SELLER’S GUIDE



My aim is to support clients in reaching their real estate goals by grasping their needs and the current market dynamics Whether you're buying, selling, or both, I craft a thorough plan for a seamless experience
Teaming up with professionals, I strive to elevate client satisfaction and ensure meticulous attention to detail, exceeding industry benchmarks Effective communication, meticulous preparation, and skilled negotiations underpin my success I consistently monitor market trends to align clients' goals with effective strategies.
Real estate transactions mark major life milestones, and I prioritize honoring these while optimizing clients' investments It's a privilege to play a role in their financial achievements
Why choose me? I'm dedicated to understanding your goals, valuing your time, and fostering teamwork through transparent communication I'm accessible via email, text, calls, or in person
About me: With a background in marketing and sales, I transitioned to real estate to leverage my skills after raising my children This journey allows me to utilize my strengths and witness the joy of clients as they embark on new chapters in their lives
Let my team, including support staff, title and escrow professionals, and trusted mortgage advisors, guide you toward achieving your goals
310-1473 TamiOBrien@Windermere.com
GREAT COMMUNICATION
INTEGRITY
LOCAL MARKET KNOWLEDGE
ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS
SEAMLESS TRANSACTION
TRANSPARENCY
RESPECT
This is the second time we've worked with Tami on both the sale of our home and the purchase of our condo. She is very organized, professional and always available for questions and support. Tami is very knowledgeable, friendly and did a great job of guiding us through the entire process We highly recommend Tami!
Vicki, Repeat Client
Look no further! Tami is a 10+ I have never worked with someone who was more professional and more committed to the closing of a deal She went above and beyond in so many ways. Her knowledge and experience led to selling our house quickly, seamlessly and at the price we hoped for. We recommend her to anyone looking to sell their house and be supported through the entire process
Koreen, Seller
Tami is an amazing realtor I have worked with her during 1 sale and 2 house purchases and I could not recommend her highly enough Tami was professional, quick to respond, and went out of her way to help us find the perfect house for my family Whether you are looking to sell your house or find a new house, Tami gets it done!
Nick, Repeat Client
If you want to sell your house for top dollar CALL TAMI! Tami is a true professional AND a skilled realestate broker Tami has a tasteful flare with interior decorating She took control of a very easy and smooth sale on behalf Thank you, Tami
David, Seller
I have worked with Tami multiple times in both selling and buying homes and have been very pleased with her all times Tami is very detail oriented, efficient, has a great eye for what needs to be done and she makes it happen! The referrals she has offered for any extras that need to be done have been top notch! I would definitely use Tami again in buying or selling a home!
Stacy, Seller & Buyer
Tami O'Brien is the best buyer and sellers agent I know because she has been both for our family I highly recommend her because she goes above and beyond She will answer questions any time day or night I felt confident that we were getting the best deal with her leading the way She is connected in the community personally and professionally, which gives her an edge with inspectors and appraisers She's not afraid to roll up her sleeves and do the dirty work either, literally She helped my mom update her landscaping before selling her house in a few days We are so lucky to work with her and even luckier to know her
Pam & Scott, Seller & Buyer
Tami came to us by recommendation by family Once we began working with her, we knew why she was recommended She was upfront and straightforward about the market and expectations It was evident that her focus in the real estate business was to care about her clients We had some significant setbacks with our sale that delayed us for a few weeks, but Tami was able to provide references to vendors that aided us in getting back on track From the buying perspective, in such a unique and extreme market, Tami met with us in looking through homes and was quite honest with her opinion of the homes As noted earlier, her opinion was only to help us reconcile our wants and needs with what we saw in the house I can't recommend Tami enough and though I'd say we would work with Tami again, she found us such a wonderful home, it'll be a very long time before we decide to move again
Paul, Seller
“I WOULD DEFINITELY USE TAMI AGAIN IN BUYING OR SELLING A HOME!”
Owner/Managing Partner
Over the last 26 years, Lena has transitioned from being an agent assistant, sales associate, assistant manager/new agent trainer, to Broker/Owner of Windermere North Lena is a certified Ninja Selling instructor and had the honor of being personally trained by Ninja Selling founder, Larry Kendall.
Marketing Coordinator
Linda assists in the production and execution of informational marketing, which helps keep my clients informed Her assistance enables me to be focused on my most important role, taking care of you while you buy or sell a home
Transaction Coordinator
Megan brings 6 years of real estate experience Her keen organizational skills in overseeing the technical details of your transaction create a high level of communication every step of the way, from start to finish
In 1972, John Jacobi set out to change the real estate industry by putting relationships before sales quotas, with an emphasis on service to our clients and our community Over 45 years later, this mission has helped grow Windermere into one of the largest independent real estate companies in the nation, with more than 300 offices and 6,000 agents throughout the Western U.S. and Mexico
While the real estate industry has changed substantially over the years, our core values of relationships, community, collaboration, and professionalism have remained central to how we do business, and will continue to do so for years to come.
Since 1984, Windermere agents have dedicated an annual day of work to those in need.
These hands-on projects benefit a wide variety of community-based organizations.
