Getting the best price is about finding the right buyers for your property. That takes a dynamic marketing plan using targeted media exposure. Our resources for in-town and out-of-town buyers are unmatched.
Professional Flyer Presentation:
You take pride in your home, so why not show it off. We photograph the exterior of your exceptional home plus the interior rooms and display them on a flyer that can be taken home by potential buyers.
When the buyers go back home to make a decision, they have a complete listing of all the amenities and professional photographs to remind them of the quality and luxury of your home. They can refer to it again and again
Walk Through Tours:
Buyers can see the great features by looking at a Walk Through Tour and additional professional photographs of your home.
The World Wide Web as a Marketing Tool:
Technology is a powerful tool in today’s real estate market. My presence on the World Wide Web gives your home maximum exposure to potential buyers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. World wide access to information about your home is available on:
- National Association of REALTORS® web site (www.REALTOR.com)
- El Dorado and Sacramento Counties Multiple Listing Service site (www.MetroListMLS.com)
- Sacramento Bee (www.SacBee.com)
- And, of course, my personal web site (www.JillBerni4Homes.com)
Staging Your Home:
You’ll be given tips on preparing your home for sale. You’ll also receive information to assist you in preparing your home for each showing. First impressions, of course, are the most important so we will work together to make the strongest of first impressions. I refer to this task as “ShowTime”.
Networking:
We have developed networking skills that make the other agents very comfortable to show our listings. Sacramento/El Dorado/Placer County area agents will call us asking about our present and upcoming listings so that they can show the homes to their buyers.
THE REAL ESTATE TRANSACTION IN 180 STEPS
? What We Successfully Do For You SINCE ’82 ?
…so you don’t have another 180 things to worry about…
YOUR REAL ESTATE TRANSACTION IN 180 E-Z STEPS
Listed below are the Major steps typically taken by My full service Real Estate Brokerages during the various stages of a successful residential real estate transaction in return for their sales fee. Depending on the transaction, some steps may take minutes, hours or even days to complete, while others may not be needed.
More importantly, these services reflect the level of skill, knowledge and attention to detail required in today’s real estate transaction, underscoring the importance of receiving help and guidance from someone who fully understands the process—a Real Estate Broker
.
PRE-LISTING ACTIVITIES
1
Make appointment with seller for listing presentation
2
Send seller a written or e-mail confirmation of listing appointment and call to confirm
3
Review pre-appointment questions
4
Research all comparables that are currently listed properties
5
Research sales activity for past 18 months from MLS and public records databases
6
Research “Average Days on Market” for properties of this type, price range and location
7
Download and review property tax roll information
8
Prepare “Comparable Market Analysis” (CMA) to establish fair market value
9
Obtain copy of subdivision plat/complex lay-out
10
Research property’s ownership and deed type
11
Research property’s public record information for lot size and dimensions
12
Research and verify legal description
13
Research property’s land use coding and deed restrictions
14
Research property’s current use and zoning
15
Verify legal names of owner(s) in county’s public property records
16
Prepare listing presentation package with above materials and Realist information
17
Perform exterior “Curb Appeal Assessment” of subject property
18
Compile and assemble formal file on property
19
Confirm current public schools and explain impact of schools on market value
20
Review listing appointment checklist to ensure all steps and actions have been completed
LISTING APPOINTMENT PRESENTATION
21
Give seller an overview of current market conditions and projections
22
Review agent’s and company’s credentials and accomplishments in the market
23
Present company’s profile and position or “niche” in the marketplace
24
Present CMA results to seller, including Comparables, Solds, Current Listings and Expireds
25
Offer pricing strategy based on professional judgment and interpretation of current market conditions
26
Discuss goals with seller to market effectively
27
Explain market power and benefits of Multiple Listing Service (MLS)
28
Explain market power of web marketing, IDX and MLS HomeSearch.com
29
Explain the work the brokerage and agent do “behind the scenes” and agent’s availability on weekends
30
Explain agent’s role in taking calls to screen for qualified buyers and protect seller from curiosity seekers
31
Present and discuss strategic master marketing plan
32
Explain different agency relationships and determine seller’s preference
33
Review and explain all clauses in Listing Contract & Addendum and obtain seller’s signature
ONCE PROPERTY IS UNDER LISTING AGREEMENT
34
Review current title information
35
Measure overall and heated square footage
36
Measure interior room sizes
(THE REAL ESTATE TRANSACTION IN 180 STEPS: WHAT YOUR Realtor® DOES FOR YOU)
37
Confirm lot size via owner’s copy of certified survey, if available
38
Note any and all unrecorded property lines, agreements and easements
39
Obtain house plans, if available, and make copy
40
Order plat map for retention in property’s listing file
