You and your spouse have been talking about it lately and have agreed this year is the year. 2023 is the year y'all want to sell your home and upgrade. Your current home was great over the years, but it might be too small, not close to where you spend most of your time, or too far from friends and family. Feeling cramped or stuck in traffic every day is no way to live. But now that you made this decision, you get overwhelmed with many questions. Is now the right time to move? Will I get the price I want? What does the selling process look like? And so many more.

We know you have many questions about what needs to happen before and during your decision to move. We've created a complimentary resource with answers to the 27 most common questions we've received over the past 20 years that help get our clients "unstuck." You'll feel confident to take the next step in the process. If you have an unanswered question, please don't hesitate to let us know. Last but not least, if you would like to get the most money possible in the quickest amount of time, set up a time for a consultation. 

1. What Is My Home Worth?

The two most significant factors in determining the value of your home are Location and condition. Zillow and Realtor.com can sometimes be a good range, but depending on these resources exclusively could cost you lots of time and money. You might be in one of three phases. 

#1. You say,  “I want a fast and free evaluation. Not considering a move, but I want to know how much your home has gone up or down."

What's My Home Really Worth?

 

#2. You say, “I plan to sell my home but not now. I want a fast and free evaluation and Lauren and Blake to review and consider the upgrades I have completed or plan to complete to determine a more accurate value.” 

Schedule a 15-minute consultation. 

 

#3. You say “I plan to sell my home soon, and I need Blake to schedule a 15-minute walk-through and run a CMA to determine the most accurate valuation available. 

Schedule a 15-minute walk-through.

2. Will I get the price I want?

Here's the good and bad news about the price you want. The bad news is that the market determines all real estate's value, so it doesn't care about the price we need or want. The good news is we've seen it all in 20 years, and we'll be able to educate you on the actual value of your home. If the price you want doesn't match, you'll save yourself a headache and tons of frustration. If it fits what the market has determined, you might decide if now is the right time to sell. 

Schedule a time to talk about working with us today. 

3. Is Now The Right Time To Move?

 

There are many reasons my clients have decided to make a move through the years. The most common are: 

– Their current home is too small

– They want to be closer to friends and family

– They are tired of sitting in traffic and want to be closer to kids' school, activities, work, and recreation. 

– They've experienced career advancements and can now afford their dream home. 

– Change in relationships: Newly married or blended family, empty nest, death in the family. 

– New Job or transfer

– Find a home with less maintenance 

Of course, there are many other reasons, so if you need more clarification, Schedule a time to chat about selling your home.

4. Does It Make Sense For Me To Sell My House In The Current Market?

There are many factors to consider because everyone's situation is different. However, here are some reasons it makes sense to sell your house in the current market. 

– You understand the reason you want to move. Ie. My current home is too small, Change in relationships, career advancements, budget is more significant, moving closer to friends and family, etc. 

– You're also buying or building another home in the current market. The people at the highest risk are those trying to "time the market." They believe the housing market is at the top and prices will come down in two years. a.k.a sell high and buy low. None of the research and data shows this is the predictable future.  

– The market has shifted, but there's still low inventory and plenty of buyers. Meaning it's still a seller's market. 

– Interest rates are at their peak and will start to adjust down over the next couple of years. Buyers now have some confidence to be able to refinance soon. 

Schedule a time to talk about working with us today. 

How much money will I net?

 

It can be nerve-wracking to be in the dark about how much money you will get out of the sale of your home. It can determine the very decision to sell your home or not. I.E., will I get enough to buy the new house I want? Can I renovate the new home the way I want?  

Each transaction is different, but we've created a net sheet that gives our clients a visual of how much money they will receive depending on the final sales price. 

Schedule a time to review your net sheet today!

 

5. What are closing costs?

Closing costs are the buyer's cost to purchase a home. Included but not limited to; Lender and title company fees, discount points, prepaid taxes, and insurance. While this is the buyer's responsibility, sometimes the seller contributes toward these costs to offset the buyer's out-of-pocket expense while netting the sales price the seller desires.

Here's how it works: The seller has their home on the market for $500,000. They are comfortable accepting any offer at or above $490,000. A buyer makes an offer but wants to avoid $10,000 for their closing cost out-of-pocket. The proposal is for $500,000 and $10,000 in closing costs. Given the seller's no out-of-pocket expense and the sales price of $490,000 they find acceptable, the buyer does not have to pay the closing cost out-of-pocket. Just to remind you, not all situations require the seller to pay closing costs.

