If you are considering selling your home, you are probably experiencing a range of emotions. You may be looking forward to moving up to a new home or facing the uncertainty of a major move across the country. You may be reluctant to leave your memories behind or eager to start new and exciting adventures. Remember, we're here to help you every step of the way.
Comparative Market Analysis
The first step is the Comparative Market Analysis which will provide you with detailed information on your home, market conditions, comparable sales and listings, and most significantly our Marketing Plan to successfully sell your home. We will meet with you to review the CMA, tour your home and discuss preparing it for sale, and to answer any questions you might have about our representation. There may be a time when you do not intend to sell your home, but need a CMA for another reason, for example estate planning. Regardless of the reason we would be happy to assist you. To request a CMA and find out what your home is worth today please contact us.
The Listing Contract
The Listing Agreement contains many important components, not the least of which is the price and terms of sale. Other things to consider include;
- Whether or not to use a Lockbox. The electronic Supra Lockboxes used locally provide ease of access in showing your home and a measure of security. They record the identity of the Agent who showed or previewed your home and the date and time of entry and departure. If your home is vacant or you would like a Seller controlled lockbox this can be an effective way to insure that prospective Buyer's can easily view your home. Another option is to have your home shown "By Appointment Only".
- Real Estate Commission. The amount or rate of real estate commissions is not fixed by law. They are set by each Broker individually and may be negotiable between the Seller and the Broker (real estate commissions include all compensation and fees to Broker).
- In addition to specifying the total rate or fee the Seller will pay when escrow closes, the contract also enables the Broker to compensate other Broker's through the MLS (Section D). Specifying an amount or rate a prospective Buyer's Agent will receive is an important element of the contract. When completing the Listing Agreement, you and your Agent will agree on the amount of the real estate commission.
- Multiple Listing Service. Your contract should specify whether your home will be listed in the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS). It is an advantage to have your home listed in the MLS because this insures that the other Agents in your area who are members have immediate access to information regarding your property.
- Resolution of Disputes. Should a disagreement arise between you and your Agent, the contract has provisions for arbitration and mediation to resolve these differences. If you choose to initial Section 19 (Dispute Resolutions) you are giving up the right to litigate in a court or jury trial any dispute arising out of the matters included in the "Arbitration of Disputes" provision. Binding arbitration is usually less expensive than going to court.
Marketing your Home
While the CMA that we prepare for you will specify the specific efforts we will undertake to sell your home, this section is designed to give you a general idea of the process . . . from the time that you sign the Listing Agreement to the Close of Escrow. These are just some of the methods we will employ to reach a successful conclusion;
- Submit your Home to the OC MLS
- Professionally Photograph Your Home
- Hold a Catered Broker Preview
- Virtual Tour Posted on the Internet
- Direct Mail Just Listed Postcards To Target Market Areas and Sphere of Influence
- Submit Press Release to Community Paper Feature Story & Property Photo
- Prepare a Professional 4-Page Property Brochure to be Mailed to 4,000 Homes in Target Area
- Host Open Houses & publish Open House Ads in the Orange County Register
- eMarket full color Just Listed Announcement to perspective buyers & Orange County Buyers Agents
- Internet Advertising including:
- www.RealOrangeCountyEstates.com
- www.Google.com
- www.PrudentialCal.com
- www.Yahoo.com
- www.Realtor.com
- Promote your Home through an advertising program featuring:
- Orange County Register (381,000);
- Los Angeles Times (287,631);
- Daily Pilot (72,500);
- Coastal Living;
- South County Living (72,000);
- Daily Pilot (80,000).
- Feature your Home in a Newsletter To Farm Areas (4,000+ homes)
- Submit To Local Publications (office ads) in addition to Agent Ads:
- Orange County Register
- Orange County Los Angeles Times
- Daily Pilot
- Coastal Living
- PennySaver
- Orange County Register & Coastal Living - Classifieds
- Provide you with a Marketing Report to keep you informed of feedback from Agents and Buyers (weekly).
- Keep you informed of changes in the market and the possible effects these may have on the sale of your home (daily as necessary).
- Represent you upon the presentation of offers and negotiate the best possible price and terms to meet your requirements
