Thinking of moving, this year? Not sure of the timing?
The first question I ask of someone who has called me about selling their home is, when would you like to move? Oddly enough, that can be answered with, now, in the summer, during the fall, before winter sets in or some people even suggest in the next year or so. Then, there is the "not sure" answer. People may want to just "try out" the market.
Is this a good time to sell?
I find that sellers have more questions than my buyer clients. After all, they do become buyers after their home sells. Should they buy now, in a down market and just rent their present home? Will the market go up, next year?
If only there were a crystal ball! I advise my clients to do what they need to do, for today. Deal with this market. If they are not sure of their financial implications (tax beneifts), I advise them to talk this over with their accountant or attorney.
One good reason to list and sell now, is that, even though your home may be worth less than you would like, the home that you will be purchasing will, also, be much less than it would be in a high market. With the low interest rates, it may cost you less to live in a larger, newer home or one that may be in a better location!
When I meet with new customers about listing their home, we discuss these and other options that may be available to them. I present my marketing plan and a list of clients for them to contact about my services. We discuss the listing contract and the many forms that may accompany it. Lead paint, radon inspections, mold, pest inspections, prior history about the property that must be disclosed (since their purchase date) and the course of action that will be taken to get us to the closing table. I share the buyer agency law of our state (Ct), so that, when the purchase contract comes in, they will have some idea of the responsibilities of the buyer agent. We discuss agency representation. After all, I may procure the buyer for their home. Dual Agency forms are shown and explained.
Trying to keep this within a short time frame, we then, tour the home. I take notes, ask questions and offer them a bit of advice if necessary. Guiding the seller to a successful sale makes the move a pleasant experience for all parties.
Pricing the home and signing the listing contract. Pricing for selling today, versus, waiting, is discussed. This is a private conversation between the sellers and I. We look over and discuss the market trends, along with comparable properties. Looking at the numbers, in print, can make the difference in their decision.
I come to the appointment with my paperwork, ready to go. Depending on the motivation of the owner of the property, we can sign these forms and begin the process of the sale. If the owner has been referred to me, this step is easier and the owner is confident with choosing me to represent and guide him to the closing table. If they are not yet ready to sign, I offer them my list of prior clients, chosen at random, for them to contact. I, also, suggest that they Google my name. I include addresses of my current listings. They can check on the progress of my marketing systems for those properties, online.
Okay, we signed the listing contract! I film a short video of the home, take photos of the property and include any extra features that may attract a buyer to the property. Each of my listings has its own website. Depending on the property, a stager may be scheduled to stop by and tour the home. Sometimes, the sellers will listen, more closely, to a third party about changes that will enhance their home. If repairs need to be made, we note that in the contract and depending on the situation, timing of the needed repairs. I have a website with a variety of specialty contractors that were chosen by my clients, over the years. They recommend these vendors and this saves time in trying to find that reputable contractor.
Sign is up! Marketing starts, immediately! I am on Speed Dial to these sellers and their home. Feedback is emailed directly to them, as it arrives on their property. They are given their own password to the website. All showings, questions, concerns and negotiations will be discussed with the sellers. I advise them to, start packing!
I find my profession, very rewarding. Helping people to improve their lives and doing so, in a timely manner, is an amazing process. Touching lives, every day! I look forward to working with you, to sell your home.
Quoted by one of my clients ~ "You'll Love Working with Fran!"
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