Seller's Guide

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SELLER’S GUIDE

TAMI O’BRIEN MEET

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

MY VALUE

GREAT COMMUNICATION

TRUST

INTEGRITY

LOCAL MARKET KNOWLEDGE

ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS

SEAMLESS TRANSACTION

TRANSPARENCY

RESPECT

TESTIMONIALS

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!

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

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!”

MEET MY TEAM

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

MEET MY TRUSTED COLLEAGUES

WHY WINDERMERE

IT’S ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS

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.

WINDERMERE COMMUNITY SERVICE DAY

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.

THE WINDERMERE FOUNDATION

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

WINDERMERE READY

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

BUYING FIRST AND SELLING LATER?

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

CONSULTATION WITH TAMI

PREPPING YOUR HOME 01

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

HOUSE PREP

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

TITLE REVIEW

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

KEY ITEMS TO ADDRESS

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

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

06

PROFESSIONAL STAGING

STAGING VS NOT STAGED

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

RESULTS OF BEFORE AND AFTER OF STAGED VS NOT STAGED

PROFESSIONAL PHOTOS

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

ONLINE PRESENCE

MARKETING YOUR HOME 01

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

FLYERS + PRINT MARKETING

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

SIGNAGE

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

OPEN HOUSES

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

UNDERSTANDING THE MARKET

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

02

CONSIDERING YOUR HOMES UPGRADES & FEATURES

I will assess your property's distinctive features and amenities to gauge their influence on its value compared to similar properties in the area

DISCUSSING & SETTING THE LISTING PRICE

03

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

OFFER REVIEW DAY

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

SAMPLE CLOSING CALENDAR

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

CONGRATULATIONS!

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

SETTLEMENT & CLOSING

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

THE BUYER PAYS FOR:

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

THE SELLER PAYS FOR:

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

COORDINATING YOUR CLOSING

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

CLOSING & MOVING DAY

FINAL DAYS BEFORE CLOSING - SELLER’S TIMELINE

2-3 Days

to

Signing Day of Closing

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

MOVING DAY

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

Next Business Day Days/Weeks

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

Following

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!”

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