RE/MAX Distinctive - General Pre-Listing Book

- DISCOVER A NEW LEVEL OF -

Marketing Excellence

THE POWER OF RE/MAX DISTINCTIVE

RE/MAX DISTINCTIVE RE/MAX Distinctive is a full-service brokerage and can handle all or your real estate needs. Our solid relationships with our partners ensure that each and every one of our clients receives the same level of service excellence that we require of ourselves from contract to closing, and beyond. RE/MAX Distinctive prides itself on over 30 years of success in the Northern Virginia, Washington D.C., and Southern Maryland markets. With the Distinctive corporate office based in McLean, we have Agents/Brokers licensed in Virginia, District of Columbia, Maryland, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and more.

We pride ourselves on combining our legacy of experienced agents while using all the technology and tools to maximize efficiencies and the customer experience. When you work with one of our agents, you are actually hiring a world class team — literally! RE/MAX Distinctive is part of the global RE/MAX International family which, unlike our competition, leverages their presence in nations around the globe and will market your home throughout the country and internationally. Being the most recognized brand in the industry gives us a market advantage.

Our firm has had long-standing success with a family of real estate agents and brokers who specialize in all aspects of real estate management and marketing. We also own and operate Distinctive Property Management for all of your property management needs from leasing to renovations and repair.

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WHY CHOOSE A RE/MAX DISTINCTIVE AGENT •

SELEC T ING A DIST INC T I V E R E A LTOR ®

Orchestrate the offer process for “back-up” offers, if necessary

•

Holding open houses when appropriate

•

Contacting your neighbors to promote the property

•

Advertising your property on our regular office

provide you with a professional, objective point of view

schedule meetings

but the final decision of accepting an offer is yours

• • •

•

Throughout the negotiation, your Distinctive agent will

Featuring your property on our web site and REALTOR.com

A F T ER T HE OFFER IS ACCEP T ED

Asking clients and colleagues if they know of

Once an offer is accepted, your Distinctive agent will

possible buyers

manage all the details to make the process as stress-free

You’ll appreciate having a strong advocate on your

and efficient as possible:

side during the transaction!

•

Stay in contact with the buyer’s agent to ensure a smooth escrow

N EGOT I AT ING T HE OFFER

•

Follow up on the progress of the buyer’s loan

Will immediately present and explain all offers to

•

Monitor all contingency removal deadlines

you. You will be able to accept, reject, or counter any

•

Assist you if a conflict with the buyer arises

offer presented. During the negotiation process, your Distinctive agent will leverage their experience and skills

FINA LIZING A N D CLOSING T HE T R A NSAC T ION

to advocate your interests:

Finalizing the process includes reviewing all closing

•

Review the contract and obligations before you sign

documents and ensuring both parties have copies.

•

Explain how contingencies and release clauses work

When the transaction has closed, your Distinctive agent

•

Protect you from signing a “blank check” for

will deliver the closing check to you and the keys to the

unknown problems or repairs

new owner.

•

Define legal disclosure requirements

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COMMUNITY SUPPORT RE/MAX agents are well known locally, nationally, and internationally for their involvement in many community programs.

They are committed to working in their local community serving their clients’ real estate needs as well as being a part of the daily lifestyle.

CHILDR EN’S MIR ACLE N ET WOR K Since partnering with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in 1992, RE/MAX agents have raised more than $147 million for the charity’s 170 member hospitals in the U.S. and Canada. Donations help fund pediatric medical equipment and treatments, healthcare services, and charitable care. For some agents, these donations are very personal, helping kids in their own families and neighborhoods. RE/MAX Distinctive has made a difference by becoming a Miracle Office. Through the Miracle Home and Miracle Property programs, RE/MAX Distinctive Realtors and the office associates donate to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® after each residential and commercial transaction.

