SOLD listing your home DEBBIE GREGORY | TRUSTED REALTOR®
THE KEYS YOU NEED TO SELL WITH CONFIDENCE FROM START TO SOLD
Your home deserves more. The life you envision begins with the right agent guiding you through every step of the home-selling process with originality, authenticity, integrity, and great care. I understand that your home deserves more because it is more than just a physical space. It's where you've created warm memories and celebrated special milestones. It's where the phrase "make yourself at home" comes to life. When the right time presents itself to sell your home and begin the next chapter in
the life you envision, the process alone can feel overwhelming. It can be an emotional journey, and it's understandable that you may feel hesitant. Rest assured that together, we can navigate the process with ease. We'll outline clear expectations and create a winning strategy so that you aren't left in the dark. From start to 'sold,' I will be your guide in finding the right buyers, negotiating the best terms, and creating a smooth and stress-free closing.
- Debbie Gregory listing your home
table of contents 3
Why Choose RE/MAX Benefits, Buyers, Global Reach
7
Meet the REALTOR® Bio, Reviews, Mission, Vision, Core Values, and Pledge
11
The Sales Process Timeline From Pre-Consultation to Closing Day
13
Preparing Your Home Tips and a Room-by-Room Checklist
15
Professional Photography The Importance and the Data
17
Informed Pricing The Psychology of Pricing “Just Right”
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Professional Marketing My Team and Winning Strategy Mixed Media Approach and Collection Exclusives My Marketing Menu
25
Professional Negotiation 13 Key Points in a Real Estate Transaction
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The Value of a Buyer’s Agent How a Represented Buyer Benefits You
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Notes & Next Steps Let’s Get Started!
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why choose re/max BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH THE BEST IN REAL ESTATE
1 2 3
RE/MAX agents lead the way. In a transaction that can often be complex – especially when the housing market is tough – a RE/MAX agent can serve as a guide from the start. Armed with data and local expertise, these proactive housing experts are trained to see everything – including what others don’t. It comes with the territory for a brand whose agents help hundreds of thousands of families buy and sell their homes each year.
RE/MAX agents hold your hand. Like a pacesetter in a marathon, a RE/MAX real estate agent can ensure the homebuying or selling process moves at just the right speed. An agent can help share information when needed (to avoid that “drinking from a fire hose” feeling), keep sellers on a realistic path, and serve as a support system while all parties work toward the same goal: a successful transaction. Deep knowledge and innate ability shouldn’t come as a surprise: RE/MAX leads the industry in professional designations and has more Certified Residential Specialists than anyone else.
RE/MAX agents make it happen. It’s true – every 30 seconds, a RE/MAX agent helps someone find their perfect place. A winning mindset and the ability to problem solve doesn’t hurt either when it comes to successfully closing real estate transactions. For sellers who entrust RE/MAX agents with connecting them to the services and professionals they need, they know firsthand how RE/MAX agents can help keep the transaction moving and the end goal in sight.
listing your home
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for A
G
years running E
N
T
S
have been recognized and voted by the consumer as the
MOST TRUSTED
REAL ESTATE AGENTS
in the industry No one ever said real estate was easy. In fact, especially since March 2020, most homebuyers and sellers have probably muttered a much different sentiment. But here’s the good news - even though the real estate market can be overwhelming, complicated, and downright unpredictable, you have a RE/MAX real estate agent ready to help you through the journey of ‘for sale’ to ‘sold.’ Yes, without the right real estate agent (or any real estate agent at all), a lot of things could go wrong. But with me as your agent, a lot of things will go right.
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HOMES AND ESTATES 615.463.3333 PART OF THE REMAX COLLECTION
more than your “local realtor” My office, RE/MAX Homes and Estates, works with both buyers and sellers and keeps an upto-date funnel of interest. In addition, Middle Tennessee welcomes more and more international buyers, quickly becoming a magnet for relocating businesses and individuals alike. Who else is better prepared to serve our market than the leader in global home sales? As an affiliate of RE/MAX, I have fostered the perfect pairing of local connections and a global marketing reach, which means my buyer network is extensive. And if that isn’t enough, I am also part of The RE/MAX Collection—RE/MAX’s luxury sector—where I am aligned with the highest quality real estate professionals in the industry. My hope is that this gives you peace of mind as we step into the sales process together and get your home on the market.
