selling your home: the right way

SELLING YOUR HOME

The Right Way

Johnathan DIAS

Re/Max Preferred Properties • 108 Church St Naugatuck CT 06770

Office: (203) 723-9898 x106 • Cell: (203) 305-3931

Fax: (203) 723-1480 • Email: [email protected]

www.JohnathanDias.com

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Johnathan DIAS


Office: (203) 723-9898 x106 • Cell: (203) 305-3931



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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page 4 Tips for selling your home

Page 7 Preparing for a showing

Page 8 The Showing

Page 9 When an offer is made

Page 11 Seller’s Checklist

Page 12 Mission Statement

Johnathan DIAS


Office: (203) 723-9898 x106 • Cell: (203) 305-3931



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Tips For Selling Your Home

As a homeowner, you can play an important part in the timely sale of

your property. When you take the following steps, you will have me sell your home faster, at the best possible price.

The easiest and most reliable way to improve the appeal of your home

is to enlist a quality home service professional. The right professional can help you get everything in order – from repainting the kitchen to

providing a thorough cleaning – so you can stay focused on more important things.

1. Make the most of that First Impression A well-manicured lawn, neatly trimmed shrubs and a clutter-free porch

welcome prospects. So does a freshly painted – or at least freshly scrubbed -

front door. If it’s autumn, rake the leaves. If it’s winter, shovel walkways. The

fewer obstacles between prospects and the true appeal of your home, the

better.

2. Invest a few hours for Future Dividends Here is your chance to clean up in real estate. Clean up the living room, the

bathroom, and the kitchen. If your woodwork is scuffed or the paint is fading,

consider some minor redecoration. Fresh wallpaper adds charm and value to

your property. If you are worried about time, hire professional cleaners or

painters to get your house ready. Remember, prospects would rather see how

great your home really looks than hear how great it could look “with a little

work.”

3. Check faucets and bulbs Dripping water rattles the nerves, discolors sinks, and suggests faulty or worn-

out plumbing. Burned out bulbs or faulty wiring leave prospects in the dark.

Don’t let little problems detract from what is right in your home.

4. Do Not shut out a Sale If cabinets or closet doors stick in your home, you can be sure they will also

stick in a prospect’s mind. Don’t try to explain away sticky situations when you

can easily plane them away, find a handyman to help.

Johnathan DIAS


Office: (203) 723-9898 x106 • Cell: (203) 305-3931



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5. Think Safety Homeowners live with all kinds of self-set booby traps; roller-skates on the

stairs, festooned extension cords, slippery throw rugs, and low hanging

overhead lights. Make your residence as non-perilous as possible for uninitiated

visitors.

6. Make Room for Space Remember, potential buyers are looking for more than just comfortable living

space. They are looking for storage space too. Make sure your attic and

basement are clean and free of unnecessary items.

7. Consider your Closets The better organized a closet, the larger it appears. Now is the time to box up

those unwanted clothes and donate them to charity.

8. Make your Bathrooms sparkle Bathrooms sell homes, so let them shine. Check and repair damaged or

unsightly caulking in the tubs and showers. For added allure, display your best

towels, mats and shower curtains.

9. Create Dream Bedrooms Wake up prospects to the cozy comforts of your bedrooms. For a spacious look,

get rid of excess furniture. Colorful bedspreads and fresh curtains are a must.

10. Open up in the Daytime Let the sunshine in! Pull back your curtains and drapes so prospects can see

how bright and cheery your home is.

11. Lighten Up at Night Turn on the excitement by turning on all the lights – both inside and out –

when showing your home in the evening. Light adds color and warmth, and

makes prospects feel welcome.

12. Avoid Crowd Scenes Potential buyers often feel like intruders when they enter a home filled with

people. Rather than giving your home the attention it deserves, they are more

likely to hurry through. Keep the company present to a minimum.

13. Watch Your Pets Dogs and cats are great companions, but not when you’re showing your home.

Pets have a talent for getting underfoot, so do everyone a favor: keep Kitty and

Spot outside or at least out of the way during a showing.

14. Think Volume Rock-and-Roll will never die, but it might kill the real estate transaction. When

it is time to show your home, it’s time to turn down the stereo and TV.

Johnathan DIAS


Office: (203) 723-9898 x106 • Cell: (203) 305-3931



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15. Relax Be friendly, but don’t try to force conversation. Prospects want to view your

home with a minimum of distractions.

16. Don’t Apologize No matter how humble your abode, never apologize for its shortcomings. If a

prospect volunteers a derogatory comment your home’s appearance, let me

handle the situation.

17. Keep a Low Profile Nobody knows your home as well as you do, but I know buyers – what they

need and what they want. I will have an easier time articulating the virtues of

your home if you stay in the background.

18. Don’t Turn You Home into a Second-hand Store When prospects come to view your home, don’t distract them with offers to sell

those furnishings you no longer need. You may lose the biggest sale of all.

19. Defer to Experience When prospects want to talk price, terms or other real estate matters, let them

speak to an expert.

