Seller Guide
THEULTIMATEGUIDETOSELLINGYOURHOMETHEULTIMATEGUIDETOSELLINGYOURHOME
Cara Allen Homes
The Right Agent
Hithere,I’mCaraAllen.
AsaHamptonRoadsRealtorandproudmemberofthe RountreeRealEstateTeam,Ibringawarm,professional approachtoeverylisting.
Sellingyourhomeispersonal.Mygoalistomaketheprocess smooth,informed,andcenteredonyourneeds.
Rootedinthiscommunity,Ilovehelpingfamiliesmove forwardconfidently.It’snotjustaboutthesale—it’sabout servingyouwithcare,expertise,andheart.
Let’sgetyourhomesold—andmakeitfeelgoodeverystepof theway.
Where You Might Find Me Around Town:
WhenI'mnothelpingclientsachievetheirrealestatedreams, youcanusuallyfindme:
Enjoyingfoodandfuninanyofmanylocalmetros
TakingmyfamilytoparkslikeKidsCoveinVB
Takingmygirlscouttrooponlearningadventures
My Track Record of Success
•Market Expertise: 13 years of experience help me navigate the market with ease.
•Top-Dollar Results: I use expert pricing and marketing to get you the best price.
•Honest Advice: You’ll receive clear and straightforward guidance.
•Expanded Reach: My network and off-market access bring more buyers to your home.
Your Support Network
When you choose me as your real estate agent, you're not just gaining my expertise and dedication, you’ll also benefit from my Brokerage’s extensive network and resources.
WHYRWTOWNEREALTY&ROUNTREEREAL ESTATETEAM?
Broad Network:
Ourlargeteamofagentsandtheirconnectionsensuresyour listingreachesawidepoolofpotentialbuyers,increasingyour chancesforaquicksale.
Collaborative Approach:
Webelieveinteamwork,sharingvaluableinsightsandstrategies acrosstheteamtohelpyousucceed.
Advanced Technology:
Weleveragethelatestmarketingtoolsandplatformstomaximize yourlisting’sexposureacrossmultiplechannels.
Client-Centered:
Yourgoalsareourpriority.We’recommittedtoproviding exceptionalserviceandaseamlessexperiencefromstarttofinish.
Community Ties:
WithdeeprootsintheHamptonRoadsarea,weconnectyouto therightbuyersthroughourstronglocalrelationships.
You are not just getting an agent, you're gaining access to a powerful network and a team dedicated to your success.
Our Team Members INTRODUCING
CARA ALLEN, YOUR AGENT
REALTOR®, MRP®, ABR®, AHWD
Helping Hampton Roads families find their way home — with heart, hustle, and a lot of happy endings for over 10 years.
DEBBIE ROUNTREE, TEAM LEAD
REALTOR®, BHHS Luxury Home Collection Specialist
Providing over 38 years local real estate service.
KATIE BATES. TEAM MEMBER
With over 20 years of real estate service, Katie has worked every angle from contract to close. REALTOR®, AHWD, Licensed in VA & NC
TenStepsToSold
SIMPLIFYINGTHEJOURNEY
Consultation & Sign Agreement
Sitdownwithyourrealestateagentto discussyoursellinggoalsandtimeline. You'llreviewtheagent'sservicesand commission,thensignanagreementto officiallyworktogether.
Home Assessment & Pricing Strategy
Youragentwillanalyzeyourhome's features,condition,andrecent comparablesalestodetermineitsmarket value.Together,you'lldevelopapricing strategythatbalancesyourdesired sellingpricewithmarketconditions.
Prepare & Stage Property
Getyourhomereadytoshine!This includesdecluttering,deepcleaning, makinganynecessaryrepairs,and stagingyourhometohighlightitsbest featuresandappealtobuyers.
Professionalphotosandevenvideosarea must!Youragentwillarrangeforhighqualityvisualstoshowcaseyourhomein itsbestlightandbeginmarketingitto potentialbuyers.
TenStepsToSold
SIMPLIFYINGTHEJOURNEY
Going Live:
Yourhome'slistinggoesliveonthe MultipleListingService(MLS)andpopular onlineplatformslikeZillowand Realtor.com,makingitvisibletoawide rangeofbuyers.
