Heather seller guide

HOME SELLER’s GUIDE PRESENTED BY: Heather Doughton

Bosshardt Realty | SELLER’S GUIDE TO REAL ESTATE

ABOUT

Heather Doughton I have been a full-time real estate professional in Gainesville for over 20 years. I bring passion, commitment, and extensive local market knowledge to each and every real estate transaction. With customer service, dedication and professional standards as my guide, I work diligently for my customers to help them accomplish their buying and selling goals. My motto is, "Building customers and friends for life."

Giving back to the community is paramount to me, which is why I am proud to be a part of the Bosshardt Team. Bosshardt Realty has been active in the North Central Florida community for more than 30 years and supports over 100 local charities.

When I am not working with buyers and sellers, or helping out in a community event, a safe bet would be to find me with my grandchildren or entertaining other family members and friends at my home on Kanapaha Prairie.

HeatherDoughton@gmail.com 352-514-7557

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONTENTS 1 WHY SELL A HOME NOW? 2 IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS 3 PRICING IT RIGHT 4 PRE - LISITING CHECKLIST 5 REASONS A HOME SELLS 6 STAGING YOUR HOME 7 PROMOTION OF YOUR HOME 8 BROKER COMPENSATION 9 FOR SALE BY OWNER 11 THE SELLING PROCESS 12 LEADINGRE 13 ABOUT BOSSHARDT 14 THE BOSSHARDT WAY 15 BOSSHARDT REALTY Bosshardt Realty | SELLER’S GUIDE TO REAL ESTATE

1 | WHY SELL A HOME NOW?

WHY SELL A HOME NOW? DEMAND IS STRONG

COMPETITION IS LOW

The millennial generation, now in their prime household formation and home-buying years, is driving the surge in buyer demand. While inventory is expected to experience a modest uptick, it is anticipated to remain constrained, further fueling this heightened demand.

The housing supply remains fairly low in our market, unable to meet the robust demand from prospective buyers. This creates an advantageous market for you to sell, as escalating demand has driven home prices upward. Seize the opportunities presented by these conditions while they persist.

UPGRADE OR DOWNSIZE If you have been wanting to move to a home with more square footage, or a home with premium amenities, now is the time! Conversely, empty nesters might consider downsizing as their children move out, seeking a smaller, more manageable home.

Bosshardt Realty | SELLER’S GUIDE TO REAL ESTATE

LIFE EVENTS There are many life events that can prompt the need for a change in living arrangements. In such cases, selling your home may be a practical step to adapt to the new circumstances and ensure financial stability.

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS | 2

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS

1 2 3 4

FACTORS IN THE SALE When preparing to sell your property, consider whether achieving the highest possible price or a quicker sale aligns better with your goals.

Balancing your priorities between price and timing will ensure you make an informed decision that suits your unique circumstances and aspirations as a homeowner.

SELECTING A BROKERAGE When choosing a real estate brokerage to assist in selling your property, prioritize those with extensive local market knowledge and a successful transaction history. A great agent communicates well, providing clear updates and strategic insights to optimize your property sale.

MAJOR OBSTACLES Do you anticipate any major obstacles arising during the sale of your property? Anticipating and proactively addressing potential issues can streamline the selling process and ensure a successful transaction for both you and potential buyers

LEGAL & FINANCIAL READINESS If there are any known liens or legal issues with your home, it's important to address them before listing the property. It's also wise to consult with a tax professional and to plan for capital gains taxes, if applicable.

Bosshardt Realty | SELLER’S GUIDE TO REAL ESTATE

3 | PRICING IT RIGHT

PRICING STRATEGY I will complete a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) for your home. This is a crucial step in determining the appropriate listing price for a property. It involves comparing your property to similar homes that have recently sold or are currently on the market to determine its current market value.

Gather Property Details: I will collect detailed information about the property, including its size, number of bedrooms, bathrooms, lot size, and any unique features and recent upgrades.

Identify Comparable Properties: My CMA includes recently sold properties in the same neighborhood or area that are similar in size, features, and condition to your property. I include sales from all real estate companies and I refer to public records in addition to MLS. Sold Listings: The best measure of value is sold properties. I examine recently sold listings that are most similar to the your property, and I analyze their sale prices, days on market, and any negotiation trends to gauge the market's current conditions.

Active Listings: I will look at properties that are currently on the market. These listings will demonstrate supply and competition.

