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First Things First
At the outset you need to decide on the listing price for the property.
I will help you by providing a very complete written Comparative
Market Analysis for your house. We will then discuss it
and I will explain how I arrived at my recommendation. My job is
to recommend a price based on current market conditions and my 15
years of experience. The actual pricing decision is yours. We will
then go over the listing contract form, the Seller's Description
form, the lead paint form, agency disclosure form, etc. I will explain
all of the inspections you'll encounter. Which inspections will
apply to your property will vary depending, for example, on the
age of your house, whether you use public or private water and sewer.,
etc. Some inspections are required by law, and must be performed
by a person of your choosing; others are required by banks, and
will be completed by someone of the buyer's choosing. Of course
I will take care of all these inspections for you.
At
this point, we'll complete a listing contract and I'll begin marketing
your house. The early stage of marketing is critical: This time
presents your best opportunity to impact the market. It's helpful
to orchestrate the marketing at this stage so that the Internet
postings, advertisements, the sign, the Multiple
Listing Service information, and the Multiple Listing Service
Realtors' Tour (where agents from all local agencies will preview
your house) occur over a short span of time. The goal is to create
a sense of excitement in the marketplace, and a sense of immediacy
regarding showings. The best way to accomplish this goal is to be
prepared ahead of time: to have our information complete, and to
have the house ready to show.
Showings
All showings are scheduled through my office. We will arrange showings
in a manner that you and I will have worked out together. You may
of course refuse any showing, but it is in your best interest to
tolerate as many as you can. After showings, I'll call you with
feedback from the agents and buyers, so you'll know how people are
reacting to your property and price.
Offers
The point of showings of course is to generate offers. When offers
to purchase your property are made, I will present each one to you
and we will discuss any and all terms. I will advise and assist
you in this aspect of the sale by pointing out potential problems
with the offer, and by helping you in the negotiation, so that we
can get the best deal for you.
An
Accepted Offer
When we have found the right buyer and you accept an offer you will
need to select a lawyer to draft a Purchase and Sale Agreement.
My job now becomes one of facilitating and expediting the process.
From this point on, my part is mostly paperwork and phone calls,
making sure the buyers do what they need to do, and taking care
that your inspections are completed at the proper times. I work
with both attorneys to assure that all documents get to those who
need them, and to handle any issues that crop up. I will keep track
of the details, remind you of your deadlines, and keep you informed
throughout the process.
Closing
At last, closing day will arrive. All the work has been done: All
inspections, negotiation, and organization is complete. I will attend
the closing with you bringing all the necessary papers and the escrow
check. You and the buyers will sign your documents, the money will
change hands, and your sale will be done! It is possible to have
the closing without you actually being there. Your attorney will
make those arrangements if you wish.
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