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Tips on Selling Home

Seller's Guide

A Step-by-Step First Time Seller's Guide

Putting your home on the market can be a stressful process, especially when you don’t know what to expect. Fortunately, with the help of an experienced agent and this easy to follow guide, you can smoothly complete the process. Following these steps will help you prepare so you can get organized and sell your home for the best price possible.​​​​​​​

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Step 1: Understand Why You're Selling

What do you want to accomplish with the sale of your home? Do you want to make a certain amount of money that you can put toward a larger or nicer home? Do you need to sell it as soon as possible to facilitate a move to a new city or area? Once you understand your needs, you can better craft your offer. For example, if you need to sell quickly, you might want to price your home lower than if your goal is to make a certain profit margin. Make sure you convey these needs to your real estate agent once you choose one so he or she can adjust your selling price accordingly.

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Step 2: Determine Selling Price

Knowing how to price your home is one of the most important parts of the selling process. When you set a fair price in the beginning, you’ll get the most interest from other real estate agents and prospective buyers. Overpricing your home could lead to reduced interest, and underpricing leads to receiving less than what your home is worth. Working with a real estate agent is the best way to determine the right selling price for your home. An agent with experience can determine what other comparable homes are selling for, evaluate the current market, and may even suggest a home appraisal.

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Step 3: Start Preparations

If you’ve kept your home in showroom condition since you’ve lived in it, you’re in the minority of homeowners. Once you price your home, it’s time to start getting it ready to be shown to potential buyers. This includes getting rid of clutter, depersonalizing the space so that buyers can envision themselves in the space, making any small repairs, and doing a deep clean to make sure your home is in pristine condition.

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Step 4: Develop a Marketing Strategy

I will develop a marketing strategy that is perfect for advertising your home. This involves listing the home and then driving the right people to that listing through social media campaigns, agent-to-agent referrals, traditional media, or SEO advertising. My team creates a marketing campaign that aims to get the most possible traffic to your listing in the first three weeks after becoming a client.

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Step 5: Evaluate Offers

Receiving an offer is an exciting part of the process, but it doesn’t mean the journey is over. I will evaluate each offer and make sure the party making the offer is prequalified or pre-approved by a mortgage lender and that their offer is acceptable to you. If the offer is too low, you can make a counter-offer or offer other ways to bridge the gap, such as covering some or all of the closing costs, making repairs, adjusting the move-in date, or leaving some appliances or fixtures for the new buyer.

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Step 6: Accept an Offer

Once I deem the offer is acceptable, I will review the proposed contract to make sure it’s all in order and includes the necessary components such as deposit amount, down payment, financing, inspection rights and repair allowances, contingencies, settlement date, and a list of fees and who will pay them. When both parties have agreed to the term, a final contract will be prepared by your agent.

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Step 7: Get Ready to Close

You have accepted an offer and are now very close to the end of your selling journey. But first, you and the buyer must make a list of what needs to be done before closing. In some cases, your home may need to be formally inspected, surveyed, and appraised. In other cases, major or minor repairs will need to be made before the house can close. I will head up efforts to develop and execute this list, get each action item paid for by the correct party, and make sure everything is in order by the closing date. A few days before the closing date, I will call the company closing the transaction to make sure everything is ready to go. If you haven’t done so already, you also need to make arrangements to move out of the home so the new buyer can take possession.

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Step 8: Close

You’ve reached the last step in the seller’s process. When you close on a home you are selling, you are legally transferring ownership of the property to the new buyer. I will meet with the company closing the transaction to sign the final paperwork and go over any issues that have not yet been taken care of. During this time, you can also make plans with your real estate agent to handle final details such as canceling utilities, cable, and lawn or trash services, changing the name on accounts that the new owner is retaining and ensuring the new owner has instructions for all appliances that will remain in the home.

Congratulations!

Once you have sold your home, you’re free to take the next step on your journey. Whether this is relocating to a new city, moving into a larger home, or downsizing and enjoying your life as empty-nesters, knowing all your selling responsibilities have been taken care of will help you achieve peace of mind for your new path.

