The decision to sell your home is a huge one and should not be taken lightly. Many factors typically lead you to this point: a job change, new member of the family, schools, proximity to services, or just the need for more space. Selecting a Realtor to market your home is the next most important decision. In this article, I will summarize my comprehensive real estate marketing plan and answer questions about the process of selecting a Realtor. 
It’s Time To Move, What Is The First Step?
All Realtors are not created equal. Besides the costs associated with hiring a Realtor (I’ll get to this later), many other factors differentiate the large number of available Realtors. Some of these include community knowledge, marketing expertise, network of Realtors, use of technology, and drive to get the job done. The first step I take to sell your home is to meet with you and fully understand your real estate needs and how I can help. This also provides you an opportunity to get to know me and discuss the process of selling your home. Throughout the entire process I am available by phone, email, text message, and in person (I utilize all to keep you appraised from start to finish). My marketing program starts with research to fully understand the real estate market in your neighborhood. The following is a summary of what I consider when researching a home:
- Recent sales of similar homes (past 6 months is ideal)
- Current inventory of homes for sale
- Absorption Rate (how long it is expected to sell the current inventory)
- Condition of your home in comparison to other available homes
- Location, location, location
What’s It Going To Cost Me?
In a typical real estate transaction the real estate commissions are paid by the seller. This can be a significant expense – to help understand what a home sale will cost you I always prepare an estimate of your sale proceeds. Additionally, if you are also contracting with me on your home purchase, I significantly reduce my costs to list your home for sale. Contact me for more information.
Ok, What Is Next?
Once a sales price has been determined and the research is well underway, the next step is to prepare your home for sale. In order to get the best possible price your home needs to be ready: complete necessary repairs, home staging, whole house cleaning (very important), and prepare all marketing materials. My marketing program delivers results and is a differentiating factor when consider a Realtor to list your home:
- High quality photographs for all marketing materials and virtual tours
- All flyers printed on high quality paper
- Extensive website coverage:
- My Website, Remax.com, Homesincolorado.com, REColorado.com, Realtor.com
- Syndicated to Google, Yahoo, Zillow, Trulia, Vast, Oodle, AOL, Hotpads, and more
- Virtual tour links from available websites
- Email marketing to network of clients and Realtors
- Present your listing at local Board of Realtor Marketing Meetings
- Easy showing process to generate quality leads (extended hours and online scheduling)
- Follow up on all showings
- Review all disclosures and contracts (area of expertise)
- And much more specifically related to your home
My Home Is For Sale, Will I See You Again?
Once your home is on the market expect a regular volume of showings. My marketing program has a proven track record to generate showings and quality sales leads. I follow up on all showings to evaluate interest and gather meaningful feedback. With your approval, I also host at least one open house each month. To keep you informed of marketing progress and comments, I provide a written summary including showing information, feedback from potential buyers, details of upcoming marketing plans, and updated neighborhood sales information.
Yeah, We Have An Offer
Once we receive your first offer I personally review the details with you and provide advice on your next steps. My knowledge and expertise utilized to its fullest in this area:
- Should you accept, reject, or offer a counterproposal?
- What options do you have regarding the terms of the offer?
- If I accept the offer what happens next?
How you handle these decisions are critical to the successful sale of your home. Every offer received is a qualified lead that should be handled delicately. You want to sell you home for top dollar but you don’t want to lose a buyer over a small detail. I work extremely close with my clients in this stage of the sale.
You Have A Contract and Closing Date Is Approaching
With an accepted contract to sell your existing home, the buyer will be performing inspections, lender appraisals, title search, and more to determine the overall condition of your home. This can be a stressful time and I have found that regular communication is important. If you are moving locally we are actively looking for your next home as well. Once closing is scheduled you can expect a financial summary of your closing outlining the entire transaction (HUD-1 Settlement Document). When possible I review this document in its entirety prior to closing making necessary corrections and avoiding last minute surprises.
Congratulations, Your Home Is Sold
It would be great if all home sales were this simple. In every transaction my expertise and industry knowledge is utilized to overcome the inevitable surprise lurking behind every corner. I work hard to be an outstanding communicator delivering information and making decisions to avoid problems before they happen. But when they do, my clients appreciate my professional, business like demeanor and drive to get the job done.
Last But Not Least
For more information and specific answers to your questions, please contact me to arrange a meeting. I am flexible and meet with clients at your home, my office, or anywhere in between – whatever is best for you. Thank you for taking the time to read this report and I look forward to working with you on your next home sale!
Todd Holmes
Broker Associate, Realtor
RE/MAX Alliance 3000
13770 E. Rice Place
Aurora, CO 80015
Mobile: (303) 570-3419
Email: todd@toddholmesrealestate.com
Website: http://www.toddholmesrealestate.com
