Detailed Selling Information

• Overview of the Selling Process
• Preparing For Showings (From a Buyer Perspective)
• Selling Tips - Preparing Your Home to SELL!
• Typical Repair Requests
• What to do while your house is being shown
• Frequently Asked Questions...and Answers
• Contact Rose Real Estate

The effort put into repairing and cleaning your property is likely to be returned in a fast sale at an attractive price.

• As buyers approach your property the first time, impressions are formed quickly.
• Repair any and all chipped or peeling paint.
• If neccessaary, paint house - this can do more for sales appeal than any other factor.
• Yard - Remove all toys, garbage, garden tools and other items from view.
• Mow lawn and keep edged.
• Close garage doors.
• Put colorful flowers in front of house.

Often, while waiting to be let in, the first thing a buyer looks at closely is the front door.

• Put new paint on the front door.
• Buy a new door mat.
• Buyers take a close look at the basement of a home. They will look for bad wiring, leaky pipes and signs of decay.
• Clean out basement and dispose of everything you are not going to move.
• Ensure that there is plenty of lighting.
• Sweep or vacuum floor.
• Stack items neatly against walls.

The kitchen is often the most important room in the house. Make it bright and attractive.

• Put a vase of fresh flowers on the table.
• Replace curtains or clean existing ones.
• Remove appliances from counters.
• Create a pleasant fragrance in the kitchen (such as freshly bake bread or cookies).

It is important that bathrooms are clean, bright and smell fresh.

• Install a new shower curtain and replace worn throw rugs.
• Polish all fixtures.
• Open windows.
• Hang bright, fresh towels.
• Remove stains from toilets and bathtubs.
• Use air freshener.
• Display colorful soaps.

The living room...

• Clean out the fireplace and place logs in it.
• Polish all woodwork.
• Put big furniture in storage so rooms are not cluttered or crowded.

  Front Door:

• Newly painted
• Doorbell operating
• Door brass polished
• Hinges oiled

Exterior of House:

• House recently painted
• Gutters recently cleaned
• Exterior lights operating
• Missing shingles replaced

Windows:

• Window trims painted
• Windows operating freely
• Cracked windowpanes replaced
• Windows washed

Driveway:

• Resurfaced
• Potholes patched
• Recently sealed

Patios:

• Wood stained or painted
• Fencing secure

Lawn:

• Lawn in good condition
• Grass mowed
• Edges trimmed

Trees/Shrubs:

• Dead branches pruned
• Dead shrubs replaced
• Overgrown shrubs pruned

Entry:

• Entry lights operating
• Floors cleaned
• Closet cleaned
• Closet light operating

 Living Room:

• Recently painted
• Cracks in ceiling/walls repaired
• Leaks repaired & watermarks covered
• Wallpaper secured
• Woodwork repainted
• Curtains/drapes/blinds cleaned
• Drapes/blinds opened
• Carpets cleaned
• Furniture positioned to show space

Kitchen:

• Sink free of stains
• No dripping faucets
• Appliances in good working order
• Walls, cabinets free of stains
• Countertops cleared and cleaned
• Pantry and cabinets neatly arranged

Family Room:

• Cracks in ceiling/walls repaired
• Leaks repaired & watermarks covered
• Wallpaper secured
• Woodwork repainted
• Windows washed
• Curtains/drapes/blinds cleaned
• Windows operating freely
• Drapes/blinds opened
• Carpets cleaned

Bedrooms:

• Cracks in ceiling/walls repaired
• Leaks repaired & watermarks covered
• Wallpaper secured
• Woodwork repaired
• Windows washed
• Curtains/drapes/blinds cleaned
• Floor waxed/refinished
• Carpets cleaned
• Beds made
• Laundry put away
• Floor free from clutter

Basement:

• Cracks in ceiling/walls repaired
• No evidence of water penetration
• Dampness removed
• Cold water pipes covered
• No musty odors
• Drains cleared
• Furnace cleaned
• Storage neatly arranged
• Excess storage removed
• Floor swept
• Light fixtures operating
• Handrail secure

Dining Room:

• Cracks in ceiling/walls repaired
• Leaks repaired & watermarks covered
• Wallpaper secured
• Woodwork repaired
• Windows washed
• Drapes/blinds open to view
• Floor waxed/refinished
• Carpets cleaned

Bathrooms:

• Sink stains removed
• Leaky faucets repaired
• Grouting stains removed
• All joints caulked
• Missing tiles replaced
• All fixtures operating
• Floors cleaned
• New shower curtain
• All supplies stored

The following is a list of some possible repair requests that are made after the buyer's rightful inspection. Keep in mind, any work the seller you agrees to must be completed prior to closing and the seller is responsible for having them done. There also may be specific governmental requirements.

