Step 1: MARKETING

Your CENTURY 21 Scheetz agent will create a marketing plan for your home that will help distinguish it in your local marketplace and attract buyers to your property. More than 82% of buyers start their search on the Internet. This is why your CENTURY 21 Scheetz agent will showcase your home on dozens and dozens of Real Estate websites. Your agent will also include some print advertising, holding open houses, brokers opens, and much more.  CENTURY 21 Scheetz Sales Professionals use the CENTURY 21 Scheetz Marketing Advantage Strategy to create a personalized marketing plan for you. Its purpose is to ensure your home receives the exposure it deserves.

Step 2: SETTING THE PRICE

A key part of the marketing plan is setting the list price. If a home is priced too low, it may cost you money. If a home is priced too high, potential buyers may be scared away. To determine the best asking price your CENTURY 21 Scheetz agent will review with you the cost of recently sold homes, evaluate the competition and study marketplace trends. CENTURY 21 Scheetz Sales Associates are trained to use this information to help you reach the right asking price. It is also helpful to discuss other terms and conditions, such as timing and items that can be included with the sale of the home. Both of these can make your home more attractive to potential buyers.

 The following are a few things to keep in mind about pricing:

·         Realistic pricing will achieve maximum price in a reasonable time.

·         Your cost or profit desire is irrelevant; the market determines the price.

·         The cost of improvements are almost always more than the added value.

·         Houses that remain on the market for a long time do not get shown.

·         A house that is priced right from the beginning achieves the highest proceeds.

Another critical factor to keep in mind when pricing your home is timing. A property attracts the most attention, excitement and interest from the real estate community and potential buyers when it is first listed on the market.  Improper pricing at the initial listing misses out on this peak interest period and may result in your property languishing on the market. Eventually leading to a below market value sale price, or, even worse, no sale at all. Therefore, your home has the highest chances for a fruitful sale when it is new on the market and the price is reasonably established.

Step 3: SHOWTIME

Now it's time to get your home ready for the spotlight. Start with a good cleaning, then eliminate any clutter, add a fresh coat of paint and tidy up the yard. Talk to your CENTURY 21 Scheetz Sales Professional about other tips that can help boost a home's curb appeal and impress potential buyers once they're in the door. One way to make a home more attractive is to purchase a Home Protection Plan. This insurance protects you, the seller, from paying repair or replacement costs of major items during the listing  period. It also protects the buyer during their first year of homeownership. In addition, make sure you are aware of all the federal, state, and local disclosure laws. This information can be obtained by the specific local and federal government agencies or from your local CENTURY 21 Scheetz Office

Step 4: PROTECTING YOURSELF

In some cases, a home sale can also be an invitation for danger. Here are some things you can do to make the process safer.

·          Ask for identification.

·         Ask for pre-approval letters.

·         Lock up and hide collectibles and valuables

·         Remember "For Sale" signs bring in buyers. Do not allow your children to open doors to strangers.

·         If you have pets, make sure they are controlled.

·         Remove any dangerous items.

·         Talk to your CENTURY 21 Scheetz Sales Professional about additional safety tips to help protect you and your family.

Step 5: MAKING THE DEAL

A buyer has made an offer - now it is time to negotiate. Rely on your CENTURY 21 Scheetz real estate professional to guide you through this process. He or she will help you arrive at an acceptable price, terms and conditions. Once you have accepted an offer, help keep the deal together by meeting deadlines and criteria, including home inspections, appropriate buyer visits, scheduled deposits and other steps. In fact, during this period there may be a renegotiation of the accepted offer price depending on the outcomes of these visits. As the closing nears, you may also need to perform repairs or do additional work to the house as agreed upon in your contract. In addition, you will need to have the house "broom clean" prior to the closing so that the buyer can complete a final walk through. When you finally arrive at the closing table, come prepared with the appropriate certificates and approvals as required by your town, county and state. Ask the appropriate agency or get a list of what you need from your local CENTURY 21 Scheetz Office. Once the money has exchanged hands and all the papers signed it's time to hand over the keys and concentrate on your next big project - getting YOUR new home in order.