CONSIDERING SELLING?

Your home is likely your biggest investment and possibly the largest financial transaction you have made. When listing your home the ultimate objective is to secure an optimal price and most favorable terms within a short timeframe. There are many marketing options, legalities, and details that are involved in a sale. Our agents are by your side and represent you through every aspect of the transaction leveraging their expertise in marketing, pricing strategies, and negotiation. We are adept at achieving the best possible outcome for you. Let's explore the key steps in the home selling process together.

WHEN YOU WORK WITH A WINDERMERE NORTH SOUND AGENT YOU CAN REST ASSURED THEY:

Keep a pulse on the latest industry trends.
Know the market & assist you in selecting the right price the first time.
Know what buyers are looking for & the financial incentives that will motivate them to make a purchase.
Successfully articulate the value of your home.
Provide detailed information about your home to thousands of other agents assisting buyers on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).
Actively network with an array of agents to match buyers with the right home.
Maximize market exposure inducing optimal interest in your home.
Utilize Windermere Corporate & office resources geared towards attracting the maximum number of buyers to your home.
Access Windermere's global referral increasing the pool of qualified buyers for your home.

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LET'S WALK THROUGH THE 10 MAIN STEPS TO CLOSING FOR AN IDEA OF WHAT TO EXPECT

STEP 1: PREP WORK

A positive first impression is crucial. Investing time to ensure your home is in impeccable condition, from a fresh coat of paint to well-organized closets. There is a myriad of ways to elevate even the most modest homes to create an allure that goes beyond its value.

There's no second chance for the perfect first impression. Small upfront investments can yield a much bigger payoff when you sell your home. Don't have the money to invest? Consider the Windermere Ready Program.

CONCIERGE SERVICES

WINDERMERE READY helps you create the perfect first impression by providing concierge services + a loan up to $100,000 to prepare your home for selling. With Windermere Ready, you can make upgrades like painting, landscaping, cleaning, repairs, and staging. Your agent will work with you to determine which improvements will have the biggest impact at market. You can choose your own service providers, or we can connect you with experienced local contractors. Best of all, you pay nothing until your home sells.

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STEP 2: PRICE

The key factor in maximizing your return is determining the right price for your home while minimizing the time on the market. Numerous factors influence this decision, encompassing your home's condition, location, recent sales in the vicinity, and comparable properties currently available. Our skilled agents will prepare an accurate Competitive Market Analysis (CMA) tailored to your property and assist in establishing the optimal sale price for your home.

STEP 3: MARKETING

Our agents will customize a plan specific to your home to reach the most promising buyers. From digital marketing to direct mail campaigns and engaging open houses, our approach is designed to maximize exposure and attract the right audience for your property. Don't have an agent? Connect with one now.

STEP 4: SHOWINGS

Once your home is ready to show, your agent will begin to market to potential buyers and other agents. While home showings may be inconvenient, they are an essential aspect of the selling process. When your home is on the market, it holds the potential to be shown at any time. It is important to maintain a consistent level of cleanliness. During these showings, it is recommend to step out to offer potential buyers the privacy they need to fully explore and envision themselves in your home. This thoughtful approach enhances their experience and increases the likelihood of an offer.

CLICK HERE FOR ADDITIONAL HELPFUL TIPS

Taking pets with you or keeping them penned in the yard or garage.

Let in natural light by opening shades or curtains.

Turn on lights so that the home is well-lit.

Declutter tables and bookshelves to make the rooms seem larger.

Store yard items such as garden tools, bicycles, and toys.

Create a cozy atmosphere by lighting gas fire places.

Create a fresh smell in the kitchen by grinding part of a lemon in the garbage disposal.

Turn off radios and TV's before leaving the home for a showing.

Lock up money, jewelry, prescription drugs, and other valuables.

STEP 5: OFFERS

When a potential buyer expresses interest in your home, their agent will present an offer to your agent. Your agent will present the offer to you. This offer, beyond meeting legal standards, outlines key details such as the proposed price, earnest money, closing terms, contingencies, and other pertinent conditions for the purchase.

STEP 6: NEGOTIATION

Your agent plays a crucial role as your advocate throughout the entire process. They bring a wealth of experience and leverage a network of trusted vendors, they act swiftly when time is of the essence. One of their most important and unique responsibilities include skillful negotiation on your behalf, covering crucial aspects like price, repair costs, timelines, and contingencies. Drawing upon their expertise and extensive resources they will secure the most favorable terms for you.

STEP 7: PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT

Once you have accepted an offer, your agent will help you through the purchase and sale agreement. This is a legal contract between you and the buyer(s) that outlines the details of your property transfer and is signed by all parties.

CLICK HERE FOR WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN A P&S AGREEMENT

STEP 8: HOME INSPECTIONS

A buyers offer is typically contingent pending professional inspection of the property unless waived. The home inspector looks beyond the cosmetics to make sure that the home's general systems operate properly. The inspector will look for large repairs that are needed and report on the condition of the home. It is important to remember that, no home is perfect, If major problems are found, your agent will help you negotiate through the process.

STEP 9: ESCROW

After the offer is accepted, and a closing date is established, the escrow process comes into play. An impartial third party oversees the transaction to ensure all aspects of the contract are fulfilled by both the buyer(s) and seller(s).

STEP 10: CLOSING

At closing, all the paperwork is signed by all parties. Both parties pay any settlement fees, and the documents are officially recorded. Settlement obligations vary widely due to specific contract language, local laws, and customs. Prior to closing, you will receive a settlement statement outlining any fees that may apply to you. Your agent will help guide you. Click here to download a helpful moving checklist.

THE SELLER RECEIVES

THE SELLER PAYS

Brokerage commission (the sum or percentage of the sale price previously agreed upon by the seller and real estate agent)

One-half of escrow or legal fees paid to the attorney or escrow company for preparing the closing

Documentation fees, if applicable

Recording and notary fees, if applicable

Title search and title insurance (paid by either the seller or the buyer)

Local transfer taxes, if applicable

State taxes, if any

Repairs or inspections, if any, seller has agreed to pay for

Some people wonder if they can buy before their home closes. The answer is yes. You can buy before you sell with the Windermere Bridge Loan. This is an exclusive tool that we can use to help you buy real estate when you find it.

BRIDGE LOAN

Windermere’s exclusive bridge loan offers you a strong negotiating position while reducing the pressure of having to sell before you buy using equity from your home to make a non-contingent offer on a new one.

The Windermere Bridge Loan is fast, easy, and ready to help you get into your new home. There is a1% of the loan amount fee. The principal and interest are due when the home closes, or six months following disbursement, whichever comes first. No payments are due until then.

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Connect with a specialist to get you from listed to SOLD.

OUR OFFICES AND AGENTS

We are a locally owned, full service real estate sales & property management company serving all of North Sound. We have physical offices in Anacortes, North Cascades, Skagit Valley, and Arlington with over 100 realtors ready to serve you and your unique needs.

Our commitment to creating thriving communities and building lasting relationships with people like you are at the heart of all that you do. It is the Windermere way.