Selling a home is more than a sign in the yard (although we will do that too, with permission.) Advertising and marketing are essential elements to a successful sale. Sumners Insurance and Real Estate will promote the listing through print ads, yard signs, by word of mouth to potential prospects, and various marketing techniques appropriate to the property. Seller-clients of Sumners Real Estate will be represented in a transaction in one of two ways: Single-Seller Agency or Consensual Dual Agency.

• Single Seller Agency: The Broker/Agent and Owner enter into an "Exclusive Listing Agreement" and the Buyer is represented by another real estate company. The Broker/Agent represents the Owner as a Client in this case. In a Single Seller Agency, the Broker/Agent does not represent the Buyer in the transaction.
• Consensual Dual Agency: The Broker/Agent represents both the Buyer and the Seller in the same transaction. We must have written consent from both parties to act as a consensual dual agent. Representing more than one party in a transaction can create a conflict of interest since both Clients may rely on the Broker/Agent's advice. Buyer and Seller are required to consent to dual agency. Undisclosed dual agency is illegal.

Listing Price
To help determine the market price of your property, a Sumners Agent can complete a Comparative Market Analysis. The analysis compares your property to similar properties sold in the community within the past six months. Taken into consideration are the square footage, location, condition, updates, style, and other pertinent items.

Preparing Your Home
When getting your home ready for Buyers to see, take the following recommendations into account:

The Exterior: Look at Your Home with the Eye of a Buyer
What will a potential Buyer see when he or she drives up to a house? If the trim needs paint, the grass needs mowing, and the landscaping is overgrown, the first impression may be a lasting one. Hire someone to cut the grass or shovel the snow if you are unable to do so. Curb appeal is extremely important, so walk outside...what do you see? What can be improved?

The Interior: Look at Your Home with the Eye of a Buyer
Certainly the interior is critical. Prepare your home as you would for company and then go a little beyond that. This is the time to fix the leaky faucet, oil squeaky hinges, and clean the carpet. (Would the wood floors underneath the old, worn-out carpet be better?) Now is the time to paint that bright orange room. It makes a difference if the house is fresh, clean, and orderly.

Moving time is right around the corner. No more procrastinating. It's time for a garage sale or donation to the Thrift & Gift. If closets, cabinets, and storage space are full to overflowing, a potential buyer may receive the impression that their belongings will not fit either. Organize and straighten kitchen cabinets and closets. See with "Buyer's Eyes" and clear out the things that have accumulated over the years. (Don't despair, one man's junk is another man's treasure.) If your home is absolutely overflowing, store unessential goods and furniture in a mini-storage unit.

It is said that a home shows best if there is furniture. While generally this is true, there are times when the seller must move and it is not possible to leave the furniture behind. When nothing is left but bare walls and floors, dust bunnies and dirty sinks leave a lasting impression. Arrange to have it dusted and vacuumed every few weeks and notify the weekly advertisers not to leave papers at the door. A rug or two left at the front and back doors and by the basement will help to keep dust and grime to a minimum.

If leaving the house immediately before the showing, and we recommend you do, turn on the lights. It gives a great welcome. (Put down toilet seat lids as well.)

Speaking of a welcome, why not create a "feel good" perception that company is coming. Bake a loaf of bread, cookies, a pan of bars, or try this: Cut an apple or two into a pan, add cinnamon, sugar, and water, and simmer on the stove. It's the next best thing to apple pie!

In essence, make your home and property as attractive as it can be. View it with a Buyer’s critical eye and give it a little tender-loving care. A limited amount of work now may pay off nicely in the future.

A Great Impression Means a Faster Sale and a Better Sale Price.

The Offer
Your home looks great, the Buyers start looking, and an offer is made. Now what?

The offer is just that--the Buyer is offering to purchase your home for a specific price. There may be one or more contingencies. For example, the Buyer may need financing approval, or request the leaky faucet be repaired.

Until Closing
Most of the "to do" items when selling a home fall on the shoulders of the Buyer. However, there are a couple of things for which the Seller is responsible.

• Deed Preparation
• Abstract Continuation

Fortunately you are represented by a Sumners Agent who will see that these things are completed, and you will be free to concentrate on moving and other pressing obligations.

Closing Day
The Buyers will schedule a walk-through of the property to make certain everything is in order. Your Sumners Agent will do everything possible to ensure a smooth closing which usually takes less than an hour. There, now wasn't that easy!

If your home is located in the Clarion area, and you would like a comparative market analysis, contact Gina Cleveland, REALTOR®, or Bonnie Young, Broker/REALTOR®, at 515-532-6653 or 1-800-778-9310.

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