RE/MAX Distinctive (Distinctive Foundations) supports additional charities — some of which RE/MAX Distinctive has supported through the years and continues to support are Race for the Children, In Christy’s Shoes, SLOPSA USA, DCHA, My Little Patient, Susan G. Komen®, and The Reading Connection.

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RE/MAX LEADS THE INDUSTRY MOST PRODUC T I V E

W EBSI T E T R A FFIC A N D ON LIN E SE A RCHES

RE/MAX agents average more than twice as many sales as

Remax.com is the most highly visited real estate franchise

any other real estate agents in the world.

website in the world, attracting over 80 million visitors annually who can view your home in over 43 languages.

BR A N D NA ME AWA R EN ESS RE/MAX is the most recognized brand in real estate.

E X PER IENCE

Their

RE/MAX brokers and agents are all full-time real estate

national

advertising

campaign

positions

the

professionals who average over 12 years in the business.

RE/MAX name in front of millions of buyers and sellers all over the country and is designed to keep the brand, as well as remax.com, top-of-mind when someone decides it is time

NAT IONA L E X POSU R E

to buy or sell their home.

The RE/MAX network gives you and your broker access to over 9,000 offices worldwide with over 144,000 agents

LOC A L OR IGINS

in more than 110 countries and territories — giving your

Founded in 1979, RE/MAX is 100% locally owned. RE/MAX

home instant exposure to buyers around the globe.

Distinctive has offices in Virginia, Maryland, and District of Columbia.

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RE/MAX AGENTS OUTSELL THE COMPETITION Among the country’s largest real estate brokerages, RE/MAX agents continue to outperform the competition in both transaction sides and sales volume.*

DOUBLE THE OTHERS

HIGHER VOLUME BY FAR

RE/MAX agents averaged more than twice as

RE/MAX agents averaged 67% more sales volume

many transaction sides as competitors.

than the average for competitors.

*Based on 2023 RealTrends 500 data, citing 2022 transaction sides for the 1,561 largest participating U.S. brokerages, excluding 42 who did not report active licensees. ©2023 RE/MAX, LLC. Each Office Independently Owned and Operated.

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RE/MAX VS. THE INDUSTRY Choose the brand with outstanding agents, leading brand awareness, and an unmatched global presence.

TRANSACTION SIDES PER AGENT 1

14.0

13.3 12.0

10.0

8.9

8.0

7.4

6.9

6.0

6.7

6.4

6.2

6.2

6.1

5.9

5.9

5.5

5.4

4.0

3.3 2.0

0.0

RE/MAX

Realty Executives

Compass

ERA

Weichert

Coldwell Banker

Century 21

Keller Williams

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Sotheby's

Better Homes & Gardens

Realty One Group

eXp Realty

HomeSmart

TRANSACTION SIDES PER AGENT1

U.S. TRANSACTION SIDES

BRAND AWARENESS (UNAIDED)2

COUNTRIES & TERRITORIES

OFFICES WORLDWIDE

AGENTS WORLDWIDE

13.3

781,377

34.0%

110+

9,175

144,014

©2023 RE/MAX, LLC. Each Office Independently Owned and Operated. Data is full-year as of year-end 2022, as applicable. Except as noted, Coldwell Banker, Century 21, ERA, Sotheby’s and Better Homes and Gardens data is as reported by Anywhere Real Estate on SEC 10-K, Annual Report for 2022; Realty Executives, Compass, Weichert, Keller Williams, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Realty ONE Group, HomeSmart and eXp Realty data is from company websites and industry reports. 1U.S. transaction sides per agent are calculated from the T3 Sixty Real Estate Almanac Enterprises report. It cites 2022 residential transaction sides and agent counts, some of which it estimates when company elected not to provide. 2MMR Strategy Group study of unaided awareness among buyers, sellers, and those planning to buy or sell; asked, when they think of real estate brands, which ones come to mind?

