HOME SELLING GUIDE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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THE JOURNEY
From the initial consultation, to the meticulous preparation of your property for listing, we strive to ensure that your needs are met - all the way to the closing table
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AGENT REPRESENTATION
Your agent can be a door-opening pen pusher or a fierce fiduciary, advising and negotiating on your behalf. Representation matters.
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PRICING HOW-TO’S
Pricing your home correctly is a crucial step in the home selling process We have proven strategies to help you determine the highest price that the market will bear for your timeline and needs.
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MARKETING & ADVERTISING
Through strategic marketing efforts that leverage our extensive network of partners, we will attract qualified buyers and maximize your property's exposure in the market.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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STAGING TIPS & TRICKS
Staging your home highlights its best features, and leads to faster, higher-priced sales. We will show you all the tips and tricks
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POWER OF THE BRAND
The power of the Better Homes and Gardens brand lies in its global message of trust, quality, and inspiration across diverse markets Recognized worldwide as a leading lifestyle brand, BHG influences home and lifestyle trends for millions of consumers.
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REPUTATION MATTERS
Combining hometown values with world-class service provides the best of both worlds: personalized, community-focused care with the highest standards of service and results.
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PHILANTHROPY
Service is at the heart of all we do. The Main Street Foundation is our community outreach, dedicated to supporting our community and those in need.
THE JOURNEY
STRATEGIES FOR SELLING YOUR HOME
YOUR HOME SELLING JOURNEY
While every selling process will look slightly different, here are the steps you can expect and should look for along your home selling journey.
SET YOUR PRICING
Selling well starts with strategic pricing and positioning. We’ll show yo how!
STAGING & DECLUTTERING
Get set to impress with clean, bright open spaces free of extra furnishings and overflow items.
MARKETING
From professional photography and video to targeted digital ads - we get your home in front of the right buyers.
LISTING
We use everything from cutting-edge tech to personal connections to get the word out about your property. Get ready to shine!
SHOWINGS
Flexibility is key! Showings generate offers so develop an easy system to keep things clean and tidy during this period.
YOUR HOME SELLING JOURNEY
While every selling process will look slightly different, here are the steps you can expect and should look for along your home selling journey.
OFFERS
There are many terms beyond the price that impact your bottom line. We’ll break each offer down for you.
UNDER CONTRACT
The period between contract and closing is a critical time. We will make sure you know what to expect at each stage
FINAL DETAILS
From packing to utilities, to cleaning and the final walkthrough, we will help you navigate this final stage smoothly.
CLOSING
Onclosingday,thedeedis deliveredtothebuyers,allofthe finaldocumentsaresignedand thepurchaseisfunded! Congratulations!
A WORD OF CAUTION CONCERNING WIRING FUNDS
If you will be wiring funds as a part of this process BE SURE to get and/or give the wiring instructions verbally via a known phone number or in person. You cannot be too diligent. Never give or receive wiring instructions through unsecured email. When giving or receiving wiring instructions, call a known number and confirm them in person. Always.
AGENT REPRESENTATION
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW AND WHAT MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE
AGENT REPRESENTATION
Selecting an agent and a brokerage to represent you in one of the biggest investments you will ever make, is a decision that you shouldn’t take lightly. We certainly don’t.
We implore you to educate yourself on the benefits of representation, the potential costs and risks of going it alone, and the value of having a trusted advisor advocating for you throughout this complicated, sometimes daunting process. We want raving fans for life - and we stand ready to impress!
There are 3 distinct ways that a real estate agent and their brokerage can engage with a customer or client in the state of Florida. As an informed consumer, the first step is to have a working knowledge of what those relationships are - and to understand the differences.
