Sellers Guide

Sure, you can do your home search by yourself. But why? With an experienced Coldwell Banker West Sales Professional at your side, finding the perfect home is easier, faster and a lot more fun. A good Realtor® can show you more suitable properties, offer valuable advice, and coach you through the entire home buying process. And you’ll save time. Yet many buyers still spend endless hours pouring through classified ads, driving all over town, and viewing dozens of unsuitable properties – simply because they haven’t connected with a Realtor®.

Some people think that if they have several agents looking for homes on their behalf, they’ll find a house more quickly. Like most relationships, the buyer-agent relationship thrives on communication, loyalty and trust. By working exclusively with one agent, you’ll improve both the process and the results.

Finding The Right REALTOR For You

Chemistry is important. So are credentials. Above all, you’ll want an experienced agent who has the resources of a leading real estate firm behind him or her-a firm such as Coldwell Banker West.

Some helpful hints on finding and working with a Realtor®:

• Ask friends, family members, neighbors or co-workers for referrals.
• Trust your intuition.
• Share with your REALTOR as much as possible about your lifestyle, tastes, needs and dreams for your home.
• Focus your search on a few geographic areas.

Asking the Right Questions

How well do you know the area(s) that interest me?
A REALTOR who knows the area or neighborhood you are interested in is extremely beneficial to you.
How many other buyers and sellers do you currently represent?
You want A REALTOR who will give you personalized attention, answer your calls quickly and communicate with you often. Keep in mind, though, many busy, experienced REALTORS are the most efficient.
Will you handle all aspects of my transaction or will you delegate some tasks to an Administrative Assistant?
If you choose to work with a busy agent, a knowledgeable assistant can be very helpful when you have questions or need immediate attention.
Will you give me a list of homes you sold in the last 12 months?
Contact some clients that have worked with the agent and ask them about their experience. The list should contain addresses, property types, names of sellers or buyers, sale dates and price. Ask the REALTOR for testimonials from satisfied customers.

Curb Appeal and Other Selling Tips

Curb Appeal Is Essential
A mowed, trimmed lawn and weeded garden create a good first impression. Inspect the exterior of your property: Shutters, windows, front door and steps. If the house needs painting, buyers will notice and may consider it a major objection to purchase.
Neatness Counts
Scrub each room thoroughly. Give special attention to the entryway, kitchen and bathrooms. Shampoo the carpet if necessary. If carpet is worn or old, consider replacing or removing it if hardwood floors are underneath. And don’t forget cobwebs in corners!
Eliminate Clutter
Buyers will open closets and cupboards, so make sure they’re as tidy as possible. Get rid of items you don’t use. Remove unnecessary furniture to help make each room appear more spacious.
If It’s Broken, Fix It
Easily fixable items such as loose doorknobs, a broken dishwasher, a dripping faucet, and squeaky doors all detract from your property’s value. An afternoon spent making needed repairs now can eliminate a buyer’s objections later.
Small Changes Can Make A Big Impression
New towels can freshen a tired kitchen or bath. Fresh flowers add warmth to any room. And even a fresh coat of paint doesn’t cost much.
Don’t Forget About Aromatherapy
Make sure your home passes the scent test. Right before an open house, bake some cookies or bread, simmer a pot of apple cider & cinnamon on the stove, or light a few scented candles. Strong odors could send potential lookers running out the front door.

Accepting an Offer

Someone has decided your property is just right––and makes you an offer. When your Coldwell Banker West Sales Professional conveys the offer to you, you’ll know whether the price the buyer has suggested is fair. It may be less than your asking price. Yet you don’t have to reply immediately if you’re not certain the price and terms are acceptable.
Consider the current real estate market: Are houses in your neighborhood selling quickly, slowly or not at all? Don’t assume that one offer will lead quickly to others. One predictable factor in the real estate market is that it’s totally unpredictable.

Finding a Compromise

If you and your potential buyer are far apart, you could offer a few concessions such as appliances or a security system, or make some improvements prior to closing.

Drawing Up a Purchase Agreement

Your purchase agreement will include:

• The total price
• The amount of the down payment
• The date the closing will take place.

When completing the agreement, provide as much detail as you can about what’s being sold and what’s not. The more fully you spell out the details of the sale, the less room there is for problems later.

Most buyers insist that a provision for cancellation without penalties is included to protect them if they’re unable to get a mortgage, or the home inspection uncovers major problems. They might also ask you to make your sale contingent on the sale of their current home. Delays happen frequently, so expect to do a little waiting before your agreement is finalized.