Selling Real Estate

Seller's Guide to the Real Estate Process - Next

Teamwork: Whoever said "Many hands make light work" really understood the concept of teamwork. Each member of OUR team (including you) will have specific duties towards our common goal to ensure the strength and endurance needed to get your property closed, with as few problems as possible.

Follow Up: At the close of your transaction you will receive a customer evaluation form. We always appreciate receiving your comments. They help us to continue delivering the quality service that our clients deserve. So, please just take a few minutes and give us your feedback.

Safety Comes First: As in most cases, common sense is your best bet. Realtors and their buyers have access to the house, closets, kitchen/bathroom cabinets and drawers. Personal furniture and items are off limits; however, it would be wise  to put away small valuables such as jewelry and money. Never let anyone in the house without a Realtor and if a Realtor shows up without an appointment, ask them to contact our office to arrange for one.

Direct Mail / Email: During the first week or two, notification of your property will be sent to your neighborhood, to our buyers via U. S. Post as well as by email.

Final Note: Always keep in mind: it is not our job to tell you what you WANT to hear, but instead it is our responsibility to tell you what you NEED to know.

What to Expect from Offer to Close

Getting your property "Under Contract" is just half our job. Now we must get the transaction to the closing table. Sometimes this process goes smoothly and other times it's nerve racking. Of course, we'll do what we can to buffer you from any unforeseen blows. Below is a sampling of what you should expect until we close.

Negotiation of the Offer to Purchase: Please don't be offended by lowball offers. We are obligated by law to present all offers. Remember during the negotiation process that any counter offer renders the buyer's offer non-binding. Once we have agreement, we will immediately get signatures on the

Offer to Purchase: The one page preliminary form, a skeletal version of the longer agreement. All changes made on any agreement should be initialed. A note: The negotiation process is often very stressful. Be prepared for that, and remember that once negotiations are completed, the stress will lessen. We try very hard to keep dialogues moving once they begin. Buyers often suffer from what we call "Buyer's Remorse" ("What have I done??"), so it's important not to let the negotiations lag. You may choose to have your attorney review the offer form -- or many people wait for the

Purchase and Sale Agreement: The longer form that follows within 7-14 days. Generally the buyer's attorney will review the agreements to make whatever changes he chooses while your attorney is doing the same. As they are doing that, inspections will occur.

Home, Pest, Radon, Lead Paint, Potability and Perc: Are ideally completed in the interim between the offer and P & S, so that any problems can be dealt with immediately. These tests are usually at the buyer's option and expense; your only obligation is to make the premises available to the inspectors.

Signing of the Purchase and Sale Agreement: The buyers sign the longer agreements first and return them to us with the balance of the deposit. You sign them next and return them with the bank card accompanying them so that the deposit may begin earning interest.