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THINKING OF SELLING?
Who, What And Where do YOU go?
The Sellers Guide to a Successful, Stress-Less, Transaction

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Reasons and Objectives

Recipe for a Sale  
Market Conditions
Pricing it Right is the Key  
Marketing That Makes Cents
  What You Can Do to Help  
Increasing Profit
Planning the Move  
Types of Financing
Real Estate Terms  

REASONS AND OBJECTIVES

TOP REASONS FOR SELLING

bulletMoney for Investments
bulletHouse too Small
bulletHouse too Large
bulletTransferred

3 COMMON OBJECTIVES SOUGHT BY OUR CLIENTS

bulletTime (Sell in the least amount of time.)
bulletMoney ( Get the Highest possible net.)
bulletConvenience (With the least  
inconvenience to you and your family.)

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RECIPE FOR A SALE

There are 5 main ingredients that make up the sale of your house:

Location : We usually cannot move a house! To coin the favorite phrase of appraisers: "Location, Location, Location." The pricing of your property must reflect its location.

Condition: The upkeep and presentation of your property is crucial to obtain the highest value for your house in any given market at any given time. The pricing of your property must reflect its condition.

Price: Price is the number one factor in the sale of a home. A property is really only worth what one person is willing to pay another to gain ownership. Price must be in direct relationship to the other 4 ingredients and it is the most important of all!

Terms: The more terms available on your property the more potential purchasers you reach. The pricing of your property must reflect the kinds of terms available to purchase it.

The Market: i.e. Interest Rates, Competition, and the Economy all make up and influence the state of the Market when you sell your house. The pricing of your property must reflect the current status of the Market.

When all of the above ingredients are in agreement … we have a sale! If just one is out of line, it will take a longer time to sell, and … the more ingredients there are out of line … the longer it will take before the sale of your house takes place.

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MARKET CONDITIONS

Times have changed in the real estate business.

Real estate marketing has changed dramatically since the first real estate transaction has taken place. One of the best marketing strategies was to just stick a sign in the yard and run a newspaper ad. Today, things are quite different.

You need more than the same old things to get your house sold.

I know that exposing your house to as many people as possible is the key to selling it for a fair price in the shortest amount of time. That’s why I am constantly developing exclusive new marketing tools.

 

Advertising through magazines and news publications.

Creates buyers marketing through Radio and TV ads that let people know that we are professionals and a an agent can assist them in the most important purchase they will make.

Could you be getting shortchanged?

Getting value for your money is as important today as ever. When you ask me to sell your house, you will not only get me, you will have access to my entire team. Including all the marketing programs available at no additional cost to you.

Before you choose an agent , ask them if they offer a Marketing Plan, Seller Service Agreement, or what programs do they offer for their fee.

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PRICING IT RIGHT IS THE KEY

If a property doesn't sell within a reasonable time, taking in account for market conditions, usually it has to do with price.

Price is determined by the market & the buyers. We look to previous sales that have taken place in your area, adjust as necessary for square footage differences, lot size, construction, age, bedrooms, baths and overall appearance. Also the correlation between current listings and listings that did not sell are added to the equation. All this information is correlated and an opinion is given. This is normally called a Market Analysis.

A price is determined...

bulletNot always will you agree with that opinion. Since an appraisal (a paid Market Analysis) is required in financing a property, it’s futile to price            a property for more than it is worth .
bulletPotential buyers won’t even look at overpriced homes, thinking it’s out  of their price range.
bulletOverpricing tends to dampen the other Real Estate agent's attitude,    making it less likely to be shown.
bulletOverpricing lengthens marketing time and invariably results in a lower   selling price than would have otherwise been obtained.

After a tour of your house, we will sit down and analyze the current market conditions, and come to an agreement on what price to price your property to get you what you want.

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MARKETING THAT MAKES CENTS

1st things 1st

The following items are common in the real estate industry.

bulletInput into Multiple Listing Service (MLS).
bulletPlace a Sign in the front yard.
bulletPlace a Key Box in a convenient location for you and the agents.
bulletSchedule a Tour by our office.
bulletMail "Just Listed" material.
bulletSchedule Either or Both, Public and Broker’s Open

The following are additional items that I can provide.

bulletCreate Property Profile.
bulletCreate a Flyer for the flyer box on the sign.
bulletCreate a Flyer specifically for agents to be delivered in your area.
bulletAdd listing to the web sights.
bulletUpon decision on having Public Open House send out invitations to   possible buyers and surrounding home owners.
bulletAssisting you with a walk through on items that enhance the sale of the property: Example: Paint, caulking, carpet, earth to wood contact,            Hot water heater (pop-off valve), electrical items (improper wiring).    Sometime suggest having an inspection prior to sale in order to prevent problems at closing or at time of contract.

