The Process of Selling Your Home
Selling a home can be complex and time consuming. Here at Absolute Realty TM we believe that educating consumers about the steps involved in selling a home benefits everyone. The following list shows a sequence of the overall process.
Your Absolute Realty agent will provide a recent sales analysis of comparable homes and market trends to help you determine the value of your home.
After a price is established, you will be asked to select a date when your home will be placed on the market. Your Agent can offer advice based on current market conditions.
Later in this section is a list of recommendations for making your home as attractive as possible to potential buyers.
You will be asked to sign a Listing Agreement with Absolute Realty TM . This agreement allows us to present your home to the market.
As a prospective seller, you will receive representation from a realtor. By signing a listing agreement with Absolute Realty TM , your Agent is ethicly and legally bound to work in your best interests.
In addition to the listing agreement, you will be asked to sign other documents as required by each state, including disclosures of agency relationships, lead paint information, state and federal laws, etc.
On the start date, we will place an Absolute Realty TM sign in a visible location on your property, and also install a lock box (if applicable).
MLS (Multiple Listing Service)
You also have the option to include your home on a local database of all available properties. This increases your property’s marketability by informing agents at other companies about your home. We can offer you the New Hampshire MLS, the Vermont MLS, the Massachusettes MLS or inclusion in ALL three for the same fee.
Your Agent will arrange a tour for all our Agents and other local agents. This gives your agent an opportunity to show the unique details and characteristics of your home. After all the other Agents in the area are a big part of our marketing your property to prospective buyers.
An open house may be arranged to show your property to the buying public. Please discuss this option with your agent.
We may place classified ads to attract buyers to your home.
Your Absolute Realty Agent will represent you during the process of receiving offers from buyers, as well as negotiating terms of the purchase agreement.
Today, many buyers are pre-approved for a loan before they begin a home search. If this is not the case, buyers will have to secure financing before the closing can take place. We can provide a mortgage consultant who will be happy to work with your buyer.
Home inspections and/or appraisals may be required to satisfy the terms of financing, assess the condition of the home, and validate the purchase price. Your agent will work with the inspectors and appraisers throughout this period.
After all conditions of the contract are met, the closing can be arranged and the moving process begun. Your Agent will be present at your closing.
Many people may view your home while it is on the market. Displaying your home at its best may help it sell faster, and at a higher price.
· Keep lawn trimmed and the garden areas neat. Remove clutter and toys
· Remove snow and ice from walkways and steps
· Clean front door. Repaint or stain if necessary
· Check fences for loose posts
· Replace dim bulbs and make sure fixtures are clean
· Keep windows clean and coverings clean
· Have carpet shampooed
· Brighten interiors with a fresh coat of neutral paint
· Organize all closets
· Organize attic, basement and garage. Provide clear walking areas
· Clean the fireplace and place fresh logs in it
· Thoroughly clean sink, oven, stovetop, refrigerator and floors
· Remove all unnecessary articles and appliances from countertops
· Remove all pictures and magnets from the front of refrigerator
· All cabinets and closets should be neat and well organized
· Make repairs to appliances. Repair and leaky faucets
· Polish bathtub, toilets, showers, sinks, and mirrors
· Check and repair caulking around bathtubs, showers, sinks, and tile
Today’s real estate market is changing rapidly, and buyers are coming from a wider variety of sources. We are committed to investing in the tools necessary to stay ahead of trends, providing maximum exposure of your property to the most buyers.
Absolute Realty has also created a partnership with the largest real estate website in the country, realtor.com. All homes listed with us are included on the site, exposing your property to potential buyers nationally and internationally.
Absolute Realty has an extensive direct mail program designed to inform the public of available offerings. We send notices into your community for each home that is listed. Not only do your neighbors become aware that your home is available, they may also know someone who is interested. This is just one example of several types of direct mail programs used throughout our company.
Statistics show that one third of all buyers move within the same town. Consequently, local advertising is an important element of any marketing campaign. By making the community aware of Absolute Realty , we attract more buyers and ultimately offer greater exposure for your property
In summary, the marketing tools used by Absolute Realty to attract buyers to your home include Internet and voice technologies, direct mail, newspaper, and the sphere of influence of all of our agents.
The Process of Buying Your Home
As well as selling a home, the process of buying a home can be complex and time consuming. Here are some of the steps you can expect to take during the buying process.
As a prospective buyer, you now have a choice of representation ~ an agent can represent you or the seller. By signing a Buyer Agency Agreement, your agent is legally bound to work in your best interest, including strategies of negotiation and making offers on properties. Either way, when scheduling home visits our Agents will always disclose who they represent in the transaction.
Prior to searching, it is beneficial to meet with a mortgage consultant and begin the application process.
· Pre-qualification will provide an understanding of how much you can afford, which will help to determine the price range of homes to review.
· Pre-approval not only tells you what you can afford, it makes you more attractive to sellers, allowing you to negotiate from a position of strengh.
From the start, your agent will compile the characteristics you wish to have in your new home and those to be avoided. All qualifying properties listed by Absolute Realty and other companies will be researched and made available for your review. After selecting the homes you wish to see in more detail, your agent will arrange a tour. The search will continue until you have found the home of your dreams.
Once you have selected a home, an offer price will be determined and the negotiation process will begin.
· If you have signed a buyer agency agreement, your Absolute Realty Agent can provide a Comparative Market Analysis which analyzes sales of similar homes in your area. This will help determine the price of the offer.
· Once the seller has accepted an offer and all contracts are signed, it is common to pay a deposit to hold the property until closing.
Several types of property inspections may be required by you, your financial institution, and the state. Your agent will provide all necessary details.
When financing has been arranged, inspections completed, terms of the Purchase and Sales Agreement fulfilled, and home insurance obtained, the closing will take place. Your Absolute Realty Agent will be present at your closing ~ once it’s finished you’ll be ready to move in!