S e l l e r ’ s G u i d e Elevate Your Next Move
LAKE PROPERTY STARS
Robin Costoplos Broker | Owner
2026 2026
SELLING YOUR HOME?
Most homeowners choose to sell their property with the assistance of a trusted ally: their Real Estate Agent Given the significance of such a decision, it's wise to rely on a professional knowledgeable about the intricacies of Real Estate transactions. Your Lake property Stars Realtor, Robin Costoplos, will guide you through each step of the process, helping you manage the various elements involved in listings, contracts, deadlines, contingencies, negotiations, and closing. With a proven track record of excellence, you can be confident that we will strive to alleviate the stress of selling your home while helping you achieve your real estate objectives.
Lake Property Stars full-service brokerage provides a comprehensive marketing strategy designed to secure the best price for your home in the shortest time possible. Our Marketing Department recognizes the importance of HDR photography and a video tour in making your property stand out on our Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and across various online aggregators and brand sites. Additionally, we enhance your home's visibility through a robust social media presence on our Facebook page and YouTube Channel, along with other exclusive marketing tools available only to Lake Property Stars. When you partner with us, we will help elevate your property's appeal and attract more buyers by maximizing its exposure
So, how do you select the right real estate Agent for the task? Several factors should be considered when evaluating potential Agents to ensure they align with your needs
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN AN AGENT
A full-time agent devoted to their profession and passionate about assisting you in reaching your real estate objectives
A clear sense of professionalism.
A skilled negotiator with excellent communication abilities.
The capability to market your home effectively.
An understanding of our market with expertise in the field.
Elevate Your Next Move
We’ll Take You Through The Process
Congratulations! You’ve decided to start fresh and sell your home. This is a very exciting time for you and we look forward to guiding you smoothly through this process and helping you to efficiently sell your home at the best price.As you will see, there are several steps you need to take before putting your property on the market. When using us you will feel confident that the sale of your property will be very successful. Let’s get started.
Why Work With Us?
Expertise to Guide You
Navigating the process of buying or selling a home involves various documents like disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage paperwork, insurance policies, deeds, and lengthy settlement statements. You'll have an expert to help you every step of the way.
Access to Current and Objective Information
We will provide you with the latest market insights, including pricing, financing options, and the terms and conditions of competing properties This information is crucial for selling your property quickly and at the best possible price with minimal hassle
Improve Your Property’s Appeal
We can suggest repairs or cosmetic updates to increase your property's marketability significantly. Additionally, we can be a marketing coordinator, promoting your property to other real estate agents via the Multiple Listing Service and various cooperative marketing channels, and hosting open houses for agents.
Real Estate Has Its Own Vocabulary
Leverage Our Negotiation Skills
Negotiating involves numerous factors, such as price, financing, terms, possession dates, and whether repairs, furnishings, or equipment are included or excluded. Our negotiation experience will work for you.
Strong Property Marketing
Successful real estate transactions often depend on more than advertising Many sales arise from a practitioner’s connections with past clients, referrals, friends, and family
Suppose you need clarification about the difference between a CMA and a PUD In that case, it's clear why collaborating with a professional agent who is deeply familiar with the industry and its terminology is essential
The Emotional Aspect of Buying and Selling
A home represents more than just walls and a roof; it embodies family, comfort, and security. Having a supportive yet impartial third party can help you navigate the emotional and financial aspects that matter most to you.
Commitment to Ethical Treatment
As our customer, you can count on receiving honest and ethical treatment in all matters related to transactions. We are required to complete a Code of Ethics orientation and refresh my training every two years.
Why Lake Property Stars?
We Listen Carefully and Communicate Fully
Lake Property Stars
We are a boutique brokerage dedicated to tailoring the buying and selling process to your specific needs.
At Lake Property Stars, we utilize cutting-edge sales and marketing tools in the area We never forget that the most essential tool is the ability to listen carefully and communicate thoroughly. We understand that your home is one of your most valuable assets, and we will treat it with the utmost care and respect. With respect for your needs, keen attention to property details and exceptional marketing programs we vow to provide you the pinnacle of Real Estate service.
Over 93%
OVER 62 % of recent home buyers say they used the Internet in their home search, and one-third say they first saw their new home on a real estate search site. Those statistics made us decide to cover every channel out there! From listings on Realtor.com, premium placement on Trulia and Zillow.com, and dozens of other search sites, we work the web to get the buyers in your door. Additionally, we create a custom single-property website for each listing to showcase your property with high-quality photos and an interactive 3D walk-through.
