Are You Ready To List Your House?

Ready to list your house with a Realtor? Do you understand the process and details of selling a home in Denver? Before you list with an agent, educate yourself on all the factors that will affect your profit. Be as informed as possible so you can make the absolutely best business decisions. After all, the sale of your home is a business decision!

Most folks are not tuned into the trends and fluctuations of the real estate market. Likewise, we might not be aware of the necessary steps to maximize profits on the sale of our home. Typically we rely heavily upon an agent to lead us down the most profitable path. When considering our home is usually the most valuable asset we own, doesn’t it make sense to list with someone who will maximize our profits? But how do we find that agent?

Start by doing some research and compile a list of agents and Brokers. Ask friends and family for referrals as those are the best source. Check the web and see who has a presence. Find out who the most active Brokers are in your market. Remember 90% of the Real Estate is done by 10% of the Realtors. Check references.

Finally, choose who you trust and have confidence in. There is no greater trait to consider.

1. The Phone Interview- Place a call to each of the real estate agents on your list. Document how quickly they returned your call. Remember: they will be returning calls to your prospective home buyers. Do an initial ‘feel out’ interview over the phone so when you meet you will both be prepared.

2. Request a Complete Plan- From title to escrow, request a complete plan as to the services they can provide for you.

3. Evaluate Their Team- Top producers will not only have established relationships with lenders, title reps, inspectors... everything, they also will have their own staff they employ to assist in the transaction. They are there for your benefit and if they are ill prepared to handle all the steps, you are being short changed.

4. Evaluation of your Property- Request an evaluation of your property with ideas for improvements, cosmetic changes, structural repairs or anything that could add value to your property. Remember a small investment up front will pay higher dividends at the time of sale.

5. Alternatives- Request a complete review of alternatives to the home sale. What would current market leases generate? Rentals? Responsibilities attached with leasing? Have your agent educate you as to all your options. Why not a lease purchase?

6. Insist on Pre-APPROVAL- Don’t waste valuable time negotiating or showing your property to unqualified prospects. Most brokers will not waste their time either. They would rather be out looking for new business that can afford to buy your home.

7. A Net Sheet- Request a net sheet, minus commissions and fees, showing your estimated proceeds at the time of sale.

8. A Marketing Plan- Insist on a step-by-step marketing plan of how your property is going to be sold and marketed. Look for innovative ways to attract home buyers. Demand 24-hour advertising, lead accountability and tracking services. These services exist and you should insist upon them.

9. Advertising- Just as we used to use the want ads for finding things we needed or wanted to buy, today the internet and the agent's personal web presence is most important. Can the agent demonstrate good placement and traffic? And can he do it on the fly?

10. Negotiation Strategy- Have a written, well conceived, negotiation strategy. The old adage, “You don’t get what you deserve, you get what you negotiate” rings true in real estate. Make sure to openly discuss your negotiation strategies before you entertain buyers.

11. Closing Checklist- Be sure to get a written closing checklist. You need to know in detail how you will conclude the sale of your home. This should provide a step-by-step procedure that will be easy to understand and follow.

I sincerely hope these tips and ideas are of value to you. If there is any way I can be of service please contact our office. I would consider it a privilege to be of service to you!

Pete Doty has been a full time, licensed, Colorado Real Estate Broker since 1985
7851 South Elati Street, Suite 204, Littleton, Colorado 80120
Office 303-794-8900 Direct: 303-880-5585
email: Pete@DenverRelocation.com

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Highlands Ranch Real Estate

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