a guide to selling a home
THE MISSION:
to create the best real estate experience.
01 02 03 04 05
about us goals research showcase doing good
THE STRENGTH, STABILITY, EXPERIENCE, AND RESOURCES of
real estate one.
Why work with a local Michigan-based brokerage? Because real estate is a local business. Yes, it’s a global industry, but your success is having the best local knowledge and the most familiar branding.
Decades ago, we set out with a clear mission to provide unmatched service in our market. Today, that same commitment drives us forward, helping us achieve more annual home transactions than any other brokerage in the state. Our dedication to excellence has made us the trusted choice for Michigan home buyers and sellers.
OUR STORY
Meet the Elseas – a family with deep roots in Michigan real estate. Stuart and Dan Elsea, now the third-generation owners, proudly carry on the legacy that started in 1929 when their grandfather founded Elsea Realty in Detroit. Their father took things to the next level in 1970, expanding into what we now know as Real Estate One. Today, Stuart’s sons, Erik and Evan, and Dan’s daughter, Camille, work in the business and the Real Estate One Family of Companies has grown into a statewide, multi-brokerage firm, offering not just real estate but a complete one-stop shop for mortgage, title and insurance services.
OUR FOCUS IS michigan.
We live here. We raise our families here. We know our state better than any other brokerage.
We have been the leading and largest real estate firm in Michigan for decades and are consistently a top independent broker in the nation. This a result of thousands of little things done right, ensuring you the best representation in the transaction of your house.
In the end though, it’s our clients’ satisfaction that matters. And they are happy. We scored a whopping 96 on our Listen 360 Client Survey. (For reference, above 20 is great, 50 is amazing, over 80 is world class. For reference, Apple is 68.)
#
1 BROKER IN MICHIGAN
90+ OFFICES ACROSS THE STATE
2,500+ OUR NETWORK OF REALTORS®
01
WHY ARE YOU SELLING?
02
WHEN DO YOU NEED TO MOVE BY?
03
ARE YOU CONTINGENT ON THIS HOME SELLING?
04
WHAT DOES YOUR TIMELINE LOOK LIKE TO GO TO MARKET?
05 WHAT’S YOUR GOAL? TO GET TOP DOLLAR? TO SELL QUICKLY?
By leveraging effective strategies and cutting-edge tools, we’ll highlight your home’s best qualities and boost its appeal, giving it the attention it deserves and quickly bringing in qualified buyers.
CONNECTING YOUR HOME TO genuine buyers.
Every home is special, and we’re here to amplify what makes yours stand out. Our objective is to connect your home with the right buyers. With the expertise of our in-house marketing and technology teams, we provide top-tier programs that give Michigan home sellers the edge in today’s market.
Our goal is to make your experience as seamless and stress-free as possible so you can feel confident in your home selling decisions.
BEGIN SHOWINGS
REVIEW & NEGOTIATE
Once offers are received, we will consult and negotiate price as well as requests for repairs and credits. 05 06
APPRAISAL & INSPECTION
HAND OVER THE KEYS
Flexible access is a key part of quickly selling a home. This could mean weekend open houses and private showings.
Buyers will conduct a final walk-through of the house, then it’s off to the closing. Sign paperwork and hand over keys, garage door openers and any other relevant information. 07 08
When the price and conditions are agreed upon, the house will be inspected and appraised. If necessary, we’ll address any necessary repairs or re-negotiate.
Get expert guidance and maximum value for your home while simplifying the selling process for you from start to finish.
OUR research.
We are the only brokerage in the state with an in-house research team who integrates monthly data from our internal databases and the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) to create an in-depth picture of our local and state markets. Using this data, our resources and experience, we’ll prepare a comparative market analysis (CMA) to provide comparisons of homes on the market and recent sales in your area.
HOW DO BUYERS FIND HOMES FOR SALE?
52%
28%
4%
THE INTERNET
Our websites and search apps get millions of visits a year.
REAL
ESTATE AGENTS
We promote your listing throughout our extensive internal and external agent network.
YARD SIGNS
We’re the leading and largest brokerage in Michigan, so our signs are the most recognized in our state.
16% BUILDER, ACQUAINTANCES, PUBLICATIONS, OTHER
We’ll customize a listing strategy to optimize these other ways too.
HOUSING REPORT
Our market data is contained in visual reports that are easy to digest and the data is local, so you’ll have everything you need to understand selling in your market area.
MIGRATION TREND ANALYSIS
This report, exclusive to the Real Estate One Family of Companies, generates trends of past transactions in your area to see where buyers are most likely to come from.
PRICING IT right.
Your home will draw the most attention when it first hits the market.
Setting an inviting asking price is key during this time, as interest and activity are at their highest. Studies show that if the price is set too high above market value, buyer interest drops off quickly.
Keep in mind that the market, not personal goals, dictates the price. Realistic pricing will achieve maximum price in a reasonable time.
LOST VALUE BUYERS MAY THINK SOMETHING IS WRONG DECREASED FUTURE BUYING POWER
MARKET VALUE OVER VALUE UNDER VALUE
SITS ON MARKET LONGER
PRICE DROPS CAN SEND THE WRONG MESSAGE DETERS POTENTIAL BUYERS
The price you list your property for will have a direct impact on when you receive an offer and for how much.
