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WEICHERT, REALTORS® - Hallmark Properties Seller's Guide:
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Seller FAQ

Q. Why shouldn’t I price my house a little high, since I can always drop the price later?

A. That’s a strategy that sounds good – but, in fact, is more likely to result in a lower price. Here’s why. The first few weeks a house is on the market is when it will have the most activity. If a house is overpriced, it has to compete with houses at that higher price level, which are houses at that higher price level, which are almost certainly larger or have newer/more luxurious features.

So the overpriced home is unlikely to attract an offer. Worse yet, those first weeks are when real estate agents preview the house. If it’s overpriced, they may not even bother to show it to their buyers. Eventually, the seller will have to drop the price – and may end up with an even lower price because buyers will wonder why the house has been on the market so long and may factor that into their offer.

Q. What is meant by the term “contingency” in a sales contract?

A. Sales contracts typically contain several “contingency” clauses, or stipulations that the sale is subject to. For example, with a mortgage contingency, if the buyer is unable to obtain financing within the specified timeframe, neither the buyer nor the seller is required to complete the purchase. Among other common provisions in the “subject to” section are termite and other inspection issues and the purchaser’s need to sell a current home first.

Q. What is an escape clause?

A. An escape clause, also known as a kickout or knockout clause, is a provision that allows the party to void the contract. For example, the seller may retain the right to look for a more favorable offer, with the original purchaser retaining the right, if challenged, either to firm up the first sales contract (such as by waiving a contingency) or to void the contract. As another example, sellers might insist upon an escape clause in a contract that hinges on the buyers’ selling their home.

Q. What should you do first – Buy or sell?

A. If you already own a home, you’re probably struggling with this basic question: what do I do first, buy the home that I want or sell my existing home? And the answer is as individual as you are. Generally, most real estate professionals would advise you to list your present home and shop for your new home simultaneously. However, depending on the market and/or your individual needs, you may want to consider an alternative. In a very robust real estate market, a home could sell within a few days of listing. So if you have very specific criteria for your new home with regard to location, size, views, age, etc., in a competitive market you may want to begin searching for and buying that home first before you sell your existing home. Your WEICHERT, REALTORS® - Hallmark Properties sales associate will discuss with you fully your individual needs and circumstances to help you find the right solution.

Preparing to Sell

Q. “What do you need to consider when preparing to sell your home?”

A. There are many things to consider when preparing to sell your home, and the more prepared you are for the journey, the easier it will be. Here are some basics to consider:

Presentation is everything you would be amazed at the difference “cosmetic” improvements can make in how buyers react to your home. So you may want to spend some time sprucing up your home with paint and landscaping as well as taking care of necessary repairs you may have been avoiding. This not only will help you get the very best price, but also may help you get an offer sooner.

Make arrangements for pet care. If your house is also home to a cat or dog, that can be noted in your listing so that real estate agents act with due caution. You may want to close your pets off in a separate room or fenced area outside, or request advance notice when your house is to be shown.

The value of placing a lock box on your home A lock box is a key storage system placed on an entrance to your home that is accessible only by active, licensed real estate agents. With today's technology, most lock boxes allow us to know which sales agent showed your house and when. A lock box allows sales agents to show your home when you’re not there, without having to go to the listing sales agent’s office to obtain (and later return) the key. By making it more convenient for real estate agents to show your home, it will be viewed by a greater number of buyers.

To make an appointment to meet with a WEICHERT, REALTORS® - Hallmark Properties sales associate please call us at 1-800-409-7368 or Email us today!

The Neighborhood Specialist Advantage

Q. “How do we begin the process?”

A. Of course, the pivotal person in all this is your WEICHERT, REALTORS® - Hallmark Properties sales associate, who plans the marketing activities and sets them in motion. A thoroughly thought out marketing plan is a critical factor in selling your home and getting the desired price, and that begins even before the “For Sale” sign is placed out front.

With over three decades of experience in the real estate industry, at
WEICHERT, REALTORS® - Hallmark Properties we thoroughly school our sales associates in how to do the vital research and planning that will bring results right to your doorstep! What also helps us bring results is that WEICHERT, REALTORS® - Hallmark Properties has established a strong presence in Central Florida. You may have noticed that our offices are enthusiastic participants in charitable community events, and many of our sales associates are actively involved in the communities they serve. Since most people find a real estate agent and a home through personal referrals, our associates produce solid results because they are an integral part of the fabric of the community.

Negotiation skills - Closing The Deal With You Every Step

“We’ll be your guide and coach on the journey.”

There can be many twists in the road and unforeseen obstacles on your journey toward selling your home, which is why your WEICHERT, REALTORS® - Hallmark Properties sales associate will be with you every step of the way, acting on your behalf. From the initial assessment of your home, to making recommendations on how to make your home more valuable and appealing, to working with you to establish the right price for your home, to developing a comprehensive marketing and advertising plan, and then identifying and negotiating with qualified buyers, your
WEICHERT, REALTORS® - Hallmark Properties sales associate will put his/her professional skills, neighborhood knowledge, and personal initiative to work to help you achieve your goal and ours – the successful sale of your home.

Marketing Your Home

Deciding on an agent

Q “What’s my agent going to do for me?”

A. At WEICHERT, REALTORS® - Hallmark Properties, we do our homework in order to effectively sell your home.

In an initial meeting, your WEICHERT, REALTORS® - Hallmark Properties sales associate will measure each room in your home, take exterior and interior photos, and assess the key features. The associate will also ask about any improvements you may have made over the years.

Other topics of discussion might include how to make your home more valuable to the average buyer and whether major appliances will be included in the sale. This is also an opportunity for you to bring up whatever concerns you may have.

Your WEICHERT, REALTORS® - Hallmark Properties sales associate will then create a customized marketing plan and presentation that will give you a clear idea of what you can expect of us. That presentation may include:

• a comprehensive market analysis
• a schedule of marketing activities
• Ad copy, along with a list of newspapers and marketing publications in which the ad for your home will appear
• Promotional materials with photos of your home and its special features – prepared as handouts to prospective buyers or for distribution to a custom mailing list

Once you list with us, we will immediately start putting the marketing plan into action, to help you achieve a timely sale at the best possible price.

Confused? Visit the WEICHERT, REALTORS® Real Estate Glossary for definitions of puzzling real estate terms.