Over 62%
OVER 62 % of prospective buyers seek information about housing by riding through neighborhoods. We take advantage of that ride-by traffic with prominent yard signs and a quick connect system so interested parties can get all the information about your home with a few clicks on their smartphone By placing your agents direct phone number on the sign, it assures you that the person who knows your property best will be the one answering buyer’s questions.
Top 6 Services I Provide To You
We Don’t Just Promise Our Services, We Guarantee Them!
This is a guarantee in writing that we will provide you all the services we’ve discussed. This exclusive Seller Services Guarantee is an assurance of our standards and practices. If you don’t feel we’ve done everything we’ve agreed on to help you sell your property, you can terminate the listing contract. It’s that simple.
1. ASSIST YOU IN PRICING YOUR PROPERTY
You want to get the highest possible price in the shortest time with the least amount of inconvenience. Accurate and competitive pricing is the key to reaching this objective We will suggest a listing price range based on recent market data, current economic conditions and the condition and location of your home
2. SUGGEST ANY NECESSARY REPAIRS
Buyers are becoming more and more particular, so it is definitely to your advantage to make sure your home shows well from the day it goes on the market. You don’t want to lose a prospective sale because the buyer was turned off before entering!
3. EXPOSE YOUR PROPERTY TO A MAXIMUM NUMBER OF BUYERS
Lake Property Stars markets all of our properties extensively and aggressively. We maintain good working relationships with our customers and fellow Realtors®, and make it a point to get the word our as soon as your property is listed.
4. ARRANGE SHOWINGS AND PROVIDE YOU WITH FEEDBACK FROM PROSPECTIVE BUYERS
We will always inform you of showings and provide you with immediate feedback, if given. If you are selling your primary residence, we will make appointments in advance so you are not caught off guard.
5.
PRESENT AND NEGOTIATE
OFFERS ON YOUR BEHALF
Everyone is looking for a deal these days, so don’t be insulted if you are presented with what you consider to be a “low ball” offer Rather, look at it as an opportunity to hammer out a mutually acceptable contract Both parties want the same thing - a sale It may take a little work and a lot of patience to find that common ground, but that’s why you have us. We will explain all the contingencies, help you remain objective and make informed decisions based on current trends, market data, and your particular needs.
6. FOLLOW THROUGH ON THE CONTINGENCIES ALL THE WAY TO CLOSING
Reaching an agreement on the price and terms is merely the initial step. We will maintain close communication with the Buyer’s Agent to ensure that all contingencies are addressed promptly. It is essential that the mortgage loan is applied for and approved within the designated time frame. Similarly, the home inspection should be conducted as planned, with any necessary repairs completed before closing. Additionally, there may be contingencies such as the sale of the buyer's current home, cooperation in a tax-free exchange, obtaining permits for new construction or renovations, or securing a favorable lot evaluation for a building site, to name a few. We will strive to prevent any last-minute surprises.
Helping You Find The Right Price!
Know The Formula For Pricing Successfully!
There are two important issues to remember about price:
If the asking price is:
1.It is easier to come down than go up.
2 The market will tell us if the price is right Real Estate agents agree that one of the keys to buying and selling a home revolves around the price of a property. Sellers who price their home too high are likely to turn away potential buyers, while individuals who bid too low for a home may be hurting their chances However, a recent survey of real estate professionals demonstrates that more home sellers are coming to terms with the need to price homes fairly. Ideally, you should price your home in the range of the actual fair market value
In addition , Real Estate agents agreed that more sellers said they would be open to making changes to their home to make the property more appealing to potential buyers. According to the survey results, a higher percentage of sellers are making the most common and effective changes to their homes to increase their chances of selling it.
94% of sellers are making small improvements to their homes, such as applying new paint and taking steps to remove clutter
of Real Estate agents say sellers are taking strides to remove personal and sentimental items from the home, another common piece of advice that adds to the home’s appeal
59%. of home sellers have purchased new furniture or decoration to liven up their homes.
Realtors like to show their buyers the newest properties on the market, which is why it’s important to list a home at the right price from day one The first month of showings can be the most important. While beautiful pictures and descriptions of a property may entice potential buyers, properties that are priced too high may quickly turn buyers away before they even see the home Homes that are priced too low may have a similar impact, as buyers may perceive there is something wrong with the property.
