HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE To Selling

HOMESCOUT

R E A LT Y

& WHAT A BROKER CAN DO FOR YOU

+ 10 Questions to Ask

Your Broker

CONTENTS:

Introduction ..................................................................................................1

Selling on Your Own ................................................................................ 2-3

Using an Agent to Sell .................................................................................4

10 Questions to Ask Your Agent .......................................................... 5-8

Consider: Staging ..........................................................................................9

Staging Examples ....................................................................................... 10

Homeowner's Guide To Selling& What a Broker Can Do for You

1

A TOUGH PROCESS

Selling your home can be a tough process. Not only are there several steps to sell a property, but it can also be an emotional experience for the seller. Homes are where memories are made, and it can be difficult to let go.

Luckily, Homescout Realty is here to assure you that all of this is possible, and the best tool in your arsenal is knowledge.

CLICK HEREfor our real estate glossary of terms

2

THINK ABOUT THISIF YOU’RE PLANNING TO SELL YOUR HOME ON YOUR OWN,

Selling your own home can be as risky as representing yourself in court. If someone sued you for [insert the price of your home here], would you represent yourself?

We know our clients love their homes, but sometimes homeowners aren’t able to recognize their home’s imperfections because of their emotional investment in the property. A broker will act as an impartial party to discuss the home’s issues with the homeowner so it can sell at its highest potential. According to the National Association of Realtor’s Profile of Buyers and Sellers, “82% of clients said that the most important service a real estate agent could provide was to help negotiate the best price to sell their home.”

RISK

EMOTIONS

3

PRICINGHomeowners usually price their home incorrectly when not working with a Realtor because they do not have as much in-depth understanding of market realities or trending data. They also have an emotional and biased tie to their home. The opinion of another partner is key.

EXPERIENCE “Most Realtors have bought and sold more homes in one month than most owners would in their entire lifetime. Would you trust yourself to understand the market and the process on your own?”

- Joel Holland, Brokerage Director

4

From marketing to legal responsibilities, selling a property can be overwhelming. The paperwork involved in selling a home has increased dramatically as industry disclosures and regulations have become mandatory. This is one of the reasons that the percentage of people doing “For Sale by Owner” has dropped from 19% to 9% over the last 20+ years. An experienced broker is willing to take a lot of those things off your plate and keep you from pulling your hair out.

Remember: A broker can calm your fears. Also, because he or she is trained in this industry:

Your risk is greatly reduced

Someone else is handling the tough stuff, especially for homeowner’s who have grown attached to the house being sold

They are better equipped to price your home appropriately

They have experience!

1

2

3

4

USING AN AGENT TO SELL

5

ASK YOUR AGENT:

IF YOU DECIDE TO USE A BROKER,MAKE SURE YOU'RE HIRING THE BEST PERSON FOR YOU...

How long have you been working in residential real estate? Are you a full-time agent?The amount of time in the business does not always equal ability, so be sure toget a sense of the agent’s experience. Some newer agents can be just as aggressive and knowledgeable as veterans. Also, take into consideration whether they are full-time or part-time. This may indicate the amount of time they can spend on the sale ofyour home.

ONE

What is your experience with and knowledge of my neighborhood?Whether an agent has sold in your neighborhood or not, you want to make sure they are knowledgeable about the community sales, schools, etc. Some agents focus on specific neighborhoods, so be sure to ask if your area is one they’re comfortable with.

TWO

6

How will my home be marketed and advertised?Find out how and where you home will be advertised. Will open houses be held? Will they take professional photos? Ask if they will be marketing online. If so, where? A Multiple Listing Service? A customized website?

THREE

What support do you receive from your brokerage company? Do you have a team that works with you?Find out if anyone else will be assisting with the sale of your home. If there is a team of people working on your sale, find out who your main contact is.

FOUR

How will you determine the value of my home?Every home is different. Find out what comparisons and evaluations will be used to price your home.

FIVE

7

How will you keep me informed about the progress and how often will you communicate with me?Will the agent send you weekly reports or daily updates? Set expectations for communication up front.

SIX

What is your fee/commission structure?Be sure to ask about your agent’s commission. It might be a percentage or flat fee, and other fees may be charged.

SEVEN

Could you provide me with references from past clients?People look for reviews before going to a restaurant, so why not ask for reviews/references when interviewing Realtors? Ask if they’d be willing to share contact information from past clients. You might have an opportunity to get first-hand information about a client’s overall experience with the agent.

EIGHT

8

Do you have recommendations for other service providers I may need to use (lender, contractor, movers, etc.)?Real estate agents can be a great resource for every service throughout the home selling process. They should be able to recommend more than one provider for you.

NINE

Could you provide me with a portfolio of other listings that you have sold?Similar to asking for client references, you should request to see what properties your agent has sold before. You can also ask about their selling time versus average market time or past sales prices versus listing prices.

TEN

9

ALSO CONSIDER:

STAGINGIt is a well-known fact that a home shows better, and therefore will sell better, when it is furnished. If your home is vacant, or if the decor isn’t quite up to date, you can get it staged!

A professional staging company will transform your home and make it the most appealing for potential buyers. From furniture and artwork to accessories and more, staging is a valuable and easy way to make your home looks its absolute best!

Is staging really important?Take a look at some examples...

10

BEFORE & AFTER STAGING

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Call Homescout Realty!

HOMESCOUT

R E A LT Y

(312) 377- HOME (4663)640 N LaSalle, Suite 650

Chicago, IL, 60654

Our experienced team has the knowledge and understanding of the real estate market to sell your home. You can feel confident we will get you the best price for your property.