Projects have included maintenance at a senior center, construction of a children’s playground and sorting duties at a food bank.
I am pleased to be part of such an important mission. It’s just the right thing to do.
We donate a portion of our commission from every transaction to benefit the Windermere Foundation.
Since 1989, the Foundation has collected and contributed over $50 million dollars
Assistance is provided to non-profit agencies dedicated to helping homeless and low-income families in our community
Through the Windermere ready program, we can front your home, improvement costs, and provide concierge services to mark your home more competitive on the market
From decluttering and deep cleaning to major repairs or replacements, together we will set your home up for selling success
A small upfront investment can yield a big payoff when selling your home To help with that process, when you're ready, provides a loan to cover the cost of upgrades like painting, landscaping, cleaning, and staging. You'll receive funds quickly and pay nothing until your home sells.
I will work with you to determine which improvements will have the biggest impact on the market You can choose your own service providers, and I can connect you with experienced local contractors
CONCIERGE-LEVEL SERVICE
SIMPLE, SPEEDY APPLICATION PROCESS
Since a bridge loan can give you a stronger negotiating position and ease the pressure of having to sell before you buy, speak with your lender about whether they have a bridge loan product If they don’t, Windermere’s exclusive bridge loan program can be the perfect solution The approval process takes only a few days and the fee is just one percent of the loan amount. No payments are necessary on the loan before your home closes unless you choose to make a payment The principal and interest are due when the home closes, or six months following disbursement, whichever comes first.
THE WINDERMERE BRIDGE LOAN PROGRAM OFFERS YOU:
A stronger negotiating position
A simple application
Fast processing
No payments due before closing
Competitive fees and interest rates
Taking a detailed walkthrough of your home is important to:
Align on staging preferences
Identify necessary upgrades or repairs
Discuss the listing date
Ensure we're on the same page
During our consultation, I will:
Take thorough notes
Promptly email them to you for your reference
Yard cleanup:
Weed and trim all vegetation back and off the home
Add fresh black dirt to beds
Place a pot or two of colorful flowers by the front door
Pressure wash all exterior areas:
Decks, patios, stairs, driveway, and the home if necessary
Touch up paint and fix any loose boards, railings if necessary
Inside preparation:
Declutter closets and drawers
Donate items or arrange for a junk removal service
Pack all personal items including family photos and mementos
If still occupying the home, remove or lock up jewelry, prescription drugs, and firearms
Replace old light fixtures and light bulbs with new, updated ones
Wipe down:
Light switches, Baseboards, Front door (inside and out)
Clean all surfaces and closets as you go
Collaborate closely with my title representative
Obtain a comprehensive title report
Mitigate potential obstacles such as: Liens
Judgments
Boundary disputes
Easements
Ensure a smooth and trouble-free transaction process for you as the seller through this proactive approach
Unresolved title issues 04
Schedule a number of items to complete prior to listing your property to:
Ensure it is presented in the best way possible
Potentially persuade a buyer to waive contingencies
Get the most money for your home
Items to tackle (if applicable):
Sewer scope
Furnace and A/C service
Carpet and floor cleaning
Professional cleaning of your home
Window washing
Roof and gutter cleaning
List can vary based on your needs
Contingencies when selling a house serve as safeguards for both the seller and the buyer, typically including conditions such as home inspections, appraisal results, and mortgage approval. These clauses provide a framework for the sale, ensuring that each party fulfills their obligations and that the transaction progresses smoothly.
Conducting a pre-inspection can potentially eliminate a contingency, making it easier for the buyer to waive it. This removes one concern for you as the seller
When a home is well presented, it captures the attention of serious buyers, resulting in a substantial reduction in its market time Staging is a great tool when selling your home to ensure it is presented properly so you sell for the highest amount
Most buyers’ agents (81%) said staging a home made it easier for potential buyers to visualize the property as a future home in a 2024 study (Architectural Digest) Decluttering your home is the most common home improvement task recommended to sellers by agents, with a recommendation rate of 96% Home cleaning was the secondmost recommended task
I extensively enlist JMC Visuals to capture photos for all my listings High-quality photos receive 118% more online views. Additionally, homes with professional photos sell 32% faster than those without, showcasing the significant impact of professional photography on the selling process Furthermore, properties with professional images typically command a higher selling price
In addition from capturing professional photos, I provide floorplans with all my listings to help potential buyers envision their furniture placement and ensure suitability for their needs For properties in sought-after locations like waterfronts or the Edmonds Bowl, I include drone shots to highlight their unique surroundings Additionally, homes exceeding 3,000 square feet receive a 3D floorplan, enabling virtual walkthroughs for an immersive viewing experience
My package includes:
Full color HD still photos
Twilight photos (if suitable for your home)
Floorplan
Drone photos - Highlights neighborhood locations and accessibility to amenities, etc
An online presence is essential when selling your house, as it significantly expands your reach, showcases your property to a wider audience, enabling potential buyers to easily discover and engage with your property listings
Print marketing remains crucial in selling homes, as it offers tangible credibility and reaches potential buyers directly, enhancing property visibility effectively Professional flyers are left inside your home to convey essential details attractively, fostering buyer interest
Effective signage plays a crucial role in selling your home by attracting potential buyers, providing essential information, and increasing visibility in the market All of my listings will have a Windermere branded sign with my name in the front yard, as well as, a permaboard with a QR code that directly links to the listing
Hosting an open house is important when selling your house as it offers prospective buyers a firsthand experience of the property's ambiance, layout, and potential, helping to generate interest and accelerate the selling process
The initial stage in formulating a pricing strategy involves conducting a thorough examination of the local real estate market This entails analyzing data pertaining to recent sales and present listings to ascertain the prevailing prices of comparable properties within the vicinity
I will assess your property's distinctive features and amenities to gauge their influence on its value compared to similar properties in the area
I will discuss your goals and needs when setting the list price This is a joint effort to set pricing, but be open to feedback There are big risks if over or under pricing your property
TERMS OF SALE
CONDITION
Sometimes, certain homes experience heavy traffic and numerous showings In such cases, we may attach a review date to the listing On the offer review day, I will compile all offers into a spreadsheet This allows the seller to easily compare terms, contingencies (if any), and prices, simplifying the decision-making process
This is only a very basic example calendar on what your closing could look like. It will differ per transaction with contingencies, contingency timelines negotiated in the contract, buyer financing, if you have a rent back, etc Your transaction coordinator will send you a calendar with important dates pertaining to your purchase and sale agreement
Mutual Acceptance!
