Why a Home SellerShould Sell Through a REALTOR®

REALTORS® have buyers’ confidence

REALTORS ® can provide an objective analysis of the market

REALTORS® can provide profitable marketing preparation

REALTORS ® network with other REALTORS ®

REALTORS® have access to qualified buyers daily

REALTORS ® have constant exposure to the marketplace

REALTORS® have more effective ads, yard signs and marketing avenues

REALTORS ® help the seller be less inconvenienced

REALTORS® help the seller enjoy more security

REALTORS ® offer professional showmanship

REALTORS® can follow up effectively

REALTORS ® can ask personal questions the seller can’t

REALTORS® are trained to handle a variety of personalities

REALTORS ® understand the seller’s wants and needs

REALTORS® can negotiate without conflict

REALTORS ® can provide closing costs and net proceeds estimates

REALTORS® have access to reputable lenders

Why Should You Depend on anEbby Halliday, REALTORS ® AssociateWhen Selling Your Home?

The real estate agent streamlines the home-selling process. Networking, referrals and an extensive databaseof clients and available properties make an extremely effective selling combination. The rest of the time,other networking agents complete the sale.

Agents are more likely to sell the home than the homeowner. In the U.S., 90 percent of homesare sold by real estate agents; only 10 percent are sold by homeowners.

Agent-listed homes sell faster. The average agent-listed home sells in 4.5 months, but theaverage “for sale by owner” takes 7.4 months.

Source: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

10%

Homes Sold ByReal Estate Agents

90%

HomesSold By

Homeowners

Homes Sold ByOther Agents

75%

25%

HomesSold ByListingAgents

Don’t forget the time and expense for advertising, marketing and showing the property,followed by buyers and contract negotiations. Then there is the final coordination of allthe details of the transaction, such as appraisal, financing, inspections and any repairs,through the pending and processing period to the actual closing of the property. Theseare all critical and time-consuming requirements that your real estate agent does for you.

My Seller Services

• Review the law of agency and your choices of representation

• Discuss your goals as a seller and determine your needs and considerations

• Organize the home-selling process, guide and be available to answer your questionsand offer assistance at all times

• Prepare a competitive market analysis of comparable sold properties to help indetermining the value of your home to generate the maximum interest and profit

• Provide you with information on competing properties currently for sale as well askeeping you abreast of daily updates on properties new to the market

• Review the Seller’s Disclosure Statement with you and assist in obtaining anyResidential Service Contracts (Home Warranty)

• Create sales materials for your home and a marketing plan

• Network with Ebby Halliday/Ellen Terry company agents, as well as other brokersthrough the MLS (in the marketing of your home)

• Communicate feedback and advise youwith status reports on an ongoing basis

• Market your home on ebby.com, thecompany Web site as well as on theNational Association of REALTORS®

Realtor.com Web site and through The Dallas Morning News, Fort Worth Star Telegram, Trulia, Luxury Portfolio and North TexasReal Estate Information Systems (MLS)

• Present all offers received and provide professional assistance on your options

• Explain the purchase agreement (contract) and all addenda, assist and strategize indetail the negotiation of your purchase agreement; prepare a closing costs estimateand explain all clearly to your satisfaction

My Seller Services page 2

• If needed, assist you in purchasing another home

• Be available to answer your questions or to offer assistance atany time

• Represent your interest with lenders, appraisers, and property inspection companies, and act as your advocate in the most professional manner possible

• Strategize and negotiate on your behalf with the buyer; follow up through the contract-pending process; and ensure all contract provisions are fulfilled in the required time

• Work with the buyer’s lender to confirm loan approval

• Ensure that title work is delivered on time

• Monitor the closing process step-by-step; assist with moving services;coordinate the transfer of utilities; coordinate the closing andpossession details; and follow up with you after closing to assureall loose ends are handled

• Treat you fairly and honestly, abiding by the Texas Real EstateLicense Act and the National Association of REALTORS®

Code of Ethics

• Act as your advocate in the most professional manner possible,and ensure confidentiality of your information as my client atall times

Note/Deed of Trust (for proper title/legal)

Prepayment/Current Mortgage info, Lender Name, Address

Loan number/payoff, and the survey

Current property tax information

Utility information: gas, electric, water (average bills/providers)

Alarm System information (code/location of pads/contract)LEASED OWNED

Telephone numbers, pagers, and voice mail where you can be reached

Key to your home

Any floor plan, blueprints you may have from purchaseA list of any items that do not remain with the property; i.e. any special window coverings, light fixtures, fire equipment, etc.

