Selling Your Home in Gig Harbor, WA
Your Story, My Passion, Their Dream.
Selling your home is more than just a transaction; it's a chapter closing on a beloved story. I understand personally and professionally, the deep emotional and financial connection people have to their homes.. Your home is a reflection of your life, from the landscaping you've nurtured to the personal touches that make it uniquely yours. As an experienced Gig Harbor real estate agent with a keen understanding of the local market and a proven track record of client success stories, I'm committed to helping you navigate this important milestone with care and expertise. My goal is to transform your love for this sacred space into a compelling story that resonates with multiple buyers. Together, we will find the perfect buyer who will appreciate your home's character and history as much as you do while gaining the equity you deserve.
How do we get you those perfect buyers, high return on your investment AND all within a timely manner? Read on.
Understanding Your Vision
Before we dive in, I want to truly understand your goals. Are you downsizing, upsizing, embarking on a new adventure? Your reasons for selling are important to me, and they'll shape our strategy. This is what you can expect at our initial listing consultation. During our consultation, we'll delve into your aspirations, timeline, and financial objectives. Here we will also discuss what is included in my personal listing package to help you achieve these goals.
Timing is everything in real estate, especially when considering unique properties like yours and exactly when you need to move. My knowledge of the Gig Harbor market, combined with my experience with 1031 tax exchanges, can help you make informed decisions on when to go to live with your listed home. Whether you're looking to capitalize on market trends, need to time your sale for your next home purchase, or tax advantages; I'll guide you through the process.
Unleashing Your Properties Potential
The sanctuary you've called home is a unique gem, and it deserves to truly shine and showcase all the avenues of it’s use to potential buyers. To make the most of your property's appeal, we'll focus on a few key areas:
Pre-Inspections- A pre-inspection provides a clear picture of your home's condition, allowing you to address any issues before they become problems. If applicable, investing in a well water testing/ inspection and septic inspection before going to market. Now you’re taking control of the selling process and positioning your property for a smoother, more successful transaction. To learn more about well and septic system requirements in Pierce County, visit the Pierce County Health Department website for information on RSS Reports, As-Built drawings, and potable water testing for your well.
Appliance Servicing- This would be a good time to get your heat pump or furnace, HVAC or air conditioner serviced if it hasn’t been done in awhile.
Professional Landscaping: A well-manicured yard is the first impression for potential buyers. Let's create an outdoor oasis that complements your home's character from the internet to the moment they pull in the driveway.
Exterior Refresh: A fresh coat of paint on your home and clearing cluttered outbuildings can work wonders. We will discuss how to enhance your property's curb appeal.
Deep Cleaning: A sparkling clean interior and exterior essential. I recommend professional cleaning services to ensure your home is immaculate from top to bottom.
This seems like a costly laundry list of items for you to do, doesn’t it? Once you have made the decision to work with me, we will sit down again and go over what is included in my listing package. Together we will discuss and plan what works for you, your schedule and your budget without compromising your sanity or your pockets. I’ll also put together a “get your home ready for market” itinerary, all you will need to do is mark your calendar for the corresponding days. From my experience with previous clients, it takes some faith, a bit of trust (maybe also a deep breath), and when you do what is necessary in the beginning everything falls into place.
Take the pictures these two pictures for an example. Clients’ of mine hired 3 other agents over 4 years to try to sell their unique German style luxury home in Federal Way. The first picture was captured by a professional photographer I hired. The second picture was taken by my client. The agent he hired asked him to take photos of the home and send them to him. Yikes. The difference in pictures of this gorgeous home in all of its glory and uniqueness speak for themselves. This may seem like a small detail, but if a buyer is deciding within seconds…I think we both know which home they’d be touring first. In the end, the home sold for over what the sellers initial goal was while maintaining their 1031 tax exchange deadline. Now that is a picture worth a thousand words!
Staging- Professional staging isn't just about furniture; it's about setting the stage for a quicker, more profitable sale. By creating a space that buyers can envision as their own, we can significantly reduce your time on the market.
From my experience with representing both buyers and sellers; I can tell you that the homes that are staged are the ones that bring the wow factor and make the biggest impact. As a matter of fact, I have only sold one home that wasn’t staged because it was a fixer.
In today's fast-paced digital world, a home's online presence is paramount. A compelling online listing is often the first impression potential buyers have of your property, and the decision is now made in mere seconds. That's why I offer each of my clients a comprehensive marketing strategy designed to showcase your home's unique qualities and attract the right buyers.
Professional Photography- High-quality images capture your home's best features, highlighting its character and appeal. Your home will be featured on the NWMLS, our Mosaic brokerage website, Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com, Homes.com, and also local Gig Harbor brokerage sites for easy viewing for potential buyers. My goal is to transform a few pictures into numerous home tours.