Remember, the Seller sets the price and the Buyer determines the value!
“The Peak Showing Activity occurs within the first 30 Days of listing your home on the market.”
Things I Still Need to do ...
Mow the Lawn
Trim Overgrown Shrubbery
Freshen Mulch / De-weeding Flower Beds
Make Sure Outside Lights Are Working Replace Any Burnt Out Bulbs
Keep Walkways Tidy
Repair Any Leaks
Clean Exterior Windows
Keep Garage Tidy
Touch up Any Chipped Paint
Secures All Valuables (Prescriptions, Guns, Laptops)
Clean & Declutter Counters
Put Away Personal Items And Collectibles
Removed Anything Hanging On The Refrigerator
Clean and Organize the Refrigerator
Empty Trash
Put Away Pet Items including Beds, Litter Boxes, etc.
Minimize Family Photos
Put Toys Away
Things I Still Need to do ...
Check And Replace Burnt Out Light Bulbs
Clean Bathroom, Place Toilet Seat Down
Vacuum Floors
Mop Floors
Clean Pool and Spa
If Needed Pressure Wash House & Driveway
If Needed Repair or Replace Batteries Smoke Detectors
Make a list of upgrades you have done to the home and date completed
Add to that list the cost of each as this will now be part of the appraisals
Tips From My Agent
Remember Do Not To Take Any Feedback Personally
Not All Offers Are Good Offers You Can Always Counteroffer
Know What Terms Are Most Important To You (Price, Timing, Occupancy)
Always Know You Have An Agent That Is Here To Help
Prepare For Showings
Turn On All Lights For Showings
Have the Temperature Set Comfortably For Showings 70-74 degrees F
Tidy Bathroom, Always Place Toilet Seat Down
Clear and Clean Countertops As Much As Possible
Empty Sink Dishes (place in dishwasher or put away).
Try To Leave The Property 15 Minutes Prior to every Scheduled Showing
Vacuum and/or mop floors if needed
Remove or place pets in kennels
Showings
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Take Advantage Of The Selling Cycle
Five Critical Elements Of A Sale
1.Asking Price This is the number one factor in the sale of your home. Our sales and marketing programs provide exposure to a large segment of potential buyers. The actual market value is determined by what a buyer is willing to pay and what the property appraises for.
2 Property Location. The second most important factor in the buyer’s mind is location The proximity to area amenities and schools is typically a concern Street traffic, proximity to expressways, and public transportation are considerations.
3.Property Condition. Buyers consider the structural and mechanical integrity, as well as the upkeep and aesthetic appeal of a property. Neutral decor, including floor and wall coverings, appliances, and fixtures, offers the broadest appeal to potential buyers.
4 Market Condition Interest Rates, competition from other properties, the economy and consumer confidence all influence the sale of your home We must respond to these conditions with the appropriate marketing and the price considerations.
5.Contract Terms. The terms of a sale can make or break a contract. House sale contingencies, closing dates, and exclusions or accessories or fixtures should always be handled clearly up front in order to avoid and confusion that could affect a potential sale.
Estimate of Proceeds
(Sale Price x 1.6%)
Price x 3-7%) [(Yearly Total/365) x #of days Owned] HOA Dues
Estopple Fee
(prorated for # of days occupied)
by HOA Usually around $350
Price x .7) / 100]
Moving Checklist
Prior to Moving Day:
Decide if you will be handling your own packing and moving or hiring a professional service.
Complete change-of address forms
Arrange for any special care needed for children or pets on moving day.
Coordinate with local trash company for bulk item pickups.
Transfer prescriptions to a pharmacy closer to your new home.
Contact all of your insurers and inform them of your move.
Arrange for a cleaning crew to come in after you move unless you personally plan to do a deep clean before closing.
Arrange To Turn Off or Change Over Address
Moving Checklist
On Moving Day:
Mark each box on the top and sides to indicate contents and the room in which they should be placed at your new home.
Mark boxes that you want immediate access to at your new home.
Keep Possession of all valuables DO NOT let movers take them.
Verify that utilites/services have been disconnected or transferred
Lock all doors and windows
Ensure the old house keys and garage remotes are at the closing office for the new occupants.
Provide your contact information to the new owners so they can forward any mail, packages, or deliveries sent to your old address.