FLORIDA BROKERAGE RELATIONSHIP TYPES
SINGLE AGENT
Represents your interests above all others in the transaction
Trusted advisor throughout the process
Fiduciary client relationship
Owes confidentiality, obedience & loyalty
Must be disclosed
Secured via exclusive buyer brokerage agreement
TRANSACTION BROKER
Represents the transaction
Cannot provide advice or opinions
Limited confidentiality Default in the state of Florida
NO BROKERAGE RELATIONSHIP
May represent the other party
Cannot provide advice or opinions
No confidentiality
Must be disclosed
Minimum legal requirements
PRICING HOW-TO’S
FINDING THE SWEET SPOT FOR YOUR HOME SALE
PRICING HOW-TO’S
By carefully considering the factors listed below and seeking professional guidance when needed, sellers can effectively price their homes to attract buyers and maximize their chances of a successful sale
Timing is critical Every property attracts the most attention from potential buyers when it is new on the market Waiting to address condition issues, or “trying” a too high price that misses the target market altogether during this critical time, can be a costly mistake.
More buyers show interest in homes priced at or just below market value Setting the right asking price maximizes exposure, and the selling price of your home Because every market varies according to current inventory, demand and other driving factors, your agent will help you set the right price to yield your best results and timing
BUYERS ALWAYS DETERMINE VALUE!
The value of any property is determined by what a well-informed BUYER is willing to pay in a given market We anticipate this figure by analyzing your property as compared to other similar homes recently SOLD in your area The current available inventory of competing homes FOR SALE in your area, that Buyers will also be viewing, must also be considered.
COMMON PRICING ERRORS
MARKETING & ADVERTISING
MARKETING & ADVERTISING
When selling your home, a robust marketing and advertising strategy is essential to attract potential buyers and secure the best price. Some key components include the following.
Local exposure like yard signs, open houses, broker tours and proactive prospecting promote the sale of your home locally and within our community.
An exclusive database of more than 125 million Meredith consumers that easily identifies prospects that may be in the market to buy a home who know and trust the Better Homes and Gardens brand.
Highly-targeted digital campaigns that use creative and advanced targeting aimed at consumers who have searched real estate sites, looked at mortgage rates, or researched moving companies.
Boost ads are individually tailored and viewed by thousands of potential buyers who are looking to buy a home just like yours on thousands of websites and social media.
With TextBHGRE buyers are able to text a sign code and receive all of your property details in seconds - right to their phone And your agent can quickly follow-up to answer any questions they may have Innovation at work
The world’s largest international listing distribution site that connects real estate pros with a large contingent of international real estate buyers throughout the world.
Advertising throughout our vast network of digital partners, your property will be promoted across countless real estate websites including Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, HomeFinder com, Homes com and everywhere else buyers may be searching online!
MARKETING & ADVERTISING
One of the many benefits of listing with a Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate agent is the industry-exclusive, proprietary access to the US database of more than 120 million Better Homes and Gardens brand fans
BENEFITS TO YOU:
A Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate agent will develop a custom and targeted direct marketing campaign:
- Showcasing your home with its fine features
- Reaching buyers more likely to be interested in your home
HOW THIS PROGRAM WORKS:
Brokers and agents will selectively target prospective buyers by selecting criteria such as:
- Demographics and geographic information
- Zip codes and mile radius
- First time home buyers with or without children
- Move up Buyers
- Second time home buyers
- Empty nesters
- Luxury consumers
- Household income
- Current home value
All of these benefits are available to you when listing your home with a Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate agent.
MARKETING & ADVERTISING
YOUR PROPERTY WILL BE FEATURED ON SITES LIKE THESE
MARKETING & ADVERTISING
OUR DIGITAL PARTNERS
Exposure Matters. Our digital partner network will ensure that no buyer searching online misses your home From around the corner to across the globe, we have you covered and then some
MARKETING & ADVERTISING
BHGRE Brand Tiers - A collection of marketing assets as unique as the properties they represent.
STAGING TIPS & TRICKS
STAGING YOUR HOME SALE FOR SUCCESS
CURB APPEAL
OUTDATED WALLPAPER MUST COME DOWN
Allow potential homeowners to visualize inside a blank canvas by stripping walls
MAKE FLOORS STAND OUT
Avoid replacing flooring before consulting your agent and make sure carpets are shampooed. Have your grout lines professionally cleaned. Polish wood, marble and travertine floors.
