Jim Valentine on Real Estate
While buyers are important to the transaction for their infusion of cash, and agents are important for their professional services, the contribution of sellers is often overlooked. What is expected of sellers by buyers and agents?
One of the basic duties of a seller is having the home ready to show and readily available for a showing. Some sellers want the home to be perfect and will deny a showing if it isn’t. Our belief is that a not so good showing is better than no showing.
One never knows what the buyer’s circumstances are. They might have a narrow window in which to view homes due to work, travel – in town for a short time, spontaneous looker, etc. We’ve sold numerous properties to spontaneous buyers that are filling in time before an appointment by looking at a home and falling in love with the area and the home.
We don’t feel it is necessary for a seller to leave their home during a showing, but don’t follow the buyer or agent around showing them the coat closet, linen closet, etc. They can figure out the home.
If they have a question about the property there is nobody better to provide information than the seller, but the seller should be judicious about what they say. Sit and read, answer when talked to, and be cordial. Maybe share things that aren’t obvious, i.e. — the quality of the neighbors, etc.
Don’t oversell or appear too anxious. A good relationship can be established which can be the difference between the homes the buyers selects. It also will help for a smooth escrow as the parties know a bit about one another and like each other which facilitates cooperation.
Be ready to move in a timely manner and inform your agent what you will do about things that are seemingly burdensome, i.e.- the dead automobile in the backyard. Have plans been made to have it moved before the close of escrow?
If you’ve a lot of personal items in the home, it can help if you inform your agent your plans for packing and moving. If a buyer needs occupancy by a date certain they don’t want to worry about you being able to move in a timely manner.
Sellers should keep up the landscaping around the property not just for marketing, but through to the close of escrow. Landscaping is a significant component of value, and it is important that it not be left to deteriorate after a seller has a lessened interest in the property. If a tree falls, or there is a water break inform the parties immediately.
Protect the home during the winter by having the heat on low, removing hoses from hose bibs, and other standard winter protection precautions. Protect your asset – you still own it, and it must be in good shape to transfer.
A seller should complete all paperwork in a timely manner. There are seller disclosures that must be completed up front and presented with the accepted offer when you get an offer. There are many timelines during the listing and sale processes that need timely attention.
Do what is being asked of you quickly and your marketing and sale momentum will have a sustained flow. Be diligent throughout the process. Until the escrow is closed, the title transferred, you have moved out and transferred the utilities, you need to pay attention to your property and your agent.
The more diligent you are the more confidence your buyer will have in you, which will contribute to a smooth escrow. Sellers have an important role to play. Playing it well helps everyone, including themselves. Play your part like you are vying for an Oscar and you will be happy in the end.
When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your Real Estate needs… Experience is Priceless! Jim Valentine, License No. BS-03481, RE/MAX Gold Carson Valley 775-781-3704. dpwtigers@hotmail.com