41
Prepare showing instructions for buyer’s agents and agree on showing time window with seller
42
Obtain current mortgage loan(s) information: companies and loan account numbers
43
Verify current loan information with lender(s)
44
Check assumability of loan(s) and any special requirements
45
Discuss possible buyer financing alternatives and options with seller
46
Review current appraisal, if available
47
Identify Homeowner Association manager, if applicable
48
Verify Homeowner Association Fees with manager—mandatory or optional and current annual fee
49
Order copy of Homeowner Association Bylaws, if applicable
50
Research electricity availability and supplier’s name and phone number
51
Secure an energy audit with an Energy inspector, if residence 10 or more years old
52
Calculate average utility usage from last 12 months of bills
53
Research and verify city sewer/septic tank system
54
Water System: Calculate average water fees or rates from last 12 months of bills
55
Well Water: Confirm well status, depth and output from Well Report
56
Natural Gas: Research/verify availability and supplier’s name and phone number
57
Verify security system, current term of service and whether owned or leased
58
Verify if seller has transferable Termite Bond
59
Ascertain need for lead-based paint disclosure
60
Prepare detailed list of property amenities and assess market impact
61
Prepare detailed list of property’s “Inclusions & Conveyances with Sale”
62
Compile list of completed repairs and maintenance items
63
Send “Vacancy Checklist” to seller, if property is vacant
64
Explain benefits of Home Owner Warranty to seller
65
Assist sellers with completion and submission of Home Owner Warranty Application
66
When received, place Home Owner Warranty in property file for conveyance at time of sale
67
Have extra key made for lockbox
68
Verify if property has rental units involved. And if so:
69
Make copies of all leases for retention in listing file
70
Verify all rents and deposits
71
Inform tenants of listing and discuss how showings will be handled
72
Arrange for installation of yard sign
73
Assist seller with completion of Seller’s Disclosure form
74
“New Listing Checklist” Completed
75
Review results of Curb Appeal Assessment with seller and provide suggestions to improve salability
76
Review results of Interior Décor Assessment and suggest changes to shorten time on market
77
Load listing into transaction management software program
ENTERING PROPERTY IN MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE DATABASE
78
Prepare MLS Profile Sheet—Agent is responsible for “quality control” and accuracy of listing data
79
Enter property data from Profile Sheet into MLS Listing Database
80
Proofread MLS database listing for accuracy—including proper placement in mapping function
81
Add property to company’s Active Listings list
82
Provide seller with signed copies of Listing Agreement and MLS Profile Sheet Data Form
83
Take additional photos for upload into MLS and use in flyers; discuss efficacy of panoramic photography
EFFECTIVELY MARKETING YOUR HOME
84
Create print and Internet ads with seller’s input
85
Coordinate showings with owners, tenants and other Realtors® return all calls including Evenings, Weekends and Holidays.
86
Install electronic lock box, if authorized by owner; program lockbox with agreed-upon showing time windows
87
Prepare mailing and contact list
88
Generate letters and combine with contact list
89
Order “Just Listed” labels and reports
90
Prepare flyers
91
Review comparable MLS listings regularly to ensure property remains competitive in price, terms, conditions and availability
92
Prepare property marketing brochure for seller’s review
93
Arrange for printing or copying a supply of marketing brochures or fliers
94
Place marketing brochures in all company agent mail boxes
95
Upload listing to company and agent website, if applicable
96
Mail Out “Just Listed” notice to all neighborhood residents
97
Advise Network Referral Program of listing
98
Provide marketing data to buyers coming through international relocation networks
99
Provide marketing data to buyers coming from referral network
100
Provide “Special Feature” cards for marketing, if applicable
101
Submit ads to company’s participating real estate websites
102
Convey price changes to all groups promptly via MLS
103
Reprint/supply brochures promptly as needed
104
Review and update loan information as required
105
Feedback e-mails/faxes sent to buyer’s agents after showings
106
Review market statistics
107
Discuss feedback from showing agents with seller to determine if changes will accelerate the sale
108
Place regular weekly update calls to seller to discuss marketing and pricing
THE OFFER AND CONTRACT
109
Receive and review all Offer to Purchase contracts submitted by buyers or buyer’s agents.
110
Evaluate offer(s) and prepare a “net sheet” on each for the owner for comparison purposes
111
Counsel seller on offers. Explain merits and weakness of each component of each offer
112
Contact buyer’s agents to review buyer’s qualifications and discuss offer
113
Deliver Seller’s Disclosure to buyer’s agent or buyer upon request and prior to offer, if possible
114
Confirm buyer is pre-qualified by calling Loan Officer
115
Obtain pre-qualification letter on buyer from Loan Officer
116
Negotiate all offers on seller’s behalf, setting time limit for loan approval and closing date
117
Prepare and convey any counteroffers, acceptance or amendments to buyer’s agent
118
Distribute copies of contract and all addendums to closing Attorney or Title Company.