06
Showings & Open Houses:
Buyersandtheiragentswillschedule showingstoviewyourhome.Youmight alsoholdopenhousestoallowpotential buyerstodropinandexplore.
07 Receive Offers:
Potentialbuyerswillpresenttheiroffers, detailingtheirsuggestedpurchaseprice alongwithanyadditionalterms.This processallowssellerstoevaluatenotjust theprice,butalsotheconditions, ensuringtheychoosethebestoverall optionfortheirneeds.
Accept:
Youandyouragentwillreviewoffers, negotiatewithbuyers(potentiallywith counteroffers),andultimatelyacceptthe offerthatbestmeetsyourneeds.
Inspections & Appraisals:
Thebuyerusuallyperformsahome inspectiontospotpotentialissues,while thelenderordersanappraisaltoverify thehome'svalueforfinancing.Findings frombothmayleadtofurther negotiationsorcredits.
Closing Day:
Yourlaststep!Youwillcompleteall requiredpaperworktofinalizethesale, transferownershipofthepropertytothe buyer,andreceiveyourproceeds. Once everythingissignedandsealed,youcan celebratethesuccessfulcompletionof thesale.Congratulations!
PRICING Strategy
did you know...
•Homes priced right from the beginning often sell for more.
•If your home is priced too high, it might take longer to sell and get fewer showings.
•The first few weeks are important, so it's vital to set the right price early.
•A good market evaluation helps you find the right price.
OF BUYERS
Home Selling Tip:
CONSIDERING LISTING AT A HIGHER PRICE JUST TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS? This can hurt your chances of receiving the best offer. Here is why:
Real estate agents can identify overpriced homes, which attract fewer buyers and sell slower. Overpricing may fail to meet lenders' appraisal requirements, risking contract losses and the need for renegotiation. Re-listing can also create a negative impression. Homes on the market too long may discourage buyers, suggesting potential issues.
for success
Determiningtherightlistingpriceiscrucialforattracting buyersandmaximizingyourreturn.It'sabalancingact–wewanttopricecompetitivelytogenerateinterest,but alsoensureyougettopdollarforyourhome.
Below Market Value Pricing
INCREASESINTERESTANDMAYLEADTO BIDDINGWARS,RAISINGTHEFINALSALEPRICE.
Together, we'll develop a pricing strategy that maximizes your return and achieves your desired outcome.
FindTheirHomes Where Do Buyers
Marketing Your Home
A CUSTOMIZED APPROACH
Forgetone-size-fits-allstrategies;eachhomeandmarketingplanshouldbeunique.In today'sdigitalage,astrongmixofprintanddigitalmarketingisessentialtoattractthe rightbuyers.Withatargetedmarketingplandesignedjustforyourhome,I'llleverage myexpertiseanddatatogetyouthebestresults.
ALLTHETOOLSWEOFFERTOSHOWCASEYOURHOME
Print & Traditional Marketing
Signage & Visibility
☐ YARDSIGNONPROPERTY
☐ PUBLICOPENHOUSE
☐ BROKER-ONLYPREVIEWEVENT
☐ COMMUNITYSHOWCASEEVENT
Print Collateral
☐ CUSTOMPROPERTYBROCHURE
☐ PRINTADVERTISING
☐ NEIGHBORHOOD
FLYERS/POSTCARDS
Direct Mail
☐ TARGETEDPOSTCARDMAILING
☐ RELOCATIONPACKETINCLUSION
Networking
☐ NETWORKANNOUNCEMENT
☐ ANNOUNCEMENTATBROKERAGES
Public Relations
☐ TRADITIONALOUTREACH
☐ TELEPHONEMARKETINGCAMPAIGN
Digital & Modern Marketing
Photography & Video
☐ PROFESSIONALPHOTOGRAPHY
☐ VIRTUALHOMETOUR
☐ INSTAGRAM/TIKTOKSHOWCASE
Online Presence
☐ CUSTOMPROPERTYWEBSITE
☐ BROKERAGEWEBSITEFEATURE
Listing Launch
☐ MLSLISTINGLAUNCH
☐ ONLINELISTINGSYNDICATION
Social Media
☐ SOCIALMEDIAPROMOTION
☐ INSTAGRAM/TIKTOKSHOWCASE
☐ FACEBOOKPROPERTYPAGE
Email Marketing
☐ EMAILMARKETINGCAMPAIGN
Pre-Marketing
☐ "COMINGSOON"PRE-MARKETING
Marketing Your Home
A CUSTOMIZED APPROACH
Forget one-size-fits-all strategies; each home and marketing plan should be unique. In today's digital age, a strong mix of print and digital marketing is essential to attract the right buyers. With a targeted marketing plan designed just for your home, I'll leverage my expertise and data to get you the best results.
