This process begins by determining a reasonable asking price. I give you up-to-date information on what's happening in the marketplace and the price, financing, terms, and condition of comparative and competing properties. These are key factors in getting your property sold at the best price, quickly and with minimum hassle.

The next step is a marketing plan. Marketing includes the exposure of your property to other real estate agents and the public.  I act as your marketing coordinator, disbursing information about your property to other real estate agents through the Multiple Listing Service, open houses for agents, etc. 

Advertising is part of marketing. The choice of media and frequency of advertising depends on the property and specific market. The misconception that advertising sells real estate has been disproved by The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Their studies show that 82% of real estate sales are the result of agent contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends and family and personal contacts. Overexposure of a property in any media may give a buyer the impression the property is distressed or the seller is desperate -- sometimes this is appropriate -- sometimes not.  I have a degree in Marketing as well as years of real estate experience.  We'll work out the best plan for your property.

When the property is marketed with agent help, you do not have to allow strangers into your home.  Registered Agents will accompany qualified prospects through your property.

I will help you objectively evaluate every buyer's proposal without compromising your marketing position. This initial agreement is only the beginning of a process of appraisals, inspections, and financing -- a lot of possible pitfalls.   Together we will write a legally binding, win-win agreement that will most easily pass through the buying process.

Between the initial sales agreement and closing (or settlement), questions may arise. For example, unexpected repairs are required to obtain financing or a cloud in the title is discovered. The required paperwork can overwhelm.   My direct experience in the Title business will help you resolve these issues and move the transaction to closing.


Why A REALTOR®?
All real estate licensees are not the same. Only real estate licensees who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® are properly called REALTORS®. They proudly display the REALTOR "®" logo on the business card or other marketing and sales literature. REALTORS® are committed to treat all parties to a transaction honestly. REALTORS®
subscribe to a strict code of ethics and are expected to maintain a higher level of knowledge of the process of buying and selling real estate. An independent survey reports that 84% of home buyers would use the same REALTOR® again.

You Be the Judge!
Real Estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments most people experience in their lifetime. Transactions today usually exceed $100,000. If you had a $100,000 income tax problem, would you attempt to deal with it without the help of a CPA? If you had a $100,000 legal question, would you deal with it without the help of an attorney? Considering the small upside cost and the large downside risk, it would be foolish to consider a deal in real estate without the professional assistance of a REALTOR®!

Selling on Your Own
"You can get rid of the broker, but you cannot get rid of the broker's work" is an old caution for those who intend to offer their homes "For Sale By Owner" (FSBO).

Selling on your own is not an easy undertaking. It requires a significant amount of time to study the process, understand your obligations, and do some of the complicated work that a real estate agent does.  In addition, selling on your own requires extra help from outside professionals, such as a REALTORS®, accountants or attorneys for some of the jobs that require specific expertise.

The following are some major pitfalls to avoid: