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HOMEOWNER'S GUIDE
OUR TEAM
614-310-6077
ColumbusHouseTeam.com
@ColumbusHouseTeam
We help families buy and sell real estate in the Central Ohio Market. We pursue education, embrace innovative marketing strategies, and we are diligent in providing superior service to our clients.
The mission of Columbus House Team is to create the most productive and influential real estate team in the world by focusing on teamwork, leadership, and personal growth to achieve our goals. We provide world class service, which creates raving clients. We are known throughout our community for service, results, and innovation.
WHY HIRE JUST ONE AGENT?
The Benefits Of Our Team Concept
There are OVER 115 variables that go into the home selling process. By choosing our team, we have the right people, systems, and processed in place to manage those 115 variables.
LISTING AGENTS
Professional, licensed, full-time agents handle the listing of your home.
Experienced agents handle all negotiations.
Upload photos, create virtual tours, marketing graphics, and input listing into multiple websites and the MLS. Manage marketing programs.
Manage any listing questions and details.
Negotiate to get you TOP dollar for your home.
POWER BEHIND THE TEAM
Over 80 years of combined experience.
Daily contact with lenders, title companies, inspectors, agents, and loan officers.
Multiplies the effective effort of getting your home sold.
Our team of agents and administrative staff will work in harmony for the benefit our client.
LEAD MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Never miss out on possible buyers.
Get qualified buyers into your home and making offers!
Ensures buyers are pre-approved for a loan.
10k + buyers in our database looking for their next home.
Thank you for considering working with our team. We truly make selling your home all about YOU. We hope you find the information in this book helpful as you are making decisions about selling your home. We would love the opportunity to help you.
-Columbus House Team
OUR PROVEN MARKETING PLAN
In-depth marketability consultation.
Advise you on staging your property for prospective buyers.
Have professional photographs and video taken of your home to highlight the various marketable aspects to draw buyers to your property from the MLS, listing sheets, and the internet.
Install highly visible FOR SALE sign for maximum exposure.
We collaborate with ShowingTime, which handles the management of your showing schedule. They provide immediate notifications and feedback from Agents for every showing.
Create a virtual tour of your home to be placed on multiple websites and the MLS.
Advertise your property on 100's of websites such as: ColumbusHouseTeam.com, Realtor.com, Homes.com, Zillow.com, Google, Yahoo, EXP Realty, etc., exposing your home to thousands of potential buyers daily.
Keep you updated with an activity report of the market conditions in your neighborhood.
PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Professional photography ranks among the top three factors that will determine how quickly your home will sell. We use professional photography and video to enhance your home's most marketable features.
CERTIFIED HOME PROGRAM
With the Certified Home Program, the goal is differentiating your home from the competition. There are several things that you can do, as a seller, that will help you control the transaction and add leverage to your side of negotiating.
1. UPGRADE ANALYSIS
a. Discuss value-add items that can be done to the home in order to increase the value.
2. PRE-LISTING INSPECTION
a. Have a home inspection completed on your home before it is listed for sale.
b. This allows us to find any potential issues buyers may have with your property.
c. Enables us to control the inspection process.
3. STAGING
a. Allows us to position your home correctly on someone’s computer screen and phone.
b. Maximizes the room size, while showing potential buyers the best use of the room.
4. APPRAISAL
a. An appraisal will tell us the value of your home in today’s market.
5. HOME WARRANTY
a. Provide extended coverage to the buyers for any future issues they may have with the home.
By taking advantage of the Certified Home Program, you get to take control of the home selling process. You create leverage over the buyer in all phases of the process, which ultimately nets you more money.
WAYS TO MARKET YOUR HOME
WE DIRECTLY SHOWCASE YOUR HOME
PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS SHEET
Custom-made color brochures of your property for prospective buyers.
You can distribute to friends, relatives or post on bulletin boards at work or organizations.
SOCIAL MEDIA
THE MORE EXPOSURE WE HAVE, THE MORE POTENTIAL BUYERS TO PURCHASE YOUR HOME.
NOBODY DOES THE INTERNET LIKE WE DO!
YOUR HOME WILL BE FEATURED ON 100'S OF WEBSITES.
WHAT YOUR HOME IS / IS NOT WORTH
THE MARKET VALUE OF YOUR HOME IS NOT
1.What you have in it.
2.What you need out of it.
3.What you want.
4.What it appraises for.
5.What your neighbor's house sold for.
6. What the tax office says it is worth.
7. How much it is insured for.
8. Based on memories and treasures.
9. Based on prices of homes where you are moving.
THE MARKET VALUE OF YOUR HOME IS WHAT A BUYER IS WILLING TO PAY
1.Based on today's market.
2.Based on today's competition.
3.Based on today's financing.
4.Based on today's economic condition.
5. Based on the buyer's perception of the home. 6. Based on location.
7. Based on normal marketing times.
8. Based on showing accessibility.
PROPERTIES THAT SELL IN TODAY'S MARKET: ON A SCALE OF 1-10, THE 10'S ARE SELLING.
HOW TO MAKE YOUR HOME A 10!
1. By improving the condition dramatically.
2. By offering fair terms.
3. By improving the way your home shows.
AS A SELLER YOU CONTROL
1.The price you ask.
2.The condition of the property.
3. Access to the property.
4. By adjusting the price.
AS A SELLER ,YOU DO NOT CONTROL
1.Market conditions.
2.The motivation of your competition.
3. Value.
PRICING GUIDELINES
Not only will you miss prospective buyers by overpricing your home, but you will affect how long your home will remain on the market and what the eventual selling price will be.
