Seller’s Guide
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE LISTING YOUR HOME
Dear Home Seller,
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to help guide you through your home selling process. It can be confusing and sometimes complicated, so it is important for you to understand what it takes to avoid unnecessary hassle to ensure proper planning and a smooth transaction. Rest assured, you will receive our superb, exclusive service incorporating our experience and expertise to safeguard you and your family’s success. Exceptional homes for exceptional people: your success is our business.
The information in this handbook will educate and assist you with the following:
• Pricing your home
• Marketing your home
• Pre-listing preparation
• Showing your home safely
• Offers and counter offers
We look forward to giving you our undivided attention through the home selling process. Please feel free to contact us with any further questions you may have after reading this information.
PRE-LISTING PREPARATION
Preparing Your Home to Sell
When listing your house, one of your top goals will likely be to get the house sold for the best price possible. In many cases, it’s the little things that make a big impact. Here are some small projects you can do to make sure your house is in tip-top shape when you’re ready to sell.
10 Tips to Improve the Curb Appeal of Your House
• Give your entry a facelift. Try a fresh coat of paint or a new front door.
• Landscape your yard. A well-groomed lawn shows buyers the house was cared for.
• Make sure all exterior lights work.
• Replace outdoor light bulbs.
• Wash all windows (inside and out). Don’t let dirty windows take away from a great view.
• Clean out your garage. Consider getting a storage unit to remove any non-essential items you want to keep.
• Plant flowers. Depending on the climate in your area, you may want to add a pop of color around your yard.
• Remove any lawn ornaments you are planning to bring with you to your new home.
• Replace a worn-out welcome mat. Welcome buyers with a fresh step into your house.
• Paint or replace the street numbers on your house. Make them more visible to potential buyers.
• Power wash outdoor surfaces. Give them a ‘like new’ feeling. (ex: siding, sidewalks, driveway).
10 Tips to Make Your House Look Like Home to Buyers
• Clean everything. A clean house will allow buyers to picture themselves in the space and not be distracted.
• Give every room a purpose. Even if you used it as a bonus room, clear room identity helps buyers visualize.
• Let the light in. Bright rooms feel warm and inviting; dark rooms can feel small and gloomy.
• Fix anything that’s broken. Buyers will notice and may offer less for your house if repairs are required.
• Declutter your house. Thinning out your closets and pantry will show how much room is available.
• Update paint and floors. These are things you can update to sell your house faster and for more money.
• Organize the kitchen. Pack away any nonessentials or small appliances and clean all the surfaces.
• Clean up. Empty all trash bins and hide any dirty laundry.
• Fix the doors. Fix any squeaks or creaks on interior and exterior doors. Replace light bulbs with new ones.
• Make sure all the switches work properly in your house.
PRE-LISTING PREPARATION
Pricing Strategy
Timing is extremely important in the real estate market. The graph below illustrates the importance of placing your property on the market both at a realistic price and with realistic terms from the beginning.
A property attracts the most interest from the real estate community and potential buyers when it is first listed, giving it the best chance of selling early. The first two weeks on the market are critical—you only get one opportunity to make a strong first impression. Pricing it correctly from the start is key to achieving your desired results.
PRICED
HIGH
PRICED RIGHT
If you drop the price later, the best chance to sell for TOP DOLLAR has passed you by.
Weeks Exposed to the Market and Activity Level
PRE-LISTING PREPARATION
Pricing Strategy
A key element of successful selling is to properly price the property. All the marketing in the world is not going to attract offers if selling agents and prospective buyers do not believe the property is a good value.
A property unique in character and price has a more limited market than a traditional home. To accomplish a successful sale in the shortest amount of time, it is important to make a careful decision in pricing your property and to have a price reduction planned at a set time, if necessary.
As individuals, we have earned reputations as responsible real estate professionals committed to excellence in the marketing of special and important residential properties. This expertise, along with our comprehensive network of accomplished real estate representatives, professional contacts and distinguished clients, will enable us to embark on a productive and profitable relationship.