The following conditions are typically requested for repair:

• Broken windows.
• Dry rot or deteriorated wood.
• Electrical not in working condition.
• Gutters and downspouts blocked or missing.
• Peeling or missing paint.
• Plumbing not in working condition.
• Water damage inside home.

You might have to:

• Paint the exterior and interior if in bad condition.

Other items to remember:

• Inspectors will need access to the attic.
• Leased equipment cannot be included in the sale (i.e. hot water tank, alarm system, etc.).
• All assessments must be paid.
• Joint maintenance agreements will be required for common road easements for maintenance on home where property line is within 3' of structure.

* Please check with local authorities for specific requirements.

Before Your House Is Shown...

• Remove items not included in sale (i.e. appliances, chandeliers, plants, window treatments).
• Open shades and curtains to let in light.
• Turn on enough lights so home is well-lit during showing.
• At night, turn on porch light and outdoor lighting.
• Tidy all the rooms. Neatness makes a room easier to view.
• Clean dirty dishes in the sink and put away any dishes on counter.
• Keep toys in the children's rooms.
• Put away items in the yard such as bicycles, gardening tools and skateboards.
• If fall or winter, light a fire in the fireplace.

While Your House Is Being Shown...

• When possible, leave while the property is shown. If not, remain in an area not being shown by the real estate professional. Think of it this way; You want a potential buyer to start thinking of it as their home, the more time they spend there, the more likely they are to buy. If you're there, in close proximity, they may feel rushed and not fully take into consideration all the features your home has to offer.
• Let the real estate expert show your house. Answer questions candidly when asked, but avoid questioning potential buyers.
• Refer inquiries about seeing your house to your Realtor to take advantage of the agent's professional skills in selling your home.
• Don't mention items you wish to dispose of unless asked.
• Keep pets outdoors or in one area.
• Keep children quiet and in one area.
• Keep radio, stereo or TV on low volume.
• Keep money and other valuable items out of sight.

What is title insurance?

Title insurance protects the named insured against loss because of defects, liens, encumbrances, adverse claims or other matters not shown or disclosed to the new owner that attach before date of policy.

What are the hazards of lead-based paint?

All buyers and sellers are required by law to receive and read a pamphlet outlining the hazards of lead-based paint for homes built before 1978. Be sure to ask your real estate professional for a copy.

What are closing costs?

Closing costs are an accumulation of charges paid to different entities associated with the buying and selling of real estate. For sellers, they are usually about 3-5% of the total sales price of a property. (Not including real estate commissions) Some of the closing costs you might encounter are: discount points, escrow fee, documentation fee, homeowners' association fees and title insurance premium.

What is the difference between "pre-qualified" and "pre-approved"?

If a buyer is "pre-qualified" it has been determined, with a loan officer, what price the buyer can afford based on the down payment, debts and the amount the mortgage company will approve for the mortgage. Being "pre-qualified" is only a determination of probable credit. If "pre-approved", credit, employment and funds have been verified and that buyer has been approved for a loan by the lender.(Usually conditioned upon an adequate appraisal for the contracted property.)

What should a home inspection include?

Every inspection should include, but not be limited to, an evaluation of the following:

1. Foundations

2. Roof

3. Heating and air conditioning systems

4. Ventilation

5. Common areas (for condominiums)

6. Proper Insulation

7. Plumbing and electrical systems

8. Ceiling, walls and floors

9. Doors

10. Any Hazardous materials concerns (there may be additional charges)

What property details are usually included in a professional Listing?

Usually, properties listing information will include:

• Location of the property
• Photograph of the property
• List Price
• Type of Utilities
• Any Amenities
• Annual property tax
• Total Livable Square Footage
• Number of Bedrooms, Bathrooms, and Garage spaces
• Listing company

What documents are generally needed for the transaction of Real Estate?

• A "Contract to Buy and Sell Real Estate"
• Closing Instructions
• Square Footage Disclosure
• Inspection Notice
• Contingency Addendums
• Addendums Outlining Special Conditions
• Lead-Base Paint Notification
• Property Disclosure Form (completed by Sellers)
• Others, depending on the transaction and special circumstances

What is the difference between a REALTOR® & Real Estate Agent?

REALTOR® identifies real estate professionals who are members of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics. Not every real estate agent is a REALTOR®.