Laurie Whiting Selling Guide

selling guide

Laurie Whiting Osborn REALTOR

319-389-2580

LaurieWhiting@CBHRealty.com

LaurieWhiting.com

Licensed in the State of Iowa

Are you a first-time seller feeling lost? Experienced seller or investor seeking a trustworthy professional? Look no further! I prioritize understanding your desires, goals, and unique story. Together, we’ll surpass expectations through communication, transparency, and honesty, making your home-selling experience stress-free. Being a Cedar Rapids native, a REALTOR since 2016 and having a track record as a top producer means that I know the local area, stay current on the market conditions and am fully equipped to guide you through the dynamic real estate landscape. I look forward to helping you get your property sold in a way that exceeds your expectations!

testimonials:

“Laurie was very helpful in selling our home! She knew all of the tips and tricks, and didn’t expect us to flip our house or pour a ton of money into it! She really worked to sell our home and the neighborhood, and put up with our first time seller questions! We are so thankful she was our agent!”

“Laurie was great in helping us prepare to list our home for sale. We knew selling this property would be a challenge, and she was up to the task! She was very knowledgeable, and helped us through each step of the process. She responded quickly and kept us in the loop with all the happenings. Laurie is very professional, and I would recommend her to anybody needing to purchase or sell a property.”

“Very professional in regards to doing the right thing. Very prompt with responses and updates before during and after the sale of our Home. Uses technology and text messaging to communicate and sign documents which is great for getting things done fast.”

“Laurie helped us sell our home of 22 years. She was knowledgeable and professional in all areas. We had multiple offers in the first week and she helped us weed through them and get the closing date we requested.”

locally owned. nationally known.

Thank you for the opportunity to advise and serve you in the sale of your home. Since 1887, we’ve been helping families in Eastern Iowa through this emotional process. As a local family-owned company, we value the strong personal and business relationships that we have with our clients.

With innovative marketing, first to market technology, and a commitment to excellence, we have served thousands of individuals, families, businesses and investors with their real estate needs. We continue to invest and improve to make your real estate transaction as smooth and easy as possible.

Through the ever-changing real estate landscape, we’re still a family-owned company with family-first values. We look forward to welcoming you to the Coldwell Banker Hedges Realty family and guiding you home.

mike esker, president

the cbh difference cbh

Cares

We are so incredibly grateful to have the opportunity, the ability, and the privilege to give back to our communities.

We support many different programs through a spectrum of annual events, community engagements and support initiatives.

CBH does more than just sell houses. We serve, support and love the communities in which we live.

coldwell banker hedges realty advantages

locally owned nationally known

full time experienced agents

Our agents are full time professionals and at your service when needed.

writing & negotiating expertise

There are many components of a real estate transaction that require a skilled professional.

knowledge of local neighborhoods

Our agents live here, work here and are raising their own families here – they know this market.

quality service without delay

Our agents receive instant alerts about potential interest in your property.

in-house marketing team

With access to our in-house marketing team, our agents have the ability to market your property for maximum exposure.

Global exposure

Not only will your property have local exposure, your property could be seen worldwide.

Coldwell banker network

Provides the advantage of working with over 100,000 Coldwell Banker Agents in more than 3,000 offices worldwide.

global luxury

A program that redefines the world of luxury real estate marketing.

proven marketing strategy

Combining state-of-the-art technology, a custom marketing strategy and one of the most robust global networks allows for your property to have extraordinary representation with a winning strategy.

work with us

What to expect with a Coldwell Banker Hedges Realty Agent on your side

When you choose me as your agent, you’ll have someone by your side every step of the way, giving you the insights and information you need to have confidence in your decision.

Consultation

I will meet with you to view your property and gather information to successfully prepare your house for sale.

Pricing Strategy

I will provide you with a detailed report showing your home’s value as well as comparable homes that have sold nearby.

Marketing Plan

I will put together a strategic marketing plan for your property for maximum exposure across various platforms.

Negotiation

I will be your advocate and expert negotiator to get you top dollar with the most favorable terms.

Transaction Process

I will guide you through the entire real estate process, be available to answer any questions and coordinate details to ensure a smooth closing.

our programs

When you work with a Coldwell Banker Hedges Realty Agent, you can utilize our Home Guarantee Program.

Coldwell Banker Hedges Realty has the best Home Guarantee Program in the area. With an accepted offer on your dream home, you won’t have to worry about if and when your current home sells. Coldwell Banker Hedges Realty assumes all the risk when you accept the price and terms of the Home Guarantee Program.

Since 1997, Coldwell Banker Hedges Realty has provided hundreds of successful guarantees. Restrictions apply.

Is your home in need of updates?

Making small updates can significantly improve the value of your home, such as: painting, flooring and fixtures.

You may be eligible to take advantage of an interest free loan to maximize the value of your home and put more money in your pocket at closing!

Speak with your Coldwell Banker Hedges Realty Agent to see if the CBH Home Improvement Program is right for your home. Restrictions apply.

proven success

over a century of excellence

Coldwell Banker Real Estate practically invented modern-day real estate. Founded in 1906 on the principles of honesty, integrity and always putting the customer first, we changed the industry then and continue to do so today.

global network

Through non-stop innovation and forward thinking, the Coldwell Banker brand has grown to become one of the most well-known and trusted names in real estate around the globe. Today, there are more than 100,000 agents working out of 3,000 Coldwell Banker offices in 40 countries and territories.