SELLING PRICE VS TIMING
PRE-LISTING PREPARATION
Photo Shoot
Everyone searches for homes online. High-quality, professional photos stand out, while amateur photos are ignored. You have seconds to make a positive first impression with buyers scanning hundreds of listings, so let us connect you with professional photographers who can portray your home in its best light.
PRE-LISTING PREPARATION
Video
Over 58% of buyers want and expect to see video of a home they’re looking at online. Original, well-produced videos create connections with buyers on a more personal level, helping you sell faster and potentially for a better price. Not many real estate firms use video to its fullest potential, which creates a huge opportunity for us to differentiate your property.
PRE-LISTING PREPARATION
Marketing Strategies
Our in-house Marketing Department was created in 1997 with the goal of establishing brand recognition in and out of the region. We design all materials to clearly identify and distinguish Chase International from all others in the marketplace. Through consistent use of our design style, we have created a trademark in the real estate industry. Our in-house staff of designers and media experts provides you with over 150 years of diverse experience in print, broadcast, and Internet promotion. Depending on your needs, Chase offers a variety of marketing and advertising strategies.
National & International Advertising
When it comes to promoting our luxury properties, Chase International holds some of the finest connections to the world’s most prestigious publications. Some of our most successful ad placements and complimenting public relations articles span the pages of LuxuryRealEstate.com, Forbes, Leading Estates of the World, The Wall Street Journal, Unique Homes and DuPont Registry.
Flyers, Brochures and Internet Presentations
Upon completion of your property’s Chase-supervised professional photo/video shoot, we will produce brochures that comprehensively detail and correctly depict the property and its features.
Targeted Direct Mail
Chase International believes that direct mail works when a well-represented product reaches a receptive audience. Our client base has developed over thirty years, and includes qualified buyers with diverse interests.
Public Relations
We develop proactive, strategic public outreach campaigns designed to meet your goals and increase interest. Each month, our public relations firm prepares and distributes press releases to the appropriate media on any listing that justifies coverage. Accolades include editorials with the Wall Street Journal, NBC Nightly News, the New York Times, Fox Television Network, San Francisco Chronicle and the Los Angeles Times.
PRE-LISTING PREPARATION
Marketing Strategies
Extraordinary Online Exposure
In today’s fast paced society, over 88% of buyers and sellers around the world depend on the Internet as the key connection to their next real estate investment. At Chase, your property will syndicate to hundreds of the world’s leading real estate websites. Exclusive exposure includes LeadingEstates.com, ArtisanGroupRE.com, MayfairInternationalRealty.com (London-based) and ChaseInternational.com. Luxury listings syndicate to our China connection at Juwai.com (leading luxury Chinese website), LuxuryRealEstate.com (Forbes’ pick as the #1 site for luxury real estate), LuxuryPortfolio.com, The Wall Street Journal, and Robb Report. Chase also offers exclusive preferred marketing on Zillow, Trulia and Realtor.com.
Social Networking
Millions of people regularly use social networking websites. Chase participates regularly with a social media expert on social networking channels, including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and other fast-paced social media platforms.
Local Advertising and Promotion
After we thoroughly analyze a property for its best market potential, we select various online and print publications for preferred exposure. Editorial content, position, market reach and frequency are essential considerations in the overall advertising program. Chase International closely monitors each publication for its ability to hit targeted audiences with broad market reach.
Open House and Virtual Tours
1. Chase will offer personalized virtual walk-through home tours via Zoom to allow prospective buyers to view your home without actually walking inside.
2. If your schedule allows, we will try to do 1-2 open houses a month, depending upon the seller and activity at the home. First open house is hosted by us with provided food and drinks, the second and/or other open houses are hosted by either another team member, or Chase agent.
