Selling Your Home

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Selling your home can be an  emotional experience. There are feelings of excitement, uncertainty,  reluctance to leave memories behind and anticipation of creating new  ones. All of these emotions are real and will most likely be experienced  during your transaction.

Let my seller resources assist you in answering some of your initial questions  about the selling process. You can leave it to me to do the rest! 

How do I make my choice?
So  you've made the decision to sell your home; now what?! Selecting an  agent to help you through the entire selling process from start to  finish is going to be just as important as determining how much to list  your home for and what your goals are in selling the property.

The  best thing you can do when selecting your agent is to choose someone  who has a personality that fits with your own. You will be spending a  lot of time with your agent, so getting along well with them is critical!

Consider asking the following questions when interviewing an agent to sell your home:
Are you a REALTOR®?

There  is a difference between a real estate licensee and a REALTOR®. A  licensee who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® is  bound by the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice associated with  the industry and may be disciplined for violating it. They have a duty  to treat all parties honestly and fairly and have a fiduciary duty to  their clients.

How does the home-selling process work?
Your  agent should be able to explain the process of listing and marketing  your property, negotiating offers on the property, the inspection  process, the closing process and more. However, you should also inquire  about what your responsibilities are during the transaction so that you  can be fully informed and prepared for the selling process.

Can you assist in determining my listing price?
An  agent should know the comparable sales data and be able to give you the  information you need regarding current listings, pending sales and  recent sales. After a thorough review of the data along with some advice  from your agent, you should be able to come up with a listing price.  Although they can assist, it is not the responsibility of your agent to  be the one to make the final decision about your listing price.

Do you have training and education?
Most  states have strict laws regarding licensing and continuing education  for agents. Your agent should be able to give you up-to-date  information, be committed to continuing education and always act with  professionalism. Ask your agent if he or she has any designations  indicating a specialty in any area, such as buyer representation.

Can you give me any references?
Be  certain that your agent is willing to give you references or let you  contact past clients. This will allow you to ensure that your agent has a  solid reputation both with previous clients and within the real estate  community.

What can I expect as far as communication?
You  will want an agent who listens to your goals, explains and identifies  problems and answers all of your questions. Communication is key, so ask  your potential agent how he or she plans on informing you of issues or  concerns throughout the transaction as well as timelines and deadlines.

How do you get paid?
You  should also inquire about the fee structure and representation. Listing  agents earn a commission and are paid by the seller out of funds at the  close of escrow. Ask your agent to explain the process so you have a  better understanding of how it works. Your agent is a licensed  professional and is there to help and protect your best interests. 

Real estate transactions are usually the largest  financial investments in a person’s lifetime. Why wouldn't you use a  professional?

Real estate licensees that are members of the  National Association of REALTORS®, known more commonly as REALTORS®, are  bound by the Code of Ethics to treat all parties fairly and honestly  and to strive to preserve a higher degree of knowledge of the buying and  selling process.

In addition, your agent shoulders the  responsibility to protect your best interests and guide you every step  of the way throughout the buying process.

Here are a few examples of what you can expect your REALTOR® to assist you with:

• Completing a market analysis and market value assessment
• Listing your property in the MLS
• Advertising your property to buyers and other REALTOR®
• Assisting in the preparations to sell your home
• Interior assessment
• Exterior assessment
• Gathering community information
• Preparing the contract and any additional documents
• Helping negotiate any counter offers or other terms of sale
• Identifying buyer qualification
• Following the loan process
• Opening escrow and depositing earnest money
• Coordinating home inspections
• Evaluating inspection data and determining issues
• Obtaining home warranty policies
• Maintaining deadlines and timelines for performance from both parties
• Communicating with both parties throughout the transaction
• Conducting walkthroughs
• Determining if all negotiated items have been completed
• Reviewing the settlement statement prior to closing
• Confirming receipt of title insurance and commitment
• Coordinating the closing process
• Providing excellent service throughout the transaction
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Though  extensive, this list is just the foundation for successfully selling  your property. There are many more aspects to your transaction, making  it in your best interest to use a REALTOR®.