John Harwell, Jr.'s Sellers' Resource Page
There are many components to a successful Real Estate listing. I understand that selling your home is a major step, and I'll do my best to make it as smooth a process as possible. Through my years of experience in the residential Real Estate market in Middle Tennessee, I have developed several items to assist sellers.
The first is a no-nonsense Performance Warranty to the seller. This warranty details exactly what I will do to make sure your home sells quickly and sells at the right price.
The second is a Seller's Checklist. Over the years, I have seen many things that improve both the speed of the sale and the price. The checklist is offered for consideration by those sellers who want a quick sale at a premium price.
The third item is a Pricing Guideline. A small change in price can have a drastic impact on the probability of sale. This guideline shows the best way to price your home.
The last resource for sellers is a Home Selling Process Flow Chart. This chart is offered for those who are selling their first home as well as those who have not sold a home in several years. The Real Estate industry is always changing, so it never hurts to look at the latest information.
I am ready to assist you in selling your home. Contact me at your convenience, or click here to fill out this short form to let me know you are ready to list your home now.
The John Harwell, Jr. Action
Plan -
Performance Warranty to the Seller
The following are the things that I have committed to do for my sellers to help them get the most for their home as quickly as possible.
Assist in determining Fair Market Value by reviewing the market demand, seasonality of sales, location and many other variables which often alter the value of your home
Suggest ways to improve salability based on Fair Market Value
Locate qualified buyers through the local and national multiple listing service, group prospect count, local and national referral relocation service, direct mail and phone contacts
Keep sellers informed
Highlight showings by illustrating the best features
Present an objective, third party viewpoint
Keep up to date with the best financing available
Synchronize buyer/seller transactions
Submit a progress report on your home weekly.either by telephone, by written note or personal visit until sold
Place a yard sign within three days after executing a market agreement
Explain various ways to improve your home to affect a quicker sale
Place your property on our office Tour of Homes
Handle and follow-up on escrow work with the closing attorney to set up and expedite closing
Advertise your home in the Homes Magazine
Qualify and counsel serious buyers toward a decision -- buyers need answers to countless questions, not only on your property, but on technical matters such as financing, payments, insurance, and title clearance. As your realtor, John will have the answers, make detailed arrangements for financing and serve the buyer in dozens of ways to make it easy for him/her to complete the sale on your home.
Assist with all the steps involved with the closing
Arrange to relocate sellers when applicable and take advantage of PHH Homequity. There are 425 leading real estate companies with the Homequity Relocation Center (HRC) Network servicing 465 markets. This means more than 54,000 sales associates are developing referral opportunities in 2000 real estate offices through out North America
Handle any and all complications that occur through this process...from before the contract to after the settlement
Work full-time-ALL-THE-TIME- for the seller
Professionally and effectively advertise your home in local and city publications to ensure maximum exposure
Prepare and distribute Home feature sheets
Hold "Open House" on your home when it benefit the marketing of your home
Set appointments to show your home at a time convenient with you
Folk-Jordan/Better Homes and Gardens and John are so certain that you will be satisfied with service you receive that if at anytime during the listing period you think that we are not representing your best interests,you may notify our office in writing and your listing will be terminated.
The John Harwell, Jr. Home Seller Checklist
The following items represent some of the many items that can impact the speed and price of the sale of your home. The bottom line is that your home must sell itself. An attractive home, well maintained and sparkling clean, is the most appealing to your potential buyers.
First Impressions - Outside. A pleasing exterior appearance is essential for that critical first impression. These simple suggestions will show off your property to its best advantage.
Trim the lawn and keep it green. Shape up shrubs and weed the flower beds.
Clear the entry by keeping the walks free of toys, bicycles, garden tools, leaves, and other hazards.
Brighten the structure with a good coat of paint or just a good cleaning. Replace screens if they are rusty or torn. Remove mildew or moss from walks or walls with bleach and water or a commercial cleaner.
Add charm with flowers along the entry walk, in a pot by the door, or in cheerful window boxes.
Rid the driveway of grease stains with kitty litter or a chemical solvent.
Pick up all pet droppings or debris.
Tidy up the garage and show off its size. Get rid of everything you don't want to move.
Invitation Inside. Think of prospective buyers as your guests and prepare the inside of your home accordingly. Here are some points to keep in mind.
Perk up rooms with a fresh coat of paint. A modest investment in time and money can possibly add dollars to your final selling price. Sometimes just a touch up will do. Choose light, neutral colors for greatest appeal.
Clean up clutter for appearance and safety's sake. Pay special attention to stairways, halls, and children's rooms.
Go on the "kitchen campaign" and keep it especially clean. The sink should always appear clean and free of dirty dishes. Counter tops appear more spacious when clean and uncluttered. Freshly mopped floors and baseboards can help "show off" your kitchen area.
Wash all windows and keep curtains and drapes crisp and clean. Vacuum blinds and wash window sills.
Make bathrooms sparkle by cleaning tile and porcelain. Commercial cleaners or vinegar will remove unsightly hard water stains. Replace any loose caulking or grout and, while you're at it, fix any dripping faucets.
Clear out closets to make them appear roomier. Add extra space by pre-packing out-of-season clothing.
Clean the fireplace and make a cozy, crackling fire. Or, dress it up with green plants or dried flowers.
Roll out the welcome mat with a rough-textured doormat. It will help keep your floors and carpets cleaner during showings and it says you care about your home.
Eliminate odors by preventing them in the first place. Try to avoid cooking with cabbage, onions, and garlic. Many people associate strong, spicy odors with uncleanness. Freshen the entire kitchen by sending a lemon through the garbage disposal. Sweeten the refrigerator with a box baking soda.
Add special accents that make your house appear comfortable and inviting. An open cookbook on the counter, cut flowers in a vase, or cookies or bread baking in the oven. Don't overdo, but think about things you have seen in attractive model homes that might subconsciously influence potential buyers.
Extra Efforts.
Empty out the attic to display the full value of this much appreciated but often neglected storage space.
Clean and brighten the basement with light and high wattage bulbs. Drain sediment from your water heater to eliminate any rusty water flowing from hot water taps.
Breeze through the patio and remove unnecessary lawn furniture, hoses, sprinklers, and garden tools to make the yard look more expansive. If you have a pool or Jacuzzi, give it a thorough scrubbing and place a few pots of blooming plants nearby.
Hide debris in neatly covered trash cans.
Treat pets to a stroll while your house is being shown. many people are afraid of or allergic to animals; by removing them, buyers won't feel hurried or nervous.
Turn off television and/or radio. Potential buyers can look at your house quietly and without distraction.
It is very important to have your home priced right. "I know that you want just as much as you can get for your lovely home. But if you are asking us to list it at10 percent above what we know is the going market for a home like yours. Do you realize that you have cut your chances to sell from 90 percent to only 30 percent. That means you would be throwing away two out of three oppourtunies you may have to sell." John Harwell, Jr.
If the property is listed at MARKET PRICE....
90 - 95 % PROBABILITY OF SALE
If the property is listed at 5 % OVER MARKET...
50% PROBABILITY OF SALE
If the property is listed at 10% OVER MARKET...
30% PROBABILITY OF SALE
If the property is listed 15% OVER MARKET...
20% PROBABILITY OF SALE
(providing the TERM of the listing is adequate -- at least 90 days)