Sell your home
with Brandon

It’s totally reasonable to wonder, “When should I reach out to a Realtor?” My answer is, “The earlier the better.” When you’ve decided you’re likely to sell, give us a call and invite us out. The goal of that initial meeting is to ask you a range of questions, find out why you’re selling, determine your needs in relation to timing, money, logistics, available resources for preparing the house, who else is involved or must be considered, and also to look at your house and determine the path to bringing it to market. Whether you’re 2 weeks out or 2 years out is up to you, but it’s important that we get on the same page from the start, and find out what it is we will ultimately be bringing to market.

Every house can be rated on an “optimization scale.” How ready is it, at this moment, to achieve a top-dollar sale? Our job, having seen the house, is to discuss its rating with you, and then determine if you have the desire to move it up the scale versus selling it as-is. Both options are viable, as is a happy medium, though the level of optimization affects selling price and time on market. If you have the desire, time, and resources to optimize it, I will guide you step by step through that process -- or even manage it for you. I’ll explain your range of options, and the decisions are yours to make.

Now that we’re clear on what we’ll be listing for sale, I’ll show you what’s happening in the market specific to your house. I’ll explain the larger market trends first, then “zoom in” on your neighborhood, your house type, size, finishes and any external factors that affect value. Is it a buyer’s or a seller’s market? How much inventory (competition) is there? What are the closest comparable sales? Should you run your listing with a “5-day Auction” or “Review offers upon receipt” sale? I’ll spend enough time on this to make sure you’re in the know and clear on the current market conditions specific to your house.

Do you need packing supplies and boxes? Extra hands to help pack? A handyman? House cleaner? Carpet cleaner? Floor refinisher? Window washer? Roof and gutter cleaner? Landscaper? Painter? Whatever service people are needed to get your house optimized and ready, I have referrals and I can orchestrate the work. With our agreed-to plan in place, we’ll spend whatever time is necessary to get your house and grounds to the point that it’s ready for photos and “launch day.”

With photos taken and the information buyers expect in hand, we assemble the marketing. The “first showing” of 93% of listings happens online, where buyers are shopping. So I make sure your listing is widely seen and that it looks awesome! We use only professional photography, and when appropriate drone photos, video and 3D virtual tours. I utilize social media where we can target specific buyer pools in specific areas. Our Compass graphic designers create unmatched print marketing. And yes, we still use direct-to-mailbox marketing with success! Also, since 80% of buyers are working with agents to find their homes, we market to buyers agents’. Our track record proves that our marketing works. Maximum exposure gets you maximum price.

By “launch day” we’ll have a written plan with you how and when buyers and their agents will access your home for showings. I log every visit, and through follow-up I begin collecting feedback from every showing. Patterns emerge and, like a radiologist reads an X-ray, I read the patterns and communicate with you how the market is receiving the listing. It’s typical that we have some unanswered buyer questions at this stage, and I’ll have feedback to share with you, so we’ll have an established communication plan with you. Also, first-weekend open houses are our standard, as buyer-attention is always highest right in the beginning. The keys to a successful listing launch are maximum marketing exposure, easy access, rapid responsiveness, and clear communication.

Depending on the sale strategy you choose and market response, we may have multiple offers to review, or we may be reviewing just one. During offer review, we do due diligence on the buyer. Is their financing strong and with a solid lender? Are their contingencies appropriate, or do they convey a nervous buyer who wants every possible out? Does their closing time-frame work for you? Can we negotiate on some terms without losing a good buyer? In the case of multiple offers, is the highest offer the best one? Will two or more buyers compete and escalate even more, waive inspection, waive appraisal, give you free delayed possession after closing? There are a number of important offer terms to review and optimize during negotiation. And to be clear: I LOVE this part of the sale!

Congratulations, we’re now “Pending”. That means we’ve accepted an offer and you’re under contract. It’s a great feeling… but we’re far from closing. On Day 1 we’ll deliver a 1-page “Transaction Calendar” -- a summary of the entire contract with all parties, dates and deadlines neatly listed. As many as a dozen different professionals can be involved during a transaction. Our job is to be at the hub of it all, communicating on your behalf and delivering information and answers, keeping everyone calm and level-headed. We navigate the inspection response. We may be collecting contractor bids or orchestrating work or repairs. We may be delicately negotiating with an appraiser. As the transaction progresses, we’re also helping you prepare for the move. Do you have the packing supplies you need? Can we schedule a cleaner? On signing day, we’ll be with you at Title and Escrow to help review the numbers and answer any questions as you sign closing documents.

The property is ready to go, the keys and other hand-offs are on the kitchen counter, the house is cleaned… it’s closing day! With both parties signed and the funds about to hit your account, we’re now awaiting that call that the sale is recorded, so I can call you and announce, “It’s official!” I’m here to make sure both you and the buyers expectations are met, that there are no surprises, and that you’re 100% satisfied with the outcome. If you’re moving locally, your moving truck in on me!