After Moving Into Your New Home:
Update your contact information on your drivers license
Register to vote at your new address
Order Checks and Connect Utilities
Familiarize yourself with the locations of grocery, drug stores, hospitals, police and fire stations.
Before Final Walkthrough
Check to make sure these items are in working order:
All Light Fixtures if any burnt bulbs replace them
All outlets are working and have cover plates
Appliances are working and cleaned
All agreed upon repairs have been completed
Home is clean and all unwanted items removed from home
No signs of any new damage from movers
No new leaks, stains, or broken windows
Make sure trash has been emptied leaving none in the house.
Make sure the range and microwave are cleaned
Make sure to leave notes for the new owners and vendors you used at this property for lawn care, A/C repairs, pool etc.
Make sure the refrigerators and freezers are cleaned and ready for food
Irrigation is in good working order, Replace any broken ones.
Pool Equipment is operational and pool is cleaned
Closing Time
Items for Closing:
Paperwork
Be sure to keep all the things together that the title representative or closing attorney has asked for. Keeping it all in one place will help.
Set Up
Set up utility cancellations and mail forwarding
Gather
Gather all things the new buyers will need - Keys, appliance paperwork, garage remotes, warranties, notes about the house, quirky things that will be helpful to the new homeowners
The Move
Start Planning your move, call early for quotes, and get it scheduled!
Double check
Look at your moving checklists Now! Be ready; it comes fast.
Lock the property
Be sure to lock all windows and doors before you head to closing.
My Signing Appointment
Items to Bring to Closing:
Driver’s Licenses and 2nd form of ID such as Passport or SS card
Wiring or Bank Information to get your money deposited
Keys, Garage Remotes, List of any lock codes (garage, door)
Anything else the Title Company recommends
Closing Contact Information
Name: Company:
Address of Closing:
Phone Number:
Email:
Glossary
Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM): A mortgage that provides for periodic changes in the interest rate based on changing market conditions.
Amortize: To liquidate or extinguish (a mortgage, debt, or other obligation), especially by periodic payments to the creditor or a sinking fund, to write off a cost of (an Asset) gradually.
Annual Percentage Rate (APR): The APR is the yearly interest rate, the total interest paid in a year divided by the balance due.
Appraisal: Estimating or judging the nature or value of something or someone. Valuation is an estimate of value for sale, assessment, or taxation; valuation.
Buyer Broker Agreement: Also known as a buyer representation agreement, is a contract between a homebuyer and a real estate agent outlining the terms of their working relationship. It clarifies the agent's responsibilities, the services they will provide, and how they will be compensated. This agreement ensures the agent is working in the buyer's best interest and helps prevent misunderstandings or disputes
Closing: The final step in property purchase is transferring the title from the seller to the buyer. At closing, the seller receives payment for the property. They are also known as settlements.
Closing Costs: A Closing Disclosure is a five-page form that provides final details about your selected mortgage loan. It will be sent before closing, and the initial document must be signed 72 business hours before closing. The disclosure includes the loan terms, your projected monthly payments, the fees you will pay, and other costs associated with getting your mortgage.
Contingency: A clause in a purchase contract outlining conditions to be fulfilled before the contract is executed. Both buyer and/or seller may include contingencies in a contract, but both parties must accept the contingency.
Glossary
Conventional Loan: A private sector loan is not guaranteed or insured by the U.S. Government.
Deed: A writing or document executed under seal and delivered to effect a conveyance of genuine estate.
Disclosures: The release of relevant information about property that may influence the final sale, especially if it represents defects or problems. “Full disclosure usually refers to the seller's responsibility to provide all known information about the property voluntarily. A seller found to have knowingly lied about any defect may face legal penalties.
Earnest Money: Money given by a buyer to a seller to bind a contract. Usually paid to the Title Company or Closing Attorney to hold in escrow until closing.
Easement: A right held by one property owner to make use of the land of another for a limited purpose, as the right of passage
Escrow: A contract, deed, bond, or other written agreement deposited with a third party by whom it is to be delivered to the grantee or promisee on the fulfillment of some condition.
Fannie Mae (FNMA): This is a federally chartered enterprise owned by private stockholders. It purchases residential mortgages and converts them into securities for investors. By purchasing mortgages, Fannie Mae supplies funds that lenders can loan to potential homebuyers
Federal Housing Administration (FHA): This agency provides mortgage insurance on loans made by FHA-approved lenders throughout the United States and its territories. It insures mortgages on single-family and multifamily homes, including manufactured homes and hospitals.
