SELLERS GUIDE
YOUR HOME, YOUR FUTURE...MY COMMITMENT Selling Your Home With the Expert Help of
SHANNON PRAETORIUS
CONTENTS About Shannon Testimonials Sellers Process Pricing Your Property Overpricing Preparing Your Home - Tip Links Market Value Marketing Plan Marketing Online Finding a Buyer
MISSION
& Client Commitment YOUR HOME, YOUR FUTURE...MY COMMITMENT Customer Centric – help clients realize their real estate goals and dreams Focus – listen to clients’ needs and wants, and deliver on those Deliver – excellence through the real estate buying/selling process and follow-through during and after transaction closes. Motive – provide best experience possible, while developing a lasting relationship
Full time agent: available and quick responder. Follows through and updates accordingly throughout transaction and beyond. Provides due diligent pricing analysis & strategies for buyers and sellers. Operates for the best interested of clients (as buyer or seller). High knowledge base of Seattle urban neighborhoods – work and lived in many. Advertise in applicable publications to cast the widest net for buyers. Simplifies process for buyers and sellers, by mitigating risks and delivering solutions. Leverages technology to save time and energy. Provide exceptional customer service. Delivers timely responses to all contracts and customer requests.
ABOUT SHANNON Driven to Succeed I am focused on building strong relationships by honoring integrity, building trust, and providing outstanding customer service. I help customers realize their real estate dreams through a firm understanding of the real estate markets, knowledge of the downtown landscape and highly sought after urban neighborhoods. I am a compassionate trusted advisor who brings a collaborative team of professionals to every transaction. I listens to my clients’ needs and uniquely leverage technology to save them time and energy. As your real estate advisor, I will mitigate stress, resolve issues and effectively negotiate the transaction process.
Knowledge & Negotiating Skills In today's market, you need someone who knows the market and will work hard to meet your goals. My knowledge of the real estate market, negotiating skills, and ability to listen to clients' needs and desires make me a leader in my industry.
I Will Do Whatever It Takes I work hard to meet my clients goals. I strive to provide a transparent no stress process. I am confident that I will exceed your expectations while providing courteous and competent service. Customer and client satisfaction is first and foremost in my business.
I Am Your Resource Experience I am a full time, licensed, professional. I am also a Realtor and a member of the Washington Association of Realtors and the Seattle/King County Association of Realtors. I sell and list everything from Condo’s to mansions. I am a full-service broker dedicated to helping you realize your real estate goals and dreams.
I strive to be a resource to my clients long after they have settled into their homes. I have strong relationships with business professionals in many different trades and professions. I am able to serve as your trusted resource to all of your needs.
TESTIMONIALS WHAT MY CLIENTS ARE SAYING
Riad — Green Lake “Professional, conscientious, and motivated.” “Diligent pricing strategist – leading to excellent results.” “Outstanding advisor, marketing profiler, and pleasure to work with”. “Great communicator, easy to contact and prompt responder” “Demonstrated great understanding of contract language, negotiation etiquette and documentation.” “Best of all, Shannon is a Realtor who makes it her job to help you meet YOUR GOALS rather than her own!” ~ Estate Executor
Arnaud & Katherine — South Seattle “Friendly yet professional” Budget minded, passionate and professional” “Manages unexpected challenges, encourages when discouraged, listener and researcher.” “She made the buying process quick, easy and painless.” “She's is an amazing agent and an amazing person.” I highly recommend Shannon.” ~ Teachers, UW & French American School of Puget Sound
Carol — Belltown “Shannon did a great job helping me navigate all of the details of purchasing a condo.” “I'm convinced she would do the same for any client.” “Kept in almost daily touch to ensure and communicate things were moving forward.” ~Director, Corporate Performance, Seattle City Light
Emily & Josh — North Seattle “Shannon is our real estate angel :)” “She made our home buying process easy and breezy!” “My husband and I would highly recommend her.” ~Speech and Language, Lake WA Schools & Port of Seattle
Brooks — Queen Anne “Shannon made the buying process less stressful.” “Knowledgeable about the Seattle urban neighborhoods”. “Quick responder” “I highly recommend Shannon to anyone looking to buy in the Seattle area.” ~Paralegal, Gilead Sciences