6. What Other Costs Are Associated With Selling?

A standard cost associated with selling your home is the Realtor commission of six percent, but other costs could be necessary depending on the situation. This possible cost might include the following: 

– Recommendations for repairs to prepare the home for sale

– Paying a buyer's home warranty

– Defects found in an inspection

– Buyer's closing costs

– Termite certificate or treatment

– Moving costs

– Etc. 

Every situation is different, and the level of skill your agent has can determine how much you end up paying or not.

Schedule a time to talk about working with us today. 

7. What Does The Selling Process Look Like?

You've probably heard the phrase, "It's simple, but it's not easy." That's how the selling process looks. There are so many "what-ifs" and twists and turns that no two transactions in our 20 years have been the same. The steps remain simple until there is a problem.

Click the link to see the simple selling process, but if you are considering selling your home, only an experienced expert can navigate the unknowns that come up along the way. 

Steps To Selling Your Home

Schedule a time to talk about working with us today!

8. How Much Time Will It Take To Sell My House?

Homes that sell the fastest often sell for the most money. Three factors determine the time to sell your home—Location, condition, and price. We base the average days on the market on the most recent homes sold in your area. Then determine the sales price based on the condition compared to the buyer's expectations and willingness to make an offer on your home. I will even recommend upgrades and repairs to help your home sell faster. 

 

Every situation is different, and the level of skill your agent has can determine how much you end up paying or not.

Schedule a time to talk about working with us today!

9. How Involved Do I Have To Be In This Process?

Do you remember Ron Popiel? He made appearances in infomercials for the Showtime Rotisserie and coined the phrase "Set it, and forget it!" Working with an expert Realtor (us) will feel like setting it and forgetting it during the selling process. You’ll have only five simple responsibilities in the process—#1. Hire us—#2. Complete our recommendations to prepare the home to sell (we’ll even provide the trade pros to use) #3. Instruct us on how you would like to proceed on decisions as we move forward; #4, pack and move, and #5, sign the sale paperwork at the end.

We will handle the rest!

Implementing our 22-point ​Top Dollar Marketing Plan, expertly negotiating everything on your behalf, showing coordination, process management that includes a minimum of 12 people who have to be on the same page, constant communication, dozens of forms and documents to execute, and so much more!  

Schedule a time to talk about working with us today!

 

10. Will The Process Be Stressful?

It doesn’t have to be. In our 20 years, We’ve heard many stories of people experiencing extreme stress, and then we see our clients have peace and confidence during the process.

It boils down to five things that make all the difference.

1. Is your Realtor structured and organized?
2. Does your Realtor have a step-by-step process for EVERYTHING and know how to manage the unknowns?
3. Is your Realtor calm under pressure, and can they give you the correct advice?
4. Is your Realtor patient when things hit the fan?
5. Does your Realtor constantly communicate every step of the way so you are informed and prepared? 

 We've spent our career mastering these skills to search for each client in the best possible way. 

Schedule a time to talk about working with us today. 

 

11. Do I Really Need An Agent, Or Can I Sell The House Myself?

There’s no such thing as “luck” in real estate! 

Do you remember the good old days when anyone could sell their home at any time and make thousands, perhaps tens of thousands, in profit?

Maybe you do or don’t. But I do.

Even though today’s financing programs make it easier than ever to buy a home, times have changed. Buyers are more sophisticated. They’re more discriminating in what they buy and more skeptical.

Today, they have information sources available on the internet...that weren’t available years ago.

No question about it...the “easy sell” days are over. 

If you’re trying to sell your home today ...With or without a real estate agent... You could lose thousands of dollars and take an enormous amount of time.

If you don’t know what you’re doing

That’s why we wrote this report. Every day we see sellers lose money and waste precious time because they make critical mistakes they didn’t have to make. Here are just a few...

