Property Evaluation

The process begins with your invitation to visit the property with you. We will research property tax and MLS data before arriving, so we have a general overview. We will then carefully inventory the property’s many features, and listen to what has worked well for you, and anything you think detracts from its appeal. In some cases you may decide that a licensed home inspector should also be engaged for a complete or limited inspection. We will work for you to recommend qualified inspectors and help you evaluate findings and recommended repairs.

Overall Marketing Strategy

During the initial visit we will discuss marketing options with you. There are often a number of choices, and timing considerations:

• Market the home as-is, doing little by way of preparation, in the interest of having it on the market right away, with price being a lesser priority.
• Complete home renovation, remodeling or decorating projects in process before putting the home on the market.
• Before marketing the home, selectively choosing some projects that may enhance marketability and perhaps value.
• Consideration of other approaches such as a long-term lease, or in the case of an investment property, a tax-deferred exchange.

Market Study and Pricing Approach

Once an overall approach to the sale has been decided, our market study can be completed with recommended pricing that fits the model you have chosen. This page has more about how pricing strategy is determined.

Your Support Team

A home sale is a team effort. Bethany and Niel are your team builders and leaders. It’s our job to recommend people who have the skills and qualifications needed, based on the circumstances of the property you are selling. Review the Support Team page for specifics. While we wrote this page mostly with buyers in mind, many of these same people have a role to play in a sale.

Marketing Process

The value of Bethany and Niel as your marketing representatives become especially apparent once the marketing of your home moves forward. You can review this page for the details.

Contracting Your Purchase

When an offer materializes, we represent only you in almost all cases. (For the lone and rare exception, see Real Estate Law.) One of the most important tasks is to decide what is a fair offer. [link] We continue to work for you to research the market while your home is on the market. You will be as informed as the buyer, and sometimes even more informed. We work in the “achievable zone”. That means that at the same time we are advocating in your best interest, we will play back to you the business traditions of the market and the current negotiating climate, to help ensure your success.

Closing Your Purchase

Putting a property under contract is only the beginning of a complex process that leads to closing. Your best interests are especially important during property inspections, negotiation of repairs, monitoring the progress of buyer’s financing, and walking carefully through the closing process. Diligent attention to detail, and monitoring the activities of your support team is a most important part of our job in representing you.

What Can Go Wrong

Real estate transactions have a reputation for producing unpleasant surprises. Follow this link to learn how we manage this challenge.