listing your home
EXPOSURE THROUGH THE GLOBAL REACH OF THE RE/MAX NETWORK
110+
9,000+
COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES
RE/MAX OFFICES
650,000+
140,000+
RE/MAX LISTINGS
RE/MAX AGENTS
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meet debbie TRUSTED REALTOR®
You need more than a good real estate agent—you need a proven professional backed by a strong network. Debbie Gregory of REMAX Homes and Estates offers the expertise, resources, and personalized guidance needed to navigate buying or selling real estate in Nashville and across Middle Tennessee. She partners with trusted banks and lenders for prequalification support and maintains long-standing relationships with title companies, attorneys, home inspectors, insurance agents, and other industry professionals to ensure a seamless experience from start to finish. Serving Nashville and the Middle Tennessee region since 2005, Debbie has closed millions of dollars in real estate transactions through strategic marketing that reaches buyers locally, nationally, and internationally. With REMAX operating in more than 100 countries, she leverages a truly global platform to maximize exposure for every listing—an advantage especially valuable in Middle Tennessee’s culturally diverse and rapidly growing market. A Nashville native, Debbie combines deep local knowledge with a global perspective. She takes time to clearly explain each step of the process and the required documentation, creating confidence and clarity for clients. She has also earned designations from the National Association of REALTORS®, including Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS) and Global Marketing Agent (GMA). Clients and colleagues respect Debbie for her integrity, discretion, and straightforward communication style. Her dedication to exceptional service has earned her a loyal base of repeat clients and referrals, including CEOs, professionals, and individuals in the sports and entertainment industries. She is committed to understanding each client’s goals and tailoring her approach to meet their unique needs. Debbie and the REMAX team continually invest in new tools, education, and strategies to better serve buyers and sellers. She would be honored to guide you through your next real estate transaction.
listing your home
FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA
@musiccityagent
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the value of a REALTOR® BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH AN AGENT
1 2 3 4 5
EFFICIENCY On average, FSBO homes take 19 days longer to sell than homes listed with an agent.
PROFIT The typical FSBO home sold for, on average, 40% less than agentassisted home sales.
EFFECTIVENESS 36% of sellers attempted a FSBO sale before turning to an agent.
TRUST 92% of homes in the US are sold using an agent or a broker.
EXPERIENCE 90% of buyers would use their agent again or recommend their agent to others.
listing your home
Vision Passionately helping all live the life they envision
Mission To operate with originality, authenticity, and integrity while continuing to utilize my years of experience in operations, sales, professional development, and marketing
Core Values Integrity, Expertise, Culture, Differentiation, Reputation, Excellence
My Full-Service Support Team I come to you equipped to offer what I believe you and your home deserve—cutting-edge resources and technology, as well as access to a full-service marketing team prepared to tailor a winning strategy for showcasing and selling your home. Additionally, I have worked diligently on your behalf to develop a network of industry professionals who support my business. From preferred lenders to your checklist handyman, I have you covered!
My Pledge To You To strive to be honorable and to abide by the Golden Rule To strive to serve well my community, and through it, my country To abide by the REALTORS'® Code of Ethics and to strive to conform my conduct to its aspirational ideals To act honestly in all real estate dealings To protect the individual right of real estate ownership and to widen the opportunity to enjoy it To seek better to represent my clients by building my knowledge and competence
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the sales process timeline Answer These Questions Before We Begin: (1.) What is your moving timeline? (2.) What do you believe your home is worth? (3.) What are some of the features in your home that you have enjoyed the most?
REALTOR® Consultation Our journey begins with a thorough consultation to understand your vision for selling your home and for us both to establish a sales timeline and a pricing strategy.
Your Pre-Listing Checklist Getting a home “ready for the market” looks different for every seller. After analyzing your home, I - your trusted advisor - will guide you through a checklist of to-do’s that will ensure a smooth sales process.
Professional Photos After your home is prepped for the market, I will get professional photos taken of the home to make sure it is positioned to garner maximum online reach.
Listing Your Home Once your home is listed on the Multiple Listings Service (MLS), it will syndicate to all “real-estate marketplace” websites, including RE/MAX.com, Zillow.com, Redfin.com, Realtor.com, and more. This ensures that whatever platform potential buyers are utilizing, your home is visible.
Marketing Your Home During this process, my professional marketing team will step in and develop a winning strategy for selling your home. I will work with them directly to bring in buyers and interested parties.
listing your home
Scheduled Showings A showing is typically set up between the listing and the selling agent. However, I utilize a service called Showingtime to schedule appointments. With their online portal and fully staffed call center, no showing requests are ever missed.
Professional Negotiations There are several points of negotiation within a real estate transaction. After an offer is made on your home, we will then have the opportunity to counter and begin the negotiation process. Getting to this point is an exciting and often nerve-racking time don’t worry, I am an expert and I’ve got your best interest in mind.