On-going Marketing Strategies.

bulletFollow-up with agents who have shown property, and report to you the response.
bulletEvery two weeks provide you with a updated CMA (Competitive Market Analysis)
bulletRevise and update agent and flyer box flyers.
bulletAs necessary advertise in local Real Estate Magazines.
bulletFollow- up with you and keep you informed of the market conditions         and the progress of the marketing of your property.

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WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP

(Staging)

Remember that 1st impressions are lasting.

bulletTidy up the yard , keep the lawn trimmed and edged. Make sure that           it is clean.
bulletThe front door and porch are what buyers see first. Be sure to scrub         and repaint if necessary.
bulletFront windows, Garages that face front need to have their best foot      forward. Make sure windows are clean, curtains, drapes or mini blinds       are properly installed and working. Garages propose a special concern. Make sure garage doors are in working condition including painting if necessary.

Upon entering the property the following are some things to keep in mind:

bulletLess is better. You are moving; start packing. Pack up some of the knickknacks. These items are very special to you, this insures there     safety. Remember to minimize the furniture and create proper traffic        flow.
bulletKitchens and Bathrooms are special parts of the house. Be sure           that they are sparkling. $20.00 worth of paint and a little elbow grease     save you money and get you a higher sales price.
bulletLet there be LIGHT. Don’t forget to have all light bulbs in working        order. Let your house give a warming glow.
bulletTidy and Clean. Wash dishes, put away clothes, straighten up newspapers, magazines and the mail. Let you house show off its own features. Bedrooms that are neat are inviting. Please make up the         beds. If it’s the children’s room it ok for their stuffed animals to hold      center stage.
bulletPets. Most all of us have that special pet. However, it is best if your        pets are put in one central location. There are many reasons for this,         (1) Your pet may escape while the agent is opening the door. 
(2) Some people are allergic to animals. 
(3) Some animals get too frightened with so many people coming in         and out of their property.
bulletGive the buyer space. Avoid having too many people present during showings. The buyer will feel like an intruder and will hurry through the house, not seeing the features they are looking for. It is best not to be       home during showings. Allow the Agent (Salesperson) to show your     property (unless they ask for your assistance.) The agent knows what       the buyers needs, wants and desires are and can best emphasize the features of your home.
bulletSilence is Golden. It is in your best interest to allow your agent to     discuss any terms, conditions or any other factors concerning the sale with the other agent or buyer. Your Realtor (agent) is qualified to bring negotiations to a favorable conclusion with your best interests in mind.

Stand Back and Look at your property as though your seeing it for the 1st time. We only have one chance to make a good impression.

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INCREASING PROFIT

Today's market is facing some economic times that haven't been seen since the 80"s.  We are working with pre-foreclosures, short sales and Real Estate Owned (REO) properties. Most activity happens within the first three weeks on the market.  Any listing that has not produce any activity within 30 days should be reassessed.. Every day the house stays on the market costs you, the seller, money because purchasers will offer below asking price on "shop-worn" listings. Among the most important factors that influence sale-ability are:   

Condition

bulletHave you staged your house? (What you can do to Help).

Pricing

bulletReview all comparable sales since the listing date. Have other better properties come on the market and sold for less since your listing was taken? If so, there will be no support for your current price when the  appraiser does his work.
bulletCheck out the competition. Know what you are up against.

Accessibility

bulletKey boxes are the answer. Allowing the agents to access your property without waiting for someone to be home or picking up a key will          increase the number of showings.
bulletMake sure you are accommodating the agents in times and availability       to show. Is the family cooperating?

Financing

bulletWhat is financially happening in the market place? How are the           interest rates? Your agent can answer those questions and discuss        them with you.
bulletCan you help with closing costs or loan fees?
bulletAsk about Seller-paid buy-downs (3/2/1) on interest rates.
bulletWhat loans are most popular or can be used in the sale of your          property. FHA, VA, Conventional or a type of Rehab.

Sales Activity

bulletWhat has sold since your property has been placed on the market?  Compare your property to the ones that have sold. Reevaluate with          your Realtor (agent), and strategies you can put in to place to make          your property more appealing.