Withdrawn/Expired Listings: It's important to research withdrawn or expired listings similar to your home. This may indicate a property overpriced for our market.

THE PRICE DERIVATIVE

+15%

ASKING PRICE

+10%

Market Value

-10%

10%

% OF BUYERS

30%

60%

75%

-15%

90% Every property will sell and has the potential to sell quickly, and the price is the #1 factor controlling this outcome.

Bosshardt Realty | SELLER’S GUIDE TO REAL ESTATE

PRE-LISTING CHECKLIST | 4

PRE-LISTING CHECKLIST You want your home to look its absolute best for potential buyers! As your agent, I will help you figure out what needs to be done, and plan and prioritize tasks. This pre-listing checklist can serve as a roadmap to help you as you ready your home.

OVERALL INTERIOR

KITCHEN

Touch up paint & fill holes/scratches

Empty sinks & put away all dishes

Do your best to eliminate any odors

Clear countertops

Test lights and replace bulbs if needed

Pack away non-essential appliances

Remove family photos & depersonalize

Deep clean fridge, stove, and oven

Minimize clutter

Organize the pantry

Wipe down baseboards & doors

Remove noticeboards/family memos If possible, store pet bowls & trash cans

BATHROOM Place fresh towels and rugs Clean toilet bowls Remove soap residue, rust and stains

Rugs and dish towels should be fresh Remove magnets from fridge

OVERALL EXTERIOR

Re-caulk sinks and tubs if needed

Lawn should be freshly mowed

Clear countertops and bath of all personal items

House numbers clean & visible Remove any yard clutter

BEDROOM Declutter and organize closets Dust furniture Use fresh bedding and pillows Clean shades and curtains

Organize patio furniture Clean windows & window wells Consider pressure washing Repaint front door if needed Remove weeds & trim shrubs Discuss possible roof & gutter cleaning

Rearrange furniture as needed Put way all clothing, toys and valuables

Bosshardt Realty | SELLER’S GUIDE TO REAL ESTATE

5 | REASONS A HOME SELLS

REASONS A HOME SELLS

REASONS BEYOND YOUR CONTROL

REASONS WITHIN YOUR CONTROL

LOCATION

LISTING PRICE

Some neighborhoods are more desirable than others. The better the location of the home, the more money buyers are willing to pay. For a house to sell in any location, its listing price should reflect its location and the value of the surrounding homes.

To effectively sell your property fast for the most money, the listing price has to be just right. If your home is not selling or getting traffic, it could be a sign it’s priced too high for the current market.

TERMS OFFERED

The economy, interest rates, and other factors impact the state of the housing market.

In addition to the condition and price of your home, there is sometimes more to attracting the right buyer. Many sellers offer incentives such as closing costs or a home warranty to help compete in the marketplace.

COMPETITION

CONDITION

MARKET CONDITIONS

The combination of heightened buyer demand and limited inventory results in homes selling faster, and vice versa, when buyers have more to choose from, sellers have more to compete with.

The better condition your property is in, the easier it is to sell. Making repairs and staging your home will create a more impressive presentation to buyers.

EASE OF SHOWING

The more buyer traffic a home gets, the more likely it is to sell. Sellers need to make sure their home is available to show to buyers, sometimes even with very short notice.

Bosshardt Realty | SELLER’S GUIDE TO REAL ESTATE

STAGING YOUR HOME | 6

HOME STAGING EVERY SELLER SHOULD DO

DE-CLUTTER

NEUTRAL DECOR

During a showing, home buyers are there to see your house, not your stuff. A disorganized living space signals to buyers that storage may be insufficient and diverts attention away from the genuine size and possibilities of the home. It's crucial to bear in mind that buyers seek a property that resonates with them as a potential home. Family photos and other personalized items are distracting and inhibit potential buyer’s ability to envision the home as their own.

Maintain a neutral and straightforward aesthetic to enhance the home's appeal to a broad range of buyers, regardless of gender or age, be it a young bachelor or a retired couple. Opt for soft, neutral wall colors and choose uncomplicated bed and window coverings to create a universally appealing ambiance.

This timeless approach ensures that the home welcomes a diverse range of potential buyers.

PURPOSE AND SPACE

Whether you opt for personal cleaning efforts or enlist the assistance of professionals, maintaining a clean house is crucial. This creates an impression for potential buyers that the home has been meticulously cared for and well-maintained.