Success Stories

Testimonials

"I have used Sarah as my personal Realtor for years. In addition, I have referred many friends and clients to her, all of whom have been so delighted with their experience. Sarah is beyond knowledgeable and has so many helpful contacts in the industry, from contractors to attorneys, she is friendly and compassionate and most of all, is honest. Integrity is so important to me and Sarah is the pillar of integrity. If I could give 10 stars, I would!"
"I have used Sarah as my personal Realtor for years. In addition, I have referred many friends and clients to her, all of whom have been so delighted with their experience. Sarah is beyond knowledgeable and has so many helpful contacts in the industry, from contractors to attorneys, she is friendly and compassionate and most of all, is honest. Integrity is so important to me and Sarah is the pillar of integrity. If I could give 10 stars, I would!"
Gina G.
"We enjoyed working with Sarah very much! She led us through the process of listing and selling our home and made it as pain-free as possible! Will work with her again when we make our next purchase."
"We enjoyed working with Sarah very much! She led us through the process of listing and selling our home and made it as pain-free as possible! Will work with her again when we make our next purchase."
Brooke
"Where do I start? Sarah is great! We recently moved from California to Wisconsin and she was extremely helpful in our home-buying process (first-time homebuyers btw). We were still living in CA when we started looking for homes and she was very patient with us, even when we thought it was going to be impossible to find a home. Somehow she worked her magic and she was able to find us a home that my husband and I both agreed on and that would be VA-approved. We don't know what we would have done without all her hard work and expertise! We are very grateful and lucky to have her as our realtor!"
"Where do I start? Sarah is great! We recently moved from California to Wisconsin and she was extremely helpful in our home-buying process (first-time homebuyers btw). We were still living in CA when we started looking for homes and she was very patient with us, even when we thought it was going to be impossible to find a home. Somehow she worked her magic and she was able to find us a home that my husband and I both agreed on and that would be VA-approved. We don't know what we would have done without all her hard work and expertise! We are very grateful and lucky to have her as our realtor!"
Bertha & Terry
"Sarah was beyond exceptional in the process of selling our home. Her team was top-notch as well, with total transparency, and no surprises, answered all questions and concerns in a very timely manner. The home selling game is way more complicated than it used to be and I'm glad I had Sarah in my corner to navigate the processes we had to go through. I've bought and sold many houses in the past, and this is by far the best experience I've had with an agent. Thank you Sarah (and team) for all you did, you guys rock!"
"Sarah was beyond exceptional in the process of selling our home. Her team was top-notch as well, with total transparency, and no surprises, answered all questions and concerns in a very timely manner. The home selling game is way more complicated than it used to be and I'm glad I had Sarah in my corner to navigate the processes we had to go through. I've bought and sold many houses in the past, and this is by far the best experience I've had with an agent. Thank you Sarah (and team) for all you did, you guys rock!"
Dave H.
"My husband and I began working with Sarah and her team aggressively at the beginning of 2022. This is the current housing market we are experiencing, Sarah really went above and beyond! She was responsive to questions, was honest, and would walk through any questions we had. Since we were first-time home buyers, we had a lot of questions. She was easy to build a quick respectful relationship with, and we felt like she truly knew what we wanted. It was refreshing to have a relator that had our backs when needed. She and her team work around the clock to take care of your needs. In the future, if we have any other housing needs we will absolutely return to her. Do not hesitate to have her as your realtor!"
"My husband and I began working with Sarah and her team aggressively at the beginning of 2022. This is the current housing market we are experiencing, Sarah really went above and beyond! She was responsive to questions, was honest, and would walk through any questions we had. Since we were first-time home buyers, we had a lot of questions. She was easy to build a quick respectful relationship with, and we felt like she truly knew what we wanted. It was refreshing to have a relator that had our backs when needed. She and her team work around the clock to take care of your needs. In the future, if we have any other housing needs we will absolutely return to her. Do not hesitate to have her as your realtor!"
Allie
"Sarah is the best realtor I could have hoped for. She went above and beyond. She anticipated my needs and met them. Sarah and the team were an absolute pleasure to work with and made the selling of my home seamless. I received just the right amount of updates and received a weekly summary. I appreciate you and highly recommend!"
"Sarah is the best realtor I could have hoped for. She went above and beyond. She anticipated my needs and met them. Sarah and the team were an absolute pleasure to work with and made the selling of my home seamless. I received just the right amount of updates and received a weekly summary. I appreciate you and highly recommend!"
Alicia