REPAINT INTERIORS & EXTERIORS
Select hues that will enhance your home. Paint molding and trim white.
Consider tackling impactful asthetic alterations
LIGHT
The first impression of a house can be generated within seconds, before even stepping inside. Make potential buyers feel safe and welcomed as they approach your home.
Tidy your landscape and toss debris.
Trim overgrown bushes and trees.
Repair masonry and paver stones.
Power wash driveways, walks, patios and lanai screen enclosures.
Paint the front door an inviting color and enhance the hue with a welcome mat.
Clean or paint exteriors.
WALLS + FLOORS
Plan & start decluttering a few months in advance.
Plan goals and areas.
Sort into keep, donate, sell, discard.
Room-by-room focus.
Keep what's needed or joyful. Organize with storage.
Buyers value great lighting and it is one of the most requested qualities after location.
Banish heavy drapery.
Trim back bushes and trees.
Make all windows spotless.
Use higher wattage bulbs. Remove window screens.
DECLUTTER
CLEANING
KITCHENS
Change drawer pulls and cabinet knobs to stainless steel or brushed nickel. Remove as many brass fixtures as possible. Paint or re-stain cabinets. Add stainless steel appliances. Change old countertops to quartz or granite. Consider installing a stainless steel under mount sink and a pullout spray faucet
BATHROOMS
Buy white towels and change dated light fixtures
Add stylish drawer and cabinet pulls Replace outdated mirrors with picture frame styles
Update décor with a new shower curtain or consider a seamless shower door Grout/Caulk tub and shower seams
PHOTO PREP
CLEAN UNFINISHED SPACES
Stage utility rooms, garages and storage closets
Consider a dehumidifier instead of plug-ins or deodorizers
Revamp a garage by painting the floor; don’t forget to paint the concrete block foundation
KITCHENS + BATHROOMS
Buyers do most of their research online.
Maximize your online presence by doing pre-photo preparation, such as putting everthing in its place, clearing counters, removing fridge magnets, minimizing family photos and removing excess furnishings.
Virtual staging can be a useful option for vacant homes
Presents better than empty rooms in pictures. Helps a buyer visualize how a space can be used. Virtually renovated spaces can create a vision of possibility and create value.
VIRTUAL STAGING
Staging your home is important because it helps potential buyers visualize themselves living in the space, making it more likely they will make an offer. A well-staged home highlights its best features, making rooms appear larger, brighter, and more inviting. It can also create an emotional connection, encouraging buyers to see it as their future home. Additionally, staged homes often sell faster and at higher prices than unstaged ones, as they stand out in online listings and during showings. Overall, staging can provide a significant return on investment by making your home more attractive and competitive in the market.
POWER OF THE BRAND
THE COMFORT OF A HOMETOWN NAME. THE POWER OF A GLOBAL BRAND.
POWER OF THE BRAND
The power of the Better Homes and Gardens brand extends well-beyond the transaction, keeping our brand relevant and familiar to consumers year-round - not just when they are considering buying or selling. Staying top-of-mind has never been easier.
A LEGENDA A BEHEMOTH
BHG is the undeniably iconic home and lifestyle brand, with a 100+ year history of providing trustworthy, inspirational advice
6 MILLION UNIQUE VISITORS 43 MILLION VIEWS
REPUTATION IS EVERYTHING.
HARNESS THE POWER OF THE MOST TRUSTED LIFESTYLE BRAND IN AMERICA
A BRAND WITH SOUL
It is important for a brand to have at its foundation a set of core values. This helps ensure the brand remains on the right course for growth, including aligning with the right companies which also share its values It enables the brand to prioritize effectively and hit and exceed goals Most importantly, it serves as a blueprint for its service philosophies and practices
REPUTATION MATTERS
“World-Class Service with Hometown Values” embodies our business model - a blend of local, personalized care and professional excellence. With a deep commitment to both community and exceeding expectations, we deliver exceptional results while fostering strong, lasting relationships that matter.
Main Street Properties Real Estate was founded in 2011 by Audie Street and Holly Lovett with a vision to provide world-class service with hometown values. They quickly became a trusted name in the industry, with a deep dedication to supporting their community.
