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Selling
When Selling a Home, a Realtor:
- Is bound by a Code of Ethics and pledges to protect and promote the interest of the buyer by providing fair treatment for all parties involved in the transaction.
- Is bound by a Code of Ethics and pledges to protect and promote the interest of the seller by providing fair treatment for all parties involved in the transaction.
- Is knowledgeable of the market and gives you the quickest exposure to the maximum number of buyers.
- Qualifies prospects as to their affordable price range and housing needs.
- Knows current real estate values and can help you set a realistic, competitive price. This skilled professional knows how to merchandise your home effectively.
- Is familiar with the local home-loan market and can help you determine whether seller-assisted financing may expedite your sale.
- Can figure the net proceeds from your sale, taking into account your outstanding loan balance, closing costs and possible owner financing.
- Can tap an even larger market through referrals and marketing techniques.
- Frees you from the problems associated with showing your home. The Realtor handles phone inquiries, appointments, showings and negotiations of the contract.
- Maintains objectivity in presenting offers and counter-offers.
- Can familiarize you with the closing procedures by explaining them all in advance.
Shouldn't You Be Using a Realtor?
TIPS FOR SELLING YOUR HOME
With a little preparation and the guidance of a professional real estate agent like Renee Z. Gatian, GRI/RRS, you can help make the sale of your home go much more smoothly. Key factors include setting the proper price, effective marketing, and making your home sparkle inside and out.
Inspect Your House
- Inspect your home and make any necessary repairs or renovations.
- Call Renée Z. Gatian, GRI/RRS to represent you.
- Tidy the exterior and give your home curb appeal.
- Thoroughly clean the interior and get rid of unneeded items.
Before putting your house on the market, a seller's inspection is highly recommended. The inspection can help identify previously unknown problems, as well as give you time to make any necessary repairs or renovations. Likewise, many states require sellers to disclose known problems with their house.
Consider hiring a professional home inspector, as they can often identify problems that are easily overlooked by a novice. Important things to look for include leaks, evidence of wood rot and wood-destroying pests, structural integrity and a thorough assessment of major systems such as the plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling systems.
Call Renée Z. Gatian, GRI/RRS to be your Agent
Renee can help you set an appropriate price, advertise and show the house to buyers, handle negotiations, draw up offers and coordinate the closing. In short, she can help you sell your home in less time, with less aggravation, and for more money.
This gives you an opportunity to hear Renee's plans for selling your property, as well as learn other important factors such as:
Information about the current market and comparable sales Plans for marketing the house, including advertising and open houses How long Renee has worked in the community, former clients, etc. How much money you'll net based on different selling prices.
Give Your Home "Curb Appeal"
Even if your home is in good shape, there are probably a few things you can do to make it really sparkle. This is what's known as "curb appeal," and experts agree that making a good first impression is a crucial factor in attracting buyers. Improving your home's curb appeal can be as easy as tidying up the yard, washing windows, touching up exterior paint or even adding a new bed of flowers.
Cleanliness and Clutter
Houses look a lot smaller if they're crammed full of belongings-and you can't just hide it in the garage either. Buyers like to imagine storage spaces full of their belongings, not yours. Get rid of clutter, and give the house a top-to-bottom cleaning. In particular, make sure the kitchens and bathrooms are immaculate. Buyers will notice right away if these rooms aren't spotless.
If you want to go the extra mile, you might even consider "staging" your house for showings. This can be as simple as adding houseplants and some decorative lamps, all the way to hiring an interior designer to bring in elaborate rugs, antique furniture and expensive artworks.
Getting Your House Ready Inside and Out
Exterior
- Mow the yard, trim hedges and edge sidewalks and driveways
- Wash the windows, and repair screens and shutters
- Clean oil spots from the driveway
- Pressure wash the outside, or touch up paint if necessary
- Keep the entryway attractive
Interior
- Remove clutter and dust all surfaces
- Touch-up paint scuffs
- Thoroughly clean the kitchen and bathrooms
- Mop floors, shampoo carpets and clean fireplaces
- Organize closets so they appear spacious as possible
- Clear out the garage by holding a sale or donating items to charity
- Make sure light switches and the doorbell work
- Store excessive photographs, trophies or other knick-knacks
- Consider adding plants or other items to "stage" your home
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