Natalie — Western WA and Eastern WA “Shannon is professional, personal, punctual and knowledgeable.” “My dealings with her selling two homes and managing others have been fantastic.” “I highly recommend her for any of your real estate needs.” ~Aviation Sales, WS Wilson
Sherrie — Tri-Cities, WA “Shannon escalated the real estate experience to becoming my "Dream" Team.” “Facilitated a seamlessly process.” “Communicative, promptly responsive, and process expediter. “Knowledgeable of inspection types, resulting in mitigating costly mistakes.” “Puts her client’s interest above her own.” ”Leverages technology to streamline and expedite process.” ”Shannon makes a wonderful addition to any home purchase process.” ~Safety Manager, Bechtel
SELLING PROCESS OVERVIEW
If you’re in the market to sell, it’s probably time to clean house. Literally. Selling a home requires preparation, patience, and in most cases, good-old -fashioned elbow grease. From list to closing, we’ll walk you through the most important steps and terminology.
Representation
makes buyers uncomfortable to tour a home when the owners are in the next room, so for the sake of your sale, vacate your home for showThe job of a full-service real estate agent is to represent your best interings. ests through every step of the sales process. Your agent should listen to your needs and understand the market in which you are selling a home. Purchase And Sale Agreement They should be experts in marketing, negotiation, transaction forms, Once an offer on a property has been made by a buyer and accepted by and finance options, as well as have an understanding of technology the seller, they enter into a legal contract known as a Purchase and Sale and how it can enhance the marketing of your home. Agreement. This document outlines the specific terms and conditions Price of the transaction and is acknowledged by both parties by the signing of the document. Determining the right price is hands-down the most important part of achieving the highest return in the least amount of time. There are a lot Inspection of factors that go into determining a home’s market value, such as the Once a buyer and seller reach mutual acceptance on a property, a sales price of nearby homes that have recently sold, the listing price of home inspector is hired to investigate every nook and cranny to detersimilar homes that are currently on the market, as well as the condition mine if the home is in need of any repairs. An inspector will check and location of a home. In your agent will provide a comparable market items, such as the roof, basement, heating system, water heater, airanalysis which walks you through what your home is worth – and why. conditioning system, structure, plumbing, and electrical. Afterwards, Prep Work buyers will have a chance to negotiate with the sellers to cover the costs of certain repairs or to ask for concessions. First impressions are key when selling a home, so before the ‘for sale’ sign goes up, put in the time to make sure it’s in ship shape. Fresh Negotiation paint, clean closets, and cheery flowers – there’s a lot you can do to Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, negotiation is the key to getting the make even the most humble of abodes look like a million bucks. Check best deal. Negotiations can involve everything from settling on a sales out our Get Ready To Sell checklist for a list of ideas and tips. price to concessions and financing. Marketing Your Home Escrow Creating a plan to market your home will help attract the interest of the Once the offer is accepted and a closing date agreed upon, escrow alright buyer. Today, the vast majority of homebuyers use the internet in lows the buyer and the seller to have an outside party ensure all parts their home search, so your marketing plan should include focused of the contact are complete. online activities, in addition to print advertising and open houses. Closing Home Showings At closing, all the paperwork is signed by the buyer and seller, both Showings are an inconvenient, yet necessary part of the home selling parties pay any settlement fees and the documents are officially recordprocess. When your home is on the market it has the potential to be ed. Prior to closing, you'll receive a settlement statement outlining any shown at any time, so it's important to maintain a certain level of cleanfees which may apply to you. liness; clear dishes from the sink, make beds, put away dirty laundry, and vacuum and dust regularly. It's also a good idea to clear out; it
Preparing Your Home GREAT FIRST IMPRESSION
Property Enhancement The first step to selling your home is to make it show it’s best. We will walk through your home together at the beginning of the process and get an idea of what you need to do to get ready. This can range from simply arranging your belongings to remodeling in some cases. Each home and seller is unique and there is no cookie cutter answer to what it takes to prepare a home for sale.