3. It is absolutely fine if your wish is to NOT hold any public open houses, but please let us know so nothing is assumed of your preference.
4. Ensure all valuables and medications, are secured and/or removed from the property. All firearms and weapons are safely secured and/or removed.
5. If anything is a health or safety issue, or something that we may not be readily aware of, please let us know. (Loose stairs, broken deck boards, wide railings, etc).
6. If you have any sound systems, playing soft classical music is sometimes a nice addition to the open house. Let us know if you would like us to have it on, and if yes, how to use without disrupting any other systems.
7. Please let us know if we need to speak to the HOA in advance of any open houses, what codes we are allowed to use for daily use or sharing privately with agents and days of planned open houses. ON-MARKET ACTIVITIES
Offers and Counter Offers
In many transactions, there is a fair amount of negotiation. Offers and counter offers are common before both parties are satisfied. Negotiations are one aspect of a real estate transaction in which an agent is invaluable. Not only can an agent leverage their experience and market knowledge to offer strategic guidance during negotiations, but they also act as a crucial buffer between you and the buyer or buyer’s agent. Selling a home can be an emotional process, especially when offers and counter offers come into play. A skilled listing agent helps you stay focused on your goals, ensuring you maintain a strong position while keeping negotiations professional and productive. With the right agent advocating for your best interests, you’re more likely to secure favorable terms and achieve the outcome that matters most to you.
CLOSING THE SALE
From Contract to Closing
In a real estate transaction, there are dozens of loose ends to tie up between signing the contract and closing the sale. Chase is known for our attention to detail during this important phase in which we coordinate and oversee the following steps:
• Obtain important documents, such as property disclosure forms and condominium documents (budget, declaration, condo association minutes) and deliver them to the buyer.
• Monitor all contingencies to ensure they have been met in a timely fashion.
• Recommend service providers for moving, home improvement and repairs.
• Schedule a final walk-through. Again, both the buyer and the buyer’s agent should be present.
• Coordinate your closing.
Who Pays for What During the Transaction
One very common question about real estate transactions is: “Who pays for what in a real estate transaction?” Below is a list to give you an idea of some of the common expectations, but this list will vary from region to region. Also, a buyer’s or a seller’s market could possibly change the common fee responsibility. This is a breakdown of what the SELLER and BUYER should generally expect to pay for:
Sellers
• Real estate comission as agreed upon*
• Document preparation fee for deed
• Documentary transfer tax (negotiable)
• Any loan fees required by buyer’s lender (VA, FHA*)
• Pay off all loans in seller’s name
• Interest accrued to lender being paid off, statement fees, reconveyance fees and any prepayment penalties
• Termite inspection (negotiable)
• Termite work/repairs (negotiable)
• Home warranty (negotiable/Sellers if Chase Ready)
• Any judgments, tax liens, etc., against the seller
• Tax proration (for any taxes unpaid at time of title transfer)
• HOA seller’s package
• Any unpaid homeowner’s dues and transfer fees
• Owner’s title insurance premium (negotiable)
• Recording charges to clear all documents of record against seller
• Any bonds or assessments (negotiable)
• Any and all delinquent taxes
• Mobile notary (if applicable)
• Escrow fee (negotiable)
• Wood stove exemption and/or certificate
• *VA/FHA have upfront fees/premiums due at closing
• Transfer tax (negotiable)
Buyers
• Real estate comission as agreed upon*
• Lender’s title insurance premium
• Escrow Fee (negotiable)
• Mobile notary (if applicable)
• Document preparation fee (if applicable)
• Recording charges for all documents in buyer’s name
• Termite inspection (negotiable)
• Tax proration (from date of acquisition)
• Set up/capital contribution fees (if applicable)
• All new loan charges (except those required by the lender for seller to pay)
• Interest on new loan from date of funding to thirty (30) days prior to the first payment date
• Inspection fees (roofing, property inspection, etc.)
