DWallace Homes

Your Best Price from Day One:

A true value on your property often results in a sale within a shorter time line.  An over-priced home may miss a segment of prospective buyers who are looking for a home in a defined range.  An under priced home may leave you with less money than you anticipated.  The first month on the market usually brings the highest amount of interest and most likely the largest number of offers.

Some Tips for Prospective Sellers:

While no seller would intentionally place obstacles in the way of a sale, that can happen when a seller does things (or fails to do things) that make the sale difficult.

• Availability is key.  It is challenging to keep your home pristine for home tours and sudden showings.  However, limiting the days and time when your Realtor can show your property can severely curtail the exposure and possible offers leading to a sale.
• Positioning is one of the biggest offenders.  No matter how much you love your home, how much renovation you have done, the correct price is still the correct price.  No one wants to pay more than they think a property is worth. Virtually everyone has access to the Internet today and through various marketing programs, they are very savvy about the true value of homes in different areas.
• Deferred maintenance is a red flag to buyers, inside and outside.  Some buyers immediately back away from “fixers”.  The buyer who is not frightened away usually has some experience with home repair and will start a running total of what repairs, updates, even landscaping will cost and will want to negotiate downward because of these obstacles.  Weeding the front flower beds and planting a few colorful flowers can make a huge difference before the buyer ever opens the front door.

Show Your Home at its Best:

Your Realtor will guide you in the following ways to make your property desirable.

• Curb appeal/Condition – De-cluttering is the first and most important task, inside and out.  Depersonalize so that buyers can imagine their family photos on your walls.  Get rid of odors, evidence of pets, and any art that may offend.
• Depend on your Realtor to position your home as it relates to the neighborhood and competing homes in the area.  The amount of money you hope for may not match the market for your location.
• Work with your Realtor to make your home available for maximum exposure.  This includes yard signs, home tours, and last minute showings.  And most importantly, be available to your Realtor via phone or text.  A missed call may equal a missed sale.

Priorities for Sellers and Realtors:

Be very open and honest with your Realtor. Firm sales price? Need a quick sale? Open houses? On-line photos? There must be a frank sharing of information for the most successful sale to occur. Sellers should be guided, as much as possible, by the knowledge, training, and experience of the Realtor. The Realtor’s only concern is the client; selling the property for top dollar and in a reasonable length of time.

Proper Pricing in the Market:

Many benefits accrue when your property is properly assessed and priced.

• Quicker sales saving carrying costs (even if the property is owned outright, taxes and insurance add up).
• Increased traffic from other Realtors. A good value gets everyone excited.
• Avoid “low-ball” offers from prospective buyers who perceive the true value and do not want to over-pay. Discerning buyers will not make an offer on an overpriced property. Well-priced homes frequently result in “bidding wars” and sales above the listed figure.
• An appropriately price will elicit honest offers from serious buyers.

Realtor Services and Compensation:

At your first visit with your Realtor, you will discuss many of the areas covered above.  You will also discuss the many services your Realtor will provide as well as the fees for those services.  Upon listing your property, both parties should be very clear regarding what they can expect and what will be required from them throughout the sales process.

Pre Listing Guide:

​Introduction: This Pre-Listing Guide is dedicated to all those with whom I have dealt as a buyer and as a seller, helping them to build new lives and deliver their dreams.

All Real Estate transactions are a team effort among buyers, sellers and Realtors.  It comprises not just board and bricks, but the emotions, the aspirations and the excitement of each unique family or individual.  Each deal comes with its own set of challenges that an experienced Realtor can foresee and resolve.

As your Realtor, this is the part that I greatly enjoy, making the process a seamless and enjoyable experience.

We Begin:

​​Congratulations!  You have made the first and most important decision:  You have decided to sell your home.  Next come some other critical choices.  Here is a summary of the Pre-Listing Guide actions:

• Hire the Realtor with current knowledge of local market conditions.
• Assess the proper listing price to appear to be of superior value.
• Assist Realtor in planning advertising and marketing (on-line, home tours, etc.).
• Prepare your home to show to its best advantage. Your Realtor will make suggestions for changes, inside and outside your home.
• Maintain clean and uncluttered condition of home in readiness for showings and open houses.

In Closing:

As many sports coaches have noted, “There is no I in team”. The same can be said of Real Estate Sales. It is a team activity that requires the sellers and the Realtor to work together toward their mutual goal. A smooth and successful sale is a win for all concerned.