Some Things We Might Discuss: Purging You are moving anyway so you may as well start packing! If you plan on taking things to charity then now is the time. It may make sense at this point to start packing away extra clothes and things you don’t need on a day to day basis to help de-clutter your home for showing. And you may need to do a dump run or two in the process.
Staging I utilize many methods to help in this arena. This can mean simply arranging your things to make your home show it’s best. It can also mean bringing in a Feng Shui expert to consult and light staging from my inventory of staging supplies and furniture. In some cases, when a home is empty, sellers opt for full staging of their property.
Repairs There will be small or medium repairs that are recommended. These are usually things you’ve been “meaning to take care of” for a long time. They are things that distract from the charm and livability of your home. We want a buyer to feel comfortable and concentrate on how much they love your home, not on that unsightly torn vinyl or unpainted wall. These are usually low cost things you can do yourself or hire a handyman to help with.
Remodeling In some cases a seller is better off making more costly improvements to increase the value or salability of their home. In all cases we will weigh carefully the cost vs benefit of any home improvement you make. I will never recommend you do anything that won’t get you more money or make it more likely that you get a buyer for your home.
Preparing Your Home Preparing for Sale
Preparing your House for Sale A clean, neat home in need of few or no repairs will sell faster, and at a higher price, than one that is showing wear and tear. To give your home its best possible presentation, perform a mini-makeover or have your home professionally staged before it’s shown to potential buyers. as your Windermere agent, I can do a final walkthrough with you to make sure no details have been overlooked. Here’s a list of tips that will help you make your home more attractive. Some of the items below will be part of a buyer’s inspection and may need to be repaired or replaced as part of the transaction. I will discuss these important items with you to help make a well- informed decision. Once your home is ready to show, as your Windermere agent, I will begin marketing it to potential buyers and other sales associates. If possible, leave the home when buyers are present so they feel comfortable asking their agent candid questions.
Repairs, Cleaning Check list, and Moving Check list —> READ MORE Other helpful tips include: • Remove pets. Take them with you or keep them penned in the yard or garage. • Open shades and curtains to let in light. • Turn on enough lights so the home is well-lit. • Remove clutter from tables and bookshelves. Neatness makes rooms seem larger. • Put away items in the yard such as garden tools, bicycles and toys. • Light a fire in the fireplace to create a cozy atmosphere. • Grind up part of a lemon in the disposal to add a fresh smell to the kitchen. Keep radios and TVs off, or on low volume. Keep money and other valuables, as well as prescription drugs, out of sight.