Inspections Once you have an agreed upon contract, most buyers opt to have a home inspection. During this point in the process, a licensed inspector will some to your home and provide the buyer with a comprehensive report about the condition of your home. This can trigger a new negotiation process as we work to come to an agreement on what repairs will need to be completed prior to closing.
Appraisal For a lender to fund potential buyers, it will require an appraisal to assist in determining the value of the property as collateral against their loan. The buyer’s lender will typically order the appraisal. This is built in as a safety net to make sure that the price of the home is a fair reflection of its actual value. Pricing correctly and negotiating contract terms that will satisfy an appraisal contingency is an integral part of how I will help you have a successful outcome.
Closing Day We did it! Your next chapter begins!
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PREPARING TO LIST YOUR HOME ON THE MARKET
CHECKLIST Cleaning & prepping your home can increase its value by 3% to 5%. Following my simple room-to-room checklist could be the difference in you hitting that magic net gain.
Kitchen Remove personal accessories Clear off all counters (paper towels, toasters, etc.) Tidy the pantry
Living Room Remove personal accessories Declutter, including furniture if needed Wipe down windows
Bedrooms Remove personal accessories Remove 30% of all items in the closets Replace bright bedding with neutral tones if possible
Bathrooms Remove all personal accessories, toiletries, and hygiene products Deep clean the toilets, sinks, tubs, showers, and floors Upgrade to simple neutral towels that look and smell fresh
listing your home
Back Yard Trim all bushes and mow the lawn Rake and even gravel Tidy all toys and outdoor accessories Remove pet accessories if possible
Front Entry Sweep the front porch and add a fresh welcome mat Plant potted flowers Trim and mow the lawn regularly
Misc. Details Throughout Remove personal accessories Wipe down all blinds Touch up any drywall or paint Wipe down baseboards
Tips to Keep in Mind: Trust your senses. Is what you see clean & organized? Is there an odor? Garbage? Carpets? Be sure to air out your home. Don't hide clutter. A tidy house gives the impression of it being larger. Keep your home showing-ready. When you leave, make sure it is in selling condition and that all pets are taken care of.
Pre-List To Do’s
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professional photography There is so much truth in the saying, “You never get a second chance at a first impression.” When it comes to listing your home, the photos potential buyers see online act as your home’s first impression and, oftentimes, their deciding factor on whether they want to see it in person. Once you have completed your pre-listing checklist, we will deploy options for staging - if needed. Then, I will have my trusted photographer come in and shoot your home, capturing every detail that makes your home special and attractive. Great photos can mean the difference between a home that sells quickly and a home that sits on the market longer than it should.
listing your home
homes with
professional photography
SELL 32% faster 32%
THE AVERAGE ROI ON professional photography
IN REAL ESTATE IS
826% 68 PERCENT
O F
C O N S U M E R S
S A Y
T H A T
GREAT PHOTOS M A D E
T H E M
W A N T
T O
visit the home
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listing your home
PRICING YOUR HOME TO SELL Potential Buyers:
How a home is priced directly impacts the volume of potential buyers that a home attracts. This is the pricing structure pyramid I use to illustrate the power of properly pricing homes. The market value of your home is determined by a Comparative Market Analysis (a.k.a. CMA). The CMA summarizes the pricing of homes similar to yours that have sold or are on the market in your area. I will make appropriate adjustments to the “comps” to come up with a suggested market value for your home. Pricing well above value: Closes off a pool of buyers that have set limits on their search Pricing at value: Triggers a sense of urgency in the buyer to act immediately and not let "a deal" pass by Pricing well below value: Opens up buyer concerns about what might be wrong with the home
Priced 15%
Above Market Value:
10%
Priced 10%
30%
Priced At
60%
Priced 10%
75%
Priced 15%
90%
Above Market Value:
Market Value:
Below Market Value:
Below Market Value:
Source: Zillow Listing Data
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JUST LISTED NOW AVAILABLE IN GREATER NASHVILLE AND BEYOND
listing your home
professional marketing My Marketing Team
My Winning Strategy
Rooted in strategic positioning, consistent and relevant messaging, and innovative design and distribution, my marketing team is equipped and ready for action.
Every home is unique, and that means every marketing strategy should be as well! However, there is a single principle that rings true across the board: a “winning marketing strategy” is fully immersive, meaning that your ideal buyer should see your home multiple times across a mix of many media channels. My team’s vast menu of marketing opportunities means that we will accomplish just that through print and digital platforms.
