EXPOSURE, EXPOSURE, EXPOSURE

Throughout my long career in real estate there have been many changes.  One of the things that hasn't changed is what seller's want when selling their home....The highest possible price, in the shortest period of time, with the least amount of inconvenience to them.

My commitment to meet seller's expectations has taken a significant amount of time, money and additional training to learn and implement changes in the most effective ways to market residential real estate.  The professional designations I have earned bring you the most innovative and up to date ideas and technology available to market your home.

Once your home is listed it will immediately be entered into the Multiple Listing System of Indian River County.  Digital photographs of the interior and exterior of your home are downloaded to the internet.  Within days your listing, along with a virtual tour of your home, is available on the number one real estate website in the world - Realtor.com.

It is estimated that 98% of all people searching the web for homes will go to this site at least once.  Through my enhanced participation on this site, I am able to drive buyers to my listings by providing them with the information and photos they are seeking. I can monitor and report to you the number of times your home has been viewed and the inquiries received by email.  I will also follow up on each showing and give you feedback. Your REALTOR® should be able to give you a written marketing plan.  This will help assure you that your home will be advertised when and where you are told it will be.

Additionally, quality color brochures with photographs of your home are delivered to you to present to buyers viewing your home with REALTOR'S ® from other offices.  It has been said that the main job of a listing agent is to market your home to other agents, not to homebuyers.  I believe that I offer my sellers a unique edge here as well.  Since 1994, I have been actively involved in the local, state and national REALTOR®'s organizations. I have had the distinct pleasure of completing successful transactions with fellow professionals from all over the country.

THE RIGHT RELATIONSHIP

Timing, knowledge, understanding, shrewdness and finesse.  These are components of substantial value.  Those charging less generally do less. You should be aware of your REALTOR'S® advanced professional designations. The National Association of REALTORS® offers many valuable courses to enhance the knowledge REALTORS® receive in their initial licensing classes.  Just as you would expect your physician or attorney to keep up with the changes and advances in their profession, you should also expect this from your REALTOR®.  The knowledge I have gleaned from the courses necessary to be awarded my  professional designations has been invaluable to me in offering our sellers the best possible representation I can provide.  While I am on this subject, you might have noticed the term REALTOR® used instead of agent.  There is a BIG difference!  REALTORS® are real estate professionals who belong to the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics.  Not all real estate brokers and agents are REALTOR'S®.  To be sure you're working with one; look for the federally registered membership mark, REALTOR®.

I tell my clients that the right relationship with their REALTOR® during the process of selling their home is like a marriage.  You must have a level of trust, respect and cooperation.  It makes the process a lot smoother for everyone concerned.

CONDITION AND PRICING

In our initial meeting, I will tour both the inside and outside of your home.  I will also provide you with a list of the most recent sales of similar properties in your area.  This is called a competitive market analysis.  It mimics what the appraiser will do for your buyer in order for them to be able to conclude the sale.  Price adjustments are made for condition, so at this time we will discuss what repairs you are willing to make.  This will effect the price that you can achieve on the market.  The condition of your home will also effect your time on the market.  Remember that buyers, often with the help of virtual tours and the internet, have done a lot of research and in many cases are comparing your home with new model homes in the same price range.  Condition, curb appeal and cleanliness are right up there with location, location,  location in achieving the highest possible price for your home.

SHOWINGS

Within two weeks of hiring your REALTOR®, you will be at the maximum exposure in the market.  Your home should be in the MLS, print ads and on the internet.  If you've done your home-work, you will be at peak showing activity.  Buyers who have eliminated other homes will be anxious to see yours.  Out of town buyers on short home searches will be in town.  REALTORS® working as buyers representatives will be notifying their clients of your listing.  Your home needs to be as accessible to these potential buyers as possible.  That's sometimes inconvenient.  It is, however, important to show your home to as many qualified buyers as possible.  It encourages multiple offers, excitement and a sense of urgency to act and helps you achieve the highest possible price.  Ask your REALTOR® to provide a lockbox for easy access, keep pets in a contained area where possible and leave your home during showings.  In my experience, the longer a buyer can linger in a home, the more comfortable they feel about making an offer. Buyers won't linger or ask their REALTOR® questions if the seller is at home.  It makes them feel uneasy and it's difficult for them to "fall in love" in that mindset.

NEGOTIATING AND CLOSING

This is where the rubber grips the road and where so many for sale by owners fail to see a conclusion to their transaction.  Real estate paperwork is complex and takes time, effort and expertise.  It is important to know that your buyer is qualified for financing before you sign an agreement.  Once an agreement is signed it becomes a legally binding contract.  All details of the purchase should be included in this document and fully understood.  Disclosures required by law need to be included.  Many sellers think that price is the only issue.  However all the terms and conditions of the contract should be fully understood by both parties.  Details required to achieve a successful closing include, but are  not limited to: monitoring the loan process, attending inspections and coordinating repairs providing marketable title to the buyer, meeting with the appraiser and if necessary substantiating value, ordering a survey and attending association interviews, the walkthrough and closing. Hazard and flood insurance where required, are also details that must be attended to in order for the buyer to be able to close.  In Florida, homeowner's insurance is becoming increasingly more difficult and expensive to obtain.

Your REALTOR® should be able to facilitate this very important requirement being met.

WHERE TO START?

Choosing the right person to sell your home is one of the most important steps you are going to make with what may be your largest investment. Start by interviewing at least two or three Realtors® from different offices. Be ready with some questions and compare their answers.  Here are some questions that might help you:

1. How many years have you been in business?

2. How long have you sold homes in this area?

3. How many homes have you sold in the past year?

4. Do you have a written marketing plan?

5. Do you have any professional designations?

6. Are you a full time REALTOR®.

7. Can you give me the names and telephone numbers of other families who have used your services?

8. Will you calculate our total closing costs?

If you are thinking about selling your home, please contact me by email to schedule an appointment to discuss my services.