20. Help Your Agent I will have an easier time selling your home if showings are scheduled through

my office. You’ll appreciate the results!

Johnathan DIAS


Office: (203) 723-9898 x106 • Cell: (203) 305-3931



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PREPARING FOR A SHOWING

Homes tend to sell more quickly and for higher prices when they show their best!

It’s very important that your home shows well. We’re also aware that it cannot always be perfect. After all, you and your

family must live there as well. Develop a routine that will allow you to pick up and be prepared to show in a reasonable period without duress… a 45 minute countdown, for example. This means that certain things must be done in advance. For

example, beds should be made up first thing in the morning and dirty dishes placed in the dishwasher after use so that you not rush around tending to this matter at the last moment. This way you can prepare for each showing in an organized, un-hassled routine.

Before each showing…

PICK UP EVERY ROOM: Check

counters, floors, halls, and stairs.

Straighten up or remove newspapers,

magazines, mail, toys, clothing,

recreation gear, snack glasses, and

dishes.

TURN ON ALL LIGHTS: Even those in

closets and storage room. Electric

lights have an amazing capability for

creating and illusion of lightness,

airiness, and largeness.

OPEN ALL DRAPES, SHADES, AND

BLINDS: Do all that you can to

create a bright and light ambience.

THE BEDROOMS: Make up the beds,

neatly and attractively, early in the

morning. This is a job you do not

want to have to do when you learn

that the buyers will be there within

an hour.

THE KITCHEN: Be sure all

countertops are clear and “squeaky

clean”. Wipe down appliances. Be

sure all dishes are in the dishwasher

or cleaned and put away. The sink

should be clear and clean.

CLEAN AIR: keep air fresheners in

closets, bathrooms, and kitchen. Be

careful to keep kitchen odors fresh:

coffee brewing or a cinnamon coffee

cake baking in the oven has a lasting,

inviting effect.

MUSIC, MUSIC, MUSIC: Perhaps you

cannot have something baking in the

oven every time, but soft, pleasant

background music may be very

effective.

FIREPLACE: A warm, cozy fireplace

may be just the extra touch that

turns the trick.

AIR CONDITION: If the weather is

warm and sultry, have it operating.

THE BATHROOMS: Keep a set of

fresh, attractive towels in each room

that you change instantly.

THE ENTRYWAY: It is the first thing

and last impression that your buyers

will have of your home – make it a

good one! Check it regularly for

sharpness.

Prepare well for your showings! Set

the stage to make the best impression

on each prospective buyer.

Johnathan DIAS


Office: (203) 723-9898 x106 • Cell: (203) 305-3931



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“THE SHOWING”

Everything is going to be fine. The agent

has called in advance and you have made

last minute preparations as indicated in

“preparing for a showing”.

RELAX: There is nothing more to do. Pick

up a magazine while you’re waiting. Try

to be understanding; the agent may have

several home showings scheduled and he

or she may be a bit early or late. It’s very

difficult to be perfectly precise.

THE DOG: Keep Fido away. Pet lovers will

be distracted by your fun pet. For those

who do not have pets, it may be

bothersome.

CHILDREN SHOULD BE SEEN AND NOT

HEARD: This is a new experience for the

kids. Naturally, they are excited, but they

will disturb the professional flow of the

showing. Ask them to remain away from

the agent, to go outside, or to watch

television.

DING DONG: Answer the door as you

would for any welcome guest. The agent

will take care of the introductions. If there

is a situation that needs mentioning,

perhaps a sick child in the second

bedroom, do so now. You may invite the

agent to begin showing the home and

then you may excuse yourself.

LOW PROFILE: Discreetly remain away

from the buyers. As helpful as you wish to

be, your presence will be intimidating.

They need to be able to discuss the home

freely with one another. And the agent

needs to learn from the buyers how they

are responding to your home. Your

presence can limit that free

communication.

WHAT SHOULD YOU BE?: Read a

magazine; watch a TV program; take a

walk outside; continue with a chore. Pick a

room and settle down. When they stop to

preview that room, you may leave, but it

is not necessary. After all, they don’t

want to feel that they are chasing you

around the house. If there is a room that

you should try not to be in, it would be

the kitchens inspires generally spend

more time there as the evaluate

appliances, countertops, cabinets, etc.

CONVERSING WITH THE BUYERS: If you

are asked a question about the

neighborhood, schools, etc., by all means,

answer pleasantly. However, avoid

becoming engaged in a conversation.

Questions regarding terms of sale should

be referred to the agent. If the agent is a

cooperating broker and does not have the

answers, advise him or her that I, your

agent, will contact him or her.

INCLUSIONS: The listing shoot should

clearly identify items that are included in

the excluded in the offered property. Do

not initiate conversations about other

personal property that you may be

interested in negotiating. It rarely is a

deal clincher, may be distracting, and

besides, there will be time to discuss this

at the offer presentation time.

LET THE “PRO” WORK: As much as you

love your home, do not be tempted into

doing the agent’s job. He or she has been

working with umpires and should know

what is important to them. Whether the

agent mentions your new refrigerator now,

or after they leave, is in his hands.