When you hire me as your REALTOR®, you get a full team of professional marketers analyzing your home and developing a straightforward course of action that will attract buyers and generate interest.
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Email Marketing
Social Media Advertising
Content Marketing
With a premium system, my team will develop custom email campaigns for advertising your home and distribute to 10,500+ buyer’s agents.
To maximize exposure, your home will be featured on my company’s social media accounts. I also offer the opportunity for paid social media ads.
Every home has a story. I have content writers/marketers prepared to write your home’s story on my company’s blog and drive traffic to it.
Print Marketing
Print Advertising
Digital Advertising
A mixed media approach means that we create print materials to spotlight your home through brochures, flyers, postcards, and so much more.
Being a well-connected REALTOR® comes with many benefits to my clients, including placements in highly esteemed local publications.
I have aligned with several digital publications to offer my clients digital ads, content pieces, and exclusive features on high-traffic websites.
OPEN HOUSE | SUNDAY, JUNE, 8TH • 2:00PM - 4:00PM
Targeted Web Ads
Open House Collateral
Open House Advertising
For each home I list, I guarantee a two-week digital ad (minimum 4,000 impressions) that places the home online in front of active local buyers.
My multi-media approach extends to Open Houses with feature sheets and custom magazines that leave a lasting impressions on guests.
A successful Open House does not happen by accident. I am prepared to draw in buyers through digital, social media, and print advertising.
listing your home
MIXED MEDIA APPROACH
EXCLUSIVES AS PART OF THE RE/MAX COLLECTION
In addition to this marketing mix - as a RE/MAX Collection Agent - I am also able to offer you premier materials and resources for premier homes, including advertising in publications like Kingdom, Unique Homes, Mansion Global, and Wall Street Journal.
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listing your home
my marketing menu AUTOMATIC MARKETING Top-Grade Professional Photography Digital Exposure on the Lipman Group Website Digital Exposure on RE/MAX.com Digital Exposure on RE/MAX Global Property Video Exposure on the Lipman Group Website Property Video Exposure on Lipman Group's Youtube Page Social Media Property Feature on All Lipman Group Social Media Platforms Social Media Property Video Reel on All Lipman Group Social Media Platforms Two-Week Targeted Internet/Social Media Campaign (4,000 impressions guaranteed) Property Website Designed to Funnel Leads
LUXURY OPTIONS Digital Exposure on Mansion Global (U.S. listing is over $1 million) Lipman Group Lounge Television Listing Feature with QR Code Tracked by the Lipman Group Marketing Team
MARKETING BY REQUEST Coming Soon E-blast Just Listed E-blast Now Available E-blast - Weeks After Being Listed Price Improvement E-blast Inclusion in Company Open House E-blast Custom Social Media Graphic Featured Listing Blog Post
E-Magazine E-blast Feeder Market E-blast Social Media Featured Listing Story on Lipman Group Social Media Platforms
MARKETING BY REQUEST | WITH AGENT INVESTMENT Listing Announcement Direct Mailer Property Flyer Property Feature Sheet Two-Page Property Brochure Four-Page Property Brochure Additional Weeks of Targeted Internet/Social Media Campaign Custom-Designed Zipcode Targeted Ad for Feeder Markets NASHToday Digital Advertising Opportunities Negotiated by the Lipman Group Marketing Team Nfocus Digital Advertising Website Ads Editorial Newsletter Inclusion Exclusive Email Campaign Style Blueprint Digital Advertising Real Estate Sponsored Article SB Weekend Feature (Distributed to 31,000-32,000 Subscribers) Website Ads (12,500 Impressions Guaranteed)
Lipman Lounge Poster Advertisement Custom Listing Magazine Luxury Home Magazine Co-Op Print Advertising Luxury Home Magazine Diligtal Advertising Submitted Social Media Listing Feature Submitted Social Media Tour National Homepage Feature On-Site Social Media Content
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transitioning to ‘sold’ The transition from a buyer’s agent writing an offer to a successful closing requires professional negotiation. To fully understand what this process entails, I have included for you the 13 main points of negotiation in a standard real estate transaction. Negotiating a real estate transaction goes far beyond agreeing on the purchase price. These points can significantly affect the overall terms and outcome of the deal for both you and the buyer. Negotiating these points effectively for both parties requires a good understanding of the real estate market, the specific property in question, and the priorities of both the buyer and seller. A skilled real estate agent can be invaluable in navigating these negotiations.
listing your home
KEY POINTS OF NEGOTIATION 1. Purchase Price The most obvious point of negotiation, where the buyer and seller agree on the final sale price of the property.
