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THINKING OF SELLING?
Who, What And Where do YOU go?
The Sellers Guide to a Successful, Stress-Less,
Transaction
REASONS AND OBJECTIVES
TOP REASONS FOR SELLING
 | Money for Investments |
 | House too Small |
 | House too Large |
 | Transferred |
3 COMMON OBJECTIVES SOUGHT BY OUR CLIENTS
 | Time (Sell in the least amount of time.) |
 | Money ( Get the Highest possible net.) |
 | Convenience (With the least
inconvenience to
you and your family.) |

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.

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.

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...
 | Not 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 . |
 | Potential buyers won’t even look at overpriced homes, thinking it’s
out of their price range. |
 | Overpricing tends to dampen the other Real Estate agent's attitude,
making it less likely to be shown. |
 | Overpricing 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.

MARKETING THAT
MAKES CENTS
1st things 1st
The
following items are common in the real estate industry.
 | Input into Multiple Listing Service (MLS). |
 | Place a Sign in the front yard. |
 | Place a Key Box in a convenient location for you and the agents. |
 | Schedule a Tour by our office. |
 | Mail "Just Listed" material. |
 | Schedule Either or Both, Public and Broker’s Open |
The following are additional
items that I can provide.
 | Create Property Profile. |
 | Create a Flyer for the flyer box on the sign. |
 | Create a Flyer specifically for agents to be delivered in your area. |
 | Add listing to the web sights. |
 | Upon decision on having Public Open House send out invitations to
possible buyers and surrounding home owners. |
 | Assisting 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.
 | Follow-up with agents who have shown property, and report to you the
response. |
 | Every two weeks provide you with a updated CMA (Competitive Market
Analysis) |
 | Revise and update agent and flyer box flyers. |
 | As necessary advertise in local Real Estate Magazines. |
 | Follow- up with you and keep you informed of the market conditions
and the progress of the marketing of your property. |

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO
HELP
(Staging)
Remember that 1st
impressions are lasting.
 | Tidy up the yard , keep the lawn trimmed and edged. Make sure that
it is clean. |
 | The front door and porch are what buyers see first. Be sure to scrub
and repaint if necessary. |
 | Front 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:
 | Less 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. |
 | Kitchens 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. |
 | Let there be LIGHT. Don’t forget to have all
light bulbs in working order. Let your house give a warming glow. |
 | Tidy 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. |
 | Pets. 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. |
 | Give 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. |
 | Silence 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.

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
Pricing
 | Review 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. |
 | Check out the competition. Know what you are up against. |
Accessibility
 | Key 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. |
 | Make sure you are accommodating the agents in times and availability
to show. Is the family cooperating? |
Financing
 | What is financially happening in the market place? How are the
interest rates? Your agent can answer those questions and discuss
them
with you. |
 | Can you help with closing costs or loan fees? |
 | Ask about Seller-paid buy-downs (3/2/1) on interest rates. |
 | What loans are most popular or can be used in the sale of your
property. FHA, VA, Conventional or a type of Rehab. |
Sales Activity
 | What 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.
 | Broker’s Open |
 | New flyers for the flyer box and to all the agents. |
 | Target mailings to potential purchasers |
 | Possible Public Open |
 | Agent 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.

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
 | If 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. |
 | Encourage 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. |
 | Allow them to help in the placement of their furniture in there new
room. |
 | Furnish 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.
 | Post Office with a forwarding address. |
 | Charge accounts, credit cards and subscriptions |
 | Relatives and Friends |
Notify:
 | Bank - Transfer funds, arrange check-cashing in
new city. Carry Travelers Checks for ready cash |
 | Insurance - Notify of new location and change of
coverage. |
 | Delivery people - Cancel newspapers, laundry, etc. |
 | Utility Companies - Gas, Electric, Water, Garbage,
Telephone and Cable. |
Miscellaneous Checklist:
 | Automobile registrations - Transfer car title,
registration, driver’s
license and auto club membership. |
 | Medical records - Possibly get a referral from your
present physician and dentist, have all your records transferred
before you need them. |
 | Employment for other members or the family. Have
previous employers for spouse and young adults to write letters of
recommendations. |
 | Defrost the freezer several days before moving.
Learn how to move appliances properly to avoid down time. |
 | If 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. |
 | Take 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. |
 | Double 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. |
 | Leave keys, garage door openers, pamphlets on appliances
and
other items with your Realtor (agent). |

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.

