DETERMINE YOUR REAL OBJECTIVE
Of course your objective is to sell your home - but then what? Why are you selling?
Do you know where you're going next and what it will take to get there?
Give some thought to the outcome you desire.
I would be happy to help you talk it through to decide what is right for you.
SPEAK TO A BUYER DIRECTLY
Before going through the listing process, determine if it is possible to sell your home without paying real estate commissions, marketing it, and showing it to the general public. You always have the opportunity totalk to a buyer directly by calling me.
If we reach an agreement, then your home is sold! -No need to go further-
DECIDE IF LISTING YOUR PROPERTY IS THE BEST CHOICE FOR YOU
Depending on your circumstances, listing your property with a Realtor may be the best choice. This gets the maximum exposure for your home, giving you the best chance of getting the best price. Call me and we can discuss the details.
CHOOSE YOUR REALTOR
There are over 900 real estate agents in Whatcom County.
You want to work with someone you like and trust.
Take a look at the rest of this website and decide if my philosophy is in harmony with you and your goals.
Not only have I sold homes for others as a Realtor, I have sold a number of my own homes. I have personally been through the process many times and know exactly what you are going through.
When choosing a Realtor, you want to know the exact plan for selling your home.
We will discuss every aspect including the listing itself, pictures, virtual tours, flyers, showings, advertisements, and signing.
DETERMINE A TARGET SELLING PRICE.
Work with a trusted Realtor to determine the best selling price.
I look at property in Whatcom County every day and can help determine price.
DISCUSS PREPARATIONS FOR SHOWINGS.
What could be improved to increase the chance of a quick sale at a good price?
What quick fixes could help your home show better?
What major fixes are you willing to do to increase value?
Making no improvements is an option, but it could extend the selling time or decrease the selling price.
SIGN A LISTING AGREEMENT
This establishes a legal relationship whereby your agent is acting on your behalf in your best interest.
This is also the time when we complete the listing input sheet. This is where we determine, as accurately as possible, all the characteristics of your home. We will work with you to brainstorm as many marketing ideas as possible.
The NWMLS (Northwest Multiple Listing Service) requires that your listing be active with at least one picture within 24 hours of the listing agreement. Therefore, we want to be sure to get good pictures at the time of the listing agreement. It could be helpful if you already have pictures of your home (or the view) taken on a nice sunny day.
TAKE PICTURES
As mentioned above, we won't waste any time in getting great photos.
Please take a look at the quality you can expect from us here: View our listings
For our clients, this also includes a virtual tour of the property. Although not required by the MLS, we have found this to be a great marketing tool.
LIST YOUR HOME ON THE MLS FOR ALL TO SEE.
We will enter and activate your listing in the NWMLS.The photos and marketing remarks will be included.
NEGOTIATE AN MUTUALLY ACCEPTABLE AGREEMENT.
When we recieve an offer on your home, we will negotiate on your behalf to reach an agreement that is mutually acceptable. Although the first offer is frequently the best, you may pass on several offers before finding one that works for you.
I am a certified negotiation expert and have studied from world class negotiators such as Greg Pinneo and Dr. Michael Shadow. It would be my pleasure to work on your behalf.
OPEN ESCROW
Once a mutually accepted agreement is reached, the documents will be taken to a third party escrow company (as deteremined in the sale agreement). Earnest money from the buyer will be deposited. Your escrow agent will handle all the documents required to legally transfer title, transfer all funds, and see that the deed is recorded.
ORDER TITLE
Preliminary title will already be in progress. At this point the buyer will be verifying, through their title insurance company, the condition of title. Likely the buyer will get title insurance guaranteeing that they will have clear title at closing.
HOME INSPECTION
Once mutual acceptance is reached, the buyer will usually negotiate the right to have the home inpsected. This could be as simple as a walk-through or as complicated as hiring a series of 3rd party inspectors to examine every detail. As a seller, you should be proactive in solving potential inspection issues. We have each seller sign a disclosure form attesting to the details of the condition of the property.
We expect everyone to be forthcoming and honest in order to faciliate a mutually beneficial transaction. Typically the inspection period is 10 days and may include a second phase of negotiations based on the findings of the inspection(s). Once the inspection is signed off, it's all in the hands of the buyer and their lender.
LENDER FOLLOW UP
At this point in the process, things are in the hand of the buyer to secure financing. If they are an all cash buyer, there should be no problem. However, if the buyer needs financing, as most do, we follow up to ensure the transaction closes smoothly. We follow up regularly with agents, buyers, and lenders to make sure things flow on schedule.
ESCROW FOLLOW UP
Although a smooth closing is largely in the hands of the buyer's lender, your escrow agent plays an important role in a successful closing. We follow up regularly with escrow to insure your transaction goes smoothly.
CLOSING
Seller and Buyer sign documents in escrow. The lender funds the loan and the deed is recorded. The utilities are transferred, although both parties should follow up with their respective utility companies. The seller receives a check. The new home owners take possession. Usually possession is at the time of recording, but that is another negotiable term of the transaction.
As your agent, I would be happy to help take you through the process.
Call Anytime 360-319-7391
Have a supergood day,
Mike
The Home Selling Process