2. Closing Costs Who covers various closing costs can be a point of negotiation. This includes title insurance, escrow fees, notary fees, transfer taxes, and more.
3. Financing Contingencies Terms regarding the buyer's ability to secure financing, including specific types of loans, interest rates, and the time frame for obtaining a loan commitment.
4. Inspection Contingencies
7. Closing Date When the transaction will officially close and the property will change hands. Flexibility on this can be a significant bargaining chip.
8. Personal Property Items such as appliances, fixtures, and furniture that may or may not be included in the sale. Sometimes, specific items can be part of the negotiation.
9. Leaseback Agreements In cases where the seller needs more time to vacate, a temporary leaseback agreement can be negotiated to allow them to stay in the home for a specified period after closing.
10. Repair Credits Instead of making repairs before the sale, the seller might offer a credit to the buyer to handle repairs themselves after the purchase.
Agreements on how to handle findings from the home inspection, including repairs, credits, or adjustments to the sale price. This may also include negotiations over who pays for necessary repairs.
11. Title Insurance
5. Home Warranty
12. Escrow Instructions
The provision of a home warranty plan by the seller to cover repairs of appliances and systems for a certain period after the sale.
Details about the escrow process, including the choice of escrow and title companies.
Who will pay for the buyer's and lender's title insurance policies, which protect against title disputes.
13. Contingency Removal Dates 6. Appraisal Contingencies Conditions related to the appraisal of the property, ensuring the home is valued at or above the agreed purchase price for financing purposes.
The timeline for removing contingencies related to financing, inspection, and appraisal, affecting how long the buyer has to meet certain conditions before the sale can proceed.
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OF A BUYER’S AGENT
THE VALUE
listing your home
Education: Providing crucial insights into the local market, inventory, pricing dynamics, processes, forms, contingencies, inspections, financing, closing costs, local customs, and potential challenges. A buyer who has consulted with and retained a buyers agent is prepared for the process.
Advice, Insight & Ongoing Consultation: Addressing a plethora of real estate matters, offering guidance on property details, pricing, neighborhoods, HOA rules, and other buyer queries.
Access & Availability: Being perpetually available to respond to buyer needs, whether it’s answering questions, showing properties, or addressing urgent concerns. While there are costs to marketing a listing, a buyer's agent often incurs “costs” with the sheer amount of time it takes to get a buyer to the closing table.
Research & Tracking Down Information: Thoroughly investigating property details, regulations, covenants, restrictions, budgets, and other critical information.
Offer Preparation/Negotiation: Meticulously ensuring all details in the offer process align logically with contract timelines and contingencies. Skillfully navigating negotiations between buyers and sellers to establish mutually agreeable terms.
Inspections & Repairs: Coordinating and managing property inspections, addressing repair issues, and ensuring a smooth process. Confirming repairs are completed and scheduling any walkthroughs or secondary inspections needed to satisfy the repair amendment.
Appraisals: Monitoring the appraisal processes to comply with contract timelines and addressing any valuation or condition issues.
Managing the Transaction: Proactively overseeing various aspects of the transaction such as delivery of escrow funds, coordinating with title companies, lenders, and other involved parties. Monitoring performance deadlines and guiding buyers through meeting those deadlines.
Managing the Closing: Ensuring all necessary keys, access cards, and property details are provided to the buyer while addressing any last-minute issues.
Not only do buyer’s agents play a crucial role in the real estate transaction, but they also benefit you as a seller by providing expertise and support to prospective buyers. From their initial search to the final closing, these agents actively educate their clients on what to expect and what is reasonable given current market conditions. Buyer’s agents work hard to prevent their clients from becoming overwhelmed and walking away from the home of their dreams.
89%
In 2023, about 89% of homebuyers purchased their home using a real estate agent or broker, according to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR).
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our next steps forward My hope is that you will leave our initial meeting with clear expectations, a complete understanding of the home sale process, and total confidence that I will guide you every step of the way. I know that this is about so much more than a real estate transaction (selling fast for top dollar), and I plan to treat it that way. While I cannot promise that there won’t be bumps in the road, I can assure you that with me as your REALTOR®, I will do my best to help you avoid unnecessary delays, overcome unique situations, and create a smooth and stress-free closing day. You can expect regular communication from me and I will expect honest communication from you. It’s time for you to begin the next chapter in the life you envision. Together, we can get you there.
listing your home
Notes
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Debbie Gregory, REALTOR® c. 615.578.3166 | o. 615.463.3333 musiccityagent@gmail.com | dgregory.remax.com
RE/MAX Homes and Estates, Lipman Group | Each RE/MAX office is independently owned and operated.