4119 Boonsboro Rd. Suite 205
Lynchburg, VA 24503
800-230-5001 Toll Free
434-384-5000 Office
URFirst@marksrealty.com

SELLERS GET READY

     1. GETTING READY?

Home selling is no longer a gentlemen's handshake, it has become a very complex business. New Seller disclosure statements, environmental issues, and required governmental forms have all come into play in recent years. Today's real estate market requires experience and training in many fields including real estate marketing, financing, negotiation and closing - the very expertise you'll get when using Marks Realty Co., Inc., REALTORS®

Before you put your house on the market you need to get it ready for potential buyers to see it in the best possible condition. Try and see your home through the eyes of the prospective buyer and determine what needs to be cleaned, painted, repaired and tossed out.

If you were buying this home what would you want to see? The goal is to make your home look its best, maximize space and attract buyers. Our Realtors can help you with this process of deciding what needs to be done. We offer a free brochure on "17 Ways To Make Your Home More Marketable", no obligation, just ask for a copy by phone or email.

HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR HOME'S VALUE

Cosmetic improvements - paint, wallpaper and landscaping - are good investments and help the home show better. Remember, though, improvements should reflect community preferences. Mechanical repairs - such as heating systems, plumbing and appliances in good working condition - are required to get top price.

Ideally, you want to be sure that your property is competitive with other homes available in your area. Buyers will be comparing your home to those with similar features such as number of bedrooms, square footage, baths, etc., so you want your home to stand out. Our Realtors see many homes and can provide suggestions that well help you with this task.

     2. SET THE PRICE

Every homeowner wants the best possible price and terms for their home. Unfortunately, real estate is not an exact science. All transactions are different. The market, based on current conditions, the supply of homes available and the current competition, determines the best price obtainable.

Homes have several different values: one to the lender, another to the tax assessor, another to your insurance company and yet another to you, the homeowner. Likewise, different buyers have different needs and desires and therefore your home will have different values to them.

Sales prices are not based on what owners "need". Since buyers' comparison shop, a home listed at $300,000 (because this is what a Seller says they need to sell in order to buy another home) will not be successful if the buyer can buy a similar home for $250,000. Houses that do not meet the current competition in price and terms simply do not sell. In fact, they only help the competition.

Our experienced agents can help you in deciding the price of your home. The have handled many transactions, are experienced negotiators and understand the various terms and conditions of the market. Let us help you get the best price possible for your home.

     3. MARKET IT

Buying a home is not like buying a car, where the same make and model can be bought from any dealer. Each home is unique and the market is always changing with new buyers, interest rates constantly on the move, and new loan programs available. Marks Realty Co., Inc. can help you come up with a plan to market your individual home.

Most of the broker's work will be quiet and unseen, yet very important. Ask to see our 29 Step plan to market your property and ask how it will be tailored to your home. This includes:

1. Helping you get your home ready to be shown;

2. Helping you not only price your home but come up with terms that will help speed the selling process;

3. We will market your home by using several different means of advertisements available, including the internet;

4. Be there through the negotiation process - giving you advice and counsel on how to bargain for the best price. They will also be there through any inspections and closely follow the loan and legal process.

5. Help you complete the transaction process by assisting with the many requirements found in a typical sales agreement.

Call us today to get started marketing your home for sale.

     4. SOLD

Finally the moment arrives when you receive an offer on your home. This is a big step and we want you to be prepared. We will help you through this sometimes emotional process and get it done right.

Ideally a seller would love to have a line of buyers outside their door begging to buy your property. And while this can happen, in most markets there are enough Sellers to balance out the buyers.

When you receive an offer remember that a number of actors determine whether it is an acceptable one. For example:

1. Is the offer at or near the asking price?

2. Has the buyer accepted the asking price but asking for you to pay their closing costs?

3. What is the alternative to the buyer's offer? In other words, if your home has not received an offer in months, then decide if a better deal is possible; taking into account the monthly costs you will incur for mortgage payments, taxes, insurance and utilities.

4. Do you have time to wait for other offers?

5. What if multiple offers are received? Is the highest offer always the best offer?

Marks Realtors are trained in assisting you with making these decisions. They will carefully review all offers, consider the market and determine whether an offer is acceptable or not.

Just remember that negotiations need not produce a winner and a loser. Rather our Realtors will help you find a win/win situation. Real estate bargaining typically involves compromises by both sides. It's not the time to take personally any comments made by purchasers. Remember this is a natural business process and our Realtors are there to help you all the way to Closed!

Once a contract is secured a whole new process begins, the closing process. Again, our Realtors will be there to help you easily make it to the closing table. Ask to see our Flyer "When Your Property Receives A Contract We Will:" to know what to expect and what is expected of you the Seller.

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