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LOCAL EXPERTS, GLOBALLY CONNECTED Tapping the global scope and phenomenal presence of the RE/MAX international network gives RE/MAX a unique and powerful advantage over any other real estate company in the world. Having access to thousands of international referral sources is key to finding qualified buyers and sellers. Through a network of over 144,000 associates in over 110 countries, RE/MAX has the inside track on buyers and sellers around the globe.

The Worldwide RE/MA X Network A MER IC A S

C A R IBBE A N

• Argentina • Belize • Bolivia • Brazil • Canada • Chile • Colombia • Costa Rica • Ecuador • El Salvador • Guatemala • Honduras • Mexico • Nicaragua • Panama • Paraguay • Peru • Suriname • United States • Uruguay • Venezuela

• Antigua & Barbuda • Aruba* • Bahamas • Bonaire* • British Virgin Islands* • Cayman Islands* • Curacao* • Dominican Republic • Grenada • Haiti • Jamaica • Puerto Rico* • St. Barthelemy* • St. Kitts & Nevis • St. Lucia • St. Maarten/ St. Martin* • St. Vincent/ Grenadines • Trinidad & Tobago

*Denoted territory

• Turks & Caicos* • U.S. Virgin Islands*

• Kosovo • Latvia • Lithuania • Luxembourg • Malta • Moldova • Montenegro • Netherlands • North Macedonia • Norway • Poland • Portugal • Romania • Republic of Ireland • Scotland* • Serbia • Slovakia • Slovenia • Spain • Sweden • Switzerland • Turkey • Ukraine • United Kingdom

EU ROPE • Albania • Austria • Belgium • Bosnia and Herzegovina • Bulgaria • Croatia • Cyprus • Czech Republic • England* • Estonia • Finland • France • Germany • Greece • Georgia • Hungary • Iceland • Israel • Italy - 12 -

MIDDLE E A ST • Egypt • Jordan • Lebanon • Oman • Saudi Arabia • United Arab Emirates • West Bank/ Palestine

A FR IC A • Angola • Botswana • Ethiopia • Ghana • Kenya • Mauritius • Morocco • Namibia • Nigeria • South Africa • Swaziland • Tanzania

• Tunisia • Uganda • Zambia

A SI A / PACIFIC • Australia • China • Guam • India • Indonesia • Japan • Macau • Malaysia • Mongolia • Myanmar • New Zealand • Palau • Philippines • Singapore • South Korea • Sri Lanka • Taiwan • Thailand

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DETERMINING T H E VA L U E O F YOUR HOME

THE OBJECTIVE At RE/MAX Distinctive, our objectives are: •

To get as many agents and qualified buyers as possible into your home until it is SOLD!

•

To communicate the results of our activities to you.

•

To assist you in getting the highest possible dollar value for your property in the shortest period of time with the least amount of inconvenience to you, keeping you informed every step of the way.

•

To constantly look for the best possible method of exposing your property to potential qualified buyers in the market, including actively promoting your home to our current buyers.

•

To earn your repeat and referral business.

Prior to implementing any marketing strategies, it is critical to go through a process of discovery — determining the fair market value, understanding the barometer of current market conditions, and reviewing the variety of factors that will help us prepare your home for sale. Selling high-end homes requires a certain level of expertise, strategy, and exceptional marketing to the right buyers, which is key to maximizing the true value of your home.

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PRICING YOUR HOME Not only will you miss prospective buyers by overpricing your home, but you will affect how long your home will remain on the market and what the eventual selling price will be.

Making the Most of Initial Interest

AC T I V I T Y VS. T IMING Timing is extremely important in the real estate market. A property attracts the most interest and excitement from the

it is new on the market. Setting a realistic price from the beginning will help take advantage of this initial period, and increase the chance of a timely sale.

ACTIVITY

listed. Therefore, it has the highest chance of a sale when

An experienced agent who knows the market and the

(Amount of Interest)

real estate community and potential buyers when it is first

1

marketing process can help you determine the market

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

TIME ON MARKET (Weeks)

value of your home, thereby giving you the best chance of

- Graphic for Illustrative Purposes Only -

quickly and smoothly selling your home.