ALL THE TOOLS WE OFFER TO SHOWCASE YOUR HOME
Print & Traditional Marketing
Signage & Visibility
☐ YARD SIGN ON PROPERTY
☐ PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE
☐ BROKER-ONLY PREVIEW EVENT
☐ COMMUNITY SHOWCASE EVENT
Print Collateral
☐ CUSTOM PROPERTY BROCHURE
☐ PRINT ADVERTISING
☐ NEIGHBORHOOD
FLYERS/POSTCARDS
Direct Mail
☐ TARGETED POSTCARD MAILING
☐ RELOCATION PACKET INCLUSION
Networking
☐ NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENT
☐ ANNOUNCEMENT AT BROKERAGES
Public Relations
☐ TRADITIONAL OUTREACH
☐ TELEPHONE MARKETING CAMPAIGN
Digital & Modern Marketing
Photography & Video
☐ PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY
☐ VIRTUAL HOME TOUR
☐ INSTAGRAM/TIKTOK SHOWCASE
Online Presence
☐ CUSTOM PROPERTY WEBSITE
☐ BROKERAGE WEBSITE FEATURE
Listing Launch
☐ MLS LISTING LAUNCH
☐ ONLINE LISTING SYNDICATION
Social Media
☐ SOCIAL MEDIA PROMOTION
☐ INSTAGRAM/TIKTOK SHOWCASE
☐ FACEBOOK PROPERTY PAGE
Email Marketing
☐ EMAIL MARKETING CAMPAIGN
Pre-Marketing
☐ "COMING SOON" PRE-MARKETING
GetFeatured
Iwillfeatureyourhomeonthetophomesearchsites,andonsocialmediaandsyndicateit toover400+othersites.Onlinelistingplatformsareessentialintoday'srealestatemarket. BuyersareturningtowebsiteslikeZillow,Realtor.com,andRedfinastheirprimarytoolsfor findingproperties,makingitcrucialforsellersandagentstohaveastrongonlinepresence.
“97%OFHOMEBUYERSUSETHEINTERNETINTHEIRHOMESEARCH.”
SOURCE: NAR'S 2023 PROFILE OF HOME BUYERS AND SELLERS
“BUYERSSPENDANAVERAGEOF20MINUTESVIEWINGONLINELISTINGS.”
SOURCE: NAR, 2021 TRENDS REPORT
“51%OFBUYERSFOUNDTHEHOMETHEYPURCHASEDONTHEINTERNET.”
SOURCE: SOURCE: NAR, 2023 PROFILE OF HOME BUYERS AND SELLERS
A New Era:
MODERN AGENT MARKETING STRATEGY
INSTA-WORTHY VISUALS
I'llcreateengagingsocialmediacontentandphotos thatshowcasetheexperiencesyourhomeoffers, notjustitsfeatures.
CINEMATIC HOME TOURS:
Forgetbasicslideshows,wecreateimmersivevideo experienceswithhigh-definitionfootage,engaging music,andsmoothtransitions,allowingpotential buyerstovisualizelivinginyourhome.
SEO SUPERCHARGE
Weenhanceyourpropertylistingvisibilityusing SEOstrategies,ensuringitappearsatthetopof searchresultstoattractmoreviewsandgenerate qualifiedleads.
VIRAL SOCIALS
Iknowhowtomakeyourhomeastaronline.With eye-catchingphotosandvideos,I'llcreatepoststhat getpeopletalkingandsharing
Staging That Sells THE
IMPORTANCE OF STAGING
1 Why Stage?
Faster Sale: Staged homes sell faster.
Higher Price: Staging can increase your home's selling price.
