET: 90% of home Buyers search for homes online. I will take full advantage of the internet to get your home noticed by many interested Buyers.
MANAGING BROKER | REALTOR® | DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
COMMUNICATION WEEKLY CONTACT: I will contact you weekly to give you an update on the marketing of your home and answer any questions you may have. STAGING: I will help you stage your home to receive a top-dollar offer from prospective Buyers. Stagers help Buyers visualize the possibilities of your home, making your home more attractive and competitive in the market. FULL COLOR BROCHURES: I will professionally photograph your home and a full color brochure will be prepared and available for Buyers. PRE-TITLE COMMITMENT: I will order a pre-title commitment to reduce your risk of any title problems at closing. I AM COMMITTED TO GIVING YOU THE ABSOLUTE BEST SERVICE available. I will do everything possible to make your transaction enjoyable and successful. The most important ingredient to any successful relationship is COMMUNICATION. MY PROMISE TO YOU: • I will personally call you with an update every week. • I will call you anytime there is a change in the current market conditions and advise you as to how any changes impact the sale of your home. • I will make sure you have copies of all advertising and information being used to market your home. • I will always be 100% honest and straightforward with you.
509.389.0605 Elizabeth@PRSadmin.com ElizabethAnders.com 4407 N Division St, 9th Floor | Spokane, WA 99207
SHOWING YOUR HOME As soon as your home is on the market, many Agents will want to show your home. Please allow any Agent who calls, to show your home at the suggested time. If you are not frequently available, it is suggested that you allow a key box to be installed on your door. You will increase your odds of selling by allowing more qualified Buyers to see your home. You do not want to miss an out-of-town transferee because your home was not able to be shown. Just as important, always leave your house as if you may have a showing any minute. DURING A SHOWING: • Open all draperies and window shades during daylight hours. • Turn on all lights and replace bulbs with high wattage bulbs where needed. • Open windows one half hour before showing to circulate fresh air. • Open all the doors between rooms to give an inviting feeling. • Place fresh flowers on kitchen table and/ or in the living room. • The smell of freshly baked cookies or bread would add an inviting aroma. • Clothes properly hung, shoes, hats and other articles properly places, will make your closet appear adequate. Pack and store excess items. • Pets should be confined or restricted from view. Eliminate pet odors. Not everyone shares your love of animals. Some people may be allergic to them. • All jewelry and valuables should be stored in a safe deposit box or in a locked closet. • Replace any items not included in the sale, or tag them appropriately with, “to be replaced with…” or “not included” signs. • Beds should be made and clothes picked up. Bathrooms should be clean, with towels folded and toilet lid down. • When you leave the house, please leave it as if you know it is going to be shown. You never know when the right person is going to look at it! • The radio and TV can distract from the home. Let the Agent and the Buyer talk freely without any disturbances. If you must have background noise, tune the radio to a soothing station and let it play quietly in the background. • Three’s a crowd. If you have to be home when a Realtor® and prospect arrive, you should greet them courteously and then disappear. Children should be kept clear. Don’t volunteer or comment unless asked. Remember, they are here to view the home.
MANAGING BROKER | REALTOR® | DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
THE ART OF NEGOTIATION Keep in mind that just as you want to obtain the highest price and best terms for yourselves, Buyers want to obtain the lowest price and best terms for themselves. I recommend that you do not discuss the following types of information with any Buyers or Real Estate Agents, regardless of whom they represent, other than your Listing Agent. Doing so could compromise my negotiation position. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Reason for selling Motivation/Urgency Willingness to consider an offer less than the listing price Terms under which you would sell Relocation, timing, benefits of policies…if applicable Items of personal property which you “might” be willing to include in a sale Any confidential information that would serve to disclose your negotiating strategy
509.389.0605 Elizabeth@PRSadmin.com ElizabethAnders.com 4407 N Division St, 9th Floor | Spokane, WA 99207
PRICING & POSITIONING There are many factors in selling your home. Following is just a few of the factors to keep in mind when make the decision to sell your home. THE ROLE OF THE REAL ESTATE COMMUNITY To begin with, it’s important to know the role of the Real Estate community. The Real Estate community includes all of the companies, offices, and Agents in the marketplace. They work together to sell property in an incredibly efficient system of shared information. The multiplying effects of this cooperation will increase the promotion that is done on each and every property in the marketplace. It brings Buyers into the home buying process and, after qualifying them to their wants, needs, and abilities, they can be directed toward the home that meets their requirements. IMPORTANCE OF PRICING AND POSITIONING Buyers have a tendency to want to look at all available properties that meet their criteria. They will compare homes according to value, price, condition, and appeal. Even if the Buyers are not familiar with sold prices in a particular area, after seeing a few homes, it is easy to determine whether the list price is fair based on the amount of time the home has been on the market as well as condition and location in relation to other active listings. Supply and demand has a direct effect on pricing. The property must be favorably priced based on location, condition, and terms compared to the other homes that a Buyer will look at. It has happened, but is rare that a purchaser, walks into the home, writes an offer, and has not compared, by “shopping” the market. It is essential then, that the listing price you choose be based on the sold prices of homes similar to yours in terms of size, number of bedrooms, location and condition. The price you choose should NOT be based on the amount needed for your next purchase.