New Marketing Plan

When you have made the appropriate changes in price and condition of your property, your agent should kick off a new marketing plan.

bulletBroker’s Open
bulletNew flyers for the flyer box and to all the agents.
bulletTarget mailings to potential purchasers
bulletPossible Public Open
bulletAgent to call previous showing agents and advise of the                     changes in the listing information.

Tracking the new changes will be done and updates will be given to you.

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PLANNING THE MOVE

Moving can be a traumatic experience, but with good planning, some organization and family meetings it can be a very rewarding experience. Establish each person’s responsibilities, allowing all the family members to participate. In doing so you can maintain harmony and efficiency.

Children

bulletIf you are moving out of town, provide your children with photographs            of their new home and school. Once they know what to expect and          begin to visualize themselves in their new surroundings, they’ll grow         much happier and more cooperative.
bulletEncourage each child to help in labeling his/her own personal          possessions. Maybe give them colored stickers, this gives them the       feeling that their stuff is not going to be misplaced.
bulletAllow them to help in the placement of their furniture in there new room.
bulletFurnish each child with their own Address Book to stay in touch with    friends. It may also encourage them to continue to fill their book in            their new location with new friends.

Planning is the Key

Change of Address:

So many fail change their address early enough. Once the plans have been made and a new property found begin the change. You can start by picking up a moving package from your agent or the Post office. Places to remember to send change too.

bulletPost Office with a forwarding address.
bulletCharge accounts, credit cards and subscriptions
bulletRelatives and Friends

Notify:

bulletBank - Transfer funds, arrange check-cashing in new city. Carry          Travelers Checks for ready cash
bulletInsurance - Notify of new location and change of coverage.
bulletDelivery people - Cancel newspapers, laundry, etc.
bulletUtility Companies - Gas, Electric, Water, Garbage, Telephone and       Cable.

Miscellaneous Checklist:

bulletAutomobile registrations - Transfer car title, registration, driver’s           license and auto club membership.
bulletMedical records - Possibly get a referral from your present physician         and dentist, have all your records transferred before you need them.
bulletEmployment for other members or the family. Have previous       employers for spouse and young adults to write letters of       recommendations.
bulletDefrost the freezer several days before moving. Learn how to move appliances properly to avoid down time.
bulletIf moving with small children or infants take time to double check           on things that make the move easier on them and ultimately on           yourself. Extra diapers, food, snacks, toys and special blanks or           pillows that are familiar. You might carry water from your current          location on the move to ensure stability of the type of water they will          drink during the move. Sometimes it is advisable to start the whole           family on some type of bottle water that is readily available during the         move and for a month or so after the move.
bulletTake care with important documents, currency and jewelry.                 If you can’t place them in a secure place during the move at least keep     them in a safe place with the family.
bulletDouble check the house from top to bottom once the movers or you         have removed all the boxes and furniture. Sometime we forget things             in closets, cabinets or on shelves.
bulletLeave keys, garage door openers, pamphlets on appliances             and other items with your Realtor (agent).

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TYPES OF FINANCING

Fixed Rate Mortgage

The interest rate stays the same throughout the term of the loan - usually 15 or 30 years - so the principal interest portion of your payment remains the same. Payments are stable but initial rates tend to be higher than adjustable rate loans and often cannot be assumed by a subsequent buyer.

Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM)

The interest rate is linked to a financial index, such as a Treasury security or a cost of funds -so your monthly payments can vary up or down over the life of the loan - usually 25 to 30 years. Interest rates can change monthly, annually, or every 3 or 5 years. Some Arm's have a cap on the interest rate increase, to protect the borrower. Other terms relating to adjustable-rate mortgages: Adjustable period: the length of time between interest rate changes. Example: one year ARM-interest changes annually. Cap: The limit on how much an interest rate or monthly payment can change at each adjustment or over the life of the loan. Conversion clauses: A provision in some loans that enables you to change an ARM to a fixed rate loan, usually after the first adjustment period. This may require additional fees. Index: A measure of interest rate changes used to determine changes in the loan's interest rate over the term of the loan. Margin: The number of percentage points a lender adds to the index rate to calculate the ARM's interest rate at each adjustment.

VA Loan

The VA does not lend money, it guarantees a portion of the loan so that lenders who originate the loan feel comfortable with their risk. Qualified veterans can obtain loans up to 4 times the amount of their entitlement. Full entitlement at this time equals to $203,000 with no down payment. VA-guaranteed loans can be combined with second mortgages and are assumable upon qualifying by any future buyer.