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
MOST ATTENTION IS WHEN A PROPERTY COMES ON MARKET
Be sure the asking price is attractive when both interest level and activity are at their highest.
WHY PRICING IS IMPORTANT
Compare the percentage of buyers (on right) with the market value of the house (on left).
*MV = MARKET VALUE
GET
the word OUT.
We know how to market homes. As Michigan’s largest real estate company, your home reaches our powerful network of 2,500 Realtors across the state. We provide the following marketing services for every listing and will collaborate to design a custom strategy that showcases your home to its fullest potential.
MICHIGAN’S #1 BROKER SITE
Our website and app get over 2 million unique visitors annually.
PROPERTY WEBPAGE
Each listed property gets its own website with the option of up to 50 photos, home floor plans and 360° virtual walkthroughs. Our open houses are promoted on our site as well as a variety of others.
OFFERING BUYER commissions.
Typically, buyers and sellers each have their own real estate agent with specific representation agreements. These agreements outline the details of services and compensation before selling or touring a home, without affecting the benefits or use of buyer incentives.
Sellers who recognize the value of offering compensation to the buyer’s agent will expand their pool of potential buyers.
INCREASED AFFORDABILITY
Reduce the buyer’s closing costs, making your home more affordable.
COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
Give your home an edge over others, potentially leading to more offers.
ENHANCED SELLER REPUTATION
Demonstrate to buyers you’re motivated and cooperative, enhancing your reputation as a seller and attracting buyers who are more likely to make competitive offers.
QUICKER SALE
By alleviating the financial burden on buyers, the process can be expedited, reducing the time your property spends on the market.
HIGHER SELLING PRICE
Without having to worry about commission costs, buyers may be more inclined to offer a higher purchase price, maximizing your return on investment.
SMOOTHER TRANSACTIONS
With commission costs out of the equation, negotiations can be more straightforward, focusing solely on discussing the property’s price and terms, making the process smoother and more efficient for all parties.
RISK MANAGEMENT
Post closing issues and litigation is reduced if the buyer is represented by a Realtor.
BEFORE showings.
To stand out in today’s competitive market, it’s all about making your home the one buyers can’t resist. By presenting your home in its best light, you’ll set it apart and boost its appeal which can lead to a quicker and more successful sale.
CLEAR THE CLUTTER
Simplify your space by clearing off countertops and packing away extra decorative items. Storing extra furniture and decor will help your home feel more spacious. And don’t forget to tidy up the garage!
TACKLE THE LITTLE FIXES
Take care of small repairs like sticky doors, torn screens or dripping faucets. These little details show buyers your home is well cared for.
LET YOUR HOME SHINE
A deep clean before listing makes maintenance a breeze. Freshen up the walls with a clean, neutral coat of paint. Sparkle up windows, clean screens and swap heavy curtains for lighter ones to let more natural light inside. Replace burnt-out bulbs and consider brighter ones in dim areas.
CREATE COMFORT
In the summer, close A/C vents on the first floor to keep upstairs cooler. Do the opposite in winter to stay cozy.
REFRESH THE AIR
Eliminate any lingering odors by cleaning carpets and drapes. Open windows for fresh air and consider adding potpourri, scented candles or diffusers.
SPRUCE UP THE OUTDOORS
Mow lawn, rake leaves, refresh mulch, trim bushes and clean gutters. Adding a pot of bright flowers by the entryway creates a welcoming first impression.
SET THE SCENE
Brighten up a room with a colorful throw or new accent pillows. Simple touches can help buyers picture themselves at home.
MAKE THE BATHROOM LUXURIOUS
Tuck away personal items and replace old towels with fresh ones. A new shower curtain and some fancy guest soaps can make your bathroom feel like a spa.
PLAN FOR PETS
If possible, have your pets stay with a friend or neighbor. If not, crate or confine them to one room and let your real estate agent know where they are.
SECURE VALUABLES
Lock up your valuables and medications for peace of mind during showings.
STEP OUT DURING SHOWINGS
For everyone’s comfort, it’s best to step out during showings so buyers can explore at their own pace.
MORTGAGE
We have a variety of programs and promotions designed to support your finances and home goals.
TITLE
Eliminate any worries about your ownership rights to your new property with title insurance.
INSURANCE
With one quick conversation, you’ll get the best deal on insurance because we quote from a variety of insurance companies.
RENTAL MANAGEMENT
We’ll improve the bottom line on your investment properties and vacation homes by keeping them occupied, efficient and maintained.
John Adams Mortgage Company & Total Home Lending I A Division of Staunton Financial, Inc. NMLS# 140012
DOING
We feel a strong social responsibility to give back to the communities we work and live in so we established the Real Estate One Charitable Foundation in the mid 1980s. We exist to serve others, build awareness and contribute money to the variety of causes we support, as well as cultivate a sense of belonging within our Family of Companies.
Our dedicated and compassionate volunteers work tirelessly to rally support for the importance of charitable involvement.
+$9 million
DONATED TO CHARITIES SINCE 2004
The word ‘Family’ is a key component of the Real Estate One Family of Companies. It punctuates our dedication not only to one another during difficult times, but also our willingness to assist those in need in the communities we serve.
