People sell their homes for many reasons, whether it’s because they are expanding their family, getting married, downsizing as children move away, or just wanting a change. Choosing to sell your home is a big decision that brings with it a variety of challenges and stresses. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Finding a great real estate agent will help ensure it is a smooth process and hopefully free from stress, which should lead to the best possible outcome for you.

Hiring your agent. This is a very personal choice. You need to make sure you have a connection with your agent and feel that they are listening to you and understand your needs. It is also extremely important that you find an experienced agent, one that has a good profile and is already investing in marketing that will sell your home. Your agent should always be there for you, and able to respond in a timely manner when you contact them. Some people think an agent is an agent – but that just isn’t true – ask my clients.

Why you should hire me.  I treat people the way I want to be treated. It sounds like such a simple concept, but not everyone follows it. My business is 90% repeat and referrals. There is a reason for that.

There are many aspects involved in selling your home to get the highest dollar amount in the shortest period of time. The three most important areas of focus are comparables, staging, and marketing. I go above and beyond for my clients to ensure they receive the best service possible, which is why I provide ALL of these professional services at no charge to my clients.

How much should I list my home for?  This is the most common question a seller will ask when interviewing agents. In my experience, agents will always say and agree with what a seller thinks their home should be listed for just to get a listing. This isn’t in the best interest of the seller. Homes priced above the market value take longer to sell. When a home is on the market too long, buyers begin to think that the seller is either too difficult to work with, or that they are becoming desperate and will accept any offer.

The first 30 days on the market is always the best activity you will see, so it is important to price it well. I find that by understanding why someone is selling, what they are hoping to sell their home for, and how much time they have to sell their home, really helps in determining a price.

Obviously comparable values are a large determiner in the market price, but that isn’t always the end number – upgrades, location, lot size, and upgrades will also play their part. Although it is important for sellers to be realistic, I find that open communication is effective in determining that price.

Preparing your home. Preparing and staging your home is important in selling it quickly and getting top dollar. As part of my service I have a designer on staff – and at no cost to you.

Part of this process is to de-personalize your home. Remove pictures and other personal items. Many buyers have a hard time imagining the homes as theirs when your things are everywhere. It is also important to de-clutter. Think of it as getting a head start on your packing. Organize closets and cabinets. The fewer things a room or closet has, the larger it looks. Repair items such as holes in the walls, leaky faucets, and burned-out light bulbs. Clean – it sounds so simple, but many people forget about this during the process when they have so many other things on their mind. Wash windows inside and out, dust, vacuum daily. Make sure your front door is clean and free of cobwebs, and your yard is free of weeds and bushes/trees are trimmed back – it’s the buyer’s first impression.

Marketing.  Most agents put a sign in your front yard and hope it sells. Marketing in this day and age has never been so important. That is why I spend so much time and money on these details. Most buyers find their home on the Internet, and if your agent doesn’t have a good, high profile presence online, your home may be missed. That is why I am a Premier Agent on Zillow. Your home will be a Premier listing there, and will also be listed on Trulia, Realtor.com, Redfin, and all the top real estate websites.

Once listed, I will keep you informed about the number of viewings and any feedback which helps in determining what, if any, changes we should make and if we are pricing the home correctly.

What happens when I get an offer? I will work quickly to qualify the offer, understand any contingencies and help you negotiate the sales price you are looking for. I also work closely with the buyer’s agent and lender to make sure that the transaction runs smoothly through the inspection, appraisal, and all the way to closing. I am always on hand to answer questions you may have and can even help you manage any repairs which are identified during the inspection.

Once the contract is agreed and accepted, I will handle all the scheduling and paperwork necessary throughout the process to ensure an on-time closing.

I am also available to help you find and buy your next dream home!