The Main Street Foundation was born in 2012 and is a dedicated not for profit community outreach Through initiatives focused on local schools, charities, families and more - The Main Street Foundation strives to foster a stronger, more vibrant community for everyone.
Main Street Properties joined forces with Better Homes and Gardens
Real Estate in 2016 to become the infamous Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Main Street Properties This collaboration combined deep local knowledge and commitment to community with the renowned expertise and resources of a consumer-focused iconic brand.
THE MISSION
PERSPECTIVE
We are a relationships company in the real e
MISSION
To deliver world-class service that inspires change and creates careers with purpose through relationships that matter.
VISION
To be everyone’s favorite real estate company.
VALUES
It’s about relationships - God & family first - then our businessand our business is about relationships.
PHILANTHROPY
MAKE A DIFFERENCE. BE THE CHANGE.
PHILANTHROPY
Giving back to the community that supports us is a key part of who we are and what we do.
Established in 2012, The Main Street Foundation is Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Main Street Properties Not for Profit organization and was based on the idea that we can make a small difference, be a catalyst for change and make this world a little better. Our hope is to inspire other companies and individuals to get involved in making our communities better
EVENTS
MAIN STREET LUAU
Ourlargestcharityandcommunityevent,raisingthousandsofdollarseachyearandopentoeveryonewantingto comeoutandsupporttheircommunity.
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE
Weregularlycookandprovidefoodto familiesstayingatRonaldMcDonald HouseCharitiesofNWFL.
MANNA FOOD BANK
Averaging12,000poundsoffooddonationsperyear,weareoneof MannaFoodPantry’sbiggestsupporters.
CHARITIES
American Cancer Society | Autism Pensacola | Bagdad Elementary Christmas | Breast Cancer Research Foundation Capstone Adaptive Learning & Therapy Center | Cat Country Christmas | Child Guardians | Children’s Home Society of Florida | Coalition for the Homeless | Council on Aging | Emergency needs for Local Families | Frank Brown Int Music Foundation | Gulf Coast Kids House | Holt Academy | Holiday Military Effort | Hub City Service Dogs | Hurricane Michael Relief | Impact 100 | Klass Kids Foundation | Lakeview Christmas Angels | Liberty Church Missions | Louisiana Flood Victims | Lutheran Services | Manna Food Bank | Operation Reconnect | Penelope House | Ronald McDonald House | Santa Rosa Kids House | Sea Star Aquatics | Take Stock in Children | United Way - Day of Caring
PHILANTHROPY
Giving back to the community that supports us is a key part of who we are and what we do.
(ARTICLE EXCERPT)
The Main Street Foundation is one of those goodfeeling, hometown organizations that inspires an overwhelmingly authentic “good people doing good” vibe Since 2012, our good friends at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Main Street Properties have been fulfilling Christmas wishes, slinging food pantry bags, buying baseball tickets for veterans, caring for our elderly and just offering a helping hand to distressed families along the Gulf Coast. All this good-doing begs the question, is this really a real estate company - or something else entirely?
We caught up with Audie Street and Holly Lovett, the owners of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Main Street Properties and the founders of The Main Street Foundation. Their explanation? “We’re not really a real estate company We’re a relationships company in the real estate business. Building relationships, giving back to the community that has so embraced us, and spreading love and good cheer is critical to our vision - we want to be everyone’s favorite real estate company - and helping out where we can is just the right thing to do ”
I have to say, it is inspiring in the world of business and its accompanying hyper-focus on return on investment, to encounter an organization with as much give-back attentiveness as this group. With over 30 service activities in any given year, (mind you, one of those was collecting over 12,000 pounds of food donations door-to-door) their hope is that they will inspire like-minded companies and individuals to get involved in making our community a better place The idea that we can all make a small difference – be a catalyst for change – make this world a little better – drives this group like a powerful magnet and it’s just cool to witness
NOBODY KNOWS HOMES BETTER. NOBODY KNOWS HOMES BETTER.