Price vs. Time on Market 0%

T IMING VS. SELLING PR ICE

-1.9%

When a home is overpriced at the start, it misses what

-2%

can be the most critical time period in selling a home -

-3.6%

the first weeks after it’s listed. Once this period is passed

-4%

and little traffic is generated at the initial price level, it becomes necessary to seek a lower listing price. Depending

-5.6%

-6%

on market conditions this cycle may repeat several times before a sale is made, resulting in an eventual sale price

-8.9%

-8%

that is well below the initial listing price, and possibly -10%

lower than the market value for your home.

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Less than 4 weeks

4 to 12 weeks

13 to 24 weeks

More than 24 weeks

12

13

PRICING GUIDELINES would be most interested in your home have been scared

DET ER MIN ING YOU R HOME’S M A R K ET VA LU E to

off by the price and aren’t even taking the time to look. By

determine the value of residential property. Location

the time the price is corrected, you’ve already lost exposure

and characteristics of the property are the key elements

to a large group of potential buyers.

A

comprehensive

market

analysis

is

essential

in determining value, therefore the basis for valuation is similar properties in your area. The market analysis

The listing price becomes even trickier to set when prices

takes into account the amount received from recent sales

are quickly rising or falling. It’s critical to be aware of

of comparable properties and the quantity and quality

where and how fast the market is moving - both when

of comparable properties currently on the market. The

setting the price and when negotiating an offer. Again,

desired end result, of course, is to find a price that will

an experienced, well-trained agent is always in touch

attract a willing and able buyer in a reasonable time.

with market trends - often even to a greater extent than appraisers, who typically focus on what a property is worth if sold as-is, right now.

Once the value of your home has been determined, you can decide on an offering price that will achieve your goals.

Generally, the price should not exceed the value by more

Asking Price vs. Percentage of Buyers

than 5% or potential buyers may not even make offers.

Perhaps the most challenging aspect of selling a home is listing it at the correct price. It’s one of several areas where the assistance of a skilled real estate agent can more than pay for itself.

TOO HIGH C A N BE A S BA D A S TOO LOW

15% above

10%

10% above

30%

Market Value

60%

10% below

75%

15% below

90%

If the listing price is too high, you’ll miss out on a percentage of buyers looking in the price range where your home should be. This is the flaw in thinking that you’ll always have the opportunity to accept a lower offer. Chances are the offers won’t even come in, because the buyers who - 19 -

DISCOVER A NEW LEVEL OF MARKETING

MARKETING FOR MAXIMUM EXPOSURE Selling your home can be a very exciting experience, but it can also be an emotional one. At RE/MAX Distinctive, we have found the best way to sell a home is through partnership and teamwork — combining the understanding of your requirements and goals with our knowledge, expertise, effective marketing strategies, and extensive brokerage resources.

We will: •

Decide when to put your home on the market

•

Leverage the brokerage’s reputation and recognition

•

Prepare for the “Window of Opportunity”

•

Cooperate and communicate to maintain your home’s

•

Leverage the attributes of your location

•

Establish a strategic price based on recent

perception of value •

Promote your home locally, nationally, and internationally

comparable sales, local market conditions, and your motivation to sell

•

Maximize your home’s web exposure

•

Estimate probable net proceeds

•

Prepare your home so that it is always ready to be

•

Advise you on how to make your home more

shown to potential buyers •

appealing to potential buyers

Discuss and review the market’s analysis of your home

•

Prepare and present your home ready for sale

— feedback is essential to knowing the perceived value

•

Highlight your home’s features through

and potential for negotiation •

professional photography •

Showcase your home to the market through professional and strategic marketing

•

Maximize the exposure of your home through our extensive network

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Finalize your sale

MARKETING YOUR LOCATION According to real estate convention, the three most important criteria to consider when buying a property are: LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. In fact, buyers are often attracted to a general location, a neighborhood, or even a certain street well before settling on a specific home.

