Selling a Home

If you’re considering selling your home in Rochester, MN I’ve included a general overview of the entire process below. If you would like more information or to discuss the specifics of pricing, my marketing plan for your home or any other questions you have about selling, I would be happy to meet with you for a no obligation appointment.

Click Here to set an appointment and complete the form or call me at 507-252-6745 for a Competitive Market Analysis (CMA) of your home. We can set an appointment to view your home and go over the market analysis of your property. At that time I can also answer any other questions you may have like how to best prepare your home for the market, my marketing strategy and the associated fees and expenses in selling a house.

Click Here for a sneak peek at a few of our services I can offer.

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Selling Your Home | Rochester MN

Simplify Your Experience

From preparing your house, to setting the price and showing your home when it is on the market, a REALTOR will simplify everything. Keep in mind the right agent is often the key to a successful real estate transaction. Our qualified professionals will guide you through the entire process.

Pricing Your Home

Correctly pricing your property is vital. Price your home too low and you’ll lose money; price it too high and buyers will shy away. Your REALTOR will be able to give you a Competitive Market Analysis (CMA) for your particular property, which will help you determine the value of your property. They can also provide valuable insight and advice on the condition of the present market.

Promoting Your Property

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When selling your home, you will want effective advertising and marketing. From descriptive, colorful ads to internet options, our Realtors are able to attract potential buyers. Promotional campaigns work best when the home is priced right, the home is properly prepared, and the market is a sellers market. Other factors that would limit the affect of promotional campaigns would be the competition of other active homes on the market and financing requirements from lenders.

Prepare Wisely

Whatever work has been done up to this point to sell your home, will only have an effect when a buyer walks into your house for the first time. Never underestimate the affect of positive showing. There are numerous ways to prepare your home for a showing.

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Rewards

There may be a variety of reasons that have led you to the decision to sell your home. From up sizing to down sizing or a cross-country move, it’s exciting to start new adventures! The internet can be an amazing resource for any property seller and we’re here to help.

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Challenges

Selling a home can be stressful and time consuming without the right resources and information. There are plenty of practical matters that need your attention, and with our online resources, you can avoid the potential hazards with someone by your side.

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Resources

A Team Effort

The overwhelming majority of home sellers find it advantageous to team up with a REALTOR. Rather than attempt to learn about selling a home, most home owners feel that it is better to entrust the sale of their biggest investment to a professional. There are a number of complexities of modern Real Estate transactions that should be considered, not to mention the access to MLS, advertising, marketing and screening which are available to assist the seller. Advice can be given on the condition of the market at the time you are considering selling and your REALTOR will also be able to give you a Competitive Market Analysis (CMA) for your property, which will help you determine its value.

Money Matters

Today’s buyer is well informed and price sensitive. A property that is priced over the market can often deter buyers who are serious about finding a property. If the property is under-priced, it most likely will sell quickly–to the detriment of your net proceeds. Care and research should be taken when establishing the original listing price.
There are many factors that will affect the selling price. The following should help you determine the price you can expect to receive:
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  • What are the prices (listing and selling) of similar homes in your area?
  • What is the size, layout and condition of your home?
  • What is the location of your home? Are you in a desirable area that is in demand?
  • Does your home have amenities that are currently popular in the marketplace?
  • What is the estimated appraisal?
  • What is the experience of your Realtor?
  • Is it a buyer’s market or a seller’s market?

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Get Ready to Show

It is time to start looking at your home differently and unemotionally. Look at it no longer as your home, but as a product to be marketed. Be aware of the things you can and cannot change about your home. This knowledge will allow you to concentrate on those items that will bring the highest rewards.

First Impressions

The first thing a potential buyer sees is your home from the street. They call that first impression “curb appeal.” Take care to:

  • Remove any junk or clutter from the yard.
  • Have a clean, crisp lawn. A bit of fertilizer makes for a greener lawn.
  • Trim shrubbery and hedges.
  • Wash decks and porches make sure they are stained or painted.
  • Clean and paint or stain your front door.
  • Ensure all exterior lights are operational.
  • Ensure all exterior windows are clean and operational.
  • Clean out gutters and downspouts.
  • Sweep walkways and keep clear of snow or ice during winter.
  • Close overhead garage doors.

Through Open Doors

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Most buyers are not able to see the potential beyond what is directly in front of them, so help them out! Present your home dressed in its best! Do not do anything expensive, such as remodeling. Here are some minor investments, which may have some major returns.

Paint – When it comes to preparing a house, painting gives you the best return for the money spent.

Flooring – At the very least, all carpeting needs to be steam cleaned. Any worn, stained or foul smelling carpet should be replaced and any flooring that is cracked or damaged, should be replaced, if possible.

Clutter -If something is not necessary for your day-to-day life, box it up and store it or throw it out!

Closets – Need to be neat, clean, and organized.