REAL ESTATE TERMS

 | Agent - A person acting on
behalf of another, called the principal. |
 | Appraisal - An expert opinion
or estimate of the value of real estate as of a
given date. |
 | Amortization - The systematic
payment of your loan over the agreed time.
(Mortgage) |
 | Assessed Value - The
valuation placed upon property by a public tax
assessor as the bases for taxes. |
 | Bill of Sale - An instrument
which transfers title to personal property
(chattels); a "Deed" transfers real
property. |
 | Buyers 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. |
 | CC&R's - Covenants,
conditions and restrictions - A document that
controls the use, requirements and restrictions
of a property. |
 | Certificate of Title - A
document signed by a title examiner or attorney
stating that the seller has a good marketable
and insurable title. |
 | Closing 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". |
 | Commission - Payment to a
real estate broker for services performed. |
 | Condominium - 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. |
 | Contingency - 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. |
 | Deed - A formal written
instrument by which title to real property is
transferred from one owner to another. Also,
"conveyance". |
 | Deed 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). |
 | Due-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. |
 | Earnest 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. |
 | Equity - The interest or
value which owner has in real estate over and
above the debts against it. (Sales Price -
Mortgage Balance = Equity |
 | Escrow - 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. |
 | Federal 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. |
 | Fee 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. |
 | Fixture - 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. |
 | Graduated Payment Mortgage -
A residential mortgage with monthly payments
that start at a lower interest rate and increase
at a predetermined rate. |
 | Hazard Insurance - Protects
against damages caused to property by fire,
windstorms and other common hazards. Most
policies also include Contents, theft and
liability as well. |
 | Home 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. |
 | Home Warranty Plan -
protection against failure of mechanical systems
within in the property. Usually includes
plumbing, electrical, heating systems and
installed appliances. |
 | Joint 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. |
 | Lien - A legal hold or claim
on pro0perty as security for a debt or charge. |
 | Listing 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". |
 | Loan Commitment - A written
promise to make a loan for a specified amount on
specified terms. |
 | Loan-To-Value Ratio - The
percentage relationship to the value of the
property to the amount of loan (mortgage). |
 | Market 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). |
 | Mortgage - A lien or claim
against real property given by the buyer to the
lender as security for money borrowed. |
 | Mortgage 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. |
 | Mortgage 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. |
 | Origination 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. |
 | PITI - Principal, Interest,
Taxes and Insurance (Normally what you total
payment consists.) |
 | PUD - Planned Unit
Development A community which has been developed
with planned usage of the property for
residential and commercial. |
 | Point - 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. |
 | Prepayment 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. |
 | Principal - 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 |
 | Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)
- Insurance written by a private company
protecting the lender against loss if the
borrower defaults on the loan (mortgage). |
 | Prorate - 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. |
 | Purchase Agreement - A
written document in which the purchaser agrees
to buy and the Seller agrees to sell under the
stated terms and conditions. |
 | Realtor - A real estate
broker or associate active in a local real
estate board affiliated with the National
Association of Realtors. |
 | Regulation Z - The set of
rules governing consumer lending issued by the
Federal Reserve Board of Governors in accordance
with the Consumer Protection act. |
 | Survey - 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. |
 | Tenancy in Common - A type
of joint ownership of property by two or more
persons with not right of survivorship. |
 | Title Insurance - Protects
Home Owners and Lenders against loss of their
interest in property dues to legal defects in
title. |
 | Title 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. |
 | Transfer 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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Contact |
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Penny Romito
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