How much do I have to disclose to buyers?
The short answer: Everything you know. The longer answer: You’re required to provide a written description (your agent will give you the form) about any known issues with your home that could hurt its value. Some of these things include:
Termite damage
Presence of lead-based paint
Foundation cracks
Plumbing or HVAC issues
Septic or sewer problems
Homeowners association fees and restrictions.
The seller disclosure is required by my office is good for buyers AND sellers. How? It brings transparency to the transaction, minimizes delays, and heads off the risk of legal headaches down the road.
How long does it take to put my home on the market?
In a pinch? 3-5 days. On average? U.S. sellers spend around six months preparing their homes for sale, another 25 days with their house on the market, and 30- to 45-days in the closing period (Zillow.com).
Bottom line? When you’re ready to sell, I’ll be there whether it’s this week or six months from now!
How will you determine my home’s value?
To determine your home’s value and set a listing price, I will complete a Comparative Market Analysis. The CMA uses recent sales of homes close in geography, age, size, and features to yours. (A CMA is not the same as an appraisal, which a licensed appraiser can perform.)
Is it a good idea to start high?
Many sellers like the idea of “starting high” to see if they get higher offers, but this strategy isn’t usually practical. First, buyers may not see your listing if they use a price filter set to what they expect prices in the area to run. Second, you run the risk of the appraisal coming in lower than your contract price, which will require your contract to be renegotiated or canceled. Third, if your listing price puts your home higher than your neighborhood value, your home will likely sit on the market longer as buyers wait for you to make a reduction. It’s best to set a realistic listing price that will bring you buyers quickly. My goal is always to get you the highest possible price in the shortest amount of time.
What percentage of the listing price can I expect to get?
The list-to-sell ratio is determined by dividing the selling price by the listing price. The ratio is largely market-driven. In a sellers’ market, which is when inventory is low, sellers may get close to 100% or over 100% if the home sells above list price. In a market with a large inventory of homes, a buyers’ market, buyers have more negotiating power, so the list-to-sell ratio may be closer to 90%. My goal is to get you as close to a 100% list-to-sell ratio as the market will bear.
How soon can I get my home on MLS?
Once we agree to work together, I will begin entering your home information on the MLS system. I will also schedule a time for a professional photographer to take photos of the property. As soon as all the information and pictures are uploaded items, your listing can go live on MLS.
What do I need to do to get ready to list?
For your part, it’s a good idea to begin cleaning out or organizing storage spaces, closets, and drawers and putting away some of your décor or belongings. You may also want to have the exterior pressure washed, and the landscaping cleaned up. We can talk further about specific things that will help your home show better.
How will showings be conducted?
You and I will agree on the terms you are comfortable with for showings. We want to make the home accessible to buyers without too much disruption to your personal life.
How will you market my property?
Every property is unique! Reach out today to schedule your in home consultation to hear more!
How long will it take to find a buyer?
Several factors influence the time it takes to find a buyer. These include the market conditions, price range, location, and the condition of the home. In a balanced market, most houses, (when priced accurately and without significant damage or extenuating circumstances), go under contract within thirty days.
Will you qualify the buyer?
When an offer is received, I will work with the buyer’s agent to vet the buyer. All offers should be accompanied by either a pre-approval from a mortgage lender or, if paying cash, by verification of funds available to cover the purchase price. Once you accept an offer, the buyer must put down the agreed upon escrow deposit, schedule any inspections as stipulated in the contract, and, if financing is involved, their lender will initiate the loan approval process. I will stay in close contact with the buyer’s agent to make sure due process is followed.
What are the costs involved?
The seller usually pays for the real estate agent fees, which are divided between the buyer’s agent and the seller’s agent. The seller also pays their share of the property taxes and HOA dues. If the full annual amount has been paid, the buyer will repay their portion back to the seller at closing. Often the seller elects to pay a portion of the buyer’s closing costs to help make the transaction work for the buyer.
Is your commission negotiable?
The commission is not negotiable. Keep in mind that the commission is split between the two sides, and both agents must abide by the structure their brokerage follows. If we were to reduce the commission upfront, buyers’ agents might be less likely to advocate for your property. I will work very hard to represent you honestly with full loyalty and integrity to earn the designated commission. This work is my livelihood, and I often go above and beyond the call of duty to earn my pay and close transactions for my clients.
Will you also represent the buyer?
If I happen to find the buyer for your home, be assured that I am trained and experienced in handling both sides of the transaction fairly. As a professional, I respect the confidentiality and loyalty required in dealing with both parties. On the plus side, communication is easy when I am representing both sides. Working on both sides of the transaction is hard work, but it would not be a problem.
Can I cancel if I find my own buyer?
The listing agreement is a contract between you and me and/or my brokerage. It stipulates the terms for cancellation, which you are encouraged to review. Once we have signed the listing agreement, a prospective buyer that approaches you directly should be redirected to me.
How often will we communicate?
Communication is key to an easy and successful sale. I will keep you appraised of events every step of the way. You are welcome to reach out to me with questions or concerns. When we go over the listing information, we will discuss our preferred means of communication and schedules to make sure we know each other’s availability and boundaries.
Thinking of selling? I'm here to help! Shoot me a message or give me a call today.
Not in Massachusetts? Reach out and let me help you find a trusted agent in your area!
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