Journey to Selling a Home in Rhode Island

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THE JOURNEY TO SELLING A HOME

Making Your Move. The Right Way.

From the memories made within its walls to the milestones celebrated over the years, your home holds a special place in your story. Deciding to sell is more than a financial decision—it’s a meaningful transition.

At Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Commonwealth Real Estate, our Forever AgentsSM serve as dedicated Seller’s Agents, committed to putting your best interests first at every stage. With a deep understanding of the market and a personalized approach, our Forever AgentsSM are trusted experts who navigate every aspect of the selling process with care and confidence. From preparing your home for listing to negotiating the strongest possible offer, we’re here to help make sure the process is as transparent, smooth, and successful as possible—so you can focus on what comes next.

Locally Owned

Globally Known

Commonwealth Real Estate was founded in 2006 by a group of real estate industry leaders dedicated to providing operational excellence, unparalleled market expertise, and delivering the best customer service experience to home buyers and sellers in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

In 2018, we joined Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, a globally respected brand with more than 45,000 real estate professionals completing more than 258,000 real estate transactions across 11 countries, including the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Europe, the Middle East, and the Caribbean. Through our affiliation with this premier brand, we have a distinct advantage over competitors because of the guiding leadership and the strength of the Berkshire Hathaway name.

In 2021, we partnered with Robert Paul Properties, the most recognized and respected name in the luxury marketplace across Cape Cod, Greater Boston, and the South Coast of Massachusetts.

Today, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Commonwealth Real Estate and Robert Paul Properties operate under Commonwealth Realty Group, LLC, a unified organization built on shared leadership, aligned values, and a commitment to delivering best-in-class real estate services across Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Together, we offer unmatched market expertise and serve as trusted advisors, providing insight, guidance, and lifelong support throughout every step of the real estate journey.

By The Numbers

Over the years, our team has guided thousands of clients through one of life’s most significant milestones, selling a home, with care and confidence. The numbers that follow tell a bigger story: the trust of clients who return to us time and again, and who confidently refer their friends and family. This enduring loyalty is the true measure of our success and the foundation of everything we do.

● $28+ Billion Total Sales Volume*

● 49,214 Total Transaction Sides*

● 31 offices across Massachusetts and Rhode Island

● 650+ experienced agents

Brokerage in New England among Massachusetts-based Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Network Members**

Office in Kent County***

Brokerage Among the entire Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Global Network

Among the Top 1,000 Brokerages in the Nation According to the 2025 RISMedia Power Broker Report

What Our Clients Are Saying...

“Lynn was excellent throughout our entire homebuying process! She saw house after house with us and did not give up until we found the one for us! We would highly recommend her!”

“We recently sold our home and purchased a new one, successfully closing both transactions on the same day. The seamless process was largely due to Kim’s unwavering support and her extensive network of trusted professionals. She expertly handled every detail, offering creative solutions to any challenges that came up along the way. Kim exceeded our expectations in every way. She has set a new standard for what we now look for in a Realtor and we are excited to work with her again in the future.”

“Bill was absolutely amazing. From our first meeting to the final purchase, he made the whole process as easy as possible. Bill listened to our wants and needs for our next home and was able to find us the perfect house. He worked around our schedules for the open house of the property we were selling and to look at other properties to purchase. Bill took time to ensure we understood all the paperwork. He is the perfect combination of professional and knowledgeable; you will NOT be disappointed!!!”

“Tyler is an amazing realtor! He worked with me long distance for months looking for the ‘perfect fit’ home for me. I so appreciate his professionalism, his patience, and his tenacity! Tyler did not give up when there was little on the market. Tyler is a great listener, and he knew what was important to me in a home. I am so happy with the home he found for me. He made the entire process ‘pain-free’ and pleasant. I am so grateful for the opportunity to express my appreciation to Tyler! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!”

“I can’t say enough how amazing it was to work with Ron as our real estate agent. He answered all our questions promptly. He was well-informed and he was always available and guided us through the process effortlessly to sell our parent’s home. It was difficult emotionally, and Ron was not only great at what he does but also empathetic to our emotions. I would recommend working with Ron to anyone that has any type of real estate needs.”

“My experience was fantastic. Emma was wonderful to work with, kept me updated as needed, and did everything I could have hoped for so that my experience with selling my house was as smooth as can be. I would recommend her to anyone that needs a caring, helpful, and knowledgeable agent when selling a home. An A+ experience. Thank you.”

Your Forever Agent®

We are dedicated to more than just the transaction. You can count on us to provide ongoing support, guidance, and expertise long after the sale is complete. We believe in fostering long-lasting relationships built on trust and reliability, ensuring we will meet your evolving real estate and lifestyle needs now and in the future.

The Expertise You Need. The Commitment You Deserve.