FHA Loan

FHA does not lend money or make a loan; rather, it insures loans. The down payment can be as low as 2.25%. Discount points may be paid by either buyer or seller. FHA charges a 2.25% up front Mortgage Insurance Premium (or as little as 2% for the first time home buyer) that can be financed in the mortgage amount or paid in cash (no premium is required for condominiums). The borrower must also pay an annual Mortgage Insurance Premium or .5% which is collected monthly.

Seller Assisted Second Mortgage

The seller of the house lends the buyer enough to make up the difference between the purchase price and the down payment plus first-mortgage balance (a commercial lender may also make this kind of loan). The terms including the interest rate, are based on buyer/seller agreement. It is often short-term (5 to 15 year) loan; sometimes "interest only" payments until the term date when the balance is due in full. A buyer can then refinance the home.

Assumable Mortgage

Buyer "takes over" or assumes the mortgage obligation of the seller (with concurrence of the lender). The interest rate doesn't change and is sometimes lower that current rates. Often the loan fees are less as well.

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REAL ESTATE TERMS

bulletAgent - A person acting on behalf of another, called the principal.
bulletAppraisal - An expert opinion or estimate of the value of real estate as of a given date.
bulletAmortization - The systematic payment of your loan over the agreed time. (Mortgage)
bulletAssessed Value - The valuation placed upon property by a public tax assessor as the bases for taxes.
bulletBill of Sale - An instrument which transfers title to personal property (chattels); a "Deed" transfers real property.
bulletBuyers Agent - A Licensed Real Estate Broker (as agent) who is working solely for the Buyer (the principal) in the purchase of a property. There is a signed agreement which sets out terms and conditions for the services rendered by the licensed real estate broker ( as agent) including how the service will be paid.
bulletCC&R's - Covenants, conditions and restrictions - A document that controls the use, requirements and restrictions of a property.
bulletCertificate of Title - A document signed by a title examiner or attorney stating that the seller has a good marketable and insurable title.
bulletClosing Statement (Settlement) - The computation of financial adjustments between buyer and seller as of the day of closing a sale to determine the net amount of money which buyer must pay to seller to complete purchase of the real estate and seller's net proceeds. Also, "settlement sheet," or "HUD-1".
bulletCommission - Payment to a real estate broker for services performed.
bulletCondominium - A form of real estate ownership where the owner receives title to a particular unit and has a proportionate interest in certain common areas. The unit itself is generally a separately owned space whose interior surfaces (walls, floors, and ceilings) serve as its boundaries.
bulletContingency - A condition that must be satisfied before a contract is binding. For instance, a sales agreement may be contingent upon the buyer obtaining financing. Also if the buyer must sell his property before qualifying for a new loan.
bulletDeed - A formal written instrument by which title to real property is transferred from one owner to another. Also, "conveyance".
bulletDeed of Trust - A security instrument whereby real property is given as security for a debt. A Note is given for a loan, the Deed of Trust is recorded securing the note, giving all the terms and conditions. The Deed of Trust consists of 3 Parties; The Borrower, the Trustee (third party who acts in behalf of the parties), and the Beneficiary (the Lender).
bulletDue-On-Sale Clause - A clause that requires full payment of the loan when the secured property changes ownership do to the terms of the Deed of Trust. Also known as the Acceleration Clause.
bulletEarnest Money - Evidence of good faith which is given at time of written offer. Once offer is accepted the earnest money is than deposited on behalf of the purchaser in an escrow account. The escrow account is usually with the Title or Escrow Company named within the contract.
bulletEquity - The interest or value which owner has in real estate over and above the debts against it. (Sales Price - Mortgage Balance = Equity
bulletEscrow - A procedure in which a third part acts as a non disinterest person for both the buyer and the seller, carrying out both parties' instructions as     per the contract and assumes the responsibility for handling all the paperwork, recording and distribution of funds.
bulletFederal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) - Popularly known as Fannie Mae. A privately owned corporation created by Congress to support the secondary mortgage market. It purchases and sells residential mortgages insured by FHA (Federal Housing Authority), guaranteed by the VA (Veterans Administration) or Conventional.
bulletFee Simple - An estate in which the owner has unrestricted power to dispose of the property as he wishes, including leaving it by will or inheritance. It is the greatest interest a person can have in real estate.
bulletFixture - An item that because of the means of attachment, intent or conformity to the property now passes with the property when sold. EX.: A mirror that has been attached to the wall with molly bolts. Bookshelves that have been placed around a fireplace and permanently attached.
