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For Sale By Owner
What You Should Know
Click HERE for a PDF version of this publication
ARE YOU PREPARED TO DO IT ALONE?
For most people, selling a home is one of the biggest financial transactions they'll experience. Unfortunately, the process of selling a home is complex and time consuming. In order to be successful, you often need extensive marketing, financial and legal experience. In many cases, unless you are an expert home seller, going the for-sale-by-owner (FSBO) route can be a frustrating and potentially costly experience.
If you do choose to sell your home yourself, be prepared to stay close to home for days, weeks, maybe months to show your home. You'll also need to be accessible during regular working hours when most showings occur.
LEAVE YOUR WORRIES BEHIND WITH THE CENTURY 21® SYSTEM
You already lead a hectic life. Why not let the CENTURY 21 System, the most recognized real estate brand, work for you? Through this System I can give you access to a comprehensive array of services, designed to market your home and assist you in setting the right price with the least amount of inconvenience to you. You'll have the most powerful brand supporting you all the way plus the CENTURY 21 Complete Marketing System.
In addition to proven marketing services, I will maximize your home's exposure through The CENTURY 21 System's global referral network, regional advertising and Internet marketing program. Your home also will be listed on the most trafficked real estate franchisor website in the world, www.century21.com, which has the potential to be seen by millions of qualified buyers.
I know you want to sell your home quickly, at the right price and with as few worries as possible. The CENTURY 21 System and myself will help alleviate any anxiety you may have about selling your home and guide you through the selling process.
TOP 10 REASONS FOR REAL ESTATE REPRESENTATION
1. To Optimize Sales Price
Properly pricing your home is perhaps the most crucial factor in making a sale. Although you set the asking price, buyers determine the value. They'll compare your home and your asking price to similar homes on the market. If your price doesn't stack up, they may reject it and move on to the next listing. And the longer your property sits on the market, the less marketable it becomes because buyers begin to wonder if something is wrong with it. Pricing your home too high may increase the time your home spends on the market.
That's why your first step in determining the right price for your home is to have me prepare a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) report for your home. The report provides details on recent sales of homes similar to yours, as well as the asking price of homes currently on the market. You can then balance that information with other factors that I can assist you in analyzing such as location, condition of your home, special interior or landscaping features, age of the house, and your time frame to assist you in determining a fair and competitive asking price.
2. To Maximize Your Home's Appeal
The way you present your property to prospective buyers can make all the difference between success and failure. Buyers tend to judge homes by cost and "move-in" quality - the less they have to do to move in, the better and the more they may be willing to pay. I can help you see your home through a buyer's eyes and suggest simple repairs and improvements to maximize space and attract as many buyers as possible.
Here are just a few suggestions I offer:
• Clear away any debris or clutter from the front door - inside and outside - to make the entry to your home seem more spacious and allow freedom of movement for more than one person.
• Open windows daily for a few minutes to eliminate unpleasant odors from room and bathrooms.
• If you are at work during the day, turn on a couple of lights to make your home more inviting.
• Polish the front door knob, clean the storm door and sweep the front steps.
• Remove excess furniture that clutters a room to make your home feel more spacious.
• In areas that need painting, keep colors neutral and light - white, beige and gray are the most popular exterior colors, while shades of white, off white and very light pastels are the safest choices for the interior.
• Place a vase of fresh flowers in a bathroom and remove all personal care articles.
• Organize cabinets and closets to demonstrate how much room you have.
• Open dark drapes and blinds to lighten and brighten rooms.
3. To Maximize Your Property's Exposure
Finding qualified buyers will require more than the standard yard sign, classified ad and open house. In fact, according to The National Association of REALTORS®, 77% of real estate sales are the result of agent contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, family and personal contacts.
Since many sales involve out-of-town buyers, marketing a home requires exclusive connections and a strategic marketing plan. At the very least, you should have your home listed in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which is only open to licensed real estate agents.
I have access to technology tools to share referrals across a global network. Plus, I will spend time behind the scenes helping you target serious buyers and make the most of your prime selling period.
4. Because Buyers Are More Comfortable Contacting Agents Than Homeowners
Buyers may be leery of contacting or intruding upon home owners with whom they are unfamiliar. Potential buyers might also be intimidated looking through a home if the owner is present and feel uncomfortable making an offer if they know they'll be negotiating directly with the owner. They often appreciate the accessibility and objectivity of a respected CENTURY 21 real estate agent.
5. To Pre-screen Prospective Buyers
Cleaning your home each time it is shown is a lot of work. To save you time and unnecessary traffic through your home, I can help pre-screen buyers to ensure they really are motivated to buy and are financially prepared to do so. And for your safety, all showings will be scheduled and tracked through a nationally recognized showing service company which notifies me every time someone desires to show your home.
6. To Help Guard Against Claims
In today's litigious society it is imperative that all matters relating to the sale of the property, i.e. physical conditions, history, zoning, etc., be accurately and comprehensively disclosed. Overlooking even one form or required disclosure may lead to an expensive claim.
I can provide assistance to ensure that the disclosure forms are completed and provided to the buyer.
7. To Provide Buyers With Community Information
Today's buyer seeks to make informed decisions and demands a significantly high level of information related to their purchase. I can provide them with detailed information on your community, schools, local government and much more.
8. To Ensure Privacy, Confidentiality and Safety for Both Sellers and Buyers
These days, you don't want just anyone knocking on your door and touring your home. The best way to help keep you and your family safe is to have a CENTURY 21 real estate agent accompanying buyers as they tour your home and handling sometimes stressful negotiations.
9. To Negotiate Your Price
Reaching an agreement between seller and buyer and then closing the deal requires complete objectivity and a thorough understanding of deeds, abstracts, offers, contingencies, disclosures, title searches, etc. Working with a skilled negotiator such as myself, who has your best interests in mind, may improve your chances of selling at the desired price.
10. Access to the CENTURY 21 Complete Marketing System
Why deal with the risks and frustrations when you can work with the CENTURY 21 System - a well known brand name, the strongest website, a global network of home selling agents, and technology tools to help handle the details and ensure a smooth transition, such as:
• The CENTURY 21 Leadrouter Program
This leads management tool captures online inquiries from homebuyers and sellers, instantly informing me of the request via cell phone and email, enabling me to respond within minutes of receiving the request.
• CENTURY 21 Mobile Makes Listings Accesible to On-The-Go Consumers
Consumers with Internet compatible phones can pull up Century21.com listings anywhere. The tool lets users clearly view multiple photos and property descriptions at their convenience. Users can search for properties, sales associates, offices and even use financial resource tools such as the mortgage calculator on the site.
• The CENTURY 21 Property Search Gold Tool
Century21.com lets consumers use satellite technology to visually scout the location of CENTURY 21 properties that meet their search criteria. Aerial views let users clearly explore the property's yard, street and neighborhood to help determine interest in the property. Users also have the opportunity to view the property details and contact the listing office for more information. In addition, landmarks such as schools, houses of worship, hospitals and other attractions could be viewable.
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