The document provides information about the home selling process from RE/MAX real estate agents Gina and Tom Howarth. It discusses preparing the home for sale, showing procedures, pricing strategies, and the steps after an offer is accepted. The goal is to guide homeowners through selling their most important asset and ensure their complete satisfaction.

1. THE HOME SELLING PROCESS
Presented By:
Gina and Tom Howarth
RE/MAX 1st Choice
980 Reservoir Ave
Cranston, RI 02910
Phone: 401.419.6838 Fax: 401.943.6191

2. Selling your home is no simple matter.
It involves complex financial and
personal decisions. That's why you
deserve top caliber service from the
team of real estate professional who will
listen to your needs and produce
outstanding results.
We provide the expertise and
personalized attention you expect,
even after the transaction is completed.
We know your home is most likely is your
greatest asset, marked with your
lifestyle, values and memories. We will
work diligently and effectively to ensure
your complete satisfaction.
Tom and Gina Howarth
Members of the National Association of Realtors
Rhode Island Association of Realtors
Kent Washington Board of Realtors
Multiple Listing Service (MLS)
ABR, CDPE, SRES & e-PRO!
!
RI Salesperson License S32821 & S30053
RE/ MAX 1st Choice
401-419-6838
Gina@GinaWho.com

3. Table of Contents
Reasons to use a RE/MAX Associate…………………..……………pg. 2
Preparing your Home for Sale………………………………………..pg. 3
Showing Procedures..………………………………………………….pg. 4
Seller Considerations…………………………………………………...pg. 5
Pricing your Home……………………………………………………....pg. 6
It’s all in the details……………………………………………………...pg. 7
Notes………………………………………………………………………pg. 8
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4. Reasons to use a RE/MAX Sales Associate
An Agent you can Count On… your home may be your biggest personal
investment. One of the most important decisions you’ll make when selling your
home is who you will trust to assist you. You should put the sale of your home in the
hands of an experienced agent who will put their experience to work for you to
improve your odds of getting your home sold for the best possible price in the
shortest time.
Marketing for Maximum Exposure… Looking for more potential buyers to find your
property? A RE/MAX sales associate can help your home stand out in a very
competitive marketplace through trust-generating yard signs, local and national
advertising, the internet and compelling marketing materials.
Involved Community Citizens… RE/MAX Sales Associates are well
known locally and nationally for their involvement in many
community programs. When you use a RE/MAX Sales Associate to
sell your home, you contribute to the well being of your
community. RE/MAX is a national sponsor of Children’s Miracle
Network, which aids sick children, and Susan G. Komen Race for
the Cure, dedicated to finding a cure for breast cancer.
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5. Seller Action Checklist
To make the most of our time, together please review the following questions…
What!are!your!favorite!features!of!your!home?!
!!!!
What!are!your!favorite!features!of!your!neighborhood?!!
!!!!
List!any!energy!efficient!features!your!home!has.!
!!!!
List!any!recent!improvements!you!have!made!to!your!home.!
!!!
While getting ready to put your home on the market please gather the following items.
o Mortgage!Information!
!
o Second!Mortgage/!Line!of!Credit!information.!
!
o Tax!Bill!
!
o Most!recent!utility!bills!
!
o Spare!Keys!
!
o Home!Owners/!Condo!Association!byGlaws!(if!applicable)!
!
o List!of!any!special!assessments!(sewer!tie!in,!condo!maintenance,!etc.)!

