Needs Analysis
Before putting that FOR SALE sign on your lawn have a firm understanding of your reasons for selling. You'll have the opportunity to discuss this with Mike during his initial walk-thru of your home.

Pricing Strategy
Based on your reasons for selling and the time frame in which you want to move, Mike will use his best judgment in developing a pricing strategy with proven results that will save you valuable marketing time and attract the ready, willing and able buyers to your home. But remember, your home has TWO prices on it; what you need or want to get for the property and what the market dictates. Sellers and Realtors don't determine value; the marketplace does. A costly misstep here will result in an extended marketing time and yield you less money in the long run.

Prepare the Property for Showings
You'll never get a second chance to make a good first impression. Working together with Mike as a team, your home will be transformed into a "Hot Property in the Marketplace". Mike will suggest minor, inexpensive ideas to help properly "stage" your home for sale and will review any potential issues that could adversely affect the sale of your home.

Develop a Marketing Strategy
Using Mike's 14+ years of experience, we will help develop a multi-level marketing plan tailored specifically for your home. We will target the active buyers in the market place as well as other realtors. In addition to the traditional channels of advertising, Mike will also use the Internet, where 75% of today's buyers first look for a home.

Negotiating the Offer to Purchase
As a Seller it can be a very emotional time once an offer from a potential buyer comes in. There are many things to consider before agreeing to accept the offer. You must first evaluate every aspect of the proposal and clarify any discrepancies prior to signing an agreement of sale.

Signing the Agreement of Sale
Once we've come to a "meeting of the minds" with regards to price, terms & conditions, my office usually prepares the agreement of sale. Customarily, the buyer signs first and writes out a check for a previously agreed upon amount payable to the Listing Broker. This is the "Earnest Money Deposit or Initial Down Payment" and it remains in the escrow account of a Realtor or Attorney until settlement. After you sign the agreement, you'll initial receipt of a fully signed agreement of sale and the three-day attorney review period begins

Surviving the Inspection Process
Shortly after the end of the attorney review period, your home will go through a "check up". A home inspector will spend several hours going through the property and making sure all systems are in working order. Any defects and/or safety issues will have to be addressed. A pest inspector will check for evidence of wood boring insects and/or damage and the mortgage company will send out an appraiser who will verify market value for the lender. A surveyor's crew will plot the parcel based on the legal description and certify that to the new homeowners and lender. A buyer may also choose to have a radon gas test, a lead based point test or test for presence of asbestos. No matter what issues evolve, Mike has the experience and knowledge to address them in a timely and fair manner

Preparing for Settlement Day
To insure your move goes smoothly refer to our "Moving Checklist" for help. Mike will coordinate the completion of any home inspection repairs or termite treatments as well as obtain a Certificate of Occupancy and Fire Code Compliance letter prior to settlement. He will confirm a settlement time with you and review your estimate net proceeds based on payoff statements we've received. Mike will confirm the final details of settlement with the title company and your attorney and arrange the pre-settlement inspection for the new homeowners

Settlement Day
You will start the day by making sure the property is vacant and in "broom clean" condition for the pre-settlement inspection. Also, you need to make sure that any items negotiated in the sale (such as washer or dryer) are left at the property for the new owners. Then you'll go to the settlement where you will sign some title company documents, the deed and affidavit of title. Every step of the way, Mike will be there for you. After you've finished signing, you'll review the HUD1 settlement sheet prepared by the title clerk and then you will receive your net proceeds

Post Closing Issues
Most of the time settlement goes smoothly. However, sometimes there will be issues that survive the closing and which need to be addressed. It is best to resolve these quickly and to confirm in writing exactly what each party agrees to prior to leaving the settlement room. With over 35 transactions a year, Mike's vast experience and negotiation skills will help carve out a solution that protects your best interests.