Understanding your location’s positives and negatives is important when determining price and very significant in the marketing of your home. Misconceptions, preconceptions, and knowing the nuances of your home can make a difference in how a home is marketed, when it’s shown, and how it is positioned — one person’s displeasure can be another’s delight!

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PREPARING YOUR HOME First impressions are lasting. Preparing your home is one of the most difficult, emotional, and critical steps to maximizing its value — together we will review, prepare, and create an environment that is appropriate for the type of buyer looking to purchase your home. We will make staging recommendations for both the exterior and interior of your home to ensure the best possible first impression.

C U R B A PPE A L Walk across the street from your home and pretend you’re a buyer, viewing the home for the first time. Glance around the front yard — note if hedges and trees that need to be trimmed. Are they cut back away from the front door, the windows, and the porch area? This is not only for aesthetics but for safety reasons as well, which is a big priority with buyers today.

What about paint and trim near the front door and on the eaves? Could it use a new coat? Make sure your front door is in good repair, including the screen door, if applicable. Buyers’ impressions as they enter the home set the stage for the rest of the showing.

A CLE A N IN T ER IOR Prior to putting your home on the market, it is essential that it’s clean and tidy. In a competitive sales market, why would an eager buyer waste time viewing a house that needed elbow grease? A messy house could also signal that other maintenance hasn’t been kept up, for instance plumbing that leaks and furnace systems in need of cleaning or repair. Don’t forget — a house that doesn’t show well will often take longer to sell, costing you money in the long run.

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PROFESSIONAL AND STRATEGIC MARKETING Sophisticated and professionally prepared marketing is essential to maximizing your home’s exposure and requires more than just listing the property for sale on the internet and REALTOR® listing service; it needs to be a carefully prepared, strategically implemented plan. Your home must become a highly prized item, launched on the market with maximum impact to create the right exposure and reach the right buyers.

PROFESSIONA L PHOTOGR A PH Y Photography must reflect your property. Whether in print or on the web, these photos are often the first impression that a potential buyer will receive. We will hire a professional photographer who knows how to use lighting and composition to make your home look its best.

V IRT UA L TOU R S / ON LIN E V IDEOS Current technology such as lifestyle videos, 3D tours, and drone/aerial photos help to provide a realistic depiction of the intended space and livability. We will provide a virtual tour for your property within 48 hours of listing.

YA R D SIGNS The trusted yard sign is the #1 way to show your home is for sale. We will order a “FOR SALE” sign to be placed prominently on your property, and install a lock box to make it easy for agents to show your home.

AGEN T TOU R S A N D OPEN HOUSES We invite all local real estate agents to tour your home, contact neighbors to promote you home, and schedule open houses as needed (an office sponsored Broker’s open house is possible through random selection).

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N ET WOR K ING A N D R EFER R A LS

W EB PR ESENCE

We will promote your home at the appropriate REALTOR®

95% of buyers look at homes online as their first step in

Association(s) for maximum exposure to other cooperating

the home buying process. Your listing is posted on remax.

agents. Advertising your property on our regular office

com, remaxdistinctive.com, and is syndicated across more

schedule meetings, emailing our database of agents, and

than 800 real estate search sites, including Realtor.com —

asking clients and colleagues if they know of possible

the largest real estate website in the world. We also create

buyers will also spread the word that your home is for sale.

a dedicated and unique property website and YouTube

We will also send out ‘Just Listed’ e-cards within 48 hours

channel for your home within 48 hours of listing.

of listing to active agents in the surrounding area.

SOCI A L MEDI A An integral part of today’s marketing, we will run posts on all social media platforms to ensure maximum exposure.