Copies of all home inspections and reports for prospective buyers

Your comments/thoughts onwhy you originally decidedto buy this particular home.What will you miss the mostabout your home? What areits best features?

In the listing and selling of your home, please provide the following items. These are availablefrom your Closing Documents (when you purchased your current home):

What we will need to get started . . .

An Idea List from Ebby toShow and Sell Your Home

Another helpful aid from your friends at Ebby Halliday, REALTORS®!

Look At Your Home From The Outside,Then Work Your Way In

• A well manicured lawn, neatly trimmed shrubs and clean walkways alwaysmake a good first impression

• Repair or replace damaged screens, glass panes and door hardware• Remove driveway stains and eliminate exterior clutter or

distracting decor• Free gutters of debris and replace missing shingles• Place flowers or potted plants by front door• Be sure the doorbell works

Invest In Paint• Paint improves a room and makes it clean and appealing• Use white or neutral tones that

are soothing• Check walls for split or peeling papersand replace or repair if needed• Polish woodwork and panelingthroughout your home

Let Sunshine In• Open curtains, shades or drapes on nice days• Add sparkle to windows by washing inside and out• Turn on lamps or accent lighting• Replace missing light bulbs

Fix Minor Flaws• Make sure windows and doors open and close easily• Address plumbing problems and present these facilities in working order• Check doorknobs, drawers and glass doors for ease of

operation; lubricate and adjust as needed • Clean rust and soiled spots

Decorative Kitchens Sell A Home• Clear counters of appliance and make space in cabinets• Clean cabinets inside and out• Check and clean appliances, floors and walls• Add green plants or bowls of fruit• Create a comfortable atmosphere with colorful curtains,

cup towels and place mats• Empty trash baskets

Blend Color And Convenience In Bathrooms• Remove clutter from vanities and cabinets• Scrub sinks, tub and shower; polish mirrors and chrome• Clean floors and walls• Deodorize area• Repair tiles and recaulk if needed• Put out nice towels• Add scented soaps or candles• Empty trash

Living And Dining Areas Reveal Interests• Arrange furniture to create an open effect• Straighten bookshelves• Clean carpets• Polish furniture and hardwood floors• Put logs in the fireplace• Add magazines, books and flowers to coffee table and discard excess

papers• Place a centerpiece on the dining room table

Family Rooms Are For Relaxation• Store games and sport equipment or arrange them in attractive containers• Eliminate clutter• Turn off all entertainment units and play soft music• Place easy chairs and sofas in conversational group• Showcase books and magazines; aesthetics are more important than

functionality• Deodorize pet areas

Bedrooms Must Invite Rest And Peace• Avoid a crowded look• Remove excess furniture and personal items• Attractive, colorful bed linens are important• Arrange books or plants on night stand• Place decorative pillows and shams on beds• Keep room light and bright

Value Goes From Top To Bottom• Permit clients to see the value of your property from the attic to the

basement and through to the garage• Remove junk, cartons and unnecessary artifacts• Straighten, box and store cartons neatly• Organize workbenches• Lighten dark spaces with paint or additional lights• Provide adequate lighting for stairs

Closets Count• Make closets appear larger by having them clean, neat and well organized• Remove old clothes and cartons• Add a cedar block or air freshener for a refreshing aroma• Use decorative storage boxes

Smart Moves• Your Ebby Halliday Associate will make appointments to show your

home to truly interested buyers• If possible, arrange to be away during showings• Your real estate professional will answer questions and discuss negotiations• Your cooperation in scheduling showings will be appreciated by

potential buyers

Finally• Set household thermostat at a comfortable level before leaving• Make a final check of every room and if time permits, do a quick once-

over straightening and light dusting• Turn on accent lighting• Put your pet(s) in a secured area, preferably in the yard

To help us market your property most effectively, please list your favorite features of your home. Wewill focus on these in our marketing. Example: The den faces southeast, so early morning sunshine makesit a great place to read the paper and have morning coffee.