Better First Impression: A well-staged makes a lasting impression on buyers.
Easier Visualization: Staging helps buyers envision themselves living in your home.
Cost-Effective: The investment is often less than the price reduction.
What is Staging? 2
DeclutteringandDepersonalizing:Removingexcessfurniture,personalitems,andclutter. Neutralizing:Creatinganeutralpalettethatappealstoawiderrangeofbuyers.
FurnitureArrangement:Arrangingfurnituretooptimizeflowandcreateinvitingspaces. HighlightingFeatures:Showcasingyourhome'sbestfeatures. CreatingAmbiance:Addingthefinalpersonaltouchestomakeyourhomelookinviting.
Pros & Cons: 2
Pros:Stagingoffersamultitudeofbenefitsforsellers.Itcanleadtoafastersale,ahigher sellingprice,andincreasedbuyerinterest.Stagedhomespresentbetteronline,attracting morepotentialbuyers.Ultimately,staginghelpsyousellyourhomemoreefficiently, potentiallysavingyoutimeandmoney.
Cons:Whilestagingoffersmanyadvantages,thereareafewpotentialdrawbackstoconsider. Itrequiresanupfrontinvestment,althoughthisisoftenrecoupedthroughahigherselling price.Stagingmayalsoinvolvesomeinconvenienceasyoudeclutter.Finally,stagingrequires anobjectiveperspective,whichcanbedifficultforthosewhoareemotionallyattachedto theirbelongingsanddécor.
Imagery:
PHOTOGRAPHY, VIDEOGRAPHY, & VIRTUAL TOURS
Photography: The Foundation of a Strong Listing
•ProfessionalPhotography: high-quality professional photography that showcases your property's best features.
•Lighting: Optimize natural and artificial lighting to create a bright and inviting atmosphere for your photos.
•Angles and Perspectives: Capture a variety of angles, including wide-angle shots, close-ups, and aerial views.
Videography: Bringing Your Listing to Life
•VirtualTours: Immersive 3D experiences for remote exploration.
•DroneFootage: Showcases the exterior, neighborhood, and unique features.
•WalkthroughVideos: Highlights key features and builds a personal connection with buyers.
•HighlightReels: Create short, visually appealing videos to showcase the property's best features on social media.
Tours: The Power of Virtual Tours
•EnhancedBuyerExperience: Virtual tours provide a more immersive experience than traditional photos, allowing buyers to visualize themselves in the space.
•IncreasedBuyerEngagement: Virtual tours can generate more interest and lead to more showings.
•ReducedTimeonMarket: By attracting more buyers and facilitating faster decision-making, virtual tours can help you sell your property more quickly.
•GlobalReach: Virtual tours can reach a global audience, expanding your reach.
Listings with professional photographs receive 118% MORE online views.
Source: RESA, 2020
Listings with video receive 403%more inquiries than those without."
Source: Inman, 2022
Listings with virtual tours get 87% more views than listings with just photos.
Source: Realtor.com, 2021
Homes with high-quality photos sell 32% faster than homes with lowquality photos.
Source: Zillow, 2021
90% of buyers are more likely to view a property if it includes a virtual tour.
Source: Matterport, 2022
Photoshoot Preperation
A CHECKLIST TO PREPARE FOR PHOTOS
Removeexcessitems,personalbelongings,and unnecessaryfurniture.Lessismore!
Deepcleantheentirehouse,payingcloseattentionto floors,windows,andsurfaces.
Putawayfamilyphotosandpersonalitems. Aimforaneutralanduniversallyappealinglook.
Cleareverythingoff,exceptformaybeonestylish appliance(likeacoffeemaker)andabowloffruit. Makesureit'semptyandsparklingclean. Nomagnetsorclutterontheoutside.
Clearitofforsetitsimplywithminimalplacesettings.
Clearoftoiletries.
Fresh,matchingtowelsneatlyhung. Removepersonalitemsandcleanthoroughly.
Living & Dining Rooms
Arrangetomaximizespaceandflow. Fluffpillowsandfoldthrowsneatly. Simpleandstylishdécoronly. Considerasimplecenterpiece.