bulletGraduated Payment Mortgage - A residential mortgage with monthly payments that start at a lower interest rate and increase at a predetermined rate.
bulletHazard Insurance - Protects against damages caused to property by fire, windstorms and other common hazards. Most policies also include Contents, theft and liability as well.
bulletHome Inspection Report - A qualified inspector's report on a property's overall condition. The report usually includes an evaluation of both the structure and mechanical systems.
bulletHome Warranty Plan - protection against failure of mechanical systems within in the property. Usually includes plumbing, electrical, heating systems and installed appliances.
bulletJoint Tenancy - An equal undivided ownership of property by two or more persons. Upon the death of any owner, the survivors take the decedent's interest in the property.
bulletLien - A legal hold or claim on pro0perty as security for a debt or charge.
bulletListing Contract - Between a home owner (as the principal) and a licensed real estate broker (as agent) by which the broker is employed to market the real estate within a given time for which service the owner agrees to pay a commission. Also, "Listing Agreement".
bulletLoan Commitment - A written promise to make a loan for a specified amount on specified terms.
bulletLoan-To-Value Ratio - The percentage relationship to the value of the property to the amount of loan (mortgage).
bulletMarket Value - The highest price at which a buyer, is ready, willing and able to buy, (would pay) and the lowest price a seller is ready, willing and able to sell (will take).
bulletMortgage - A lien or claim against real property given by the buyer to the lender as security for money borrowed.
bulletMortgage Life Insurance - A type of term life insurance often bought by mortgagors. The coverage decreases as the mortgage balance declines. If the borrower dies while the policy is in force, the debt is automatically covered by insurance proceeds.
bulletMortgage Note - A written agreement to repay a loan. The agreement that states amount of loan, interest rate, length of payment, amount of monthly payments, late fees and any prepayment penalties. It is secured by the Deed of Trust or Mortgage.
bulletOrigination Fee - A fee or charge for work involved in evaluating, preparing, and submitting a proposed mortgage loan. The fee is limited to 1 percent of FHA and VA loans.
bulletPITI - Principal, Interest, Taxes and Insurance (Normally what you total payment consists.)
bulletPUD - Planned Unit Development A community which has been developed with planned usage of the property for residential and commercial.
bulletPoint - An amount equal to 1% of your loan amount. Points are charged by the lender for the investor to increase the yield on the investment to keep real estate market as competitive as other types of investments.
bulletPrepayment Penalty - Many banks call it Prepayment Privilege : A fee charged to pay off your loan prior to the original date. FHA and VA do not allow this charge.
bulletPrincipal - this word has several meanings: a) to denote the most important b) a capital sum lent on interest c) one who appoints an agent to act on their behalf d) either party of a contract
bulletPrivate Mortgage Insurance (PMI) - Insurance written by a private company protecting the lender against loss if the borrower defaults on the loan (mortgage).
bulletProrate - The accounting of the taxes, insurance, interest and homeowner dues/fees to the day of closing between the seller and buyer. EX: Taxes or owed by the seller from the 1st of the year to the day of closing that amount is credited to the buyer so when taxes come due there will appropriate funds.
bulletPurchase Agreement - A written document in which the purchaser agrees to buy and the Seller agrees to sell under the stated terms and conditions.
bulletRealtor - A real estate broker or associate active in a local real estate board affiliated with the National Association of Realtors.
bulletRegulation Z - The set of rules governing consumer lending issued by the Federal Reserve Board of Governors in accordance with the Consumer Protection act.
bulletSurvey - A map or plat made by a licensed surveyor showing the results of measuring the land with its elevations, improvements, boundaries, and its relationship to surrounding tracts of land. A survey is often required by the lender to assure a building is actually sited on the land according to its legal description.
bulletTenancy in Common - A type of joint ownership of property by two or more persons with not right of survivorship.
bulletTitle Insurance - Protects Home Owners and Lenders against loss of their interest in property dues to legal defects in title.
bulletTitle Search or Examination - A check of the title records, generally at the local court house, to make sure the seller has legal right to sell the property and there are no liens, overdue special assessments or other claims that would jeopardize the Buyers interest into the property.
bulletTransfer tax - State tax, local tax (where applicable) and tax stamps (in some areas) required by law when title passes from one owner to another.


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Penny Romito

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