1. _____________________________________________________________________________

2. _____________________________________________________________________________

3. _____________________________________________________________________________

What two things would you change about your home if you decided to stay at least five years longer?Example: Remodel kitchen, add another bath, etc.

1. _____________________________________________________________________________

2. _____________________________________________________________________________

When friends, relatives, and other visitors come to your home, what are the two most commonly heard“comments?” Example: ‘Your kitchen is just fabulous!’ or, ‘Too bad it’s such a small patio.’

1. _____________________________________________________________________________

2. _____________________________________________________________________________

Address: _________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

Seller’s Home Features Worksheet:“Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder”

Seller’s Disclosure Notice

Texas state law requires sellers of residential property to provide a Seller’s Disclosure Notice to any prospective buyer,and makes the seller responsible for full disclosure of items or conditions that could effect a buyer’s decision topurchase.

If there are now or have been in the past problems or repairs and you know of them, you must disclose them to anyprospective buyer. Disclosure should be made before an offer to purchase is written.

A blank Seller’s Disclosure Notice is included for your use. It must be completed, signed and dated by the seller andfurnished to any prospective buyer. The form must be updated if changes occur during the listing period.

The Top 7 Problems

• Foundations• Water Penetration• Termites• Roof Problems• Asbestos• Septic Tanks• Repairs

Exemptions to Providingthe Seller’s Disclosure NoticeSellers may be exempt fromproviding the notice if they are:

• selling pursuant to a court order• a trustee in a bankruptcy• a lender selling at foreclosure• transferring to a lender after foreclosure or deed in lieu• a fiduciary in the administration of an estate, guardianship, conservatorship or trust• a co-owner selling to another co-owner• selling to a spouse or a direct descendant• spouses transferring pursuant to court order• selling to a governmental entity

Surprise! It can be great fun at a birthday party, but not when it may delay or threaten the saleof your property!

Surprises such as a hidden water leak can result in unseen wood damage, or require bathroom repairs.Could there be termites? A crack in your heating unit? Is the electrical system in your home up to today’scode requirements? Are there little things that need attention like a cracked window pane, drippy faucetor chipped tile?

Having your own home inspection takes the surprise out of the picture for the buyer. It also allowsyou the advantage of taking corrective action on the needed repairs so that when the buyer’s inspectorexamines your property he cannot make them an issue.

If there are problems, you’ll have time to get competitive bids at regular rates . . . rather thanpaying overtime to meet a closing deadline that may be just a couple of days away.

Disclosure of the condition of your home also can protect you by reducing the chance ofpost-closing problems.

A pre-sale inspection is something to which you may want to give some thought!

Pre-Sale Home Inspection

SOURCE OF BUYERS

ASSOCIATE’SSPHERE

OFINFLUENCE

COMPANY REPUTATION

TELEVISION

INTERNET

PRINTADVERTISING

RELOCATION

Source: North Texas Real Estate Information Systems MLS

COLDWELL BANKER

RESIDENTIAL

5.98%

EBBY HALLIDAY REALTORS

12.11%

RE/MAX DFW

ASSOCIATES

2.49%

C-21 JUDGE FITE

2.64%

KELLER WILLIAMS

PRESTON RD

2.48%

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

TOP 5

DALLAS / FORT WORTH

RESIDENTIAL BROKERS

MARKET SHARE

FOURTH QUARTER

2008

$0

$100,000,000

$200,000,000

$300,000,000

$400,000,000

$500,000,000

$600,000,000

$700,000,000

$800,000,000

EBBY HALLIDAY

COMPANIES

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

BRIGGS FREEMAN

KELLER WILLIAMS -

ALL OFFICES

COLDWELL BANKER

RESIDENTIAL

VIRGINIA COOK,

REALTORS

RE/MAX - ALL OFFICES

PRUDENTIAL TEXAS

PROPERTIES

$1-MILLION PLUS SALES NTREIS MLS SALES

JANUARY 1 TO DECEMBER 31, 2008

Allied Home Warranty2990 Richmond Ave. Ste 530Houston, TX 77098Toll Free: 866-791-1200 www.alliedhomewarranty.com

American Home Shield of Texas, Inc.(Division of Service Master)