Wherever your home’s buyer might be, we’re there too!

success by the numbers

local offices

most visited real estate brand online*

family owned & operated business for 1,000+ 135+ years homes listed and sold by cbh on average per year

The above stats are based on 2018-2022 internal sales volume and from the Cedar Rapids Area Association of Realtors® MLS.

*Reflects total website visits for 2022. Source: Comscore 2022 Media Trends

strategic marketing

Marketing your home

We offer one of the most powerful and comprehensive marketing programs to ensure your home is seen by the right buyers. In addition to our industry-leading online strategy, we use a proven combination of traditional and cutting-edge methods to market your home, including*:

•National brand advertising

•Online advertising

•Social media/Social Connect

•Direct print and email marketing

•Just Listed flyers and postcards

•Professional photos & video

•In-house marketing team

•Coldwell Banker Global Luxury® program

•Yard signs

•MLS (multiple listing service)

•Open house(s)/REALTOR® open(s)

*While all options are available, not all options will be necessary.

Where the buyers are

While buyers use a variety of resources to research properties for sale in their area, the vast majority find their new home online and with the help of a real estate professional.*

How Buyers Search for Homes

internet marketing advantage

Your home will be shown on high-traffic websites, including some of the most popular real estate websites in the world, putting it in front of potential buyers everywhere. Our comprehensive internet marketing strategy includes displaying your home with a detailed description and multiple photos on the most visited real estate websites.

coldwellbanker.com

CBHRealty.com

80+ other websites

professional photography

It All Starts with Quality Photos and Video

Coldwell Banker Hedges Realty Agents understand that your first home showing actually happens on the internet. Then your second showing is when a potential buyer walks through your home. Coldwell Banker Hedges Realty Agents hire professional real estate photographers and videographers to guarantee your home looks its very best. Here you will find some examples of how photographers and videographers work their magic with their cameras.

Work with your Coldwell Banker Hedges Realty Agent to determine which photography and videography options make sense for your home!

Still Photography

virtual staging

walkthrough

drone

social connect powered by RealForce

What is Social Connect?

• A global leader providing ads via social media

• Powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• 13x better performance than the industry standard

What Does That Mean for You?

Your property will receive optimized exposure to qualified buyers on social media by using AI powered technology. On average 2,000 people view our listings via social media ads. By clicking on our ad, potential buyers are directed to your home’s listing on our website.

97% of buyers are searching for their next home online. That’s why Coldwell Banker Hedges Realty utilizes this platform to market your listing on social media to potential buyers.

staging to sell

staging checklist

A home that looks its best is more likely to sell faster and for a better price. Here are a few tips from the experts for preparing your home for market and staging it for showings.

Outside

•Repaint or touch up trim

•Make needed repairs

•Wash windows and screens

•Trim trees, hedges and shrubs

•Weed, feed lawn and maintain mowing

Entrance

•Check doorbell and replace lightbulbs

•Put out new welcome mat

•Clean, repair or repaint front door

•Sweep walkway

General

•Replace burned-out lightbulbs

•Clear out closets

•Eliminate clutter

•Neutralize and depersonalize

Rooms

•Touch-up or repaint walls, trim and ceilings

•Clean or replace carpeting

•Clean curtains, shutters and blinds

•Clean fireplace, mantle and surrounding areas

•Update decor - throw pillows, bedding, towels

Kitchen & Bath

•Clean appliances inside and out

•Clear out and clean cabinets, drawers and pantry

•Clean, repair or replace faucets and fixtures

•Declutter counters

•Regrout sinks, tubs and showers

Before Each Showing

•Pick up toys, clutter and pet items

•Clear off counters and tabletops

•Turn on lights

•Make beds

•Make sure home smells inviting

•Set thermostat to comfortable temperature

your home’s value

pricing right

If you price your home too high, you’ll miss out on potential buyers. Pricing your property at fair market value, from the start, will generate the most activity from Real Estate Agents and home buyers. The price must attract enough attention to result in showings and offers.

Factors That

Impact Your Home’s Value

•Market Conditions: the current supply (or inventory) of homes for sale, buyer demand, interest rates and availability of financing, prices of recently sold properties, economic factors and seasonal demand

•Your Home’s Condition: location, age, size of the home and lot, floor plan and architectural style, updates and improvements

•The Competition: the number of similar properties for sale and their prices, condition, location and financing terms

first impressions

The largest number of potential buyers will view a newly listed home within the first 14 days of being on the market, and the number of views will decrease as the days on market increase.

Factors

That Do Not Impact Your Home’s Value:

•Original Price: what you paid for your house

•Needed Proceeds: the net cash proceeds you want or need

•Opinions: what friends and neighbors say your home is worth

full service

step by step

Selling a home is a complicated process, but I will guide you every step of the way.

Step 1 - Price & Prepare

•A comparative market analysis (CMA) is prepared to help determine the optimal listing price

•Use the Staging to Sell Guide to prepare your home (page 18 of this packet)

•Strategic marketing plan developed

Step 2 - List & Market

•Home will be put on the market

•Strategic marketing plan implemented

Step 3 - Showings & Open Houses

•In person showings will begin

•Open house(s) held if desired

Step 4 - Offer & Negotiate

•Offer(s) reviewed

• Best terms and conditions are negotiated for you

Step 5 - Offer Accepted!

Step 6 - Inspect & Appraise

•Buyer inspection(s) will commence

•Appraisal to be completed

Step 7 - Prepare to Close

•Abstracting and title work completed

•Documents prepared & signed for closing

Step 8 - Close

•Hand over the keys - celebrate!