Purchase and Sale Agreement This is the contract in which the buyer and seller enter into outlining the details of the property transfer. The purchase and sale agreement usually consist of the following: Earnest money receipt Financing addendum inspection addendum Conditions/disclosure addendum Contingency addendum—when appropriate
Addendum outlining special conditions Lead-based paint notification—when appropriate In selected areas, the following forms will also be part of your agreement: Agency disclosure Property disclosure form completed by the property seller
PROPERTY PRICING
THE MARKET DECIDES
Pricing and Strategy If you are selling your home, you want the best possible price and terms. The idea is to get the maximum price and the best terms during the window of time when your home is being marketed. My goal is to get you where you need to be in a timely manner. Comparable Market Analysis aka CMA I pride myself on keeping a close eye on the market by gathering and analyzing statistics on a regular basis. The Comparative Market Analysis will provide you with the information needed to make an educated decision about pricing your home. The CMA Consists of: Comparable photos and detailed listing reports on current competition. Market statistics illustrating supply and demand. A broad picture of your competition. Net proceed estimates. The Role of a Real Estate Agent in Pricing I don’t tell you your home’s value, the market makes that determination. There is no “exact price” for real estate. We don’t tell you what we think your home is “worth”. The market determines value - together we determine pricing strategy. I will educate you on the current market arming you with the knowledge to make sound pricing decisions. You Determine the Price Based on the Factors You Control Timing. Condition of the property. Exposure methods. Overpricing — what are the effects You will lose the excitement that a new listing generates You will lose the most qualified prospects Overpricing helps sell other, more competitively priced homes first It’s all about leverage — buyers will not rush to make an offer on an over priced listing. I know the market! — pricing your home correctly is critical and will make a tremendous effect on the bottom line. Consumer Reports Says , you should expect a Broker to suggest a price range. There is a term for a broker who will suggest a very high price. This term is buying the listing. MARKET VALUE— UNDERSTANDING THE FACTORS Determinations - The existing pool of prospective buyers determines a property’s value based upon: Location, amenities, size and condition, Availability of comparable and economic conditions. Little or No Influence - Factors that have little or no influence on the market value of a house include: The price the seller originally paid, net proceed expectations, the amount spent on improvements The value of your property is determined by what a BUYER is willing to pay in TODAY’S MARKET based on COMPARING YOUR PROPERTY to others currently for sale in the market.
MARKETING PLAN PREPARE YOUR HOME
Making a Great First Impression Some Things We Might Discuss: Property Enhancement Purging Staging Repairs Remodeling Marketing Plan — Comprehensive & Aggressive
Pre-title Commitment Pre-market Repairs & Staging Pricing Branded Yard Sign Web Strategy - Personalized Home Website Multiple Listing Service (MLS) Tours Flyer/Flyer Posting/Postcards Special Feature Cards - “Silent Talkers” Agent Feedback Weekly Contact Details Management Lock Box Weekly Sales Meeting Professional Photography Photo Gallery and Video
On-Line Marketing
Where People Search Advanced Online Marketing Social Media—Multi-Channel Integration and Information Sweeps Leverage Technology
FINDING A BUYER IT’S COMPLICATED
YOUR HOME, YOUR FUTURE...MY COMMITMENT Are We a Good Fit Over 25 years of business and project management experience in the corporate technology industry – I am focused on building strong relationships by honoring integrity, building trust, and providing outstanding customer service. What I bring - Integrity, tech knowledge, superior customer service and expert negotiation skills. What I mean by that… Integrity – I deliver on what I promise, help set expectations and clearly communicate, and honor your privacy. Leverage Technology – I listen to my clients’ needs and uniquely leverage technology to save them time and energy. Multichannel communicator and able to tailor to your communication style/preferences. As an example, search, email, text, on-line repositories, signing tools and leading technology apps. Customer Service – it’s about the relationship the journey, your next chapter and/or investment. Real estate is personal - It's about your next chapter, where your memories unfold. Home buying and selling is a journey…it’s where you – Live, Love and thrive. Your home, Your future, My commitment. I have a passion for helping others - I work hard to meet my client’s goals. I strive to provide a transparent no stress solution to a complex process. Customer and client satisfaction is my priority. As a Seattle native of 20 years, I have a firm understanding of the real estate markets, knowledge of the downtown landscape and highly sought after urban neighborhoods. – i.e., walkable staircases, shops, restaurants, professional and fact knowledge to help you find the right property.
Understand and communicate contract language Certified and strategic negotiation expert – write clean and tight contract language. Compassionate trusted advisor with a portfolio of professional resources. Problem solver – solves problems and delivers solutions, process management and mitigate risks. Corporate Team Member - achieved highest awards for; project management, diligence and dedication, software development and deployment, system integration and process improvement, resource and out of the box thinker, problem solving and customer services.
SHANNON PRAETORIUS
For more information please visit my website: shannonPhomes@gmail.com (206) 849-3909 ShannonPRE.com
Full Publication @ shannonpre.com/selling/