ACTIVITY VS. TIMING
Timing is extremely important in the real estate market. A property attracts the most interest and excitement from the real estate community and potential buyers when it is first listed. Therefore, your home has the highest chance of a sale when it is new on the market. Setting a realistic price from the beginning will help take advantage of this initial period and increase the chance of a timely sale. An experienced agent who knows the market and the marketing process can help you determine the market value of your home, thereby giving you the best chance of quickly and smoothly selling your home.
TIMING VS. SELLING PRICE
When a home is overpriced at the start, it misses what can be the most critical time period in selling a home - the first weeks after it's listed. Once this period has passed and little traffic is generated at the initial price level, it becomes necessary to seek a lower listing price. Depending on market conditions, this cycle may repeat several times before a sale is made, resulting in an eventual sales price that is well below the initial listing price, and possibly lower than the market value for your home.
DETERMINING YOUR HOME'S MARKET VALUE
A comprehensive market analysis is essential to determine the value of residential property. Location and characteristics of the property are the key elements in determining value, therefore the basis for valuation are similar properties in your area. The market analysis takes into account the amount received from recent sales of comparable properties and the quantity and quality of comparable properties currently on the market. The desired end result, of course, is to find a price that will attract a willing and able buyer in a reasonable time. Once the value of your home has been determined, you can finalize a listing price that will achieve your goals. Generally, the listing price should not exceed the market value by more than 5%, or potential buyers may not make an offer.
PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR PEAK SHOWING CONDITION
ENSURE THAT YOUR PROPERTY SHOWS AT ITS VERY BEST!
Your home is being "interviewed" by the potential buyer. Use these tips to ensure that your home's best features are displayed.
CURB APPEAL
Keep grass mowed.
De-weed flower beds and trim shrubs.
Front door. (painted not chipped)
Remove cobwebs on front porch.
ENTERING HOME
Keep entryway clear. Remove any shoes or accessories from walkway.
Have a rug for buyers to wipe their feet on.
Fill the house with pleasing scents, such as potpourri or air fresheners, but keep as subtle as possible-nothing too overwhelming.
KITCHEN
Keep countertops clear of clutter and items that can be stored in cabinets.
Keep all dishes washed and put away.
Clean appliances.
Store food items out of sight.
Clean around faucet for rust and deposits. Keep sink clean.
We recommend the use of Old English on wood cabinets to diminish scratches and help them look new again.
BEDROOMS
Make beds and smooth bedspreads.
Put away clothes and shoes.
Store any personal items. (jewelry, bills, etc.)
Keep top of dresser cleaned off.
Try not to have excess items around sides of rooms, this makes rooms appear smaller and closed in.
Clean out and organize bathrooms & closets.
BATHROOMS
Keep towels hung up.
Keep sink counters cleared of items-put excess items under sink.
Keep toilet bowl clean and lid down.
Showers, tubs and sinks are very important to buyers. Try to remove water stains and lime buildup.
EXTERIOR
Porches, steps, balconies and patios should be uncluttered, swept and in good condition.
Gates, fences, sheds and other outer buildings should be cleaned, repaired and painted.
Clean and repair all gutters and downspouts.
Keep toys and sports equipment picked up and put away.
If you have a pool-keep it sparkling.
FAMILY ROOM/LIVING ROOM/GREAT ROOM
Keep coffee and end tables cleared off.
Remove excess furniture.
Organize clutter. (toys, magazines, etc)
Keep furniture dusted and mirrors cleaned.
DINING ROOM
Removed extensions from tables.
Place season centerpiece on table.
FINAL TOUCHES
Clean carpets.
Keep trash cans emptied.Keep pet boxes clean and fresh.
Open blinds to let light in.
Turn on lights throughout the home for showings.
STAGING CHECKLIST
DINING ROOM
_ Clear off dining table except for one centerpiece.
_ Remove tablecloth from table.
_ Remove extra leaves from table.
_ Remove extra dining room chairs. (four chairs is plenty, the room will look bigger)
BEDROOMS
_ Make the bed everyday.
_ Clear off bedside tables & dressers.
_ Keep closet doors closed.
_ Keep closet floor clean, organized, and free of dirty laundry.
_ Make sure windows and special features can be seen.
_ Take down posters.
BATHROOMS
_ Clear off counters & remove all personal items.
_ Put soap underneath cabinet.
_ Clean or invest in new shower curtain.
_ Remove cloth toilet lid cover.
_ Keep toilet lids down at all times.
_ Coordinate all towels with one or two colors.
_ Reduce items in shower/tub.
_ Hide all cleaning supplies. (plunger, etc.)
_ Scatter rugs to a minimum, no more than one.
_ Repair caulk around tub.
LAUNDRY ROOM
_ Put all soaps and cleaners in a cupboard.
_ Organize open shelving.
_ Keep laundry sink empty.
_ Keep top of washer/dryer clean and clear.
_ Keep room free and clear of dirty/clean laundry.
Garage or Carport
_ Carports should be completely cleared out.
_ Sweep out garage.
_ Organize garage, it's fine to use for storage.
_ Always keep garage doors down while home is on the market.
Other:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Wondering where to store items taken out of the house?
1. Rent a storage unit
2. Have a garage sale
3. Give to charity
4. Put it in the attic
5. Store it in the crawl space
6. Use part or all of the garage (but keep organized)
7. As a last resort, sacrifice a 3rd or 4th bedroom.
COLUMBUS HOUSE TEAM
ColumbusHouseTeam.com
391 W Main St, Westerville, OH 43081 | 614.310.6077