HELPFUL LINKS:  • Home Inspection for Sellers on the Rise  • How to Choose a Home Inspection Co.  • What Every Buyer and Seller Must Know

For a seller it's not normally a question about when or why but how. How do I get the best price, in the shortest time with the least effort? Can I do this myself or should I be professionally represented?

The decision to sell a home, second home or resort investment property is often an emotional one. Emotion does not normally lead to good decision making. A professional REALTOR© can answer your questions and design a marketing plan that is right for you. They are your ally, advisor and confidant. The information they provide may not be what you want to hear but will be based on their professional experience and market knowledge. They will guide you throughout the entire process and keep emotion out of the marketing and negotiation process. To understand how this works schedule an appointments with several REALTORS© to discuss the sale.

Interview
Ask your friends and family for recommendations if you do not already have a relationship. Tell the REALTOR© that you are researching your options and would like to know how they do business. They may have a lot of pre-appointment questions. Remember this information is being asked to help you sell your home. During the appointment they will carefully listen to your expectations. You should also carefully listen to their expectations and methods to market your home. The best working relationship exists when both parties fully understand what is expected. There are many analytical tools that you can use to choose who should represent you. Years of experience, professional designations and specialization are all criteria you can use to evaluate and choose a REALTOR©. You may be surprised to find that they will make it easy for you to evaluate not only the services provided by a REALTOR© but their competitive individual skills and talents. Finally go with your instinct. Buying is usually an intuitive decision making process. If you like the REALTOR© and presentation chances are a buyer will also.

Pricing
An analysis of the market is crucial to determine the price of your home. Market data will be used to provide this recommendation. Your viewpoint regarding price maybe different than the market viewpoint. Contact Holiday for a free CMA.

Marketing Plan
A marketing plan can comprise many elements including you the seller. This is especially true if you are selling an owner occupied residence. Recommendations for preparing and presenting the property in the most saleable manner will be discussed. The best case scenario results when a property can be shown with little (30 minutes or less) notice. The plan will entail seller and agent initiatives and obligations. A pre-sale home inspection and warranty may be considerations to offer a buyer. Advertising, flyers, open houses, MLS, Internet are just some of the many tools available to market your property.

Communication
Ask for and expect regular updates. Direct feedback from buyers and other REALTORS© are valuable tools to assess the pricing, condition and how it effects the days on market to produce a sale.

Cooperation, Qualifying, Security
By networking with fellow REALTORS© your property gains the greatest market exposure. A professional REALTOR will qualify prospects and make sure they can afford your property. Prospects are accompanied by your listing agent or the cooperating agent and you have the peace of mind that you do not have to let strangers in your home.

Negotiation
What you need is objective evaluation of offers from a professional unemotional perspective. Your advocate in the negotiation will work to obtain the best deal without revealing confidential information or compromising your marketplace position.

Contingency Management
Once your listed property is under contract professional guidance and coordination is needed to proceed smoothly to settlement. Your REALTORS© management and problem solving skills are needed to take care of credit/mortgage issues, appraisals, home inspection, disclosure reporting and other contingencies. Unexpected repairs, title issues and condominium questions can arise and jeopardize the settlement. Over 60 people may participate from contract to closing. Your agent will professionally and objectively guide your contract to settlement.

Closing
Your agent will coordinate with the title company or settlement attorney and arrange for closing. An estimate of settlement costs and proceeds will be prepared by the settlement attorney and reviewed by your agent. Any special closing issues such as estate or tax issues are handled by legal counsel but communicated and coordinated by your agent. Needed utility transfers are also coordinated.

Post Closing
If money has been held in escrow due to needed repairs your agent will coordinate and effect the same and allow a timely distribution of funds.

Conclusion
The cumbersome and emotional task of selling a home is full of potential pitfalls. Professional representation by a REALTOR© can provide the price, time, value, marketing exposure, know how, problem solving, guidance, negotiation and coordination you need without the aggravation, stress and disadvantages of a for sale by owner.