I’m an accredited Seller Representative Specialist – credentialed through the National Association of Realtors. But what does that really mean?
1: PREPARE AND STAGE!
Before listing, I always recommend the home be immaculate and well-staged. I have a storage locker full of furniture and other staging items, and depending on the home, may recommend renting a few additional pieces of furniture.
2: PRE-INSPECTION!
Make repairs as needed (or strategize on options with credits or incentives to buyers). Have the Inspection Report – and receipts for any repairs – available for buyers and agents to see. (I prepare a binder with this information to be kept at the house for Open Houses and showings.) I can also provide a concierge service which includes coordinating contractors to determine and make repairs. In some cases, a Seller may be in a hurry or in no position to make repairs. In these cases, the key is to price accordingly and to provide transparency to buyers.
3: PHOTOS!
Part of my listing package includes high quality professional photos. Good lighting and taking photos at the optimum time of day makes a huge difference in showing off the home’s top features in the best possible light. I never recommend publishing a new listing untll after the photos can be uploaded to the Multiple Listing Service site. Many agents that scan new listings may well forget to go back to a new listing that has incomplete information and photos available as soon as it’s published.
4: WORDS MATTER!
While a picture is worth a thousand words, failure to include top features of a property in the initial listing marketing remarks could be an opportunity missed. In addition, in the “Agent’s Only” section of the MLS listing information I provide a Preliminary Title Report, the Inspection Report (see 2 above), HOA info and CCRs if applicable; Site/plat maps, and anything else to show buyers’ agents that the seller is transparent and that we’ve done our homework and are ready to go to the closing table without unnecessary delays.
5: MARKETING:
Information about the property is broadcast to all the relevant social platforms: The MLS (of course), and virtually all real estate sites (Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin, Trulia, Homes.com); This website (www.NWCoast.realestate, my real estate Facebook page NWCoast Real Estate, and my personal Facebook page; Instagram; LinkedIn; etc) and posts to both my brokerage Skyline Properties (4th largest brokerage in Washington w 1300 real estate agents) and the Skyline Properties brokerage site itself. And finally, I set up “reverse prospecting” within the MLS so that an email about your home gets delivered to agents looking for similar properties in the area.
6: OPEN HOUSES!
On the first weekend after the listing goes live I hold Open Houses, and publish this information in all of the platforms listed above. I am liberal in my use of signage and balloons to attract attention to the Open House. One or two days prior to the Open House I leaflet the neighborhood and invite neighbors to come take a look – and invite their friends and family who may be looking for a home. And of course I provide cookies and chocolates during the Open House!
7: PRICING!
Property that is priced well and competitively is going to attract buyers and assure the property does not sit on the market too long, becoming stale. You will receive a Comparative Market Analysis of similar properties in the vicinity of your property so you can see what other near-by properties have sold for recently… and which properties have languished on the market, resulting in price reductions. And while I will always recommend a price (or range of price options) it will still be up to you, the Seller to determine the final asking price. How quickly you want to sell and other mitigating factors may drive your initial asking price up or down, and we will discuss likely scenarios based on current market conditions for your particular property and area.
8: COMMUNICATION!
It’s critical to COMMUNICATE quickly and clearly as soon as there is any inquiry on the home, whether it’s interested buyers or agents. Having a friendly, knowledgeable, accessible, communicative listing agent (or not) does make and break deals.
9: EXPOSURE.
Your home will have international exposure with photos and details available to anyone looking for property in your area, virtually from around the globe. The ability to market properties world-wide through a multitude of platforms means your property can be viewed by anyone in the market for the kind of property you are selling.
Why Buy a Home with Me?
I’m an Accredited Buyers’ Representative, credentialed through the National Association of Realtors. But what does that really mean?
Wherever you are on your home buying journey, I’ve been there, and I’m prepared to help.
First time or Low Income Home-Buyer?
There are many lending programs out there for the first-time and low-to-moderate income home-buyer! It pays to work with a real estate broker that is familiar with the options and the lenders out there. I can walk you through all the steps you’ll need to take, and introduce you to lenders that specialize in down-payment assistance programs that can help you get into a home of your own. I will de-mystify the process and provide you with a road map, and I’m never too busy to answer your questions!
Retiring and/or Down-Sizing?
There are a lot of options out there for buyers who are ready to make a move to their forever-home or retirement community. As a person of a certain age myself, I understand the unique needs that seniors need to consider. Can the home accommodate your needs if you plan to age-in-place in your new home? What kind of community would you like to be part of…. Or do you prefer a more rural and remote locations for the peace and quiet it brings? How close to shopping and medical facilities do you want to be? What about room for family and friends to come visit? I’ll help you consider all the options and navigate the complexities of finding just the right home at a price you can live with.
Relocating?
If you’re moving from one town, state or country to another, you need someone who can help coordinate all the moving parts (no pun intended). I’ve helped my relocation clients with finding and scheduling contractors to make important upgrades and repairs needed prior to closing, and set up my clients with concierge services that help them navigate utilities’ account set-up so when they arrive, exhausted, with the moving van, they’ll move right into their new home with hot water, electricity heat/air conditioning and internet service all in place. I can help with moving companies and storage units and provide you with a list of local amenities, grocery stores, medical offices, work-out facilities, restaurants, local parks, activities…. Everything you need to know to get settled into your new community.
Investor?
As an investor myself, I appreciate the importance of considering all facets of a property to determine whether it will be a good investment for the future, with adequate margins to make financial sense, whether you’re planning to use your investment as a rental or rehab and re-sell. I’m a member of the Commercial Brokers Association, so I have access to the data, expertise and partners needed when considering a commercial venture.