• Not getting accurate information about how to price your home correctly.
• Not getting a “total picture” of the entire market before you sell your home.
• Selling your home in the 2020s using outdated marketing techniques and methods from the 1980s and 1990s.
• Trying to add costs of home improvements on top of your sales price.
• Not understanding how to “dress” your home so it shows like a model home and commands top dollar.
• Using worn-out, ineffective “image advertising" to promote your home.
• Hiring a real estate agent who tries to sell their “multi-million dollar producer” pitch instead of demonstrating skill and proficiency in marketing homes.
• Letting a real estate agent seduce you into their services by promising you an over-inflated sales price.
• Not having bridge financing or other contingencies if you are on a deadline.
• Hiring anyone who isn’t willing to educate you on a systemized approach to selling your home...AND can back up their analysis with FACTS, not opinions!
• Not understanding whether you should sell your home yourself. (It may be to your advantage to go it alone, OR it may save thousands and end countless headaches to use a REALTOR®.) How do you know?

Many “​old school” ​real estate companies still believe all you need to do is put your home in MLS, pop up a sign, and the buyers will flock to your door. Or who says, “We give you the highest level of quality, trust, integrity, and service.” (Isn’t that the least you should expect from an agent?).

Or those agents who inflate your home’s value to “trick” you into listing with them. Or the ones who tell you, ​“I’ve got a buyer right now who would love your home, and if you list with me right now...”

You need to watch out for these dinosaurs because, as well-intended as they may be, they’re about to cost you thousands and waste your time!

Selling a home today requires a totally integrated approach many real estate agents are simply not aware of.

You should expect detailed FACTS...not simple promises, opinions, and fancy pictures. And you should expect straight answers, not “sales pitches” or other hype that seduces you to hire a company that boasts they’re “the biggest” or “the best.”

There are six important marketing steps in the home selling process YOU need to know about. We’ll dive into each of them in the E-Book, so you’ll know what you’re doing and can receive Top Dollar proceeds for your home - whether you use a real estate agent or not. 

Top Secrets For Selling Your Home With or Without A Real Estate Agent

12. What Is The Standard Commission For An Agent?

The standard commission is six percent for a full-fee, full-service Realtor. As a consumer, we’ve experienced two principles regarding paying a fee—

#1. “You usually get what you pay for.” Whenever we have chosen the cheapest option, we are usually disappointed with the outcome—

#2. “Price is only an issue in the absence of value.” We have only had a problem with the price we pay when we don’t feel we got enough value for it.

It’s ok. No one really knows what standard to expect from their Realtor, so you’re left to compare on limited resources and no way of knowing who will actually do what they say. It’s hard to tell because hiring a Realtor is an experiential service.

In contrast, when you buy a computer, you can test both at the store and see what features and functions you like best. Then buy it, and If you don’t like it, you can return it. With a Realtor, you will only know if what they say they will do will happen after you’ve committed. And what’s worse is you’ll never know if someone else would have been better when it’s all over.  

So, how will you know who to pick?

The price might be important, but at the end of the day, it’s three things.

#1. Can I trust you?

#2. Are you good at what you do?

#3 Do you care about me?

Schedule a time to talk about working with us today. 

 

13. Will I Have to Hold A Traditional Open House?

 

No! It might shock you that only 1%-2% of homes sell from traditional open houses. So why do so many Realtors do them and make them part of their marketing strategy?

We'll let you in on the dirty little secret about them. Real estate agents hold traditional open houses because they hope a buyer will walk into your home without an agent. They know well and good that the buyer's chance of buying your home is 1% -2 %, but if they can build rapport with them, they may hire them as their agent.

TO BUY SOMEONE ELSE'S HOUSE!

There you have it—the truth about traditional open houses. (for unique situations, we have two untraditional and effective ways to use open houses to help generate feedback and position the home for a better chance of receiving an offer.) 

Schedule a time to talk about working with us today. 

 

14. Am I Making The Right Decision?

Selling your home can be an emotional experience, and you are very normal if this happens to you. There are so many things to consider, and what makes it even harder are the potential obstacles that come up throughout the entire process. It can feel (at times) like you have to endure too much to get this sale to go through.

We always hear, "If it's meant to be, then it will be." 

While there is truth to that statement, selling a home can bring many challenges and require perseverance. In our experience, the only way to use the phrase, "if it's meant to be..." is to explore every possible solution you and your agent can come up with and then select how to proceed and keep repeating. Once you've exhausted all possible solutions and it still doesn't work, you might have to move on and decide to cancel a purchase agreement or take your home off the market. These are tough decisions so having the proper guidance you can trust is pivotable. 