119
When Offer to Purchase contract is accepted and signed by seller, deliver to buyer’s agent
120
Record and promptly deposit buyer’s earnest money in escrow account.
121
Disseminate “Under-Contract Showing Restrictions” as seller requests
122
Deliver copies of fully signed Offer to Purchase contract to seller
123
Deliver copies of Offer to Purchase contract to selling agent
124
Deliver copies of Offer to Purchase contract to lender
125
Provide copies of signed Offer to Purchase contract for office file
126
Advise seller in handling additional offers to purchase submitted between contract and closing
127
Change status in MLS to “Pending”
128
Update transaction management program show “Pending”
129
Review buyer’s credit report results—advise seller of worst and best case scenarios
130
Provide credit report information to seller, if property will be seller-financed
131
Assist buyer with obtaining financing, if applicable and follow-up as necessary
132
Coordinate with lender on Discount Points being locked in with dates
133
Deliver unrecorded property information to buyer
134
Order septic system inspection, if applicable
135
Receive and review septic system report and assess any possible impact on sale
136
Deliver copy of septic system inspection report lender and buyer
137
Deliver Well Flow Test Report copies to lender and buyer and property listing file
138
Verify termite inspection ordered
139
Verify mold inspection ordered, if required
TRACKING THE LOAN PROCESS
140
Confirm verifications of deposit and buyer’s employment have been returned
141
Follow loan processing through to the underwriter
142
Contact lender weekly to ensure processing is on track
143
Relay final approval of buyer’s loan application to seller
HOME INSPECTION
144
Coordinate buyer’s professional home inspection with seller
145
Review home inspector’s report
146
Explain seller’s responsibilities with respect to loan limits and interpret any clauses in the contract
147
Ensure seller’s compliance with Home Inspection Clause requirements
148
Recommend or assist seller with identifying and negotiating with trustworthy contractors to perform any required repairs
149
Negotiate payment and oversee completion of all required repairs on seller’s behalf, if needed
THE APPRAISAL
150
Schedule appraisal
151
Provide comparable sales used in market pricing to appraiser
152
Follow-up on appraisal
153
Enter completion into transaction management program
154
Assist seller in questioning appraisal report if it seems too low
CLOSING PREPARATIONS AND DUTIES
155
Ensure contract is signed by all parties
156
Coordinate closing process with buyer’s agent and lender
157
Update closing forms and files
158
Ensure all parties have all forms and information needed to close the sale
159
Select location where closing will be held
160
Confirm closing date and time, and notify all parties
161
Assist in solving any title problems (boundary disputes, easements, etc)
CERTIFICATES
162
Work with buyer’s agent in scheduling and conducting buyer’s final walk-through prior to closing
163
Research all tax, HOA, utility and other applicable prorations
164
Request final closing figures from closing agent (attorney or Title Company)
165
Receive and carefully review closing figures to ensure accuracy of preparation
166
Forward verified closing figures to buyer’s agent
167
Request copy of closing documents from closing agent
168
Confirm buyer and buyer’s agent have received title insurance commitment
169
Provide “Home Owners Warranty” for availability at closing
170
Reviews all closing documents carefully for errors
171
Forward closing documents to absentee seller as requested
172
Review documents with closing agent (attorney)
173
Provide earnest money deposit check from escrow account to closing agent
174
Coordinate this closing with seller’s next purchase and resolve any timing problems
175
Have a “no surprises” closing so that seller receives a net proceeds check at closing
176
Refer sellers to one of the best agents at their destination, if applicable
177
Change MLS status to Sold. Enter sale date, price, selling broker and agent’s ID numbers, etc.
FOLLOW UP AFTER CLOSING
178
Answer questions about filing claims with Home Owner Warranty company, if requested
179
Attempt to clarify and resolve any conflicts about repairs if buyer is not satisfied
180
Respond to any follow-on calls and provide any additional information required from office
What is your time worth?
If it isn’t worth anything, then you should sell your home by yourself. But, I know that isn’t the case. Your time isn’t worthless! I know from personal experience that most homeowners are successful, hardworking individuals.
You have probably spent countless hours becoming skilled at your profession. I am sure that you have a lot of “specialized knowledge” in your area of expertise. An outsider might look at what you do and think it’s easy. It’s not. You know it and I know it.
So, run the numbers. Consider what I have sent you. And, when you are ready to hire a highly skilled, professional Realtor, then I give me a call. I’ll be glad to help you.
Call me at (916) 933-0555 to find out how I can sell your home for more money, less hassle, and sell it faster.
If you have any real estate questions, then do not hesitate to send me an email at JillBerni@sbcglobal.net.
Best Regards,
ED & JILL BERNI
Realtor/Brokers
Website: www.JillBerni4Homes.com
Phone: (916) 933-0555
Email: JillBerni@sbcglobal.net
Celebrating over 30 years of Customer Service
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