MANAGING BROKER | REALTOR® | DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
HOME WARRANTY PLAN A HOME WARRANTY PLAN* can increase the marketability of a home. By providing coverage for major systems and appliances, the warranty gives a “peace of mind” extra to attract Buyers that competing homes may not have. A HOME WARRANTY INCREASES MARKETABILITY: • Warranted homes sell up to 50% faster than non-warranted homes. • Homes with a warranty on average will sell for about 3% more, (Business Week). • Reduced chance the Seller will be asked to reimburse the Buyer for a breakdown of a covered component. • Better chance that the closing won’t be delayed by a malfunctioning Warranted item. • It provides the Buyer with a full year of coverage on the home’s major systems and appliances after they move in. • In the event that something covered breaks down, only a deductible is paid and the Warranty Company pays the remainder. Buyer COVERAGE ON SELECTED ITEMS: • Central Heating System • Electric Central Air System • Interior Plumbing • Built-in Appliances • Electric Pool Equipment The Seller may also have coverage on certain items while the property is listed for sale, even before the coverage is paid for.*
According to a study by the National Home Warranty Association… Homes sell 60% FASTER and for a HIGHER PRICE than homes without a home warranty
509.389.0605 Elizabeth@PRSadmin.com ElizabethAnders.com 4407 N Division St, 9th Floor | Spokane, WA 99207
REPRESENTATION It’s important to understand what legal responsibilities your Real Estate Agent has to you and to other parities in the transaction. Although laws vary by state, relationships generally fall into these categories: SELLER’S REPRESENTATIVE A Seller’s Representative (also known as a Listing Agent or Seller’s Agent) is hired by and represents the best interests of the Seller. The relationship usually is created by a listing contract. BUYER’S REPRESENTATION This type of licensee (also known as a Buyer’s Agent) is hired by prospective Buyers to represent them in a Real Estate transaction. The Buyer’s rep works in the Buyers’ best interest throughout the transaction. The Buyers can pay the licensee directly through a negotiated fee, or the Buyers’ rep may be paid by the Seller or by a commission split with the Listing Broker. DISCLOSED DUAL AGENT Dual agency is a relationship in which the Brokerage represents both the Buyer and the Seller in the same Real Estate transaction. Dual Agents typically owe limited duties to each of the parties. Because of the potential for conflicts of interest in a dual-agency relationship, it’s vital that all parties give their informed consent. In many states, this consent must be in writing. Disclosed dual agency, in which both the Buyer and the Seller consent to the Brokerage representing both of them, is legal in most states. DESIGNATED AGENT This is a Brokerage practice that allows the Managing Broker to designate which licensee in the Brokerage will act as a representative of the Sellers and which will act as a representative of the Buyers in a transaction in which the Brokerage is representing both. Designated agency avoids the problem of dual agency. The designated Agents give the respective clients full representation. The Broker has the responsibility of supervising both licensees. TRANSACTION BROKER A Transaction Broker (a.k.a facilitator) represents neither party and therefore isn’t an Agent, or fiduciary, in the transaction. Non-agency relationships vary considerably from state to state, both as to the duties owed to the consumer and the name used to describe those practicing it.
MANAGING BROKER | REALTOR® | DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
ONLINE RESOURCES Spokane County Website Spokane City Spokane Chamber of Commerce Spokane Valley Chamber Spokane Public Facilities District Spokane School District 81 School Information Demographics Now Municipal Codes Washington Utilities & Transportation Commission Department of Revenue Department of Motor Vehicles Access Spokane Experience Spokane Washington Bar Association Sex Offender Search Do Not Call Registry Zip Code Look Up Department of Ecology Energy Guide Craig’s List Unclaimed Property/Money Free Credit Reports Credit Union Consumer Facts Environmental Protection Agency Ginnie Mae Dept. of Housing & Urban Affairs HUD Homes, Washington ImproveNet Moving Realtor.com Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council Utility Console
spokanecounty.org spokanecity.org spokanechamber.org spokanevalleychamber.org spokanepfd.org spokaneschools.org/boundarymaps greatschools.net demographicsnow.com mrsc.org/index.aspx wutc.wa.gov dor.wa.gov dmv.org accessspokane.com experiencespokane.com wsba.org familywatchdog.us donotcall.gov zip4.usps.com/zip4 apps.ecy.wa.gov/welllog energyguide.com spokane.craigslist.org ucp.dor.wa.gov www.annualcreditreport.com www.creditunion.coop www.epa.gov ginniemae.gov hud.gov hud.gov/local/index.cfm?state=wa improvenet.com moving.com Realtor.com rebac.net/hbk.html connectutilities.com
509.389.0605 Elizabeth@PRSadmin.com ElizabethAnders.com 4407 N Division St, 9th Floor | Spokane, WA 99207
Thank You!
509.389.0605 ElizabethAnders.com
Š2019 Copyright ERA | Elizabeth R. Anders. Elizabeth Anders fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.