Schedule a time to talk about working with us today. 

 

15. Where Will I Move To?

In today's market, there are definitely fewer homes available than active buyers.

Do I sell first and then find a home or buy a home first and then list my home?

Half of my clients want to sell first, then buy, and the other half want to buy and then sell. It depends on what you are most comfortable with, but there is a solution for both groups. Before you list your home, you should have a few things worked out, and your agent (us) can help you determine which method will work best for you.

Step #1 - Make a list of wants and needs.

Step #2 - Determine how much a month you want to pay for your new home

Step #3 - Drive around the areas you desire the most and make notes of what you like and do not like about those areas so you can eliminate some.

Step #4 - I'd like you to schedule a time to meet with me, and I'll walk you through the process. (If you're an overachiever, here are the next steps, but you can stop watching and schedule a time with us now.)

Step #5- Speak to a mortgage lender to verify the payment and qualifications necessary to obtain financing.

Step #6 - Determine what it will take to prepare your home for sale and a sales price to determine your net proceeds.

Step #7 -We tour a few houses in different areas to get a feel for what you like and make sure some choices fit your wants and needs.

#Step 8- Create a strategy with Lauren & Blake to proceed. 

Schedule a time to talk about working with us today. 

 

16. Where Do I Begin?

Almost everyone starts here. Some google it, and some ask friends where to begin, but all of it never seems to fit your situation. It makes sense but needs to provide the clarity you are looking for in your search.

-- You might start doing renovations or projects around the house.

-- You might look on Zillow or Realtor.com at what the value might be.

-- You might even download a book to learn how to begin.

I think the best place to begin is to find out why you want to move. Once you have the real reason, a professional can make your life much easier. We can have a conversation where you lay out your thoughts and questions and, in minutes, receive answers that will allow you to know exactly how to proceed. If we discover now is the right time to begin the home selling process, We'll provide a straightforward step-by-step process for you to follow. 

Schedule a time to talk about working with us today. 

 

17. Will This Be Difficult?

The most difficult part of selling your home is ensuring you feel three things from your agent.

1. Can you trust them?
2. Are they good at what they do?
3. Do they care about you?

If you have a strong gut feeling that they cover all three, the process becomes easier, and you never feel alone.

Schedule a time to talk about working with us today. 

 

18. Why Are Different Agents Giving Me Conflicting Information?

Many agents live in a constant state of fear. They're terrified to upset you and possibly lose you as a client, so they tell you what they think you want to hear to get you to sign the contract. You need the best advice, but how can you make the best decision if you don't get the best advice? My method is to be honest and upfront (gently) with the facts so you can make the best decision for yourself and your family.

Jokingly, but we are serious when we say, "I'd rather you be mad at me upfront for sharing the truth than get you to sign a contract just to drop a bomb on you three weeks later that has you questioning if you can trust me. 

Schedule a time to talk about working with us today. 

 

19. Why Are Agents Telling Me A Different Number Than Zillow Or Realtor.com?

Depending on how similar the homes in your area will determine the accuracy of an online algorithm. Zillow cannot consider the condition of houses that differ in quality of amenities and/or different types of construction or age. If you have a multi-family close by, Zillow cannot differentiate commercial real estate from your home. Last,  real estate is all about "Location, Location, Location," and studying the area is the only way to understand what buyers find the most desirable part of a city.

For example,  buyers might be willing to pay more on one side of a street than another, even though it's incredibly close in proximity. 

Schedule a time to talk about working with us today. 

 

20. Should I Put Money Into Updating My Home?

Updating your home is one of the most complex parts of preparing your home to sell.

What updates are too much, and what needs to be more?

Of course, if you updated and fixed everything, it would be easier to sell, BUT would you get a return on the money you spent?

This is the million-dollar question!

The basic rule of thumb is neat and clean go a long way if you are still determining what updates you should do. Paint, damaged floors, light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, and deferred maintenance are all good things to update before selling your home. Look at the colors on Pinterest or visit new construction to understand paint colors, flooring, and fixtures.

If you are considering spending $25,000 + on updates, you should talk to us first if your goal is to get a return on your investment.