Madeperfectlywithclean,wrinkle-freelinens. Clear,exceptformaybealampandabook. Tidyandorganized(buyerswillpeek!).
Tidyandaddfreshmulch. Movecarsoutofthedriveway. Hidethemaway.
Putthemawayneatly.
Openfornaturallight.
Openinteriordoorsforflow. Keepthemoutofthewayduringtheshoot.
Time For Showings
MAKEAGREATIMPRESSION
Showingsgivebuyersafirsthandlookatyourhome. Here'showtomakethemcount:
Before
DeepClean:Sparklingclean=greatfirstimpression!
Declutter:Lessstuff,morespace.
Stage:Arrangefurnituretohighlightyourhome's bestfeatures.
Light&Bright:Openblindsandcleanwindows.
ComfyTemp:Nottoohot,nottoocold.
FreshScent:Nobadsmells!
SafetyFirst:Securevaluablesandmedications.
CurbAppeal:Maketheoutsidelookgreat!
SafetyFirst:Tuckawayvaluables,medications,and anypersonalitems.
During
GiveSpace:Leavethehouseduringshowings. NoPets:Takepetswithyouifpossible.
LightsOn:Leavelightsonforawelcomingatmosphere.
MusicOff:TurnoffanymusicortheTV.
Don't Forget
Lockbox:I'llprovidealockboxforsecurekeyaccess. I'mnotifiedeverytimeit'sused,soyouknowwho's enteringyourhome.
Feedback:Aftereachshowing,I'llshareany feedbackfrompotentialbuyers.
Open Houses
Open houses can be a great way to generate interest in your property and can be a powerful marketing tool to attract potential buyers.
To make yours a success, we'll post it on popular real estate websites and social media, put up "Open House" signs, and even hand out flyers.
We'll make sure your home is looking its best and ready to impress!
Offers & Negotiations
SECURINGTHEBESTTERMS
Receivinganofferonyourhomeisexciting!Butit'srarelytheendoftheprocess. Negotiationisoftenthenextsteptoreachanagreementthatworksforbothyou andthebuyer.Here'swhattoexpect:
Whenyougetanofferonyourhome,itusuallyincludestheprice,closingdate,thingsthatneed tohappenforthesaletogothrough(likegettingaloan),what'sincludedinthesale (likeappliances),andadepositfromthebuyer.Todecideifit'sagoodoffer,thinkaboutifthe priceisfair,iftheconditionsarereasonable,andiftheclosingdateworksforyou.
WE CAN:
•Accepttheoffer
•Declinetheoffer
Iftheofferisn’tclose enoughtoyour expectationand thereisnoneedto furthernegotiate.
•Counter-offer
Acounter-offeris whenyouoffer differenttermsto thebuyer.
THE BUYER CAN THEN: OFFER IS ACCEPTED:
•Acceptthecounter-offer
•Declinethecounter-offer
•Countertheoffer
Youcannegotiateback andforthasmanytimes asneededuntilyoucan reachanagreementor someonechoosestowalk away.
Youwillsignthe purchaseagreement andyouarenow officiallyunder contract!Thisperiod oftimeiscalledthe contingencyperiod.
Nowinspections, appraisals,or anythingelsebuilt intoyourpurchase agreementwilltake place.
Beyond the Offer
Once you receive an offer, the journey isn’t over. There are still important steps to navigate. We’ll make sure all details are clear and all terms are met. Once you’ve accepted an offer, the escrow process begins. I’ll be your trusted partner, every step of the way.
1
Offer & Acceptance
2 (1-4 WEEKS) (1-3 DAYS)
Buyer's Offer: Buyer submits an offer with earnest money.
Seller’s Review: Seller's review the offer, negotiate, and accept.
Executed Contract: Both parties sign contract, making it legally binding.
Contingencies
Home Inspection (5-10 days): Buyer hires an inspector and negotiates repairs. Financing (3-5 weeks): Buyer secures a loan if necessary. Appraisal (1-2 weeks): Lender checks property value.
Termite/Moisture Inspection (1-3 days): Inspect for pest damage; seller makes repairs.
3 (1-3 WEEKS)
Meet Contingencies & Prepare for Closing
Repair Completion: You complete agreed-upon repairs from inspections.