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PROFESSIONAL PRINTING AND DIRECT MAIL The power of promoting your home and its unique features through professional photography and sophisticated marketing materials is crucial to setting your home apart from the competition. Professional promotional materials that feature your home and are mailed to your neighbors, buyers, and other REALTORS® are some of the most powerful ways to spread the message that your home is for sale.

Your neighbors will be first to tell their friends and family about your home — they already love their community, so they are your biggest advocates! Within 48 hours of listing, we send out flyers, ‘Just Listed’ and ‘Open House’ cards to showcase your home to potential buyers and neighbors alike.

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A PLATFORM FOR 24/7 WEB EXPOSURE With nearly 95% of home buyers beginning their search on the internet, we will want to ensure that your home will receive maximum online exposure. As part of our marketing plan, your home will receive unparalleled exposure to consumers and REALTORS® across the globe through our extensive online partnerships, including Craigslist, Zillow Lead Program, and RE/MAX LeadStreet, to name a few.

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SHOWING THE HOME Your home needs to be ‘show ready’ at all times, which can be difficult to balance if you are still living in the home.

However, we must ensure preparations are done up front — unnecessary items removed, space has been created, and a plan implemented for the best times to show the home, then the final prep and inviting touches are easy to add around your busy schedule.

Every buyer will be pre-qualified. During the showing, a fully guided tour will be provided to ensure that the features and nuances are showcased and explained to maximize the perception of value.

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MARKET ANALYSIS We make sure to provide frequent marketing updates to you so you stay informed. Our ongoing market analysis reports are compiled from a system that tracks your showings, all REALTOR® and buyer feedback, as well as the marketing effectiveness on your home. This report provides you with an in-depth analysis and a comprehensive list of actions, recommendations, and objectives.

FINALIZING THE SALE A myriad of details must be attended to before the sale becomes final including offers, counter offers, inspections, disclosures, contingencies, loan documents, insurance, mortgage approval, and escrow items. This final step can be overwhelming with all its moving parts.

Whatever the next step may be, know that we are here to guide you through this final process — to keep in constant communication, track the proceeding, and keep things on schedule.

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EXPERTISE IN FINDING YOUR NEW HOME

LOCATING THE RIGHT PROPERTY If you are looking to buy or sell another property, let our knowledge of your requirements, needs, likes, and dislikes be the foundation of a new search — from finding the perfect buyer to locating your next dream home. It takes more than just searching for a home on the internet; allow our extensive network of connections, strong marketing skills, and exceptional knowledge open the right doors.

DEFIN ING YOU R GOA LS A N D OP T IONS In the search for your perfect home, we must define the goals and reassess your requirements so that we approach the search with complete insight. This will enable the creation of an appropriate action plan and expected timeline.

•

Where are you thinking of moving — local or out of state?

•

Do you have a budget?

•

What do you and your family need from your next home?

•

Are you looking for a turnkey or renovation property?

•

What are your essential requirements during our search?

•

Are there any financial considerations?

•

When is the ideal time for you to move?

This information will enable a qualified search. Equally, it is important to ensure that we research the true value of homes and that their current selling price reflects an amount that the property is “worth” to you.

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MY COMMITMENT TO YOU When helping you look for a property, I will make recommendations based on experience and local knowledge, in addition to having access to a variety of technology, a wide network of area agents, and homes not yet on the market.

A comparison chart and thorough objective inspection of each home, combined with such factors as market data and resale potential, will help in narrowing your search. By building a checklist, we can better evaluate each home and review together the important criteria of homes visited.

When you find that perfect home, I will help negotiate the best offer based on the condition of the home, length of time it’s been on the market, activity, location, and urgency of the seller. Ultimately, I will protect and represent your best interests.

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We would like to thank you for giving us the opportunity to present this preview of the marketing services we can offer you and your property.

We’d be pleased to assist you with the sale of your present home and the purchase of your next home, because we’re not just providing a service, we are building a relationship.

Please let us know when we can be of service.

www.remaxdistinctive.com

Each office is independently owned and operated. Copyright © 2023