Keystone Signature

Start Selling
Home Value

Staging
Communication

Communication
Closing and Beyond

Closing & Beyond

FAQs for Home Sellers

Have questions about selling a home? Take a look at the below questions and answers or contact us for more help getting started with selling your home.

How do I choose an agent?
When selecting an agent, the best source is usually by referral, friends or family who may have sold a property in the past and can refer you to an agent they found to be exceptional. Selling a home is a complex transaction, so experience should be a consideration. Local experts are full time career agents who will ask you questions to learn your goals and objectives, develop a plan to reach those goals and give you realistic advice and help set expectations for the current market.
When should I call a Realtor® to list my house?
Sooner is better than later. It's important that your Realtor® offer a third party view of your property condition. Selling your residence or a family property is usually very personal and owners think differently than a buyer does about the property. Condition, timing, location, functionality are all important factors, so is how much is owed on the property.
What are the costs involved?

Fees vary depending on the type of property as well as what is negotiated in the sale. Your Realtor® can provide an estimated closing statement to give you an estimate of what is to be paid as part of the sale. Some costs include:

  • Preparing your property for market
  • Lender fees
  • Escrow fees
  • Brokerage fees
What are the steps involved in selling my home?
Selling your home involves many steps, from consultation to pricing, marketing to escrow.
How are buyers attracted to my property?

You will work with your listing agent to develop a marketing plan and attract as many potential buyers as possible. Methods include:

  • Real Estate agents monitoring local market and property searches online
  • Broker open houses
  • Local Multi Listing Searches
  • Yard Sign
  • Internet
  • Mobil apps and social media campaigns
  • Email marketing and target marketing
What factors can influence the price of my home?

You want your home to sell for the highest price possible, but also in a timely fashion. Here are some factors that influence the price of your home:

  • Timing…Current real estate market trends
  • Condition - Hard facts such lot size, square footage and areas in disrepair or areas that have been improved
  • Desirability factors - including location, special amenities and property attributes
  • Functionality - is the property overly custom or missing a key element like a second bath or garage space
  • Selling and listing price of comparable homes in the area
  • A sophisticated Real Estate marketing plan
  • Your level of motivation
  • The expertise and market knowledge of your Real Estate representative

Conditions that do not affect the price of your home:

  • The profit you wish to make from the sale
  • The amount of money spent on improvements or maintenance
  • The original price you paid for your home
  • The cost associated with buying or selling
How do I negotiate?
Pricing your property with a 'cushion' for negotiation can be costly if it pushes the price above the fair market value range. To begin the negotiating process, you need interested Buyers. If overpriced, the number of Buyers that see the property is reduced, so the likelihood of an acceptable offer is also reduced. The best approach is to price a home just within the market value range. This allows room for negotiations, without sacrificing exposure.
What are the dangers if I overprice?
When a property is overpriced, windows of opportunity are missed. Broker and Buyer interest is at its highest when a property is initially placed on the market. But if the property is priced above realistic market value, the excitement and number of showings are greatly reduced. Later, it may be necessary to adjust the price below market value to compete with new, competitively priced listings.
What is the best approach to pricing my home?

The best approach is to price a home just within the market value range. This allows room for negotiation, without sacrificing exposure. Make no mistake; we want you to get the best possible price for your property. However, when a home is priced too high for the market this may:

  • Attract lookers, not legitimate buyers
  • Imply you aren't motivated to sell
  • Reduce the number of showings
  • Help competitive listings look better
  • Cause financing issues for the Buyer if the property doesn't appraise at the higher price
  • Ultimately force you to drop the price below market value in order to sell
What is my role in the selling process?

No one has a more important role in the home selling process than you. Here are some ways your participation can contribute to a successful sale:

  • Work with your Realtor® to develop a solid plan for showing the property in its best condition possible
  • Maintain the property
  • Ensure the property is easily accessible for showings
  • Communicate - let your Realtor® know how to reach you for feedback, offers, challenges that arise
  • Remove or lock up valuables
  • Secure pets
  • Limit conversations with Buyers/Agents about price
  • Do not stay home for showings
  • Disclose everything you know about the home
  • Share all the great features about your property
  • Never show your property to strangers! Safety first
A