Buyer - Deadline to make loan application and change lender per form 22A line 11
Memorial Day!
Seller may give Notice to Perform request any day hereafter, per form 22A
Buyer - Deadline to deposit earnest money to CW Title & Escrow
Final walk through period (Buyer has within 5 business days prior to closing)
Projected close date! Possession by 9pm
NOTE: Signing does not mean closing Closing is considered to be when funds are available to seller and recording numbers are received
What to expect for costs and who pays for what. This is an example and can vary based on your transaction. Escrow will prepare a settlement statement to review before your closing, typically a week or so before your closing
Down payment on the home
Buyer’s escrow fee (according to the contract)
Lender’s extended title insurance premium (ALTA)
Document preparation (if applicable)
Prorated HOA dues (if applicable)
Recording fees for all documents in buyer’s name
Notary fees (if applicable)
Homeowner’s hazard insurance premium for the first year
Loan fees
Interim interest on new loan, prorated from the date of funding to first payment date
Seller’s escrow fee (according to contract)
Owner’s title insurance premium
Real estate service fees (according to contract) Payoff of all encumbrances (loans)
Prorated property taxes (prior to sales date)
Any judgments, tax liens, assessments or encumbrances placed against the property
Any unpaid Homeowners Association dues
Recording charges to clear all documents of record against seller
Excise tax, if applicable, determined by county and based on sale price
BUYER BUYER’S AGENT
LOAN APPLICATION
INSURANCE BINDER
LENDER ESCROW
LOAN APPROVAL
CREDIT REPORT
EMPLOYMENT VERIFICATION
APPRAISAL
WORK ORDERS
UNDERWRITER
MORTGAGE INSURANCE
TITLE SEARCH
ISSUES COMMITMENT
EXAMINATION
CHECK TAXES + LEGAL
ISSUES POLICY
PURCHASE & SALE AGREEMENT SELLER’S AGENT SELLER
REVIEW DISCLOSURES HOME INSPECTIONS REPAIR NEGOTIATION
PREPARE LEGAL DOCUMENTS
DETERMINE STATUS
OVERSEE CLOSING/ PAPERS SIGNED
CLOSING DATE
CLOSING STATEMENT & ESCROW INSTRUCTIONS RECORD & DISBURSE FUNDS
MORTGAGES
LIENS
HOMEOWNER DUES TAXES UTILITIES
REAL ESTATE FEES
CLOSING DATE
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Escrow works closely with the lender to get numbers for the final closing statements
Escrow will call you to schedule the signing appointment This could be as close as 2 days before closing
Escrow releases your file to the county to record the new ownership This typically takes all afternoon
Transaction is recorded and we are closed
Escrow will send both parties the settlement statement
Distribution of funds: payoff to your lender, certain utilities, HOA, taxes, listing and selling firms etc
Proceeds are wired to you Typically you receive funds the next day after wiring
I will ask you write a review on your process
As soon as the Escrow team has the final invoices from the utilities, refunds are processed and issued to you
Refund any excess funds from utilities payments
Thank you!
“TAMI HELP NEGOTIATE THE BEST OFFER FOR ME AFTER RECEIVING MULTIPLE OFFERS. AS A FIRST TIME HOME SELLER, SHE ABSOLUTELY TOOK CARE OF ME. I KNOW SHE HAD OTHER CLIENTS BUT I WOULD HAVE NEVER KNOWN IT BECAUSE IT FELT LIKE SHE DEVOTED EVERYTHING TO ME. HER LEVEL OF PERSONAL COMMUNICATION AND ATTENTION IS OFF THE CHARTS HIGH. SHE IS BEYOND AMAZING!”