When touring your home, prospective buyers will focus on envisioning the practicality of each space and its potential uses. Ensure that your furnishings convey the functionality of each room, assigning a distinct purpose to avoid any confusion. For instance, transform a room into a home office by strategically placing a desk and bookshelf. Additionally, arrange furniture to optimize traffic flow and improve the functionality of each space.

CLEAN THOUROUGHLY

CURB APPEAL An unappealing outer appearance can quickly trigger skepticism in a potential buyer, hindering their ability to approach the situation with an open mind.

Extensive and expensive landscaping may not be necessary, but it's essential that the yard appears wellmaintained, and the porches, decks, and walkways are clean and free of debris.

Bosshardt Realty | SELLER’S GUIDE TO REAL ESTATE

7 | PROMOTION OF YOUR HOME

I understand the importance of every home sale and strive to exceed expectations at every step of the process. From custom flyers to online listings and from digital ads to social media posts, I will deliver unparalleled exposure. When you choose Bosshardt Realty to represent your property, you can expect a comprehensive suite of services aimed at maximizing your home's market potential.

Custom Property Flyer/Brochure: The Bosshardt Marketing Team will create tailored promotional materials developed for your property.

Yard Sign Placement: A prominent yard sign will be placed on your property.

Targeted Direct Mailing: Identification and outreach to potential buyers based on property type.

Just Listed Postcards: Every Bosshardt listing automatically receives 50+ custom property postcards mailed to potential buyers.

Internal Office Network Connect your listing with my network of 110+ Realtors® through Bosshardt’s weekly sales meetings.

MLS Exposure: Inclusion of your property's data in the Multiple Listing Service for real estate professionals.

Online Presence: Showcase on BosshardtRealty.com, social media platforms, and popular real estate websites like Zillow and Realtor.com.

Past Prospect Follow-up: Revisit potential buyers in my data files for similar properties.

Local Expertise: I understand the local market and the best way to position your property.

Property Tours: Conducted as applicable.

Open Houses/Broker Opens: I organize engaging events to attract potential buyers and real estate professionals for an up-close look at your property.

Bosshardt Realty | SELLER’S GUIDE TO REAL ESTATE

BROKER COMPENSATION | 8

SHOULD I COMPENSATE THE BUYER’S BROKER? In the dynamic landscape of real estate transactions, one crucial aspect that demands careful consideration is the compensation for the buyer's broker. I understand that this is a significant conversation to have, and I encourage you to delve into the details.

It’s important to know that commissions are not set in stone; rather, they are negotiable terms that should align with your unique situation. I bring a wealth of expertise in both marketing and real estate, positioning myself as a valuable resource in guiding you through the diverse range of compensation options available. I am committed to ensuring that the compensation structure not only reflects the true value of the services rendered but also optimizes your overall real estate experience.

“Determining how to compensate the buyer's broker is a key decision that shapes the entire transaction. We will help you navigate this choice strategically, ensuring a harmonious alignment of interests and a smooth path to a successful sale.”

86% Of buyers use a Realtor® to find a home to purchase

Bosshardt Realty | SELLER’S GUIDE TO REAL ESTATE

9 | FOR SALE BY OWNER

DOING IT ALONE

FOR SALE BY OWNER For Sale By Owner, or FSBO, is the process of selling real estate without representation by a real estate agent. The primary reason owners choose to sell on their own is to avoid paying the real estate commission in an attempt to save money.

However, there are many factors to weigh when considering selling FSBO v. hiring an agent. Will I price it right? Who will prepare the documents?

Do I really have the time and patience for this?

Will I get in legal hot water?

“You need to know everything that must be done to close the sale properly and legally.”

Bosshardt Realty | SELLER’S GUIDE TO REAL ESTATE

PRICING IT WRONG

There’s the risk of selling your home for a lot less than it’s worth. Statistics have shown that the average FSBO home sells for about 25% less than homes sold through a Realtor.

MARKETING

Your home will have less visibility. Only Realtors can list homes on the Multiple Listing Service, which is one of the biggest online tools real estate agents use. There’s a lot more to marketing a house than putting a sign in the yard, placing an ad in the paper and waiting. You need to develop a clear marketing plan that will attract the largest number of buyers.

LEGAL ISSUES Preparing all of the legal forms, disclosures etc. is your responsibility, and if you’re unfamiliar you take the risk of financial and legal liability.