HOA Docs (if applicable, 3-7 days): You provide HOA documents to the buyer.
Title Search & Insurance: Title company verifies ownership and provides title insurance. Final Walkthrough (1 day): Buyer does a final check of the property.
4 (1 DAY)
Closing
Gather at Title Company/Attorney's Office: All parties meet to sign and close.
Sign Documents: You and the buyer sign all required paperwork.
Disbursement of funds: Seller receives proceeds, and buyer gets keys.
Possession: Buyer takes possession of the property
Overall Timeline: 30-60 days (or more)
This is a rough estimate. Some deals close faster, others take longer.
FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE TIMELINE:
•Buyer's Financing: Loan approvals can be quick or slow.
•Appraisal Issues: Low appraisals can cause delays or renegotiation.
•Repair Negotiations: Extensive repairs take time.
•Title Issues: Unforeseen title problems require legal resolution.
•Scheduling: Coordinating everyone's availability for closing.
Pro Tip: Stay in close communication with your realtor throughout the process. They'll guide you, keep you updated on deadlines, and help ensure a smooth closing.
HOME INSPECTIONS
ANDWHATTOEXPECT
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
Roof&Components
Exterior&Siding
Basement Foundation
Crawlspace
Structure
Heating&Cooling
Plumbing
Electrical
Attic&Insulation
Doors
Windows&Lighting
Appliances(limited)
AttachedGarages
GarageDoors
Grading&Drainage
AllStairs
INSPECTION TIME FRAME:
TYPICALLY10-14DAYSAFTERSIGNING CONTRACT.NEGOTIATIONSUSUALLY HAPPENWITHIN5DAYS
COSTS
NOCOSTTOTHESELLER.THEBUYER WILLCHOOSEANDPURCHASETHE INSPECTIONPERFORMEDBYTHE INSPECTOROFTHEIRCHOICE.
POSSIBLE OUTCOMES:
INSPECTIONSANDPOTENTIALREPAIRS AREUSUALLYONEOFTHETOPREASONS ASALEDOESNOTCLOSE.
COMMON PROBLEMS COULD BE:
FOUNDATION,ELECTRICAL,PLUMBING, PESTS,STRUCTURAL,MOLD,ORRADON
UPON COMPLETION:
•BUYERCANACCEPTASIS
•BUYERCANOFFERTORENEGOTIATE
•BUYERCANCANCELCONTRACT
APPRAISAL home
Ifthebuyerisseekingaloantopurchaseyourhometheywillneedtohavean appraisalperformedbythebanktoverifythehomeisworththeloanamount.
Asasellerwewantthepropertytoappraiseforatleastthesaleamountormore.Itis verydifficulttosuccessfullycontestyourappraisal.Anexperiencedagent demonstratescertainstrategiestorevealthevalueofthehomepriortotheappraisal.
APPRAISAL COMES IN AT OR ABOVE SALE PRICE
Youareintheclear,andclosingcanbebegin!
APPRAISAL COMES IN BELOW SALE PRICE
•Renegotiatethesalepricewiththebuyer
•Renegotiatewiththebuyertocoverthedifference
•Cancelandre-list
•Consideranalternativeall-cashoffer
Post-Inspection PROCESS
1.REVIEWINSPECTIONREPORT
Carefullyreviewtheinspectionreportwithyour agenttoidentifyanynecessaryrepairs. Prioritizerepairsbasedonurgencyandimpacton theproperty'svalue.
2.NEGOTIATEREPAIRS
Youragentwillworkstrategicallywiththebuyer's agenttonegotiatethescopeandcostofrepairs. Theywilladvocateforyourbestinterests,ensuring afairandbalancedagreement.
3.SELECTRELIABLECONTRACTORS
Youragentwillrecommendtrustedand experiencedcontractorstohandletherepairs. Theywilloverseetheentirerepairprocessto guaranteequalityworkmanshipandtimely completion.
4.SCHEDULEANDCOORDINATEREPAIRS
Youragentwillcoordinatewithcontractorsto schedulerepairsthatminimizedisruptionstoyour lifestyle. Theywillmonitortheprogressofrepairsand addressanyunforeseenissuespromptly.
