Preparing to Sell Your Home
Thoughtfully prepared by: Amy Heath, Realtor®
"A home is one of the most important assets that most people will ever buy. Homes are also where memories are made and you want to work with someone you can trust.”
– Warren Buffett Chairman and CEO Berkshire Hathaway Inc.
Thank you for considering me and my company to interview for the job of selling your home. I know you have many choices, however, I’m confident my proven, local expertise, combined with the unmatched resources of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Troth, REALTORS®, will help ensure you obtain the highest sales price and best terms for your property.
As a local REALTOR® for over 20 years, I am confident in my abilities, backed by the strength of my company, to successfully assist in the sell of your home.
This proposal outlines the steps we will take, and begins identifying the data we’ll use to achieve success together. We'll review the selling process and answer any questions you may have. In reviewing my comprehensive marketing program, you will see I’ll balance a strong online presence with tireless networking to drive buyers to your property. With my experience, I know how to market your home’s appeal to a wide range of prospective buyers.
I truly appreciate the opportunity to successfully represent you in the sale of your home.
Sincerely,
Amy
Heath
Two companies; founded on integrity and focused on customer service. Here's why we are good to know.
Who We Are
A Name Revered Worldwide
I would want to be associated with somebody where the financial strength was unquestioned and where the name stood for integrity What other quality would you want that Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices does not have? I don't think you could find one
Warren Buffett Chairman and CEO Berkshire Hathaway, Inc
No Introduction Needed
Aligning with one of the most powerful names in business can make all the difference when presenting your home to buyers
When our name goes on a real estate sign, it means something. It’s a promise of trust, integrity, stability, longevity and the highest standards of work And we don’t take that promise lightly. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is the name buyers and sellers trust.
MATTERS REPUTATION
Real Estate's Forever Brand
At Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Troth, REALTORS®, we recognize that life has many stages. From big, loud moments you'll always remember, to quiet, small moments you'll never forget.
From the first home you'll ever buy to the one home you'll have forever
The forever value within our brand means that we're not here to just help you during one real estate transaction As trusted advisors, we extend value, skills and advice not only before or after a transaction, but also throughout your entire life
No matter where you find yourself in life, Your Forever Agent® will be there.
A Network Like No Other
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc is universally admired for its great brands, superior products, and strong leadership This stature extends to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, which has a globally respected reputation, extensive international networking connections, and a sound financial foundation We thrive on helping buyers find their perfect home, whether around the corner, across the country, or abroad
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is part of a larger organization, HomeServices of America This relationship allows us and our clients to benefit from their strength, stability, and steady growth
H O M E S E R V I C E S O F A M E R I C A ® L O C A L R E A L E S T A T E W O R L D W I D E
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Troth, REALTORS®
Founded in 1957 on the timeless values that honesty, trust and integrity are the foundation of all successful business relationships.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Troth, REALTORS® Pledge:
Always put the interest of our clients ahead of our own Guide our actions by the highest ethical standards Build upon the excellent reputation of our founder, Byron W Troth.
Only have associated with our organization Realtors dedicated to our profession and willing to make a difference
Provide superior services by consistently improving our knowledge and skill through education
Enhance our services to the client through the use of technology and by developing new and innovative marketing strategies
Be an organization where personal development, teamwork and creativity is promoted and encouraged Uphold all equal housing opportunity laws Reinvest our time, energy and resources into the community which we serve
Amy Heath
I am a full-time Real Estate Professional serving Northern Los Angeles County. My experience in real estate sales includes traditional sales, new construction, foreclosures and short sales. I hold numerous designations including Certified Residential Specialist, Relocation Specialist, Military Relocation Specialist and New Home Specialist I put the needs and goals of my clients ahead of all others and take pride in creating satisfied clients
Proud mom to two girls, Brooke and Lauren
An active member of the community
A full-time Realtor® of 21 years
Active in the PTA and other community organizations
A top producer with $8,224,000 in sales volume for 2021
Awarded "Leading Edge Society" in 2021 representing the top 12% of BHHS agents nationwide
In the top 5% of all GAVAR members for sales volume
Awarded both the “Top Listing Agent” and the “Associate of the Year” bronze award for 2009, “Top Listing Agent” silver award for 2010, 2011 & 2012 and “Top Listing Agent” bronze award for 2015 & 2016
Over the years I have continued my real estate education I have completed the required courses to become a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) in 2004, Corporate Mobility Specialist in 2003, Certified New Home Specialist in 2005 and Military Relocation Specialist in 2020
Reputation Matters
When making one of the biggest decisions of your life, reputation matters. I am honored to received reviews like the one below.