FOR SALE BY OWNER | 10

YOUR TIME HAS VALUE

You’ll need to invest a substantial amount of time learning about the intricacies of selling a home, understanding the current market dynamics, and navigating interactions with potential buyers.

LACK OF EXPERIENCE

Studies suggest that homes sold with the assistance of a real estate agent tend to sell for a higher price, on average, than those sold by owners. Real estate agents bring market expertise, negotiation skills, and marketing strategies that can contribute to a higher selling price.

SAFETY

Ensuring security becomes a concern when you opt to sell your home on your own. A "For Sale By Owner" sign acts as an invitation for unfamiliar individuals to explore your property without vetting from an agent.

“Errors could cost you the money you’re trying to save.”

CREDIBILITY As a real estate agent, I possess the expertise to accurately price your property, market it effectively, and handle the intricacies of the transaction process. Consider the long-term benefits of this professional guidance in what is arguably one of the most significant financial transactions of your life. While there are associated costs, the potential for a higher selling price, streamlined processes, and a reduced likelihood of complications can contribute to the overall success of the sale.

Bosshardt Realty | SELLER’S GUIDE TO REAL ESTATE

11 | THE SELLING PROCESS

The Selling Process 1 THE DECISION You have made the huge decision to sell your home and you're ready to get started on this journey!

STEP

1

STEP

2

3 PRICING

I will help you evaluate the current real estate market and all relative factors about your property so you can choose the best price for your home.

3

4

5 MARKETING

7 CLOSING

The buyers will perform a final inspection to verify property condition. Once the closing documents are signed and the buyer's final funds are received, the deed is recorded with the County Recorder's Office and escrow is officially closed.

You hire me, a Bosshardt Realtor®, to consult you on the many important factors involved in selling a home, as well as negotiate on your behalf and deal with any issues that may arise along the way.

STEP

STEP

I will market your home on many different platforms to ensure it is seen by as many potential buyers as possible.

2 THE HIRE

STEP

5

STEP

6

4 PREPARATION

My goal is to understand the real estate landscape and how to best position your home. I want your home to look its absolute best and I will guide you as you prepare the home for sale.

6 NEGOTIATION

& INSPECTION PERIOD

I will help you manage buyer offers to purchase as well as help you understand any requests for repairs and/or credits during the inspection period.

STEP

7

STEP

8

Bosshardt Realty | SELLER’S GUIDE TO REAL ESTATE

8 MOVING Time to celebrate the sale of your home!

LEADINGRE | 12

INDUSTRY-LEADING SALES. ®

As a member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, our company is a global — not just local — real estate company working on your behalf. LeadingRE provides world-class marketing and resources, allowing us to provide the very best services. Our invitation-only network was responsible for $353 billion in annual home sales volume among the top 500 U.S. real estate firms in 2022.

2022 U.S. HOME SALES VOLUME AMONG THE TOP 500 U.S. REAL ESTATE FIRMS.

$353

LEADINGRE

$312

KELLER WILLIAMS NETWORKS, FRANCHISES AND COMPANIES

$233

COLDWELL BANKER SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

$124

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES

$120 $97

RE/MAX

CENTURY 21

$32

HOMESMART INTERNATIONAL

$30

CORCORAN

$24

UNITED REAL ESTATE

$21

Volume shown in billions of dollars.

For informational purposes only. In compiling this report, LeadingRE relies on third party sources. The information set forth in the chart above is sourced from the 2023 RealTrends 500, showcasing production for calendar year 2022, accessible via realtrends.com. Neither LeadingRE nor its member companies are responsible for the accuracy of third-party data presented herein.

550

companies

4,900 offices

138,000

sales associates

70 +

countries

© 2023 Leading Real Estate Companies of the World.® All Rights Reserved. | C–Industry-Leading Sales. 05.23. Equal Housing Opportunity.

13 | ABOUT BOSSHARDT

WHERE DID BOSSHARDT BEGIN? What started out as Carol Bosshardt and a three-Realtor® team, has developed into a comprehensive suite of real estate solutions, all under one roof, and including Residential and Commercial Sales. The company boasts in-house marketing, unmatched administrative support for our agents, global reach through our affiliation with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, and the most strategic insights into our local market.