Fixed-Rate Mortgage: A home mortgage for which equal monthly payments of interest and principal are paid over the life of the loan, usually for 30 years.
Glossary
Freddie Mac: Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLM), a federally chartered corporation that purchases, secures, and sells residential mortgages to investors, providing lenders with funds for new homebuyers.
Lien: The legal claim of one person upon the property of another to secure the payment of a debt or the satisfaction of an obligation.
Origination Fee: A fee charged by your lender for evaluating and processing a loan application, usually a percentage of the face value of the loan.
PITI: Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance
Promissory Note: A written promise to pay a specified sum of money to a designated person or their order to the bearer of the note at a fixed time or on demand.
Rate Lock: A commitment by the lender to a borrower guaranteeing a specific interest rate over some time at a set cost.
Showing Agreement: is a document that allows a real estate agent to show a property to a potential buyer without committing the buyer to a long-term exclusive representation agreement. It essentially formalizes the relationship for a specific showing or a limited number of showings. This agreement is beneficial for buyers who want to explore properties with different agents.
Title: In property law, a title is a bundle of rights in a piece of property in which a party may own either a legal or equitable interest. The rights in the bundle may be separated and held by different parties. It may also refer to a formal document, such as a deed, that serves as evidence of ownership.
Underwriting: The process of analyzing a loan application to determine the amount of risk involved in making the loan; it includes a review of the potential borrower’s credit history and a judgment of the property value.
Notes & Reminders
Notify providers of new home address
Banks & Money Managers
Credit Card Company
Insurance Home & Auto
Doctors & Dentists
Newspapers & Magazines
Accountant
City Government Agencies
State Agencies
Gas Company
Water Company
Electric Company
Work
Change Voter Registration Get new Driver’s License
Change Locks on new home
Attorney Office
Veterinarian
Schools
Cell Phone Company
Friends & Family
Go to Post office and get new key for keyed mailboxes
Old Mortgage Company so they can mail your any overpaid escrow funds
ABOUT ROBIN COSTOPLOS BROKER | OWNER
With a steadfast dedication to excellence and a solid reputation in Lake County, Florida's vibrant real estate market, Robin Costoplos is a seasoned expert boasting over six years of invaluable experience As a committed full-time Realtor, Robin has carved out a niche as a waterfront property specialist, fully grasping the unique needs and aspirations of clients seeking prim estate along the stunning shores of Lake County, ensuring they feel genuinely understood and well-supported
Robin’s Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) designation underscores her commitment to providing unmatched advocacy and support to homebuyers Her expertise is further elevated by the prestigious Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS) Guild designation one of the highest recognitions in luxury real estate. This elite honor is awarded to top-performing agents who have repeatedly demonstrated mastery in marketing and successfully closing highend properties. Clients benefit from Robin’s advanced skills, strategic approach, and in-depth understanding of luxury market trends, giving them confidence and peace of mind during complex, high-value transactions.
As a Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA), Robin brings a keen understanding of the market dynamics that influence property values. This insight enables her to guide clients through the pricing process with clarity, ensuring sellers achieve optimal results and buyers secure fair and wellinformed deals.
Robin has also earned the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) designation, a testament to her dedication to delivering exceptional residential real estate services This elite credential represents a higher level of expertise and continued commitment to professional growth
Robin is also proud to hold the Performance Management Network (PMN) designation through the Women’s Council of Realtors® This achievement reflects her leadership, negotiation expertise, and advanced business skills gained through specialized training The PMN designation equips her to create stronger client relationships, communicate with clarity, and approach each transaction with enhanced professionalism and strategic focus
As a Certified Probate Specialist, Robin offers compassionate, knowledgeable support to families navigating the sensitive, often complex probate real estate process. This certification empowers her to guide personal representatives and heirs through legal and logistical challenges with clarity, professionalism, and heartfelt care helping ease stress during emotionally difficult times.
Beyond her qualifications and achievements, Robin is driven by a genuine passion for real estate and a commitment to building lasting client relationships. Whether assisting with the sale of a waterfront estate or helping a buyer find their dream home, she approaches every transaction with integrity, enthusiasm, and a client-focused mindset. For those seeking an experienced, highly skilled real estate professional with deep roots and comprehensive expertise in Lake County and the greater North Central Florida area, Robin stands out as a trusted guide for a seamless and rewarding real estate journey