"Simply the best. Amy is fantastic to work with, and she brings incredible value and peace of mind to anyone who may be apprehensive about the process! As my selling agent, she gave great advice and was able to list my Palmdale home in the Antelope Valley market AND Santa Clarita market, which ended up yielding us multiple offers quickly. The photographer/videographer that she contracted did such an impressive job, I'm convinced that it added significant value to selling price! Amy exceeded every expectation as our realtor!"
- Charlie Escher, Zillow.com
"Amy is extremely knowledgeable of the antelope area, the current market and what was required to to make my house stand out She contracted a professional photographer who took amazing photos of my house Amy made sure the photographer captured all the upgrades that I had done, to include capturing the amazing view Amy always made herself available and answered all my questions She helped me understand the process and took time to explain further when she noticed I was confused She was part of the entire process and I love that she stayed involved from beginning to end I loved having Amy as my Realtor because not only is she knowledgeable but she cares. Thank you for being awesome."
- Bertha Aldaco, Zillow.com
"This is the 3rd time having Amy as my realtor Once again she exceeded expectations. She never stops. We actually fell out of escrow on this sale, but Amy was very responsive and had another buyer lined up within a day Everything went as scheduled and I closed escrow with little worry, and more money in my pocket when the sale recorded BTW, Amy is my family realtor. She has helped my daughters family secure their home as well as my granddaughters first home I highly recommend Amy for your real estate needs."
- James Dewitt, Zillow.com
Click here to read more of my reviews on my Zillow page
Reputation Matters
"Amy Heath always provides friendly and knowledgeable service Her ability to find all of our answers is second to none, even with the most difficult transactions. I have worked with her for many years not only as our personal Real Estate Agent, but also professionally as I spent 2 decades in the mortgage industry. She has always gone above and beyond for her clients as well as her partners in business I will continue to give Amy my business and refer her to friends and family!"
- Melissa Freiberg, Zillow.com
"I’ve used Amy twice now to sell a home recommenced her to a good friend that was able to sell her house when previously other was unable to do so. Always excellent job well done. Kept up with any questions from buyers, gave great advise on changes and fixes needed before we listed our home. Sent everything needed to sign in a timely manner. Very versed in all points of sale Very happy with all a job well done "
- Lana Palumbo, Zillow.com
"Amazing Amy She handled the sale of our old house and purchase of our new with ease, minimizing the stress of multiple contingencies and ensuring the smoothest possible transition She was responsive and timely, always in a manner both professional and personable. Having been through this process a few times over the past 30 years, we speak from experience, and hold Amy in the highest regard "
- J. Morris, Zillow.com
"We have used Amy multiple times. This time is was for the sale of our home Just like the times before she was right on point and the process was smooth. She was available both day and night for any questions, but more impressively was willing to go the extra mile in the end to ensure that we were satisfied Thank you Amy for your professionalism "
- Seller, Zillow.com
Click here to read more of my reviews on my Zillow page
Reputation Matters
"Amy was absolutely fantastic! I bought and sold my house in Palmdale with her help She was very attentive to what I was looking for and spent two days looking at various houses in the area based on my desires When I sold my house, she was very assertive with listing and marketing the home. She held multiple open houses in order to receive as much attention as possible When the house sold, it closed in under two weeks due to her being able to coordinate the paperwork so quickly and efficiently. She also helped setup any additional repairs with contractors based on minor fixes that came up during the inspection. I highly recommend Amy as your realtor whether you are purchasing or selling a home Absolutely great to work with "
- Seller/Buyer, Zillow.com
"Amy was recommended to us by a friend whose home she had recently sold We couldn’t be more pleased with the job Amy did for us She had a professional photographer come in and take beautiful pictures and a video of our home She always made sure we knew when prospective buyers were coming to look at it ahead of time, which was very important to us. She kept us apprised of even the smallest details or news, which we so appreciated!! She returned all phone calls she was unable to answer at the time very quickly, which in our experience, hasn’t been the case with other realtors. We feel we got top dollar for our home, and it sold very quickly We would highly recommend her to anyone selling or buying a home!"
- Shar S., Zillow.com
"Amy is the best!! My wife and I turned to the right person when we decided to sell our home of 27 years She gave us sugggestions and we followed through with them with her help She gave us some recommendations for a cleaning lady and a gardner, they worked wonders on our old house and the gardner, is currently maintaining our yard at the new house She helped us sell our house in 3 days, and while we were not expecting that quick of a sell, we were very happy Amy helped us find our new house and we are very happy here If you want a agent who listens and cares Amy is your person!!"