Crafting a Winning First Impression
Personal Items vs. Professionally Staged
Vacant vs. Professionally Staged
Vacant
Personal Items
Staged
The data speaks for itself when it comes to staging your home. Here are some 2024 statistics from an article from zebra.com pulling data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the Real Estate Staging industry.
85% of staged homes sold for 5 to 23% over their listing price.
22% of sellers’ agents reported a 1% to 5% increase in selling price for homes that had been staged versus homes that were not.
Home staging brings in an 8-10% return on investment.
A staged home spends 73% less time on the market than a non-staged home.
81% of homebuyers say that a staged home makes it easier for them to sell their home
Once your home is primed and ready to shine, it's time to introduce it to the market. We'll already have a strategy in place for the optimal listing price based on current market trends, comparable sales, and your home's unique features. To maximize interest and competition, we may consider offering a review date for incoming offers. This approach can create a sense of urgency and potentially lead to multiple offers.
When offers start rolling in, I'll guide you through the process with care and expertise. Understanding contingencies is crucial. These are conditions that must be met before the sale can close. Common contingencies include financing, inspections, and appraisal. As your advocate, I'll help you assess the risks and benefits of each contingency and negotiate terms that protect your interests.
Negotiating on your behalf is one of my core responsibilities. I'll leverage my market knowledge and negotiation skills to ensure you receive the best possible offer. Whether it's addressing financing concerns, negotiating repairs, or discussing closing costs, I'll advocate for your needs and help you achieve your goals. My aim is to guide you through the negotiation process with confidence and peace of mind.
A Seamless Transition: Going Live, Offers & Contract
Smooth Sailing to Closing
Congratulations! You're officially under contract! Once we are under contract, you will immediately receive a congrats email from me with the detailed timeline of what to expect up until closing day. With references to all parties involved so that you never miss a beat. I’ll even let you know when to expect some quiet from everyone so that you don’t stress. Now, let's navigate the path to closing so you know what to expect when that time arises.
Key Steps After Going Under Contract:
Inspection Period:
The buyer will typically schedule a home inspection to assess the property's condition.
This will be an opportunity for the buyers to negotiate any necessary repairs, credits, or adjustments to the purchase price before moving forward to closing.
Appraisal:
The buyer's lender will order an appraisal to determine the property's market value.
If the appraisal comes in lower than the purchase price, the buyer may need to cover the difference or renegotiate the terms.
Loan Approval:
The buyer's lender will review their financial information and issue a final loan approval.
Title Search and Insurance:
A title search will be conducted to ensure clear ownership of the property.
Title insurance will be purchased to protect both the buyer and seller from potential title claims.
The Final Walkthrough:
This will be organized between the buyer’s agent and their clients, normally it is conducted within a week of closing. The final walkthrough is to ensure that everything in the home is the same as it was when going under contract. For example, there hasn’t been further damage due to moving, a fire, flooding…you catch my drift. This is also a perfect time for the buyer’s to do some measuring for furniture, remodeling, etc. Don’t worry if you still have furniture in the space, this is to be expected before closing.
Closing Day: t's almost closing day and it's a bittersweet moment! We're about to finalize everything, including signing the deed that officially transfers ownership – it's the culmination of so much hard work. You'll also be signing the closing statement, which lays out all the financials, so you'll have a clear picture of everything. And of course, the buyer’s agent will be transferring over the keys to the new buyers, marking the start of a new chapter for them and for you. It's a day of celebration and new beginnings, and I'm so happy to be a part of it.
A Harmonious Close: Navigating the Final Steps
The closing process is the culmination of a journey. As we approach this final phase, my commitment to providing a smooth and stress-free experience remains unwavering. I'll handle all the necessary paperwork and coordinate with the buyer's agent, lender, title company, and home inspector to ensure a harmonious transition.
Key aspects of this process include:
Mindful Documentation: I'll meticulously prepare and review all required documents, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and adherence to strict timelines. By staying organized and proactive, I'll help streamline the closing process and keep you informed every step of the way.
Trusted Escrow Management: We’ve partnered with a reputable escrow company to handle your timeline to close, providing you peace of mind for a punctual close.
Expert Coordination: I'll serve as a central point of contact, coordinating with all parties involved to maintain a seamless flow of communication and progress daily.
Post-Closing Care: Even after the keys and well deserved congratulations are exchanged; I'm always here to offer ongoing support, addressing any questions or home needs in the future.
My passion is to create a home selling experience that is as positive and fulfilling as the journey that led to it. Together, we'll navigate this final step with confidence, ensuring a seamless transition that sets the stage for your next chapter. Ready to embark on this journey? Schedule a consultation with me today to discuss your specific goals and explore how I can help you achieve a successful sale.