The most important factor when deciding to put your home on the market is setting the right listing price. Over-pricing the property may result in a longer stay on the market and will result in fewer showings. It can also result in a smaller pool of buyers. Under-pricing the property may result in losing money on your investment and/or a Buyer offering even a lower amount then the list price.

Our Realtors will provide you with a CMA of your property that will help when determining a listing price. We will also give you information on the current state of the real estate market in your area. If it is a seller’s market then you may be able to list the property a little higher than the CMA specifies. If it is a Buyer’s market you may need to adjust your expectations.

Once you have agreed on all terms, your Realtor will ask you to sign an exclusive right of sale listing agreement. This agreement will outline the terms by which your Realtor will be required to operate. For example, do you want the property shown only by your Realtor or would you allow your Realtor to place a lockbox on the property? These questions and more will be detailed in this agreement.

Prior to putting your home on the MLS system, your Keys Gate Realtor will discuss with you helpful tips on how to maximize your home’s curb appeal:

• Remove any clutter from the yard, remove any weeds and keep the grass cut.
• Re-paint the front door and/or garage door if needed
• Re-stain any wooden fences and make any repairs needed
• Wash or paint your exterior home
• Landscaping is very important. If you can, add colorful flowers to the exterior of the home where needed

If you plan on staying in your home until it is sold, please accept these inexpensive ways to help show your home’s best features:

• Clean or paint your walls and ceilings.
• Clean all flooring and fixtures. (Fans, blinds, lights, appliances, baseboards, plumbing fixtures, etc.)
• Repair all plumbing and roof leaks
• Remove all excess personal items that may clutter the home. You want to allow the potential Buyer to envision themselves living there
• Turn on all lights and open drapes during the daytime
• Leave the property during showings if possible to allow the Buyer time to view the property without the feeling of being rushed

Once the property is in the best condition to show, your Keys Gate Realtor will take photos and place your property in the MLS system. The MLS system will filter your listing into other real estate sites to gain the most exposure. Your Realtor may also prepare listing

Once the property is in the best condition to show, your Keys Gate Realtor will take photos and place your property in the MLS system. The MLS system will filter your listing into other real estate sites to gain the most exposure. Your Realtor may also prepare listing

From sales contract to closing, questions may arise that need to be answered by your Realtor. For instance, the home inspector hired by the Buyer finds over $5,000 in repairs listed in the report and you planned on selling the property in as-is condition. In that scenario, your Realtor will assist you in providing options on how to proceed.

Once all contingences have been cleared, the final step is closing. Prior to closing, the title company will provide a preliminary closing statement (HUD) showing the closing costs and the Seller’s net proceeds. Your Realtor will explain the breakdown of all closing costs including commission, documentary stamps, closing fee, etc. Once the HUD has been approved the title company will schedule a closing date and time acceptable to all parties. Before closing, a walk through inspection will be performed by the Buyer to ensure that the property is the same as when it was contracted.

At closing, you will provide the Buyer with all keys and any pertinent information related to the property. Be sure to cancel all utility services and return any equipment related to such services. Also remember to submit a forwarding address to the post office.

You may have reached the end of the road with this closing; however, you are now considered part of the Keys Gate Realty family. Let us be of service in the future if you are looking to buy, sell or lease a home in the area or know of someone else looking. We hope we have exceeded all of your real estate needs and we wish you luck in the future!