• Home warranty (negotiable) (according to contract/Sellers if Chase Ready)
• Homeowner’s insurance premium for first year
• Transfer tax (negotiable)
*The amount a brokerage charges is not fixed by law; commission amounts are negotiable and should always be negotiated between Agents and the consumers they represent.
Stand Out From the Crowd with Chase Ready
With Chase Ready, your home will stand out from the crowd by providing buyers full transparency on the condition of your home. Buyers will know what they are purchasing and can make an educated and confident decision when making an offer on your property.
Your home is ready to SELL and easy for buyers to BUY!
What Distinguishes a Chase Ready Property?
Prior to putting your home on the market, Chase Ready Properties have completed the following:
What Distinguishes a Chase Ready Property?
Prior to putting your home on the market, Chase Ready Properties have completed the following:
Full Home Warranty for Buyers: Coverage for the sellers during the listing period
Property Inspection
Fully Completed Disclosures
Preliminary Title Search
Completed Natural Hazards Disclosure Report - (CA)
Completed Sewer Clearance if necessary - (CA)
Defensible Space Evaluation if necessary - (CA)
Why Choose to Sell Your Home with Chase Ready?
Benefits to Seller
Attract Buyers
Buyers are more attracted to purchasing homes with the most complete information available.
Eliminate Surprises
Eliminates virtually all major surprises that often occur during the property inspection process.
Saves Time & Money
Allows you to complete potential repairs and improvements in the most cost-effective manner. By completing repairs prior to putting your home on the market, you have the opportunity to find competitive bids on repairs.
Reduces Stress
Greatly reduces the stress and lost time of canceled transactions due to repair requests.
Assurance
Chase Ready Properties provide you with the assurance that your property is ready for transfer at the time the property hits the market.
Benefits to Buyers
Assurance
Chase Ready Properties provide buyers with the assurance that they are purchasing a home with the most complete information available.
Confidence
Chase Ready Properties enable buyers to make educated and confident decisions when writing a purchase offer.
Security
Chase Ready properties protect the buyers from the high cost of unexpected systems repairs during the first year of their purchase.
What are Title and Escrow?
When buying or selling real estate, two critical components ensure the transaction goes smoothly and securely: title and escrow.
Title Services
Title is the legal documentation that proves ownership of a property. Before any real estate transaction, it’s essential to perform a title search to ensure the property is free from liens, disputes, or other issues that could impact the buyer’s ownership rights. A title company examines public records to verify the property’s history and ensure it has a clear title. If any issues are found, they are resolved before the transaction moves forward. Typically, title insurance is then purchased to protect against future claims or legal challenges to ownership.
Escrow Services
Escrow refers to a neutral third party that holds funds and documents until all conditions of a real estate transaction are met. The escrow agent manages the exchange between the buyer, seller, and any other involved parties (like lenders), ensuring that the process stays fair and secure. Once all the necessary paperwork is signed and the conditions are met, the escrow agent disburses the funds and closes the transaction.
Why Choose Signature Title for Your Title and Escrow Needs?
Choosing Signature Title ensures you receive the best possible service for both title and escrow, providing peace of mind during one of the most significant transactions of your life. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor, we have the expertise and commitment to ensure your transaction is a success.
Here’s why Signature Title is the right choice:
1. Experienced Professionals - Our team of skilled title and escrow agents has extensive experience in the industry, ensuring that your transaction is handled with care and expertise. From thorough title searches to managing escrow, we make the process as seamless as possible.
2. Efficient and Accurate Closings - We are committed to accuracy and efficiency. Our thorough title searches prevent any potential legal issues, while our escrow services ensure that funds and documents are managed securely, reducing any delays and keeping everything on track.
3. Personalized Service - At Signature Title, we treat every transaction with the care it deserves. Whether you’re a buyer, seller, real estate agent, or lender, our team offers personalized, responsive service to meet your unique needs.
Close with Confidence.