If you are still determining exactly where to start and want to prepare your home for sale, the easiest and safest thing to do is schedule a 15-minute walk-through with me, and we'll prioritize your list of updates and save you a ton of time and money. 

Schedule a time to talk about working with us today. 

 

21. Can I Sell My Home "As-Is"?

"As-is" has two meanings in the world of real estate. On the one hand, when clients ask me this question, they might want to know, "Do I have to do any updates or fix anything?" It can be yes or no, depending on the sales price you desire to receive. Three things sell homes: "Location, Condition, and Price." The price must adjust if the condition is below the buyers' expectations. Also, they might want to know, "Do I have to make any repairs found on an inspection?" Every buyer will have a right to an inspection, and if both parties cannot agree, the buyer does not have to buy your home.

So, you are not obligated to make any repairs, but it might be necessary to consummate a sale. A professional can guide you to the best possible outcome. On the other hand, the actual definition of "as-is" is once the sale is complete, the buyer will not be able to come back if anything breaks and hold you responsible. Selling your home "as-is" is the best practice in Louisiana. 

Schedule a time to talk about working with us today. 

 

22. What Will Buyers Think Of My Home?

The way you live in a home and the way you SELL a home Are TWO very different things!

When showcasing your home for sale, it will look very different from when you were living there.

Here are a few tips for showcasing your home for sale:

❖ First impressions set the tone for a buyer visit, and they’re LASTING! Approach your home in your car as any buyer would. Examine the outside as you’re approaching. How does it look? Are shrubs away from home? Oil in the driveway? How does the grass and landscaping look? Cluttered looks detract from the architecture of the home. A clean, polished landscape says your home is valuable and well-maintained!

❖ Take a look at your actual home. Is the paint fading or chipping? Is the color outdated or impersonal? How does the roof look? As you drive up to or away from your home, what do you see first?

❖ Now, go inside just like a buyer would. You want to be aware of four senses: smell, touch, sight, and hearing. Go through room by room and test all four senses. Check flooring and carpet for stains, overall wear, and orders. 

❖ Most importantly: Pack away all appliances, get rid of excess furniture, put away useless dishes, and make your home neat and orderly. If you’ve ever visited a model home, you’ll notice it’s clean and uncluttered. You have to move anyway, so you might as well pack early and make your home more saleable. Go to the garage and make sure it’s neat.

❖ Hire someone to clean your home professionally. Top to Bottom! Clean and cosmetic fix-ups, especially in the kitchen, bathrooms, and master bedroom, can many times yield you up to $10 in extra sales price for every $1 you invest.

❖ Pets should be out of sight (and smell!). Get rid of pet odors for showings. Remember the four senses. Also, some people are uneasy around pets, and they may distract attention from the features of your home.

❖ Pay particular attention to lighting. During the day, open all your blinds and curtains. If it’s cloudy out, turn on all lights for showings. At dusk, leave your front drapes open and turn on all the lamps and lights.

❖ At night, do the same but close your blinds and curtains. When showing your home, turn off all appliances, television, radio, and anything that will distract attention from your home.

❖ You might want to play a little light music to enhance the emotional experience for your buyers. Remember, you want it to feel like “home.”

❖ Most importantly, if there are any problems with the home or title, you must DISCLOSE them to any potential buyers. If you’re using a REALTOR® (me), they can help you sort out these issues and disclose them in a way that will minimize their impact on a buyer. 

Schedule a time to talk about working with us today. 

 

23. Are Buyers Going To Ask For Credit?

In today's market, receiving a request for repairs or credits is prevalent. The million-dollar question is how many repairs (if any) will I have to do or how much in credits will I give? Sometimes, this can be a more complex negotiation than just agreeing to a purchase price.

The short answer is you can decide to make some, all, or none of the requests, but having an expert who has years of experience directly could be the difference in giving up only $500 to move the deal forward or $5,000 that's not necessary, but you think it is to make the deal. Worse yet, the transaction might fall apart, and you must start all over. You can avoid this by retaining the right Realtor. 

Schedule a time to talk about working with us today. 

 

24. How Much Work Do I Have To Do?

Some clients take the time and money to make as many repairs as possible to maximize their return. In contrast, others wish they could, but their current situation won't allow for it. We base each pricing strategy on Location, condition, and price. We take the good parts of the Location and then focus on comparing the condition of your home to the comparable homes sold and their price range. This method will give us a benchmark to share the low, middle, and high price range depending on how much or little work you want to do. 