Selling a home is more than a transaction—it’s a personal and financial milestone that calls for thoughtful planning and experienced guidance. With so much on the line, success depends on having a knowledgeable, strategic partner who understands both the market and the moment. A Forever AgentSM brings the insight, advocacy, and commitment needed to guide every step with confidence and care.

What to Expect from Our Full-Service Approach:

Strategic Pricing Guidance – We evaluate current market data, recent sales, and your home’s unique features to price it competitively and effectively.

Market Insight & Seller Advocacy – Our in-depth knowledge of buyer behavior, timing, and trends allows us to recommend the most effective approach for your property and goals.

Home Preparation & Staging Support – From decluttering tips to trusted vendor referrals, we help your home make the best first impression.

High-Impact Marketing – Professional photography, compelling copywriting, digital advertising, and agent-to-agent outreach are used to attract qualified, motivated buyers.

Showings & Feedback Management – We coordinate all showings, gather buyer feedback, and adjust strategy as needed, keeping you informed every step of the way.

Offer Review & Skilled Negotiation – When offers come in, we help you compare terms, understand contingencies, and select the one that best aligns with your goals.

Transaction Oversight – From inspections to contingencies to closing day logistics, we manage the details and keep everything on track.

In-House Support & Professional Network – Access to trusted mortgage and insurance advisors, legal professionals, transaction coordinators, and service providers—right when you need them.

Compliance & Risk Guidance – We stay up to date on industry policies, such as Clear Cooperation, advising you on how to stay ahead and informed.

Enduring Support Beyond the Sale – Even after closing, your Forever AgentSM remains a resource for local referrals, future real estate needs, and guidance on your next chapter.

Efficiency & Seamless Coordination – With everything flowing through a unified, experienced team, you’ll avoid gaps, delays, and confusion—and gain peace of mind from start to finish.

Understanding the Market

While you and your Commonwealth Real Estate Forever AgentSM will set the listing price, it’s ultimately the buyers who determine the value of your home. They’ll compare your home to similar properties in the market and assess whether the asking price aligns with what they see. If the price doesn’t reflect market conditions, buyers may quickly move on to the next listing. That’s why your first step in pricing your home should be to review the Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) with your Commonwealth Real Estate Forever AgentSM. This detailed report will give you insight into recent sales of comparable homes and current listing prices in your area.

Additionally, you’ll want to consider the key factors below that can either add to or detract from your home’s value.

Location:

What are the unique trade-offs and advantages of your property? Consider the neighborhood, nearby amenities, and overall appeal of your home’s location.

Features:

Does your home offer standout features compared to others in the area? Think about scenic views, a three-season porch, vaulted ceilings, or a gourmet kitchen that could add value.

Condition:

Is your home well-maintained? Are there any necessary minor or major repairs that could impact the sale or selling price?

Age:

Buyers will be interested in the age of key components like plumbing, the furnace, the roof, and appliances. If anything has been recently updated, it could boost your home’s value.

Current Market:

Is it a buyer’s or seller’s market? Consult with your Commonwealth Real Estate Forever AgentSM for expert insight into the current market conditions affecting your pricing and sales strategy.

Time Frame:

How long do you have to sell your home? Consider the average time on the market for comparable homes. Can you accommodate a buyer who needs time for financing? Does your next home purchase depend on the sale of your current one?

The Importance of Intelligent Pricing

The right price is one of the most critical factors in selling your home successfully. In today’s digital-first world, pricing your home for online visibility is essential. Nearly every home buyer begins their search online, and most use price filters in $25,000 increments. Pricing at strategic thresholds—such as $549,900 instead of $550,000—can significantly expand your reach and help your home appear in more search results.

Visual tools like the pricing pyramid help illustrate how your asking price affects buyer interest. Homes priced at or just below market value attract the largest share of potential buyers—up to 75–90%—while pricing above market can sharply limit visibility.

Of course, price should also reflect local market conditions. In a seller’s market, you may price slightly above recent comps due to high demand. But in a slower or more competitive market, pricing at or just below market value can help your home stand out and sell faster.

By combining smart pricing tactics, visual tools, and local insights, Your Forever Agent® can help you position your home for a faster, more successful sale.

Timeline for Selling Your Home

Disclaimer: Sales timelines may vary based on market conditions and the specific terms and contingencies negotiated between the buyer and seller.

Navigating Multiple Offers

When your home is on the market, you may receive offers from multiple interested buyers. Offers can vary greatly, and you will need to determine which one is best for you.

How can offers differ? While price is a key consideration, other elements—such as financial terms, contingencies, closing timeline, and earnest money—can also vary. The strongest offer isn’t always the highest one.

How do I decide which offer is best for me? Your Forever Agent® will help you evaluate each offer based on your needs and priorities. For example, if timing is key, a faster closing may be more appealing than a higher price.

