Selling

For over 50 years, Realty Executives agents have excelled at helping buyers and sellers through every step of their real estate transaction. Here’s how:

We are local experts
As a licensed real estate agent, it’s our job to search the area, scrub the data and sniff out prospects. And we live here, too.

Huge network
Speaking of prospects, our dedication to our craft has earned us a reliable database of buyers and sellers through our professional networks, in addition to those we’ve cultivated on our own.

Got Technology?
We’ve got it all; listing automation, video, on-demand call/text messaging, social hosting.

Traditional methods
Once we’ve listed your property, you’ll see it plastered all over the internet; on our company, office and agent websites, Realtor.com, Zillow, Facebook, Twitter, my eNewsletter… you get the point.

Listing price
For sure, you’ve got a number in your head. We’ll compare that with a detailed CMA (comparative market analysis) and determine a price suited to your expectations, coupled with what the market will bear for your neighborhood. That’s how homes sell fast.

Communication
We’ll be texting, calling, emailing -- however you want to receive news and information -- you’ll have it immediately after we get it. We’re here for you every step of the way.

Selecting the right agent to represent you as a home seller can spell the difference between a profitable, smooth real estate experience and a bumpy ride. You have many options and may decide to interview several agents before you make a decision. Requesting these items will help you make the best choice:

• The agent’s resume will reveal their knowledge, experience and expertise,
• Client testimonials reveal how the agent works from the consumer’s perspective,
• Market expertise — A local, well-networked expert with experience selling in your neighborhood or niche area ensures they are well-connected.
• A marketing sales plan establishes their professionalism,
• And a thorough marketing analysis of your property and its position in the neighborhood ensures the agent’s business prowess

As much as each real estate transaction is unique and personal, there are common concerns and needs that every seller experiences. These 5 items top the list:

Maximizing property equity
Selling your property for top dollar is mission-critical. Whether preparing to sell a luxury compound or a studio loft, make sure your property is positioned for optimal exposure. An experienced agent will provide the right guidance and advice for maximizing its potential equity through staging, pricing and target marketing.

Powerful network
With today’s global social connectivity, it is imperative to choose a company and an agent with a network of established relationships with potential buyers, past clients and industry experts.

Manage risk
Every real estate transaction involves some degree of financial risk. Be smart and choose an established company and an experienced agent proven in risk management and loss reduction.

Hire an expert
Prior to the listing appointment, prepare some questions for your agent. This enables you to get organized, feel empowered and establishes a relationship with trust and confidence.

Communicate Effectively
From the start, it is important to maintain strong communication skills with your agent. Up front, let your agent know what your expectations are, how frequently you would like an update and what form of communication you prefer (phone, email or text). This ensures you’ll be in-the-know throughout the transaction.

If Yogi Berra was a real estate agent, he’d probably say “Selling a house is 90 percent mental. The other half is hard work.” That being said, here’s a short list of must-do’s that we consider essential to ensure a smooth and successful transaction:

Price it right
Let’s get real, right now. The market doesn’t care what you paid for it or how much money you put into it. Just like everything else, your property is only worth what someone else is willing to pay for it. Understand that, and you’re half way to the finish line. Start off right by hiring a licensed real estate agent. They’ll work up a professional CMA (comparative market analysis) to help you determine a price that satisfies your wallet and entices potential buyers.

Details, details
Now is the time to share a list of all the awesome features of your home, as well as the not-so-pleasant ones, with your real estate pro. This will help the agent create a compelling property listing that will display on websites, in social posts, on flyers and postcards.

Empty that nest
When your agent tells you to declutter, do it with a vengeance. If you need to live in the house while it’s on the market, remove all unnecessary items: donate, sell, rent a storage unit — do whatever it takes to empty out the house to its bare minimum. If you’ve already moved out, empty it completely or stage it (your agent will know the pros). Remember, we want buyers to say “Wow!” — not “wow.”

To upgrade or not to upgrade
A fresh coat of paint, deep cleaning, and new lighting and bathroom fixtures and cabinet hardware help to sleek up the place. Remember to keep it neutral and simple. Unless you’re a “flipper”, anything more extensive should be discussed with your agent, who can advise whether you’ll get a good return on your investment.

Get lost
It’s not your hangout anymore, so leave the premises when the house is being shown to potential buyers. Lurking about, or telling stories about how the kids were home-birthed pretty much freaks people out.

It’s not personal
Speaking of detachment, if you’re not willing to negotiate offers that aren’t listing price, or if they are and you’re thinking you should’ve asked for more, you might not be as ready to sell the place as you thought you were. A good heart-to-heart with your agent might be in order.

Get real — Real estate agent, that is
Hooking up with a licensed real estate agent makes all the difference in the world. They’re “people” people, so they have a vast network of associates and pros who can help take care of all the details of selling a house. They are professional negotiators and dedicated to their craft — and their clients.

Working through this checklist will help reduce the “90% mental” and “50% hard work” part of the home selling equation.