Home Selling FAQ

If you have a home to sell, you’re probably excited to start the process. There are many things you need to consider when selling your property, and it’s hard not to feel overwhelmed by the task. The good news is we’ve done extensive research about what you need to know about selling your home – and we’ve answered the questions you’re probably wondering:

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, 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, and the list-to-sell ratio may be lower. 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 In the multiple listing service?

When we discuss your goals, we also discuss your target marketing date. Sellers have different reasons for wanting to go on the market at different times. Maybe you need to go on the market quickly because there is a goal to sell by a certain date. Some sellers have pre-listing preparations to complete before we can begin marketing. Ultimately, deciding when to begin publicly marketing your property depends on your needs and goals. My recommendation is not wait until right before you need or want to go on the market to talk to an agent. starting the discussion early could mean more options and more flexibility as you move closer toward your goal.

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 will make a detailed plan at your staging consultation.

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 as accessible to buyers as possible balanced with your needs if you are still living in the home. We can use a showing schedule; unless we agree otherwise, you will know in advance of showing requests. All properties we list have an electronic lockbox that records who accessed the property and when, giving sellers extra peace of mind. Any time the lockbox is accessed, I receive a notification.

 How will you market my property?

Marketing your listing is of utmost importance. Knowing that over 90% of buyers conduct their home search online, professional staging and pictures are of the utmost importance. A winning first impression starts before the buyer makes their way to your front door. In addition to photos, a 3D tour and floorplan is created, which is especially useful for buyers out of town and trying to get a feel for the property. Each property also gets a custom domain webpage so buyers know where to find all the important details.

Social media blasts & advertising, emails, phone calls, and reverse prospecting potential buyers are all important parts of your marketing campaign. Our system keeps your property on the forefront of buyers’ (and their agents’) minds, maximizing your showings and visibility.

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 (higher-priced or luxury homes typically take longer to sell,) location (whether your home is in a desirable neighborhood or a unique location,) and the condition of the home (is move-in ready or in need of renovations?) In a balanced market, when priced accurately and without significant damage or extenuating circumstances, most houses go under contract within thirty days. Homes sell faster in a seller’s market, while buyers take more time to look when inventory is high.

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 pays the non-refundable due diligence fee and schedules their inspections. If financing is involved, their lender will initiate the appraisal & loan approval process. I will stay in close contact with the buyer’s agent during the process.

What are the costs involved?

The seller usually pays for the real estate agent fees, which are divided between the buyer’s and seller’s firms. The seller also pays excise tax, their share of the property taxes, and HOA dues. If the full annual amount has been paid, the buyer will repay their portion to the seller at closing. Sometimes, the seller elects to pay a portion of the buyer’s closing costs to help make the transaction work for the buyer. The seller will also be responsible for any repairs or concessions agreed upon during the transaction.

Will you also represent the buyer?

Although North Carolina allows for dual agency – representing both sides of the transaction – I as an individual agent choose not to. I promise to each client that I will advocate for their best interest, which is not possible if I represent both sides.

I practice designated dual agency, meaning I refer the buyer to another agent in my firm. Even though we are in the same firm, we work independently for our clients and do not share any confidential information.

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 review the listing information, we will discuss our preferred communication and schedules to ensure we know each other’s availability and boundaries.

Thinking of selling? I’m here to help! Email me or call 919-869-6990