Selling your home in today's real estate market is different than it was...even just a year ago. No matter what type of market we are in, your home needs to stand out from the crowd! We created a unique Home Selling System to provide our clients with a time-tested, proven method that will help you prepare your home, value it accurately and of course get the home sold quickly at the highest possible price.
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SELLING YOUR HOME
WHAT GREAT REALTY GROUP WILL DO FOR YOU
EXPERIENCE WITH THE HOME SELLING PROCESS
It’s one thing to understand the local market and a whole another to successfully sell a house using that knowledge. GREAT Realty Group Real Estate Agents make that process a lot easier by breaking it down into a series of steps and helping you with each of them. In addition to preparing the house for sale and talking to interested buyers, your GREAT Realty Group Agent will make sure you stay on top of things throughout the process from letting you know when you need to open an escrow account, hire an appraiser, sign particular documents, etc.
LOCAL MARKET KNOWLEDGE
GREAT Realty Group Agents possess a deep understanding of the local real estate market, which allows you the ability to tap into their understanding of the local market. They can quickly understand whether you’re in a buyer’s or seller’s market, what buyers are looking for, how listing prices compare to selling prices, and so on. Having all of this information can help you make decisions that maximize your margins through the sale.
PRICING STRATEGY
Pricing can make or break the sale of your home. You have to arrive at a number that’s both fair given the kind of house you’re selling but also appealing to local buyers. Striking that balance is harder than it seems.
Fortunately for you your GREAT Realty Group Agent has a method for identifying the right listing price for homes. They conduct a Comparative Market Analysis to assess what similar homes in the area sold for. This ensures that you set a price that is compelling to buyers right off the bat.
ASSISTANCE WITH LEGWORK
Selling a house isn’t just about putting a “For Sale” sign in the yard and waiting for buyers to show up. There is a lot of work that needs to be done if you are to find a large pool of buyers and sell for the price that you want.
Your GREAT Realty Group agent will assist you with this work, including getting high quality photographs of the property, helping you to stage the property to show off it’s best attributes, to organizing open houses, interacting with prospective buyers, evaluating offers, and guiding negotiations. Having an experienced professional’s help with all of these things makes selling a home a smooth process.
NEGOTIATING WITH BUYERS
If you have to get the price that you want for your house, you have to negotiate with buyers. Since it costs buyers nothing to hire a buyer’s agent, you will be going up against an experienced professional. In such a scenario, it’s important that sellers have their own agent representing their interests during negotiations.
Your GREAT Realty Group real estate agent will protect your best interests. They won’t just address the asking price, but also the terms of the sale such as contingencies, closing costs, and moving date. It’s a lot easier to sell your house on your terms when you have a real estate agent representing you at the negotiating table.
PAPERWORK AND LEGAL GUIDANCE
When selling your house, you have to do so in a way that complies with the laws of the land. Every state has its own requirements of home sellers when it comes to things like disclosures and appraisals. Your real estate agent will make sure you fulfill all your legal obligations based on your state’s requirements.
You will also have to deal with legal paperwork while selling your house which includes documents like the deed, title report, property tax information, mortgage information, etc. Your GREAT Realty Group Agent will let you know what documents you will need to keep handy and how to fill out applicable paperwork.
SELLING PROCESS
PRICING YOUR PROPERTY TO SELL
There is an art to pricing a home and after many years in the industry we have mastered the art of pricing for every type of home. Not only do we want to find the perfect listing price, we also go the extra mile to make sure you are 110% comfortable. Your GREAT Realty Group Agent will provide you with a detailed comparative analysis report for the property that will detail recent neighborhood sales, competition and current market conditions to determine the ideal list price to maximize your sale price.
PREPARING YOUR PROPERTY TO SELL
Your GREAT Realty Group Agent knows how to best position your home to shine brightest in the current market. We know the importance of putting your home’s “best foot forward” to impress buyers. Making minor repairs, thoroughly cleaning the home and, if need be, some professional staging, go a very long way with potential Buyers. We’ll help you by reviewing your home and offering our expert advice. Don’t worry, we’ll also tell you what you don’t have to do!
MARKETING YOUR PROPERTY TO SELL
Nearly all home buyers are searching online so of course excellent internet marketing in all forms is critical. With thousands of choices, the way to get noticed is to professionally present your home when and where buyers want to see it. Here’s our marketing plan.
SHOWING YOUR PROPERTY
We make it super easy for people to see your home and make your home shine every day it’s on the market. Your GREAT Realty Group Agent will handle all of the scheduling and coordination of showings on the days and times that are most convenient for you. Arrangements for showings will be made in the manner you prefer, text, email or telephone…you tell us!
NEGOTIATING YOUR PROPERTY
We are skilled experts in negotiation and have honed these skills over years of transactions and experience in the real estate industry. Your best interests are always kept front and centered. Your GREAT Realty Group Agent will present the options and the choice is always yours to make.
TRUSTING
You can trust that GREAT Realty Group agents will always put your interests first. From contract acceptance to the date of closing your GREAT Realty Group Agent will be there with you every step of the way.
MARKETING PLAN
HOME PREP & STAGING
The first step in your GREAT Realty Group home marketing plan is to discuss how to make your home show its best. Often this includes a to-do list made up of minor home repair tasks and deep cleaning that combined will translate into selling your home for top dollar. With prep and staging complete, we’re ready for the photo shoot!
PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Your home will be professionally photographed using the latest digital photography technology. Our photographer knows just how to stage and light your home’s rooms to make them look really great online providing potential buyers with a meaningful, emotional, way to visualize your home as if they are there.
MARKETING TO BUYERS
Our GREAT Realty Group home marketing plan is directed to two audiences; Buyers and their Agents.
Buyers: With over 94% of home buyers searching online it is critical to have a website that is well positioned and to utilize all channels of digital marketing including social media. We’re always innovating and moving ahead with the latest technology to better connect your home to the right buyer. We make sure your home is found by buyers where they look and when the look.
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Professional photography paired with an eloquent description highlighting your home’s best features for high impact
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The latest digital marketing technology so your home is easily found online
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30+ real estate websites including Zillow / Trulia and Realtor.com®
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The maximum number of photos per site – homes with multiple photos are viewed 299% more often
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Open Houses as permitted
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Distinctive high quality signage where permitted
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MARKETING TO AGENTS
Buyer’s Agents: Richmond’s CVR MLS is where they start to find their client the right home but they also rely on their network of broker colleagues.
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We generate enthusiasm for your home within RVA’s buyer broker community by cutting through the clutter and showing Buyer’s Brokers why your property is special
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We do this by using creative solutions such as hosting a buyer broker event at your property and/or reaching out to our network of top Richmond buyer agents with email blasts exposing them to your listing.
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HOW ABOUT SOCIAL MEDIA
Yes it works. We promote your home via Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, LinkedIn, Google+ and more.
KEEPING YOU INFORMED
It’s great that we do all this but what’s just as critical for a successful GREAT Realty Group home marketing plan is excellent communication. We give you progress reports every step of the way. You choose what update method you like best; phone, text, or email. We’ll let you know how its going and will provide feedback and stats from Agents, CVR MLS, and various website channels.
TOP 10 THINGS NOT TO DO WHEN SELLING YOUR HOME
1. PRICING TOO HIGH
The first step in your GREAT Realty Group home marketing plan is to discuss how to make your home show its best. Often this includes a to-do list made up of minor home repair tasks and deep cleaning that combined will translate into selling your home for top dollar. With prep and staging complete, we’re ready for the photo shoot!
2. POOR CONDITION:
A home that is in ill repair, or otherwise poor condition, does not excite buyers. A home like this is looked at by buyers as a work project and money pit. Having your home in good repair and great showing condition will significantly improve your chances for a sale at top dollar value. Having your home pre-inspected by a termite and dry rot inspector will also have a positive impact on buyers.
3. POOR CURB APPEAL:
Most buyers today want to drive by. If your home is an attractive drive-by, it will gain more attention and certainly more showings. Doing the little things to help your home's curb appeal will make a huge difference.
4. DREARY DARK HOMES DON'T SELL:
Buyers like updated, light and bright homes. Dark carpets, paint, and curtains are often buyer turn-offs. Go through your home and remove clutter; touch up and update paint, counter tops, and carpets. Open your home up and make sure the sun shines in. Offensive odors from pets and smoking are also huge turn-offs to most buyers. Rid your home of offensive smells by burning scented candles and create a pleasant aroma. The most important rooms to concentrate on are the living room, family room, kitchen and master bedroom. Your entire home's atmosphere is set off by these rooms.
5. DON'T OVER-IMPROVE:
Get your home in good showing condition, but don't over-do it. Huge projects such as complete remodels of kitchens, adding decks, and expanding room sizes may not pay back your investment. Before you jump into a huge improvement project, get some good advice.
6. BE FINANCEABLE:
Bad roofs, exterior paint, or structural problems may make your home un-financeable. The wider the scope of financing that your home can qualify for, the higher the overall market value. Remember -- government programs like VA and FHA will be the most picky.
7. GET GOOD ADVICE AND GOOD MARKET EXPOSURE:
Hiring a professional agent will help you get your home priced right, and will also get you started with the best fix ups. A strong agent will get your home exposed to the largest number of potential buyers. Paying the agent fee is often the least expensive part of selling your home. Trying to sell your home yourself can be costly. Most 'for sale by owner' homes close for less than comparable homes listed with an agent, and you have no representation.
8. DON'T BE PRESENT DURING SHOWINGS:
When your home is being shown, go for a drive or a walk. Take yourself, your family, and pets and let the agent and their clients have the freedom they need. An agent can always do their best job of showing your home when you are not underfoot. Buyers are more at ease and much more likely to spend time looking at your home's features and benefits.
9. LET YOUR AGENT DO THE NEGOTIATING:
If there is ever a good reason to have a veteran agent working for you, it's during the negotiation of your home sale. A good negotiator can mean thousands of dollars to you, and will protect your interests. Don't let your emotions run wild during negotiations. Try to separate your emotions from your business side. Remain cool and calm during this time.
10. ACT FAST WITH OFFERS:
When you do get an offer on your home, act quickly and decisively. Letting offers sit around without acting can be a huge mistake. Things can change quickly in the mind of a prospective buyer. Acting quickly while the excitement and interest level are at a high point can be very important. Typically, a buyer's motivation level decreases with time. Buyers' remorse can even set in. Acting in a timely manner is essential.