889 Ridge Lake Blvd. Memphis, TN 38120

Toll free: 1-800-776-4663 www.ahswarranty.com

Best Home Warranty Company 550 N. Third Street, Burbank, CA 91502

Toll free: 1-800-443-5599 www.bhwc.com

Broward Factory Services**BFS Home Warranty3500 North 28th Terrace Hollywood, FL 33020

Toll free: 1-800-634-0763 bfshomewarranty.com

Everything Residential1231 Greenway Dr., #220, Irving, TX 75038John Armstrong -PartnerMetro 800-592-9702www.everythingresidential.com

Fidelity National Home Warranty Company1850 Gateway Blvd. #400 Concord, CA 94520 800-862-6837

First American Home Buyers Protection Corp.P. O. Box 10180 Van Nuys, CA 91410-0180

Toll free: 1-800-444-9030 www.firstam.com

General Electric Company(AC/Appliances/Electronics coverage only)GE Appliances, Appliance Park, AP6-218

Louisville, KY 40225

Toll free:1-800-626-2224 www.ge.com

dba:Home Buyers Resale Warranty Corp.

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty: dba: Home Trust Warranty10375 East Harvard Ave. #100, Denver, CO. 80231

Toll free: 1-800-775-4736 www.2-10hbw.com

HomeSure of America*P. O. Box 551540 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33355-1540

Toll free: 1-800-327-9787 www.hmsnet.com*formerly known as Homeowners Association of America or

Homeowners Marketing Service (HMS)

Home Warranty of America - HWA Home Warranty1371 Abbott Court, Ste.A., Buffalo Grove, IL 60089

Toll Free: 1-888-492-7359 www.hwahomewarranty.com

Nations Preferred Home Warranty

dba: Nations Residential Service Co. 2649 Tarna Dr., Dallas, TX 75225

Dallas: 214-522-6464 Metro: 972-445-5878www.home-warranty.com

Old Republic Home Protection Co., Inc.Two Annabel Lane, San Ramon, CA 94583

Toll free: 1-800-445-6999 x1166 www.orhp.com

One Guard Texas, LLC

dba: OneGuard Home Home Warranties610 Gene Autry Lane, Murphy, TX 75094

Toll Free: 1-800-896-0014

TWG Home Warranty Services, Inc.175 West Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60664

Contact: Brenda Klein

214-263-4819

Warranty Global Group, Inc.dba: Global Home USA15920 Addison Road, Addison, TX 75001

Contact: Darryl Andrews

1-877-881-2244

(3/8/2008 revise)

LICENSED RESIDENTIAL SERVICE COMPANIESThe following is a partial list of Residential Service Companies licensed to do business in the State of Texas

by the Texas Real Estate Commission. For a complete list go to the www.trec.state.tx.us web site.

This information is provided as an accommodation to our clients. Ebby Halliday Real Estate Inc., Ellen Terry,REALTORS and Dave-Perry Miller & Associates makes no warranty or representation as to the programs or

quality of service which may be provided by any of the companies listed above.

There are many pieces to a real estate transaction that must be put into place to reap the final rewards of aclosed sale. Marketing a home to the buying public and/or looking for a new home is an involved process in itself,plus coordinating and understanding all of today’s legal requirements of transferring title in a real estate sale.Consider these questions:

• Who will complete the contract forms, negotiate the offer, and look out for YOUR interests?• The eight-page contract – and any addenda – contains the agreement of the buyer and the

seller, and states the representations and promises to be performed by each of the parties.• Is earnest money needed? How much?• What happens to the earnest money?• What if the earnest money check does not clear for payment?• What if the buyer changes his mind after signing the contract?• Why is there an option period?• How much should the option fee be?• How many and what kind of inspections should be performed?• What are the time limits for all inspections?• Once the property has been inspected, what are the parties’ choices?• What financing options are available?• How does a buyer become qualified and approved for a home loan?• What if the buyer is not qualified for a loan?• What if the buyer does not have enough money to close?• What if the buyer’s credit report reveals credit issues?• How long will it take to obtain financing?• What options are available for obtaining the best interest rate? Will there be points?• What happens if the lender cannot provide the interest rate stated in the contract?• How much are the closing costs?• What if the lender’s appraiser does not substantiate the value of the property?• What if the lender requires repairs? • Who will pay for these repairs?• How will the repairs be made?• What if the lender rejects the property?• What if the buyer’s loan verifications are not returned?• What if “conditional” approval is issued and the conditions cannot be met?• What if the lender does not approve of the survey?