"We had an absolutely phenomenal experience with Sarah! This was our first time in Wisconsin, but our fifth time buying a home. Sarah's knowledge of everything was amazing. Her expertise in the area is great, she was able to explain in detail any home issues that are common in the state, her timeline for the transaction is always on point, and her communication is impeccable! We have had the pleasure of working with multiple great Real Estate agents in the past, but Sarah exceeded all expectations and we would love to work with her in the future! She is our number 1 and we would highly recommend her to everyone!"
"We had an absolutely phenomenal experience with Sarah! This was our first time in Wisconsin, but our fifth time buying a home. Sarah's knowledge of everything was amazing. Her expertise in the area is great, she was able to explain in detail any home issues that are common in the state, her timeline for the transaction is always on point, and her communication is impeccable! We have had the pleasure of working with multiple great Real Estate agents in the past, but Sarah exceeded all expectations and we would love to work with her in the future! She is our number 1 and we would highly recommend her to everyone!"
Kade
"We had the best experience with Sarah! She helped us look for a home for several months before we finally found a great place. Sarah helped us understand the market and write a competitive offer. She also helped us negotiate and ask questions about the inspection and appraisal as they came up. We are so grateful to Sarah for helping make this a good experience and are so happy with our home!"
"We had the best experience with Sarah! She helped us look for a home for several months before we finally found a great place. Sarah helped us understand the market and write a competitive offer. She also helped us negotiate and ask questions about the inspection and appraisal as they came up. We are so grateful to Sarah for helping make this a good experience and are so happy with our home!"
Erin
"Sarah is amazing! She helped us buy our home in a crazy market. She went above and beyond by doing virtual tours for us because we were out of state. When we found out that we were moving back to the West Coast, we reached out to her to help us sell and she did not disappoint! Sarah made sure both transactions went smoothly and we are very thankful we got to work with her!"
"Sarah is amazing! She helped us buy our home in a crazy market. She went above and beyond by doing virtual tours for us because we were out of state. When we found out that we were moving back to the West Coast, we reached out to her to help us sell and she did not disappoint! Sarah made sure both transactions went smoothly and we are very thankful we got to work with her!"
Bertha E.
"I absolutely loved working with Sarah! I began looking for my first home with Sarah in a really tough market, and she helped me every step of the way with complete professionalism and patience. She is so knowledgeable and has an eye for catching details, which was particularly helpful when we were looking at old homes on the east side. She was always quick to respond and move in a direction that fit my particular situation. I truly trust Sarah and will definitely work with her again when it is time to make a change. I would recommend Sarah to anyone looking to buy or sell in the Milwaukee area!"
"I absolutely loved working with Sarah! I began looking for my first home with Sarah in a really tough market, and she helped me every step of the way with complete professionalism and patience. She is so knowledgeable and has an eye for catching details, which was particularly helpful when we were looking at old homes on the east side. She was always quick to respond and move in a direction that fit my particular situation. I truly trust Sarah and will definitely work with her again when it is time to make a change. I would recommend Sarah to anyone looking to buy or sell in the Milwaukee area!"
Elizabeth
"Sarah is an excellent realtor. She is also a fantastic person. We could not be more pleased with her as the realtor who sold our home. She really cares about the people she represents. We will love her always."
"Sarah is an excellent realtor. She is also a fantastic person. We could not be more pleased with her as the realtor who sold our home. She really cares about the people she represents. We will love her always."
Ronald M.
"Sarah is an incredible realtor and amazing person, she helped me and my husband find a home after a long several-month journey in a tough market. Her strengths include high levels of organization and efficiency, along with patience and perseverance. Her knowledge of real estate, the MKE area, and this market is a great resource for first-time home buyers, and she has a deep bench of amazing contractors. The resource guides she creates are also wildly helpful. Her communication is speedy and professional. She spent a lot of time with us getting to know our wishes for the space, and despite a long list of "wants" and tight schedule constrictions, she always managed to find the time for showings and our questions and calls. During the final month before closing, she was very expedient with phone calls and relaying information, and really put our interests first. She goes above and beyond for her clients, and I am so glad that we connected with her when we started this journey. I highly recommend Sarah and her team!"
