When it comes time to sell your home, you want the best price and the most favorable terms. There are countless marketing choices, along with legalities and details that go into a sale. When I market your property you receive my customized approach, personalized just for you. I will support you in all facets of marketing from preparing your house to sell, to print and internet advertising.
Teamwork is essential in creating a marketing plan to quickly sell your property for the best possible price. I will work closely with you to comprise the most effective advertising campaign. The following is a list of services I provide. Contact me for more detailed information regarding my Marketing Plan and how I can help you sell your home.
"Katie is extremely professional, and on the cutting edge of what the real estate market demands to be successful. Katie can be trusted to consistently meet all your real estate needs, even in a tough market!"
Christine L.
- Market Expertise -- I know the market & designate time each week to tour new listings and research the latest market statistics.
- Customized Marketing Plan to best suit your property with a strong focus on internet exposure Recent statistics show the majority of home buyers begin their search on-line and continue searching the internet throughout the process.
- Strong Negotiations from my years of experience and training. I hold a CNE (Certified Negotiation Expert) designation and create a customized negotiation plan for each transaction. I know how to negotiate contracts that will close!
- Multiple Listing Service -- I am a member of the Spokane MLS, a service that enables me to present detailed information about your home to the thousands of other agents helping buyers. The MLS is the primary source of listings that populate most internet home searches.
- Networking - I work together with other Spokane Realtors on a regular basis and have a strong Network of Buyers, Agents and related Professionals. We exchange information about new properties and fit enthusiastic buyers with the appropriate homes.
- Power of Windermere -- I will increase the amount of qualified buyers for your home because Windermere's national referral system gives me access to the sizeable number of people who move each year.
- Transaction Management -- I take care of all the details so you don't have to worry! From scheduling the home inspection to verifying the buyer's loan approval, I manage all aspects of the closing (link word closing to flow chart) including a Customized Calendar of events to keep you informed along the way.
- I know how to swiftly separate the qualified buyers from the unqualified. Your home is shown only to serious buyers and Realtors which saves you time.
Tips For Getting Started
The key to selling your home quickly and at the right price is in preparing it appropriately for showings. Here are some tips to help you get started.
Don't Panic: You come first. This is your home. You have your life to live, just do the best you can.
First Impressions: An inviting exterior ensures inspection of the interior. Keep your lawn trimmed and edged, flowerbeds cultivated, the yard free and clear of refuse. Clean out gutters and roofs - these items will be inspected so it's better to take care of them ahead of time.
Simplify & De-clutter: Rent a storage unit to put away unused items. Remove all artwork and grocery lists from the refrigerator.
Decorate for a Quick Sale: Faded walls and worn woodwork reduce desire. Do not tell the prospect how the place can be made to look, show them by making it look great. Make your home stand out, compared to others on the market.
Remove Personal Pictures: You want prospective buyers to look at your home, not your family photographs. A few photos around the home is just fine.
A Clean Home is a Happy Home: Clean windows and unmarred walls will assist your sale. Don't forget the tubs! Clean bathrooms & kitchen are a must and make a huge impact on buyers. Carpets Have carpets professionally cleaned or replaced if needed.
Fix the Faucet: Dripping water discolors the enamel and calls attention to faulty plumbing.
A Day with the Carpenter: Loose doorknobs, sticking drawers and warped cabinet doors are noticed by the prospect. Have them fixed. Call me if you'd like a referral to a great handyman!
Closet Illusions: Clothes properly hung, shoes, hats and other articles neatly placed, will make your closet appear adequate. Pack and store excess items.
Kitchen: Keep ovens and under the sink areas clean. They often get inspected. Fresh flowers help brighten up a table.
Stash Valuables: Keep money, prescription drugs, and other valuables, out of view.
Check Your Bathroom: Bright and clean bathrooms sell many homes. Keep toilet lids down. Invest in a new set of towels, again - clean under the sink.
Bedrooms: Arrange them to feel spacious and clean, beds made.
The Brighter the Better: Illumination is a welcome sign. For after-dark inspections, turn on your lights from the front porch in and throughout. The prospect will feel a glowing warmth. Also turn on the light in the daytime for rooms that are not so bright. Replace burned out light bulbs!
Three's a Crowd: When a Realtor and the prospect arrive you should greet them courteously, then disappear. Children and pets should be kept clear. Don't volunteer and comment unless asked. Remember, the prospect is there to view - the home.
Be It Ever So Humble: Please don't apologize for the appearance of your home. After all, it is lived in. Let the agent answer any objections that are raised.
Shut Off the Television: The TV can distract from the home. Let the agent and the buyer talk free of any disturbance. Soft background music can provide a nice ambiance.
We Love Our Pets: It is better to have pets out of the way or out of the house during showings.
Be Aware of Odors: People will linger in a fresh, pleasant smelling home. Stale air or bad odors make them want to leave and can ruin the sale.
A Word to the Wise: Do not discuss price, terms, possession or other factors with the customers. Refer them to me. As a seller, most anything you can say could compromise your position. As a third party, a realtor is in a much better situation to negotiate a favorable conclusion.