- Gregory S., Zillow.com
Click here to read more of my reviews on my Zillow page
Selling Your Home
Aligning your goals with the homeselling process.
Let's Set the Foundation
We begin by matching your objectives and priorities with the process of marketing and selling your house.
The first three steps toward selling your house are:
1 Clarifying and prioritizing your expectations
2 Defining the story of your house and neighborhood
3 Agreeing on a process how we’ll work together
Setting Expectations
Let’s review and prioritize the following topics to help us understand what’s most important to you in the sale of your property.
Communication
How often do you prefer we talk? What’s your preferred method for communicating?
Motivation
Why are you selling your home at this time?
Time frame
How soon must you sell your home?
Price
Within what range do you expect to sell your home?
Homeselling Decisions
Tell me about other possible factors affecting your decision to sell now
Marketing Plan
What aspects of marketing and advertising your home most interest you?
Previous Homeselling Experience
What was the most important thing you learned the last time you sold your home?
Defining Unique Selling Points
You know your home best. Let’s discuss how we’ll market its special features and location in the surrounding neighborhood.
Most Appealing Features
What attracted you to buy this house?
Least Appealing Features
What do you like least about this home?
Differentiating Features
What makes this property unique from similar properties?
Updates and Renovations
Have you made any improvements to the property since you bought it?
The Neighborhood
What do you regard as the most attractive features of the surrounding neighborhood?
Special Terms or Conditions
The Steps to SOLD
Selling a home typically includes the following elements. I will be your resource and guide through every step from 'Just Listed' to 'Sold'.
Initial Consultation
Determine your needs and priorities
Discuss a customized Marketing Plan
Establish Pricing Strategy
Design and Implement Our Marketing Plan
Complete home enhancement recommendations
Carry out scheduled marketing activities
Show the property to brokers and prospective “qualified” buyers
Communicate with you on a regular basis
Monitor results of marketing activities
Modify Marketing Plan and Pricing Strategy as necessary
Review Offer and Reach Agreement with Buyer
Buyer’s real estate professional presents offer
Discuss and clarify proposed terms and conditions
Negotiation; possible counter offers
Reach final agreement
Complete Settlement Process
Deposit of buyer’s earnest money
Sign documents
Title search, preliminary title report to buyer inspections
Removal of remaining contingencies
Buyer’s final walk-through of property
Loan funding/balance of funds from buyer
Recording of title
Relocation of seller, possession of property by buyer
After-sale Services
Help you find your next home or relocation, as needed
Provide resources for other after-sale homeowner needs
Knowing Today's Buyer
Characteristics of Home Buyers
First-time buyers made up 34% of all home buyers, an increase from last year's 31%.
The typical first-time buyer was 33 years old this year, while the typical repeat-buyer age rose to an all-time high of 56 years old
11% of home buyers purchased a multi-generational home, to take care of aging parents, because of children over the age of 18 moving back home, and for cost-saving
14% of recent home buyers were veterans and 3% were active-duty service members.
Where buyers found the home they purchased:
Internet: 51%
Real estate agent: 28%
Yard sign/open house sign: 4%
Friend, relative, or neighbor: 6%
Home builder or their agent: 6%
Directly from sellers/Knew the sellers: 3%
Print newspaper advertisement: 1%
Characteristics of Homes Purchased
Most recent buyers who purchased new homes were looking to avoid renovations and problems with plumbing or electricity at 36% Buyers who purchased previously-owned homes were most often considering a better overall value at 38%.
Buyers typically purchased their homes for 100% of the asking price, with 29% purchasing for more than the asking price
The typical home that was recently purchased was 1,900 square feet, had three bedrooms and two bathrooms, and was built in 1993.
Convenience to family and friends was the second most important factor in influencing neighborhood choice after quality of the neighborhood, surpassing convenience to jobs and affordability, which were more important last year
**Source: 2021 National Association of REALTORS® Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers
Marketing Your Home
we will advertise, optimize and communicate.
How
Our Comprehensive Marketing Plan
Selling your property means careful orchestration of advertising, marketing and public relations. Using the information we know about Buyers that we just reviewed, our goal is to reach precisely the right target audience through key local, national and interactive media. No other real estate company comes close.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ brand recognition is a standout and we’re unsurpassed in the field of marketing and design services. Our professional Marketing Department is located in-house, available to assist in the customized marketing of your home.