"Sarah is an incredible realtor and amazing person, she helped me and my husband find a home after a long several-month journey in a tough market. Her strengths include high levels of organization and efficiency, along with patience and perseverance. Her knowledge of real estate, the MKE area, and this market is a great resource for first-time home buyers, and she has a deep bench of amazing contractors. The resource guides she creates are also wildly helpful. Her communication is speedy and professional. She spent a lot of time with us getting to know our wishes for the space, and despite a long list of "wants" and tight schedule constrictions, she always managed to find the time for showings and our questions and calls. During the final month before closing, she was very expedient with phone calls and relaying information, and really put our interests first. She goes above and beyond for her clients, and I am so glad that we connected with her when we started this journey. I highly recommend Sarah and her team!"
Anisha A.
"Sarah was so helpful when I was purchasing my home. She was willing to work outside standard hours and got answers to all my questions. She was always willing to explain anything in detail and was very helpful at every step of the process. I am very thankful for her and would recommend her to any family or friend who is looking to buy in the greater Milwaukee area! Thank you, Sarah!"
"Sarah was so helpful when I was purchasing my home. She was willing to work outside standard hours and got answers to all my questions. She was always willing to explain anything in detail and was very helpful at every step of the process. I am very thankful for her and would recommend her to any family or friend who is looking to buy in the greater Milwaukee area! Thank you, Sarah!"
Caroline Z.
"Sarah has already had a proven history of achievements prior to us working together, and was highly regarded for her outstanding service, extensive understanding of the market, and prioritizing the needs of her clients. We then got to see Sarah's commitment, expertise, and tailored approaches which guaranteed seamless and prosperous transactions. She consistently surpasses expectations, creating a real estate experience that is not only hassle-free but genuinely pleasurable. At that time, while working with Sarah, we got our US citizenship, and since Sarah helped us buy our first home, we tend to consider her more than just a real estate agent, but a friend who has assisted our family in achieving an American dream! Without a doubt, we would highly recommend Sarah for all your real estate needs in Wisconsin!"
"Sarah has already had a proven history of achievements prior to us working together, and was highly regarded for her outstanding service, extensive understanding of the market, and prioritizing the needs of her clients. We then got to see Sarah's commitment, expertise, and tailored approaches which guaranteed seamless and prosperous transactions. She consistently surpasses expectations, creating a real estate experience that is not only hassle-free but genuinely pleasurable. At that time, while working with Sarah, we got our US citizenship, and since Sarah helped us buy our first home, we tend to consider her more than just a real estate agent, but a friend who has assisted our family in achieving an American dream! Without a doubt, we would highly recommend Sarah for all your real estate needs in Wisconsin!"
Srdan K.
"Sarah has helped us navigate through multiple purchases and sales of homes and condos. She is always going above and beyond what we were expecting and never disappoints us. We will never use any other realtor. She is the best."
"Sarah has helped us navigate through multiple purchases and sales of homes and condos. She is always going above and beyond what we were expecting and never disappoints us. We will never use any other realtor. She is the best."
Steve K.
"Sarah is a class act. She has sold several of my homes. She is always there to answer any questions or concerns you may have. I would definitely recommend her."
"Sarah is a class act. She has sold several of my homes. She is always there to answer any questions or concerns you may have. I would definitely recommend her."
Jim O.
"Responsive, knowledgeable, hard-working, and determined. Easy to work with."
"Responsive, knowledgeable, hard-working, and determined. Easy to work with."
Arthur R.
"Sarah has been my realtor three times so far and will continue when we need help again. First helped me sell my house for over the asking price on the first day of showings. Upon that sale, she helped me purchase my own condo. After another year later Sarah helped me sell that condo to purchase another home. She not only has been an excellent realtor going over and beyond what was needed but also has become a friend of ours as well. I highly recommend Sarah to anyone and everyone!"
"Sarah has been my realtor three times so far and will continue when we need help again. First helped me sell my house for over the asking price on the first day of showings. Upon that sale, she helped me purchase my own condo. After another year later Sarah helped me sell that condo to purchase another home. She not only has been an excellent realtor going over and beyond what was needed but also has become a friend of ours as well. I highly recommend Sarah to anyone and everyone!"
Jennifer K.
"Sarah is so awesome! She has a genuine desire to assist however she can which is undeniable. Her actions tell me she cares for her customers and clients first and foremost."
"Sarah is so awesome! She has a genuine desire to assist however she can which is undeniable. Her actions tell me she cares for her customers and clients first and foremost."
DuShon B.
"Sarah goes above and beyond in every aspect. Her attention to detail and advice throughout the process of both selling and buying is amazing. I can't imagine a better person to help through the stress of buying or selling!"
"Sarah goes above and beyond in every aspect. Her attention to detail and advice throughout the process of both selling and buying is amazing. I can't imagine a better person to help through the stress of buying or selling!"
Rick S.

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