You have done all but you can. Now, relax as we do our job. Soon, I

will be calling you to say, “Congratulations…we have an offer to present to you.”

Johnathan DIAS


Office: (203) 723-9898 x106 • Cell: (203) 305-3931



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WHEN AN OFFER IS MADE

1. PRESENTING THE OFFER

Be assured that as soon as I’m aware that a written offer to purchase has

been signed, I will contact you immediately. The timing may be inopportune

but it is usually best to move ahead rapidly to consider the contract. Please

note that when I call you, I may or may not yet be aware of the terms of the

offer. When I have a contract in hand, I will study it closely and review each

of the terms and conditions with you to your complete understanding and

satisfaction.

2. THREE OTIONS TO CONSIDER

When we consider the terms of the contract, remember that you are in

charge. You are free to deal with the contract as you choose, in I will be

there to assist you. Generally, there are three options available to you:

A. Accept the offer as presented. I will convey your acceptance in the

home is sold!

B. Make a counterproposal-proposed changes to the offer, i.e. Price,

personal property, closing or possession dates, etc. so that it is

acceptable to you. Be aware, however, that when you change

anything, the buyer is completely freed from the earlier commitment

to buy. I will convey the terms of your proposal in the perspective

purchasers may either accept, reject, or offer a new proposal.

C. Reject the offer.

3. DELIVERY OF THE CONTRACT

A copy of the finalized contract will be delivered to both buyer and seller by

their respective real estate agents.

4. FINALIZING ALL CONDITIONS

A. BUYER’S FINANCING: if the contract states that the buyer has a

specific number of days to secure financing for the home, it’s his or

her responsibility to apply for and to secure a loan commitment within

that time.

1) Verify that the buyer has the ability to meet the monthly loan

payments. They will examine the buyer’s credit history,

employment records, etc.

2) Verify that the value of the home is enough to ensure the

safety of their loan. An appraiser, assigned by the lender, will

visit your home to affirm that its value, based upon a study

of compareable homes, adequately secures along that they

are making to the buyer. The mortgage loan underwriter will

approve the loan based upon a satisfactory review of the

above information.

Johnathan DIAS


Office: (203) 723-9898 x106 • Cell: (203) 305-3931



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B. After the loan is approved, more legal work is necessary, though you

will have very little involvement. The property title will be searched,

title insurance will be ordered in an updated survey of the property

may need to be ordered. If the property is a condominium, the

Association may be contacted.

C. When the paperwork is in order, the time and place of settlement will

be agreed by all parties involved. We will cooperate orally to ensure a

smooth and timely closing.

D. Prior to the time of closing, a buyer may request a physical inspection

of the home. The buyers may or may not be accompanied by a

property inspector whom they have engaged at their expense.

E. Keys will be delivered to the buyer at the closing, or whenever

possession of the property has been agreed upon.

F. At closing, all documents finalizing the sale will be signed by all

parties in all funds will be disbursed.

MY RESPONSIBILITIES

My responsibilities are not fulfilled until the transaction is completed.

A. I will follow the transaction’s progress and inform you of significant

developments.

B. I will do everything in my power to work with your lender, accountants,

lawyer, etc. to ensure a timely and highly satisfactory settlement for

you.

C. Novak, beyond the above, I am here to answer any question and to

resolve any problems or if uncertainty that you may have. I want this

to be a positive experience for you.

Johnathan DIAS


Office: (203) 723-9898 x106 • Cell: (203) 305-3931



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SELLER’S CHECKLIST

Please provide me with the following items as soon as possible!

DOCUMENTS

Evidence of title (title policy, abstract, etc.)

Property survey

Most recent property tax bill

Mortgage Instrument

Mortgage note

Lender’s name, address, phone, contact person, mortgage account number, and present balance

If there are other loans/mortgages against the property, supply same information as above

If property is held in trust, provide name of trustee, trust account number and contact

information

Your attorney’s name, address, and phone number

House keys

CONTACT INFORMATION

Your work number

Spouse work number

Neighbor phone

Utility bills

Brochures/information about your property

Attractive, exterior photos of your home in other seasons

Your thoughts on special features of your home or community

Personal property which may be included in the sale-whatsoever you feel might have special

marketing value to the average buyer FOR CONDOMINIUMS OR TOWNHOUSE

Association declaration and by-laws

Association certificate of insurance

Association current budget

Johnathan DIAS


Office: (203) 723-9898 x106 • Cell: (203) 305-3931



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Johnathan Dias

Johnathan Dias provides unmatched service to his customers and clients, continually striving to exceed their expectations. He recognizes that each of his customers’ needs is unique and his consistent ability to fulfill those needs is supported by his cutting-edge marketing systems.

Honesty, Integrity and Fairness is my Golden Rule!

selling your home: the right way

Documents

home page

church st naugatuck

showing page

x106 cell

prospects mind

right professional

sellers checklist page

table of contents page