The National Association of REALTORS statistics show that 93% of home buyers use the internet to help them with their home search *
*Source: NAR 2019 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers
The Marketing Plan
Our marketing plan for your home is built on three activities:
Pre-Marketing | First Impressions
The current condition of your home and the first impression it makes carry enormous financial weight in the marketing of your property. To maximize the value of your property, we will walk through your home with you to create a pre-marketing list of items to be done These may include any of the following:
Power wash and touch up paint
Sweep or power wash the sidewalk and entryway
Make sure the windows are washed
Declutter and tidy up messy areas, including closets
Remove any personal items, such as photos, valuables, and prescription drugs
Promote To Prospective Buyers
Yard Sign
Online - MLS, 3rd Party (Zillow, Redfin, etc )
Professional Photography
Social Media
Video and Mobile
Open Houses
Print Advertising
Global exposure through BHHS Network
Market to Other Real Estate Professionals
The Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Network
Referral and relocation resources
Multiple Listing Service (MLS)
Direct promotion to other real estate professionals
Open house for industry real estate professionals
MLS and Online Exposure
At BHHS Troth, REALTORS® we will not only input your listing into our local MLS, but into the larger CRMLS, which will get exposure to buyers over a large region of California. Our extensive syndication network automatically pulls information from the MLS and feeds your property to the most viewed real estate sites in the world.
California Regional Multiple Listing Service (CRMLS) is the nation’s largest and most recognized subscriber-based multiple listing service They serve more than 110,000 real estate professionals from 41 Associations, Boards, and MLS organizations.
Online & Local Marketing
Professional Photography
The photography of your home will highlight your property’s features to attract buyers searching for a home like yours
Advanced Video Marketing
Video is one of the most popular forms of content in the world. A professional, quality-branded video can be created and distributed to potential buyers highlighting your homes' unique features
Online and Print Marketing
Our in-house Marketing Department is available to create custom, professionally designed online and print materials that will showcase your home in the best possible way Your home will also receive its own website
Local Digital Advertisement
Consumers are mobile and so are we In addition to the national marketing campaign, our digital advertising efforts will continue locally with a geotargeted campaign to prospective buyers
Professional Social Media Network
• Facebook: @BHHSTroth
• Instagram: @bhhstroth realtors
Your Home's Website
Your home will be given a property website where all professional photos, video and property information will be showcased.
Marketing Materials
Coming Soon Marketing
A behind-the-scenes look at your home before it even hits the market Your home will be advertised to our agents who may have a buyer interested long before we even go on the market.
Marketing Materials
Just Listed Email Marketing
A grand entrance to showcase your property to the Real Estate Community.
New Listing eBlast Announcements are eye-catching, informative and emailed directly to the local real estate community for maximum marketing exposure
Interactive links allow the recipient to learn more about your home with just one click
EBlast announcements feature
•Property photos
•Property address and price
•Detailed description of your h
•Property links
•Contact information
Marketing Materials
Online Marketing - Just Listed, Open House
In addition to the Adwerx ads that will run online, your property will be advertised as 'Just Listed', 'Open House', etc on both my online social media channels and also the BHHS Troth, REALTORS® social media pages.
Marketing Materials
Direct Mail - Just Listed Postcards
Direct mail pieces are a great way to advertise your property to the surrounding area These custom-designed cards showcase your property providing all the necessary information to attract buyers to your home
Online Digital Advertising
By listing your property with BHHS Troth, REALTORS® your property will get powerful digital marketing through our exclusive relationship with CHALK Digital. These ads get shown directly to potential Buyers in the area.
CHALK digital uses anonymous online data to target ads for your home toward local people who are potential buyers This includes people who have searched for homes, used mortgage calculators, searched for moving companies, etc Ads for your home follow potential buyers everywhere they go on the web.
Online Digital Advertising
CHALK Digital sends daily marketing reports to show the results of your home's ad.
The World is Watching Your Home
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices utilizes an elite network of powerful relationships, along with modern, effective tools to bring together buyers and sellers. The buyer for your home may emerge from outside your local market or region To provide you with the largest return on your investment, your home must be exposed to the greatest number of prospective buyers We reach up to 6 million unique users monthly through our syndication network Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network listings appear before a highly affluent audience around the world.
When selling your home, we deliver maximum exposure to the right audience.
The world’s a big place and, for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ global listing syndication, we will be where the action is We frequently evaluate our syndication alliances and geographic targets to place network listings in front of the greatest number of high-net-worth consumers seeking homes in the U S
Our global website, BerkshireHathawayHS com, gives international shoppers a robust search experience of U S real estate translatable in 12 languages
Our global syndication strategy capitalizes consumer preferences and search patterns to keep Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network listings in front of the world’s serious and qualified home buyers
How to determine the value of your home.