Adding Value to Sellers Through Comprehensive Buyer Vetting and Financing Options
Qualified, Serious Buyers
Sanctuary Funding vets buyers’ proof of funds and financial qualifications, ensuring only serious, capable buyers proceed. This reduces uncertainty for sellers, speeding up closing timelines with fewer risks of falling through.
Expanded Financing Options
As a wholesale mortgage lender, Sanctuary Funding has access to nearly all home financing programs. This flexibility allows us to guide buyers toward financing solutions that support their purchase, widening the pool of qualified, committed buyers for sellers.
Local Expertise and Fast Support
With deep insights into regional markets, Sanctuary Funding’s team of local lending experts delivers prompt, reliable guidance. Their close collaboration with Chase International ensures sellers benefit from informed and responsive service.
Stronger, Streamlined Offers
Pre-approved buyers often bring stronger offers to the table, allowing sellers to move forward with greater confidence and fewer delays. Sanctuary Funding’s vetting process makes offers more secure, giving sellers peace of mind with well-supported buyers.
Sanctuary Funding’s approach combines constant communication, comprehensive financing flexibility and a simplified prequalification process to create a smoother, faster selling experience for Chase International clients.
Chase International by the Numbers
$10 Billion SOLD IN 5 YEARS
11,700+ FAMILIES SERVED
14 LOCATIONS
360+
HIGHLY SPECIALIZED REALTORS®
75 DEDICATED SUPPORT PERSONNEL
7 MARKETING CREATIVES
Leading the Way
ONE COMPANY. ONE HEART. ONE PHILOSOPHY.
Chase International is one of the nation’s most successful independent real estate firms specializing in unique and distinctive luxury properties in Tahoe, Carson, Reno, and Northern California. We are proud to have $10 billion in sales over five years, helping 11,700 families and individuals. With more than 300 highly skilled professionals plus 60 luxury specialists and 14 real estate locations, we are committed to our clients’ success. Our global connections enhance our ability to reach all corners of the world. “One Company, One Heart, One Philosophy” isn’t just a slogan; it’s our guiding principle, shaping every aspect of our business.
GIVING BACK
Building a Stronger Community Through Giving
The Chase International Foundation, founded by Shari Chase in 2022, focuses on addressing basic human needs for shelter, food, safety, and well-being. Through its “Four Pillars of Giving,” the foundation supports local nonprofits that provide critical services, including homelessness outreach, food distribution, mental health support, and safety for victims of violence. The foundation also encourages volunteerism through its Chase Cares program, helping communities beyond financial contributions. The foundation holds two grant cycles annually, and donations support their goal of raising $50,000 in 2024. FOR MORE DETAILS, VISIT CHASEINTERNATIONALFOUNDATION.ORG
ZEPHYR COVE | LAKE TAHOE | NEVADA
ZEPHYR COVE
190 Highway 50
Zephyr Cove, Nevada 89448
775 588 6130 | 800 322 6130
GLENBROOK
2070 Pray Meadow Road
Glenbrook, Nevada 89413
775 749 5663 | 800 914 5663
INCLINE VILLAGE
917 Tahoe Boulevard, Suite 100
Incline Village, Nevada 89451
775 831 7300 | 866 831 8999
CLEAR CREEK TAHOE
3745 Golf Club Drive
Carson City , NV 89705
775 781 2597
CARSON CITY
111 West Telegraph Street, Suite 200
Carson City, NV 89703
775 782 2777
MINDEN-GARDNERVILLE
1374 US Highway 395 N, Gardnerville, NV 89410
775 782 2777
RENO
985 Damonte Ranch Parkway, Suite 110
Reno, Nevada 89521
775 850 5900 | 877 922 5900
SPARKS
2848 Vista Boulevard
Sparks, Nevada 89434
775 737 5900 | 855 495 5900
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE
989 Tahoe Keys Boulevard
South Lake Tahoe, California 96150
530 544 2121
TAHOE CITY
531 North Lake Boulevard | Post Office Box 854
Tahoe City, California 96145
530 581 0722
TRUCKEE
10344 Donner Pass Road, Suite 2