5.FINALWALK-THROUGH
Conductathoroughfinalwalk-throughwithyour agentandthebuyer'sagenttoverifythatall agreed-uponrepairshavebeencompleted. Addressanyremainingconcernsandensurethe propertyispreparedforclosing.
ADDITIONALTIPS:
StayInformed:Maintainopencommunication withyouragentthroughouttherepairprocess, seekingregularupdates.
ProactiveApproach:Anticipatepotentialissues andtakeproactivestepstoaddressthem.
ObtainNecessaryPermitsandInsurance:Adhere tolocalregulationsandprotectyourinvestment withadequateinsurancecoverage.
Byfollowingthesestepsandworkingcloselywith youragent,youcannavigatethepost-inspection processwithconfidenceandease.
Closing The Sale whattoexpect
Closing is when funds and documents are transferred in order to transfer ownership of the property to the buyer. The escrow officer will look over the contract and find out what payments are owed by who, prepare documents for closing, perform the closing, make sure all payoffs are completed, the buyer’s title is recorded, and that you receive payoffs that are due to you.
YOUR COSTS
SELLER COMMONLY PAYS:
•Mortgage balance & penalties: If applicable
Any claims against the property: Including but not limited to liens or judgments.
•Unpaid assessments: For HOA or other property associations.
•Real estate agent commissions: As agreed upon in the listing agreement.
Title insurance policy: To protect the buyer's ownership rights.
•Home warranty: Optional, but often requested by buyers for peace of mind.
WHAT TO BRING
SELLERS NEED TO BRING TO CLOSING:
•A government picture ID
•House keys
•Garage door openers
•Mailbox and any other spare keys
AFTER CLOSING
SAVE THESE FOR TAXES:
•Copies of all closing documents
•All home improvement receipts
FINAL STEPS
CANCEL POLICIES
Once title transfer has occurred contact your insurance agent to cancel your policy so you can receive a refund of any prepaid premiums.
CLOSE ACCOUNTS
Cancel utilities and close those accounts. Keep a list of phone numbers for each of your utility and entertainment companies.
CHANGE ADDRESS
Let everyone know your new address. Submit a change-ofaddress form to the post office.
TURN EVERYTHING OFF
Turn off valves to the sinks, toilets, appliances, and water heater. Turn off all light switches and fans. Lastly, call the electric company.
DOCUMENTS
Secure all closing documents as well as the contract and closing documents. Keep them in a safe place.
GATHER HOME PAPERWORK
Put together a packet of manuals, receipts, and any warranties as well.
CLEAR OUT PERSONALS
Move out your personal belongings completely. Check all drawers, cabinets, and closets.
CLEAN
Before you leave, ensure your home is clean. Thoroughly clean the cabinets, refrigerator, and appliances inside and out. Don’t forget to clean the garage. Arrange for trash pickup before closing day. Leave your home in the condition you would want as a buyer.
INCIDENTALS
Leave all house keys, remotes, gate keys, pool keys, and mailbox keys in a drawer in the kitchen.
FLOORS
Vacuum and sweep floors one more time
LOCK UP
Ensure all blinds are closed, and lock the windows and doors.
understanding Buyer Agent Compensation Options
Therealestateindustryisevolving,andsoarethewaysbuyeragentscanbecompensated. Recentchangeshaveintroducednewdynamicstothecompensationlandscape. Whiletraditionalmodelslikecommissionsplitsandflatfeesstillexist,theabilitytopublicly advertisecompensationontheMLShaschanged.
This means that:
Negotiation is Key:
Sellersandbuyeragentscanstillnegotiatecompensationtermsdirectly.
Market Dynamics:
Theabsenceofpubliccommissioninformationmayinfluencebuyeragent behaviorandmarketcompetition.
Brokerage Policies:
Differentbrokeragesmayhavevaryingpoliciesregardingbuyeragentcompensation.
It's essential to understand that the compensation structure can impact the number of buyer agents who show your property and potentially the speed at which your home sells.
IS IT ESSENTIAL
TOOFFERABUYERAGENTCOMMISSION?
Ultimately,thedecisionofwhethertoofferacommissiondependsonyourindividual goalsandcircumstances.Bycarefullyconsideringtheprosandcons,youcanmake aninformedchoicethatmaximizesyourchancesofasuccessfulhomesale.