WHERE IS BOSSHARDT NOW? Aaron Bosshardt, Carol’s son, is the current owner of Bosshardt Realty Services, LLC. Guided by innovative thinking and the same customer-first approach, Aaron has grown the company into what it is today. He supports his agents and staff with a wealth of knowledge and three decades of real estate experience. He also ensures that every Bosshardt customer works with the best trained team in order to help them accomplish their real estate goals.

Aaron Bosshardt

TODD LOEFFLER

Owner/Broker

President/Broker

Aaron is an expert in business development, strategic asset management, real estate brokerage and property management. As brokerowner, Aaron has overseen more than 50,000 successful real estate transactions, including over two billion in closed commercial sales and leases. He is dedicated to maintaining a reputation built on quality, service, and uncompromising ethics.

Todd has been a top-producing real estate agent since 1997. He oversees the day-to-day activities of Bosshardt’s dedicated Realtors® and staff.

Todd knows what it takes to be successful in the ever-changing real estate market. He is committed to providing Bosshardt Realty’s customers and clients with the most comprehensive real estate services in North Central Florida.

THE BOSSHARDT WAY | 14

The BOSSHARDT WAY When it comes to the communities and customers we serve, we’re all in! What does it signify for a real estate company to operate with an “all in” mindset? It’s all about a profound passion for our work and the places we call home, which resonates through every aspect of our operations. We’re homegrown in North Florida and our commitment to the region runs deep, fueling our passion for making a positive impact in the neighborhoods we serve. We firmly believe that real estate is more than just buying and selling properties; it’s about fostering strong connections and enhancing the lives of individuals and families. We strive to be more than just a real estate brokerage; we aim to be a trusted partner and neighbor, working tirelessly to contribute to the growth, vitality, and well-being of our region.

This year, with the help of agents, staff, and customers, Bosshardt donated more than $142,000 to non-profit organizations in North Central Florida. Our passion for building a better future drives us to focus on Florida-based non-profit organizations that align with Bosshardt’s vision to solve problems with real-world solutions and empower fellow Floridians. We believe that excellence, generosity and balance are foundational to selling, to work and to life.

On January 9, 2023, the Bosshardt Family of Companies announced donations totaling $90,000 to three local charities through the non-profit arm, Bosshardt Charitable Fund. These funds were generated during the annual Dancing Through the Decades event and were equally distributed among three deserving organizations: Aces in Motion, The Scott Loeffler Memorial Fund for Mental Health, and The Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases.

“Bosshardt is committed to making a positive impact in our community and this year, we set our highest contribution goal to date,” said broker/owner Aaron Bosshardt.

“Our agents and staff are honored to partner with so many great organizations. We know that the work they do in Gainesville and the surrounding areas is necessary and meaningful, and makes our community stronger.”

Bosshardt Realty | SELLER’S GUIDE TO REAL ESTATE

15 | BOSSHARDT REALTY

NEIGHBORLY Bosshardt is proud to be North Central Florida's #1 Independent Brokerage.

Bosshardt Realtors® are experts who bring unparalleled local knowledge to the table, and we believe that our dedication to the communities we serve is what sets us apart and allows us to help our customers navigate the market with confidence.

PASSIONATE Simply put, we love what we do, and it makes all the difference between providing a service and delivering an experience. We fully commit to every task, providing well-rounded solutions that don’t shy away from the details. We firmly believe that real estate is more than just buying and selling properties; it’s about fostering strong connections and enhancing the lives of individuals and families. We strive to be more than just a real estate brokerage; we aim to be a trusted partner and neighbor, working tirelessly to contribute to the growth, vitality, and well-being of our region.

PROFESSIONAL We pride ourselves on being a team of knowledgeable specialists embodying an exceptional level of professionalism, both with our customers and among our peers. Our dedication to the highest quality service, efficiency, and insight is unparalleled.

Bosshardt Realty | SELLER’S GUIDE TO REAL ESTATE

Success in selling a home begins with a carefully crafted strategy, and an unwavering commitment to turning dreams into reality. It's not just about closing a deal; it's about opening the door to new beginnings.

Bosshardt Realty | SELLER’S GUIDE TO REAL ESTATE

Four locations to serve your real estate needs Waterford Park 5542 NW 43rd Street Gainesville, FL 32653 352.371.6100

Haile Plantation 5210 SW 91st Terrace Gainesville, FL 32608 352.336.6611

Newberry 25105 W Newberry Road Newberry, FL 32669 352.474.6292

Ocala 2437 SE 17th Street, Ste. 201 Ocala, FL 34471 352.671.8203