What is a counteroffer? When a seller “counters” an offer, they respond to a potential buyer’s offer with different proposed terms. This could mean asking for a higher or the same price but with different terms, contingencies, or timing. In some cases, sellers may disclose details about one buyer’s offer to convince another buyer to make a “better” offer. It is important to remember that sending a counteroffer voids the original offer, so the seller cannot go back and accept the original offer.

How can I negotiate multiple offers? You can accept the strongest offer or use strategies like inviting all buyers to submit their best offer, countering one while holding off on others, or rejecting some outright. Each approach has risks—some buyers may walk away. Your Forever Agent® provides expert guidance to help you navigate these decisions and choose the strategy that best aligns with your goals.

What is an escalation clause? When buyers face the possibility of competing offers, they may decide to include an escalation clause in their offer, subject to applicable law, which allows them to disclose exactly how much they are willing to increase their original offer by if the seller receives a higher offer and the highest they will go overall.

Am I required to make seller concessions when negotiating a purchase agreement? No, but offering to cover certain buyer costs—like repairs or fees—can help secure a stronger or faster offer. Any agreed-upon concessions should be clearly included in the purchase agreement.

Understanding the Clear Cooperation Policy

In Rhode Island, the Clear Cooperation Policy—established by the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) and required by the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)—requires that if your home is publicly marketed in any way, such as through a yard sign, social media post, email campaign, or public website, among other methods, it must be entered into the MLS within one business day.

While this is a required guideline, it also offers a real advantage for sellers when managed strategically. For example, “Coming Soon” campaigns can be used strategically to generate early interest and prepare the market for your home’s launch.

This policy works to your advantage by giving your home maximum exposure the moment it hits the market, reaching all licensed agents and their buyers at the same time. This creates a competitive environment that often leads to faster activity and stronger offers.

At Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Commonwealth Real Estate, we lead the way in staying current with industry policies, ensuring your property is marketed with integrity, precision, and full exposure. This commitment helps protect your interests, enhance buyer confidence, and position your home for a successful sale.

COMING SOON VS. ACTIVE: WHAT SELLERS SHOULD KNOW

When preparing to list your home, it’s essential to understand the distinction between a “Coming Soon” listing and an “Active” listing on the MLS.

A “Coming Soon” status allows your home to be pre-marketed to agents while final preparations are made, but it is not visible to the general public or websites like Zillow or Realtor.com, and showings are not allowed during this period. It’s a great way to generate early interest before you’re ready to show informed choices that align with your goals.

Why Us?

When it comes to selling your home, choosing the right real estate agent makes all the difference. At Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Commonwealth Real Estate, our Forever AgentsSM are market experts, skilled negotiators, and trusted advisors—committed to putting your goals first.

We welcome your questions, encourage informed decisions, and believe you deserve nothing less than exceptional service. Our agents combine local expertise with the global reach of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network, ensuring your home is positioned for success in today’s competitive market.

From the first conversation to closing day, we are here to:

● Listen to your needs and understand your priorities.

● Guide you through every step of the selling process with clear communication.

● Deliver results through strategic marketing, professional presentation, and skilled negotiation.

Whether you are selling a first home, a luxury estate, or an investment property, we take pride in representing you with integrity, skill, and dedication.

Your goals become our mission—because your success is how we measure ours.

Seller’s Agent Interview Checklist

Selling your home is a major milestone—choosing the right agent is the key to making it a success. To help you navigate your conversations with other agents, we’ve created this Seller’s Agent Interview Checklist as a tool for comparison. Use it to guide your interviews and ensure you feel confident in the partner you choose to represent your home.

Experience & Expertise

τ How long have you been a full-time real estate agent?

τ How many homes have you sold in my town or neighborhood?

τ Do you specialize in certain types of properties (e.g., single-family, luxury, condos)?

τ What’s your average list-to-sale price ratio?

Marketing Strategy

τ What is your strategy for pricing my home competitively?

τ How will you market my home—both online and offline?

τ Do you provide professional photography, staging advice, or virtual tours?

τ Will you promote my home through social media, email, or targeted advertising?

τ Will my home be listed in the MLS and syndicated to national and global real estate websites?

Communication & Availability

τ How often will I receive updates from you?

τ What’s your preferred method of communication (call, text, email)?

τ Do you work solo or with a team? Who will I primarily be working with?

Support & Services

τ What resources or support do you provide during the home preparation process?

τ Do you help coordinate showings, inspections, or repairs?

τ Can you recommend reliable service providers (contractors, movers, attorneys)?

Reputation & Results

τ Can you share recent references or testimonials?

τ What’s your average time on market for listings?

τ What makes you different from other agents I may be speaking with?

The Fit

τ Do you understand my goals, timeline, and priorities?

τ What’s your approach to negotiation and problem-solving?

τ Why do you believe you’re the right agent to represent my home?

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