Why You Need a Real Estate Professional

Why You a Need Real Estate Professional page 2

• What happens if flood insurance is required?• What about easements on the property?• What if the loan is not approved within the time stated in the contract?• What happens if a title commitment is not issued to the lender?• What if the title search discovers title problems?• What if hazard insurance cannot be found for the property?• What happens if the buyer objects to exceptions in the title insurance coverage?• What happens if the lender objects to exceptions in the title insurance coverage?• What happens if the closing date is not met?• What if the buyer is unable to provide information that is needed?• What if the loan documents are not acceptable to the buyer?• What if the loan documents are not acceptable to the buyer’s attorney?• What if the loan underwriter has requirements?• What if a termite certificate is required?• What happens if the lender delays the closing?• What if the loan is not timely funded?• What if the loan documents and closing papers are not prepared in time

for the closing date?• What if the buyer and seller disagree about the closing costs charged

on the closing statement?• What if the buyer wants to move in prior to signing the closing papers?

Prior to the seller receiving his monies from the closing?• What if the buyer’s lock-in interest rate expires PRIOR to the closing?• What about residential service contracts excluded items of coverage

after closing?• What if the buyer objects to closing because of his walk-thru?• More seriously, what if the buyer’s home fails to close and their loan was

contingent upon selling their home?• What if the seller needs a lease-back after closing?

Associates are trained and qualified real estate professionals who take pride in their ability tocoordinate and move a real estate transaction from the listing, marketing, and contract negotiatingand pending process to a SUCCESSFUL CLOSING!

Look for a real estate sales professional who has the REALTOR® symbol.Holding a real estate license does not make someone a REALTOR®. A REALTOR® must pledgeto uphold the REALTOR® Code of Ethics, always placing the client’s interests above all.

Look for a REALTOR® who will establish an agency relationship in writing.Loyalty, obedience, disclosure of all material facts, confidentiality, a duty of accounting and theuse of reasonable skill and care are required in an agency relationship.

Look for a full-time professional.The marketplace constantly changes, and staying abreast of the market, financing, and legal issuesrequires full-time attention, as well as continuous education.

Look for a local company that has a fine reputation within the industry.Select a firm with cooperative involvement in every aspect of civic life, with memberships andvolunteer work in Chambers of Commerce, adopt-a-school programs, service leagues, Rotary,friend of the arts, and more.

Ask questions to help you determine the knowledge and qualificationsof the salesperson.

Does the salesperson appear to have good listening skills? Does the salesperson pay attention todetail, have a high level of patience, and seem willing to research the market?

Talk with friends, neighbors and co-workers who have recently bought or solda home.

What kind of service did they receive? Would they select the same REALTOR® again?

Ask for references from former buyers or sellers.

Ask the REALTOR® to share with you the services they will provide to you in thehome-buying or selling process.

How to Choose YourReal Estate Sales Professional

*Based on returned surveys as reported by Continuity Programs, Inc., Marketing Resource Services

98%of our Buyers and Sellers

rated our Associates

“Excellent”in Customer Service*

Work with the first name

in Real Estate!

98%of our Buyers and Sellers

rated our Associates

“Excellent”in Customer Service*

Work with the first name

in Real Estate!

EH-33 3/07

© 2007 Equal Housing Opportunity

Dear Ebby Halliday, REALTORS® is pleased to present the enclosed offer to purchase your home from the following buyers: A copy of the offer has also been delivered to Section 1101.652(b)(22) of the Texas Occupations Code (the Real Estate License Act) does not permit Ebby Halliday, REALTORS® or its Associates to assist you with the negotiation of this offer because you are currently represented by a broker with whom we must conduct allcommunications. If you have any questions or need assistance regarding the terms of the offer, please contact your agent at We look forward to your reply and to the successful sale of your home. Yours truly,

Ebby Halliday, REALTORS®

You’ve come to the right place . . .

Ebby Halliday, REALTORS® has the people, the technology, the prestige and themarketing power to help make your real estate dreams come true!