We can help increase the value of your home. We’ll help show your property at its best through careful preparation.

Here are some helpful hints to best prepare your property for the market:

INTERIOR CHECKLIST:
• Check attic vents for blockage by bird nests, etc.
• Have heating and central air systems checked by service person and replace filters where necessary.
• Check humidifier for proper operation.
• Have service person check water softener for proper operation.
• Check sump pump for proper operation and that cover is securely in place.
• If appliances will remain, make sure they are in good working condition and owner’s manuals are available.
• Check all faucets for worn washers and pipes for leaks; repair where necessary.
• Recaulk tub and shower enclosures.
• Have entry area brightly lit and clutter-free.
• Paint hallways and rooms off-white where necessary.
• Repair settling cracks and water marks.
• Repair loose wallpaper.
• Shampoo carpets and wax floors.
• Wash windows.
• Clean kitchen closet and cabinets.
• Clean hallway, bedroom closets, storage and basement areas.

Store excess furniture and possessions in attic or basement.
• Make sure pets’ litter boxes, cages and bedding are clean and odor-free.
• Leave lights on in dark rooms if there are no wall switches; leave shades up and allow as much light as possible to penetrate home.
• Increase wattage in light fixtures.
• Determine what kind of insulation you have.
• If your property has had termites or carpenter ants, check your warranty.

EXTERIOR CHECKLIST:
• Clean window wells, dry wells and storage areas of debris.
• Exterior paint: touch-up minor areas, repaint/paint shutters and front door.
• Roofing: secure any loose shingles, replace damaged areas.
• Chimney: repair loose bricks, clean flue, repair chimney cap.
• Gutters: clean and repair gutters, replace leaders and gutters where necessary.
• Pruning: prune large trees and shrubbery, remove dead foliage.
• Mason or stucco cracks: repair with caulking compound.
• Locks: lubricate, repair or replace locks, have keys made for main entryways.
• Keep lawn mowed, leaves raked, driveway and sidewalks clear depending on season.
• Area around front door should be neat.
• Check front door bell, light fixtures and mailbox. Plants or flowers will perk up the entrance.
• Wash windows.
• Make sure house number is visible.
• Replace outside lights with higher wattage bulbs.
• Remove stored items around house, pool and garage.
• Check all windows, screens and storm doors; repair or replace broken items.
• Remove insects and bird nests from eaves.
• Clean garage.
• Provide records on wells, septic, furnace and central air systems (who serviced them and when last serviced).
• If available, provide land survey; define easements, neighborhood assessments or covenants on land.

Determining the best asking price is one of the most important aspects of selling a property and a home evaluation will help you to establish its value. Our experienced sales associates will prepare a professional home evaluation, a Comparable Market Analysis (CMA), and present the findings in detail.

The basis for valuation is similar properties in your area. The market analysis takes into account details about comparable properties in your market and what buyers are willing to pay. This information, in addition to the quantity and quality of comparable properties currently on the market, will help you determine the value of your property.

A Comparable Market Analysis takes into consideration:
Prices paid for recently sold properties.
Properties currently on the market that are competing for the attention of buyers.
Homes that did not sell, showing what buyers have not been willing to pay in today’s market.

Potential buyers engage in comparison shopping and will not pay more for a property than they could pay for a similar one. Pricing a house correctly from the beginning achieves the highest proceeds as quickly as possible.

PHASE I: PRICE YOUR PROPERTY. A professional Comparative Market Analysis will be prepared to compare similar properties in the same general neighborhood. It is an essential tool when attempting to determine the market value of a home. To remain competitive, the price may need to be adjusted depending on your need to sell quickly.
Prepare Your Home to Sell. A complimentary consultation with our home showcase experience and tips will maximize the positive attributes of your property. From interior design to enhancing curb appeal, we will help to bring out the best your home has to offer while creating a welcoming environment.
Coordinate Photography. Superior photography and sophisticated digital cameras will allow us to promote the best image possible in a slide show allowing buyers to virtually visit your home 24/7.
Install Signage and Lock Box. One of the most effective real estate sales techniques is to have a FOR SALE sign displayed on your property which communicates contact details to any interested onlookers.

PHASE II: IMPLEMENT EXCLUSIVE INTERNET PLAN. Broadcast notification for each new listing and it’s slide show will be distributed to thousands members of the Consolidated Multiple Listing Service (CMLS), the Charlotte MLS , and more. Your property will be featured on Internationally searched websites where visitors can search for any property by area mapping, lifestyle, or usual means and view slide-shows or virtual tours (where appropriate) of every listing and print property flyers. It will also be ‘Showcased’ on realtor.com and viewed on RealEstateJournal.com, NYTimes.com, and Trulia.com, to name a few.
Promote to Realtors® and the MLS. Realtors will be invited to preview your property during a specially scheduled property tour and your property will be promoted at weekly office sales meetings.
Create Property Brochures. A professionally designed and printed four-color brochure will be displayed in the office and in your home for those viewing your property. Included will be the features and photos of the property.
Market Your Property Through Direct Mail. “New To Market” postcards will be mailed to area homeowners and targeted members of our database of past customers, top real estate agents, qualified buyers and investors, and select neighborhoods.
Market Through Print Advertising. Your property will appear in our company’s local display ad in publications until the property is SOLD.
Hold Sunday Open House Events. Optional Sunday open houses will be staffed by one of our professional associates who are familiar with the features of your home. Appropriate directional signage and advertising will be used.

PHASE III: FROM CONTRACT TO CLOSING. We will assist in analyzing offers, negotiate on your behalf, attend the home and pest inspections, manage critical dates, coordinate a smooth closing (mortgage company, buyer’s agent, and attorneys), arrange final walk-through, arrange for property sign removal, schedule and attend closing all while staying in constant communication with you.