Sell With Us

It is best to be away when the house is being shown. However, sometimes it is impossible. Bitter, cold weather or sick children are examples. If you are at home, go wherever the prospective buyer is not. If they are in the den, go to the kitchen. Your presence inhibits them from making comments, looking in closets, etc. Remember that we want them to feel like it is already their home.

We prefer that you refer all questions to your agent. Simply give them my card. I have seen many owners un-sell their own home by answering questions. Be very careful not to comment on the value or desirability of a feature. Any comment regarding your financial need to sell might be used against you! Also, discuss this issue with your children.

As much notice as we get. Our office will call you as soon as an appointment is requested. Whenever you leave, be sure the house is show-able.

If you are gone, the showing agent will use the MLS lockbox.

First, ask for a business card. It is your house, and it is your right to ask that they set up an appointment through the office.

Since you are serious about selling your house, try to accommodate their request. If you need a few minutes to straighten up, ask that they return in 15 or 20 minutes.

If a buyer comes alone, DO NOT let them in! This is for your protection. Slip them a business card or a brochure through the door, and tell them to contact your agent! Advise children of this procedure, as well!

The pet, like all family members, should be out of the house for showings. Pets are a BIG distraction (either a positive or a negative one). Please do not ask us to be responsible for keeping your pet contained. Your pet will invariably make a run for freedom. We must also avoid a situation where a child or buyer is injured.

Less than 5% of real estate sales come from print advertising. More than four times that amount (20%) come from yard signs. Most buyers use ads to call for information only. By far the greatest source of buyers is through MLS. You can help me by listing the features of your home that sold you on it. Very likely, those same features will sell the new owners, too.

It is very important for us to know why buyers like or do not like your home. Responses are crucial because we use them to make adjustments in our marketing plan. We email a feedback sheet to the showing agent immediately and then follow up with a call. Many agents will not give showing feedback, as it could compromise their buyer’s confidentiality.

Most real estate sales involve two agents. The REALTOR® working with the buyer will write up a sales contract and contact us. The buyer’s agent may present the offer to you and me together or may present it to me alone. We will review all the terms of the offer as an update market analysis. If a counter offer is necessary, we will prepare it. All offers and counters will be in writing with your initials and signature.

This process may be completed in a few hours, but will probably extend several days. We will continue to show the house until we are clear to close the transaction.

Every once in a while, someone is just waiting for your home to be for sale. If we bring you an offer tomorrow CELEBRATE! Historical data has shown that the best buyers and offers come in the first thirty days. We do not win by pricing it higher and holding out for an offer. The longer the house is on the market, the less it brings.