Establishing a Pricing Strategy
Understanding Market Value
Pricing your home for the current market is important for maximum exposure and a satisfactory sale
The existing pool of prospective buyers determines a property’s value, based on:
Location, design, amenities and condition
Availability of comparable (competing) properties.
Economic conditions that affect real property transactions
Factors that have little or no influence on the market value of a house include:
The price the seller originally paid for the property
The seller’s expected net proceeds
The amount spent on improvements
The impact of accurate pricing:
Properties priced within market range generate more showings and offers, and sell in a shorter period of time
Determine Your Home's Market Value
An impartial evaluation of market activity is the most effective way to estimate a property’s potential selling price
I can provide a Comparative Market Analysis, which considers competing properties that:
• Have recently sold.
This shows us what buyers in this market have paid for properties similar to yours
• Are currently on the market.
This shows us what kind of properties will be competing with yours for the attention of available buyers.
• Failed to sell.
Understanding why these properties did not sell can help us avoid disappointment in the marketing of your property
Know the Dangers of Overpricing
An asking price that is beyond market range can adversely affect the marketing of a property
• Marketing time is prolonged and initial marketing momentum is lost.
• Fewer buyers will be attracted and fewer offers received
• The property attracts “lookers” and helps competing houses look better by comparison
• If a property does sell above true market value, it may not appraise and the buyers may not be able to secure a loan
• The property may eventually sell below market value
How to ensure your home is ready for buyers.
Preparing Your Home for Sale
You are Key to a Successful Sale
No one has a more important role in the homeselling process than you Here are some ways your participation can contribute to a successful sale:
• Maintain the property in ready-to-show condition
• Ensure that the house is easily accessible to real estate professionals (lock box and key)
• Try to be flexible in the scheduling of showings
• When you are not at home, let me know how you can be reached in case an offer is received
• If approached directly by a buyer who is not represented by a real estate professional, please contact me Do not allow them into the property unescorted
• In case of a last minute showing, always remove or lock up valuables, jewelry, cash and prescription medications
Know How Buyers View Your Home
It is important for a property to make the best possible impression on prospective buyers The following can interfere with a buyer's appreciation of a property:
Exterior:
• Clutter
• A lawn in need of mowing
• Untrimmed hedges and shrubs
• Dead and dying plants
• Grease or oil spots on the driveway
• Peeling paint
• Anything that looks old or worn
Interior:
•Worn carpets and drapes
• Dirty windows, kitchen, baths
• Clutter
• Pet and smoking odors
• Peeling paint, smudges or marks on walls
Always Show Your Home at its Best
These tips can help your home make the best impression when previewed by sales professionals or shown to prospective buyers:
Exterior:
• Remove toys, newspapers, yard tools and other clutter
• Tidy up and pick up after pets
• Park vehicles in the garage or on the street, leaving the driveway clear
• Add color with flowers and potted plants.
Interior:
•Make beds, clean up dishes and empty wastebaskets
• Remove clutter throughout and put away toys
• Set out “show towels” in bath
• Freshen the air with potpourri or by baking bread, deodorize pet areas and set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature
• Do a quick vacuuming and dusting
• Arrange fresh flowers throughout the house
• Turn on the fireplace (when appropriate)
• Play soft background music
Thank you
I hope you ’ ve enjoyed the insights and information in this presentation and I look forward to working with you on this next chapter of your life
Your Real Estate Trusted Advisor,
©2022 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHS Troth, REALTORS do not guarantee accuracy of all data If your property is currently listed with a Broker, this is not intended as a solicitation Equal Housing Opportunity DRE# 00829744
Experience Matters
In addition to working throughout the Antelope Valley and Santa Clarita Valley, I also specialize in the New West Neighborhood, representing 17 Sellers and 3 Buyers.
Listings:
5646 Regent Hill Terrace
40726 Whitecliff Way
40632 Wimbledon Ct.
5630 Regent Hill Terrace
40413 Tiger Way
5519 Las Brisas Terrace
40624 Wimbledon Court
5600 Regent Hill Terrace
40471 Snake Lane
40624 Whitecliff Way
40801 Las Piedras Terrace
40816 Los Amores Court
5532 Regent Hill Terrace
5654 Bienveneda Terrace
40610 Wimbledon Court
40624 55th St West
5559 Bienveneda Terrace
Buyer Side:
40610 Wimbledon Ct.
40475 Tiger Way
5654 Bienveneda Terrace