PROS OF OFFERING
ABuyerAgentCommission
•LargerBuyerPool:Attractsmorepotential buyers,includingthoseunabletopaytheir agent'scommission.
•CompetitiveAdvantage:Increasesproperty appeal,potentiallyleadingtoquickersalesand higherpricescomparedtosimilarproperties withoutcommission.
•Professional Representation: Ensuresfair representationforbuyers,protectingtheir interestsandfacilitatingsmoothertransactions.
•Increased Affordability: Makespropertiesmore accessible,especiallyforfirst-timebuyers, attractingmorequalifiedbuyers.
•Reduced Risk of Failed Deals: Abuyeragent helpsensuretimelyandaccuratepaperwork, minimizingthechancesofdealfailures.
CONS OF OFFERING
ABuyerAgentCommission
•Financial Investment: Offeringacommission canbeanadditionalcosttosellers.Thiscan reducetheiroverallnetprofitfromthesale, especiallyincompetitivemarketswheremultiple offersarecommon.
•Agent Experience: Notallbuyer'sagentsare experiencedenoughtojustifythecommission. Someagentsmaybenewtotheindustryormay havelimitedexperienceinspecificmarketareas.
•Reduced Buyer Pool: Somepotentialbuyers maybeunabletoaffordtopaytheirownagent's commission.Thiscanlimitthenumberof interestedbuyers.Asaresult,thesellermight receivefeweroffersorhavetowaitlongertofind abuyer.
Testimonials client
ISTHEABSOLUTEBESTINTHEBUSINESS!
TANNERTARDIF
Carawascrucialinfindingtherighthomeforme.Shewas attentivetodetailandguided/assistedmethroughoutthe process.I'masatisfiedcustomerandwillrecommendhertomy friends.Myhome-buyingexperiencewasateasebecauseofher.
WINTWINTZAW
IcannotrecommendCarahighlyenough!Despitelivingacrossthecountry,she madebuyingahomeanincrediblysmoothprocessforus.Cara'sdedicationwas evidentfromthestart—shemeticulouslyshowedusmultipleproperties,ensuring wemetourtightdeadlinetorelocate.Herattentivenessandabilitytoaddressall ourquestionsmadeusfeelsecurethroughouttheentireprocess
Carawentaboveandbeyond,demonstratingexceptionalcommunicationby checkinginwithusmultipletimesaday.Shemanagedtoschedulenumerous virtualshowingsandworkedaroundourtimezonedifferencewhilewewere jugglinganewborn.Hercommitmentwassoimpressivethatwe’vealready recommendedhertoaclosefriend,whoisnowintheprocessofclosingona homewithherassistance.
Withoutadoubt,Carawillbeourgo-toforallfuturebuyingandsellingneeds.Her professionalismanddedicationhavemadeheraninvaluableresource,andwewill continuetorecommendhertoanyoneinneedofatop-notchrealtor.Carareally caresandyoucanfeelthatfromtheveryfirstconversationyouhavewithher aboutyourhomegoals.
BRETT&KARLACLEVINGER
CARA
Your Questions Matter
Iunderstandthatsellingyourhomeisasignificantdecision! Iwantyoutofeelassuredaboutourstrategy.
•Isthereanythingthatstillraisesquestionsforyou? •Doyoubelievethisistherightstrategytogetyourhomesold?
Iamconfidentthatwecanreachyourobjectivestogether. I'mexcitedtopartnerwithyouandwillensureyougettheserviceyoudeserve!
IFYOUAREREADY,LET’STAKETHENEXTSTEPS
1.SigntheListingAgreement:
We'llreviewthepaperworkandofficially startworkingtogether.
2.ScheduleProfessionalPhotography: We'llarrangeforaphotographertotake picturesofyourhome.
3.PrepareforPhotos:
I'llgiveyouachecklisttohelpyouget yourhomereadyforthephotoshoot.
4."ForSale"SignInstallation: I'llputa"ForSale"signinyouryard.
5.ChooseYourListingDate:
We'lldecidewhentoofficiallylistyour homeforsale.
6.FinalReview:
We'llmeettogoovereverythingbefore yourhomeislisted.