Truckee, California 96161
530 550 2464 | 866 441 0424
ROSEVILLE
915 Highland Pointe Suite 190
Roseville, California 95678
888 70 CHASE
IONE
12 W Main Street Suite 1
Ione, California 95640
209 304 7971
LAKE ALMANOR
452 Peninsula Drive, Lake Almanor, CA 96137
530 596 3303
LONDON, ENGLAND
Mayfair International, Cashel House 15 Thayer Street
Mayfair, London, England W1U 3JT
44 (0)20 7467 5332
RENO | NEVADA
ONE COMPANY | ONE HEART | ONE PHILOSOPHY
Chase International is one of the nation’s most successful independent real estate firms specializing in unique and distinctive luxury properties in Tahoe, Carson, Reno, and Northern California. We are proud to have $10 billion in sales over five years, helping 11,700 families and individuals. With more than 300 highly skilled professionals plus 60 luxury specialists and 14 real estate locations, we are committed to our clients’ success. Our global connections enhance our ability to reach all corners of the world. “One Company, One Heart, One Philosophy” isn’t just a slogan; it’s our guiding principle, shaping every aspect of our business.
THE LEADER IN LUXURY REAL ESTATE | CHASEINTERNATIONAL.COM
ONE COMPANY | ONE HEART | ONE PHILOSOPHY
Chase International is one of the nation’s most successful independent real estate firms specializing in unique and distinctive luxury properties in Tahoe, Carson, Reno, and Northern California. We are proud to have $10 billion in sales over five years, helping 11,700 families and individuals. With more than 300 highly skilled professionals plus 60 luxury specialists and 14 real estate locations, we are committed to our clients’ success. Our global connections enhance our ability to reach all corners of the world. “One Company, One Heart, One Philosophy” isn’t just a slogan; it’s our guiding principle, shaping every aspect of our business.
THE LEADER IN LUXURY REAL ESTATE | CHASEINTERNATIONAL.COM
ONE COMPANY | ONE HEART | ONE PHILOSOPHY
Chase International is one of the nation’s most successful independent real estate firms specializing in unique and distinctive luxury properties in Tahoe, Carson, Reno, and Northern California. We are proud to have $10 billion in sales over five years, helping 11,700 families and individuals. With more than 300 highly skilled professionals plus 60 luxury specialists and 14 real estate locations, we are committed to our clients’ success. Our global connections enhance our ability to reach all corners of the world. “One Company, One Heart, One Philosophy” isn’t just a slogan; it’s our guiding principle, shaping every aspect of our business.
ONE COMPANY | ONE HEART | ONE PHILOSOPHY
Chase International is one of the nation’s most successful independent real estate firms specializing in unique and distinctive luxury properties in Tahoe, Carson, Reno, and Northern California. We are proud to have $10 billion in sales over five years, helping 11,700 families and individuals. With more than 300 highly skilled professionals plus 60 luxury specialists and 14 real estate locations, we are committed to our clients’ success. Our global connections enhance our ability to reach all corners of the world. “One Company, One Heart, One Philosophy” isn’t just a slogan; it’s our guiding principle, shaping every aspect of our business.
ONE COMPANY | ONE HEART | ONE PHILOSOPHY
Chase International is one of the nation’s most successful independent real estate firms specializing in unique and distinctive luxury properties in Tahoe, Carson, Reno, and Northern California. We are proud to have $10 billion in sales over five years, helping 11,700 families and individuals. With more than 300 highly skilled professionals plus 60 luxury specialists and 14 real estate locations, we are committed to our clients’ success. Our global connections enhance our ability to reach all corners of the world. “One Company, One Heart, One Philosophy” isn’t just a slogan; it’s our guiding principle, shaping every aspect of our business.