Preparation

 

I will discuss with you all the aspects of selling your home: your timing, your motivation, your expectations, your cash proceeds, potential problems, marketing strategies, etc.  I will also provide you with some forms that you need to complete and a schedule of processes that will occur once we have an offer.  I will answer all your questions and make sure that you understand the selling process.

 

Price

 

It is said that 80% of marketing is listing at the right price.  I will perform Quinn’s Complete Home Valuation on your property, using similar properties that have sold recently as comparisons.  I will derive a price range that would be reasonable.  Given that information, you decide where to set the price, based on your needs and your schedule.  Not in a hurry?  Then go ahead and choose the upper end of the price range we recommend.  Motivated?  Choose a price from the lower end.

 

Marketing

 

For full details on my marketing strategy, please read “Quinn’s Complete Marketing Plan.”  Basically, using the internet as our main tool, we will place your home and its features in front of the home-buying public.  Besides the MLS and all the websites that automatically download MLS listings, I enlist an organization that will put your home on numerous other sites, such as craigslist.com.  You will also have a yard sign and brochures advertising my exclusive "Buyer Rebate of up to $10,000" to attract attention.

 

Showing

 

The day I post your home on the Multiple Listing Service is the day your house needs to be ready.  The way your house presents when shown, is very important.  A lot of buyers think that they can overlook a bad presentation and still see the inherent quality of the house.  In my experience, they are mistaken.  Buyers tend to choose homes that are well prepared to show.  I will give you specific counseling for your home, but in general you will do well to remove "clutter" and make everything squeaky clean.

 

Open Houses

 

I will host a “brokers open” for your home if applicable.  This gives real estate agents an opportunity to walk through your home as part of a tour.  These tours are scheduled for most areas every two weeks. 

 

Offers

 

Offers are typically provided directly to me from the real estate agent representing the buyer, and then Quinn presents the offer to you.  There are rare occasions when the buyer’s agent may want to present the offer herself.  In those cases, I will be present to advise you during her presentation. 

 

We will then evaluate the offer(s) and discuss possible responses.  Though I will advise you based on my experience, the decision is always yours.

 

Negotiations

 

Once we respond to an offer with anything but an acceptance, the negotiations are on.  I will communicate directly with the buyer’s agent and work to negotiate the best possible deal for you.  Again, the decisions are yours.  I am here to give expert advice and to establish your desires as part of the contract.

 

Inspections

 

After the inspection, there is often another round of negotiations.  This process can often be more difficult than the original negotiations because both parties are a little more “invested” in the sale at this point.  These negotiations will involve repairs, money back for repairs, or a reduced purchase price because of problems identified in the home inspection report.  I, again, advise and negotiate for you.  The decisions are still yours.

 

Septic Inspection

 

I will obtain a septic “as built” and arrange a septic inspection for you, based on the Pierce or Kitsap county rules.  This inspection must then be presented to the Health Department of the county and a fee paid for their services.  If cash on hand is a problem, my septic inspector is willing to be paid out of escrow when the house closes, and I can take the forms to the Health Department for you and pay the fee.  I will then be reimbursed out of escrow, as well.       

 

The Final Days

 

If you live in the house you are selling, then it is time to start packing.  I will stay in touch with your buyer’s lender and the title company to make sure that they have all the information that they need and that they are comfortable with completing their tasks in time for the scheduled closing date.  I will alert you to any problems that may arise.  I will assist you in every way in dealing with these problems.

 

Closing

 

I will make sure you understand the closing process and help you establish communication with your escrow officer.  If you wish, I will accompany you to the closing.  When everything is signed and the buyer’s funds have cleared and the sale is recorded at the county, you will receive your check.  You can expect a "thank you" gift from me, too.