6. Preparing your Home for Sale
With a little effort on your part, your home can be sold more quickly and at a better price. The
following tips have proved invaluable to owners and are worth your special attention.
CURB APPEAL is the first impression!
Keep the lawn trimmed and
edged, and the yard free of
debris. Reseed, fertilize, weed the
gardens and add mulch. Deep
green grass makes a lasting
impression. In winter, be sure snow
and ice is removed from walks
and steps!
First impressions are lasting.
The front door greets the
potential buyer. Make sure it
appears fresh and clean;
paint the trim and the door if
necessary. Maybe even a
new mailbox!
An investment in neutral paint
and wallpaper can pay
dividends. Faded walls and
worn woodwork reduce
appeal.
Let the sun shine! Open draperies
and curtains; dark rooms do not
appeal to potential buyers.
Windows should have window
screens, work well and look good.
Have the windows spotless so that
bright light can come on through.
Are the appliances sparkling clean
and working properly?
Fix the faucet! Dripping water
discolors sinks and suggests faulty
plumbing.
Loose knobs, sticking doors and
windows, warped cabinet drawers
and other minor flaws detract
from home value. Have them
fixed.
Safety First! Keep stairways clear;
avoid cluttered appearances and
possible injuries.
From top to bottom, display full
value of all your storage spaces
including: attic, basement, linen
and clothing closets.
Bathrooms sell homes. Check and
repair grout in bathtubs and
showers. Make this room sparkle!
Don’t let the Handy Man add
globs of caulking when grout is
what you really need.
Arrange bedrooms neatly.
Remove excess furniture; use
attractive bedspreads and fresh
looking window coverings.
Disclose any and all defects
(structural, lead and mold). See
Seller’s Disclosures.
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7. Showing your Home Procedures
Whenever possible, leave your house for showings and follow these tips.
1. We will try and give you 24 hours notice prior to showings so you
can get the house ready for the showing (tips and ideas)
2. Pets underfoot? Keep them out of the way- preferably out of the
house. Please clean up after your pets for best possible showing
experience- clean cat litter box, remove dog droppings from the
yard and remove fur buildup from furniture and window
treatments.
3. REMOVE VALUABLES from your home, especially for open houses.
Rent a safe deposit box at your local bank if necessary- better safe
than sorry!
4. Do not leave prescription drugs in plain sight. Hide or lock them
away if you can.
5. A bright illuminated house shows the best. Please make sure to turn
on all of the lights prior to leaving the house. The showing agent will
make sure to turn them off after the showing.
6. If your house is alarmed, please make sure the agent has the code
for the alarm or turn it off before
leaving your home.
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8. Important Seller Considerations
FACTORS THAT DO NOT AFFECT THE VALUE OF YOUR PROPERTY
WHAT
YOU
PAID
WHAT
YOU
NEED
WHAT
YOU
WANT
WHAT YOUR
NEIGHBOR
SAYS
WHAT COST
TO
REBUILD
IS
The value of your property is determined by what a BUYER is willing to
pay in today’s market based on comparing your property to others SOLD
in your area.
As a seller, you do not control:
- Competition
- Buyer’s or Seller’s Market
- Interest Rates
- When the Perfect Buyer Walks
through the door
However, as a seller you can
control:
- Condition of property
- Availability for
showing
- Selling Price
Timing is extremely important in the real estate market. A property
attracts the most activity from the real estate community and potential
buyers when it is first listed. It has the greatest opportunity to sell when it
is new on the market. This is why it is extremely important to make sure
your home is priced right, when it is newly listed!
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9. Pricing Your Home to Sell
Reasons for Overpricing your Home
OVER IMPROVEMENT: improvements should be made for
enjoyment, not just resale. You can’t add an item to a home, based on
personal taste and use, and then expect a buyer to pay the original
cost
Need: An owner’s need for money does not increase the value of a
home
Buying in a higher price area:
Values are location specific. High
values in the destination do not
increase the value of the existing
home.
Original Purchase Price HIGH:
Chances are you paid market value.
It’s not a price that was too high, but
a market that was thriving
Lack of Factual Data: Base your opinion of value on recent
documented sale prices
Bargaining Room: Buyers may offer low, but they will do that at
ANY price. It is easier to negotiate up to fair market value than to an
inflated price.
Move isn’t necessary: Even if the move isn’t urgent, it is important
to price correctly to preserve your marketing opportunities when the
move becomes urgent.
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10. Sample of Seller’s Estimated Closing Costs
Expected Sale Price:
What is owed?
(Mortgage Payoff Balance, Home Equity Loan Balances etc.)
$
What else is owed?
Payoff of any liens currently on the property
$
Account for all expenses of the sale?
Commission
$
Tax Stamps ($4.00/ thousand) $
Attorney Fees ($350.00= average) $
Misc Charges (payoff, wire fees, dis tracking) $
Discharges ($49.00 each) $
Sewer Assessments $
Water/ Sewage Usage $
Real Estate Taxes $
Smoke and Carbon Certificate ($30.00) $
Motor Vehicle Taxes $
Home Owners Association Dues $
Fire District Taxes $
Closing Cost Credits $
NET (Sales Price- Mortgages- Expenses) $
!

11. It’s all in the Details…!
Pricing, staging and marketing are the first steps in successfully selling your home, but closing
the deal requires in-depth knowledge and experience. Once you’ve accepted an offer, a lot of details
remain before you get to the closing table. A RE/MAX Sales Associate will help you understand
the process, navigate the details and keep the transaction on track.
You accepted an offer! What’s next…?
After all parties have agreed upon an acceptable purchase price and terms,
you will sign a purchase and sales agreement. Your agent will help you with
signing the agreement and answer any questions at that time.
Your file will then be turned over to your personal transaction coordinator.
Your transaction coordinator will…
- Provide you a copy of your file.
- Give you tasks that must be
completed by the required
times.
- Make sure no important dates
are missed.
- Stay in contact with the selling
agent, closing attorneys and
loan officers.
- Email you tips and advice for
making the transition into your
new home an easy, stress free
and happy one!
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12. !
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