Cleaning – The cleaner your house is, the better. Dusting, washing, waxing, and/or polishing everything will always make a good impression.

Lights – Clean all the fixtures and make sure all the bulbs work.

Windows – Replace any cracked or damaged windows.

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Room to Room

Below is a more detailed guide on how to prepare each room of your home for showings.

Entry way :

  • Clean and polish everything.
  • Make sure it is well lit.
  • Make sure it is clutter free.

Bedrooms:

  • Arrange the furniture to compliment the flow of traffic.
  • Make sure it is clutter free.

Living Room/Family Room/Den:

  • Arrange the furniture to compliment the flow of traffic and give the illusion of space.
  • Remove ashes from fireplaces and woodstoves.
  • Make sure all light switches are operational.
  • Clean all drapes/window treatments.
  • Polish, mop, or steam clean all floors.

Storage Areas (Basement, Garage, Attic):

  • Make sure they are clutter free (do you detect a theme?).
  • If the basement is damp or musty, try running a dehumidifier.
  • Make sure these areas are well lit.

Kitchens (under very close scrutiny):

  • Clean the exterior of all appliances, including the stove hood filter.
  • Clean counter tops and cabinet faces, the shiner, the better.
  • Make sure it is clutter free.
  • Remove magnets and messages from the front of the refrigerator.
  • Clean/polish the floor. Consider replacing it if it is worn out.
  • Clean and use whitening products on grout in tiled areas.

Bathrooms (extremely important):

    • Repair or replace any dripping or leaky faucets.
    • Remove stains from all fixtures.
    • Make sure all lights have the highest wattage safe for each fixture.
    • Put out fresh, clean towels.
    • Clean and use whitening product on grout in tiled areas.
    • Remove any evidence of mildew.
    • Make sure drains are clog free.
    • Clean shower doors so they sparkle.

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Finishing Touches

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Most of the time you will be given at least a couple of hours notice before showing your home. Before you show your home add these small but important finishing touches. Your home will then put its best foot forward!

Light and Bright – Whether day or night, a lit house gives a “welcome home” impression so turn on all the lights, both indoor and outdoor. Open all curtains and drapes to let in maximum light. Your home will look more cheerful and the extra light helps prevent harsh shadows.

Out of Sight – Prospective buyers may feel like intruders if you are home during a showing. Allow the REALTOR the opportunity to speak freely with buyers and emphasize your home’s best features. If possible, take a walk, visit the library, go shopping or take the kids to the park. If you cannot leave, try to remain out of sight and do not accompany the buyers from room to room.

The Scent of Success – Scented sprays are too obvious and may be found offensive. For a pleasing fragrance, add a few drops of vanilla extract on a stove burner or boil water and add some cinnamon. Refrigerator cookies are quick and easy to bake, as well as lighting a scented candle prior to a showing. Both will make your home more attractive.

Waste Not – Empty the trash in the kitchen and any other waste baskets before a showing. Garbage does not send a positive message, even in small amounts.

Comfort Counts– Make sure the thermostat is set such that the house is at a comfortable temperature. Turn off the television and turn soft, melodious music on.

Pets – It is best to try and take your pets with you while your home is being shown. If that is not possible, at least keep them outside. Animals under foot will put a damper on a showing.

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The Offer

Once an offer is made, if you intend to accept the offer, or make a counter-offer, do it as soon as possible. Keep in mind that at any time prior to accepting or countering, a buyer can withdraw their offer.

When you make changes to an offer, written approval of all parties is required for the contract to be enforceable. Know that even minor changes facilitate the opportunity for either the seller or buyer to change their mind.

Closing

To put it simply the last part of the home selling process is closing. It is the time between signing the purchase contract (once an agreement on price and terms has been reached) – and the day the deed is actually recorded transferring title. Once everything is signed, then escrow closes and your home is sold.

Moving On

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It doesn’t matter if you have moved once or several times, it is never an easy task. There is a lot of emotion associated with selling a home, but also a lot of excitement when moving on to a new adventure! The following are some tips you may find helpful during this time:

  • Notify the post office of a forwarding address.
  • Cancel subscriptions that would not be forwarded.
  • Arrange for new checking account if needed.
  • Arrange for utilities and telephone at your new location.
  • Plan for needs of children and pets during the move
  • Plan for sufficient cash/travelers checks during the move.
  • Are you packing/moving yourself or will a professional mover handle the move?
  • Once you are reasonably sure you will be proceeding with the sale, begin weeding out your possessions.
  • Pack one room at a time.
  • Keep the weight of your boxes reasonable.
  • Start packing and marking every box according to contents and room it will go in.
  • If bubble wrap is not available, use towels and blankets to wrap fragile items.
  • If possible, pack audio-video and computer equipment in their original boxes.
  • Do not pack valuables, carry them with you.

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