Schedule a time to talk about working with us today. 

 

25. What If The House Doesn't Sell?

Ninety percent of houses that do not sell when there is a willing seller and a willing buyer are due to the agent's lack of skills or expertise.

A good agent will lead you through many steps.

#1 - the discovery process of why it's important to you to sell your house.

#2-  Determine an expert pricing and marketing strategy.

#3 - Guide you through each twist and turn because they've been through it before and know how to help you succeed.

With us, The only reason your house won't sell is that you decide not to sell. 

Schedule a time to talk about working with us today. 

 

26. Who Do You Call When You Need A Great Service And Trade Professional?

You're planning to sell your home, but you know you'll need to hire a handyman or contractor to make repairs. Where do you start? How much will it cost you? Will they be able to finish on time? And who do you call to fix it? You won't need to “google it” or “roll the dice” on whether you're getting a reasonable price for quality work on a realistic timeline. We've seen some good contractors and some really bad ones in my twenty years in real estate. So, We've compiled a short list of good-quality painters, plumbers, electricians, HVAC specialists, flooring specialists, carpet cleaners, house cleaners, landscapers, roofers, pool specialists, home remodelers, home builders, handymen, and more. If you're considering selling your home and enlisting us to help, We'll share my trusted trade and service professional for free. 

Schedule a time to talk about working with us today. 

 

27. What Can Past Recessions Tell Us About the Housing Market?

It doesn’t matter if you’re someone who closely follows the economy or not; chances are you’ve heard whispers of an upcoming recession. Economic conditions are determined by a broad range of factors, so rather than explaining each in depth, let’s lean on the experts and what history tells us to see what could lie ahead. As Greg McBride, Chief Financial Analyst at Bankrate, says:

“Two-in-three economists are forecasting a recession in 2023 . . .”

As talk about a potential recession grows, you may be wondering what a recession could mean for the housing market. Here’s a look at the historical data to show what happened in real estate during previous recessions to help prove why you shouldn’t be afraid of what a recession could mean for the housing market today.

A Recession Doesn’t Mean Falling Home Prices

To show that home prices don’t fall every time there’s a recession, it helps to turn to historical data. As the graph below illustrates, looking at recessions going all the way back to 1980, home prices appreciated in four of the last six of them. So historically, when the economy slows down, it doesn’t mean home values will always fall.

Most people remember the housing crisis in 2008 (the larger of the two red bars in the graph above) and think another recession would be a repeat of what happened to the house then. But today’s housing market isn’t about to crash because the fundamentals of the market are different than they were in 2008. According to experts, home prices vary by market and may go up or down depending on the local area. But the average of their 2023 forecasts shows prices will be net neutral nationwide, not fall drastically as they did in 2008.

A Recession Means Falling Mortgage Rates

Research also helps paint the picture of how a recession could impact the cost of financing a home. As the graph below shows, historically, each time the economy slowed down, mortgage rates decreased.

Fortune explains mortgage rates typically fall during an economic slowdown:

“Over the past five recessions, mortgage rates have fallen an average of 1.8 percentage points from the peak seen during the recession to the trough. And in many cases, they continue to fall after the fact as it takes some time to turn things around even when the recession is technically over.”

In 2023, market experts say mortgage rates will likely stabilize below the peak we saw last year. That’s because mortgage rates tend to respond to inflation. And early signs show inflation is starting to cool. If inflation continues to ease, rates may fall a bit more, but the days of 3% are likely behind us.

The big takeaway is you don’t need to fear the word recession when it comes to housing. Experts say a recession would be mild and housing would play a key role in a quick economic rebound. As the 2022 CEO Outlook from KPMG, says:

“Global CEOs see a ‘mild and short’ recession, yet optimistic about the global economy over a 3-year horizon . . .

 More than 8 out of 10 anticipate a recession over the next 12 months, with more than half expecting it to be mild and short.”

Bottom Line 

While history doesn’t always repeat itself, we can learn from the past. According to historical data, in most recessions, home values have appreciated, and mortgage rates have declined.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home this year, let’s connect so you have expert advice on what’s happening in the housing market and what that means for your homeownership goals.

Schedule a time to talk about working with us today.