A Professional Real Estate Agent

From A-Z, there are literally dozens of things that need to be considered, handled and resolved in the course of selling your home. Certainly that's why you've engaged a professional real estate agent as your partner.

Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)

Neil Gibbs can generate a report that compares your home to the other homes currently being sold in your area. It may also show other homes that have sold recently, or expired from the market before selling.

The CMA data will help you and your agent decide together on the most realistic asking (or list) price for your home.

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What we do to help you sell your home

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Interior and exterior improvements

Your home should be a "smile of welcome" to prospective buyers. The exterior's curb appeal will get them in the door; the interior will seal the deal. Your agent will tour your home with you, offering objective advice about which improvements that should or could be made.

Lockbox and security

Your agent will provide an electronic key or numeric combination to open a door-hanger, which holds your house key. Agents will be able to show prospective buyers your home, even when you're not there. If you're away from home a lot, or if you're house is off the beaten path, this is a great convenience.

Yard sign

Yard signs are an awareness-generating tool, notifying neighbors and drive-by buyers that your home is for sale.

Multiple listing service (MLS)

The MLS lets real estate agents showcase and sell each other's listed properties as "cooperating brokers." It's an electronic database promoting large and small brokers' listings. The more agents who know your home is for sale, the faster it's likely to sell.

Market to potential buyers

For every home, there's a buyer. Let your agent connect you to "The One" with these tactics. Your sales associate will set up showings to accommodate the schedules of qualified buyers and their agents – without inconveniencing you and your family.

Market to other agents

A good agent also knows the value of spreading the word about your home to other agents. Your agent will widen your audience of potential buyers using these techniques.

Brokers open houses

Your agent will host this tour (usually held on a weekday morning specific to an area) and invite local agents to see your home; agents who will preview it for their buyers.

Qualification/pre-screening

Prospective buyers visiting your home should be financially able to purchase it. Your listing agent can work with the buyer's agent to assure that the people who see your home can afford what you're asking, and that they have been pre-approved by a qualified lender.

Evaluating and negotiating offer

It takes a certain finesse to navigate the ins and outs of a buyer's offer. Is the offer acceptable? What closing date works for you? Are you willing to repair the roof in exchange for your full asking price? Helping in shaping your decisions is why you'll want a trusted, objective professional.

Conditions of agreement assistance

Conditions in your Agreement of Purchase and Sale are terms that must be met before an agreement is firm and binding. The written conditions, therefore, must also be removed in writing, through the use of either a waiver or an amendment by a specified date before the contract can be fully in effect. Whether it's financing, inspection or any other item your agreement is subject to, listing agent can assist you in understanding and fulfilling these contractual conditions.

Contract acceptance

Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions of your life. Rely on the guidance and objectivity of a trusted professional. Your listing agent can make sure that details are remembered and your interests protected.

Legal and other documents

A real estate transaction can involve listing and purchase agreements, multiple disclosure statements, waivers, schedules, amendments and conditions. Do you work with real estate-related legal documents every day? Your listing agent does. Rely on his/her familiarity with the language, timelines and requirements that lie within these legal documents.

Inspections

City code, general home, and pest (if necessary) inspections. Your agent can represent you (and your interests) during these appointments so you don't lose time from work or school.

Dispute resolution

Even the smoothest, simplest real estate transaction involves two parties, with needs and objectives that may differ. The right real estate agent can provide skilled negotiation and mediation and conflict resolution. Let your agent deal with the sticking points that can sometimes offend a seller.

Facilitate closing

The old adage, "the devil is in the details," is no less true at closing. Once you've accepted an offer on your home, your agent will work quietly and efficiently to keep things moving smoothly and according to plan. Broker, lender or lawyers. Everyone needs paperwork, signatures, verifications and certifications. From listing too closing and final title transfer, it's another area where the right agent can make the difference.

Close the deal

It may seem ceremonial, but closing the deal is often the hardest part of a real estate transaction. Your Realtor will start working for you even before the final sale.