Seller's Guide

Steps to Selling

I work hard for all my clients and guarantee the highest quality service and professionalism.

If you have made the decision to move, but don’t know where to start, don’t worry. I’ll help you prepare, price, and market your Charleston area property to secure the best return on your investment.

Selling a house is a major undertaking that can take several months from start to finish, but with my extensive local network & market knowledge, I can help you navigate the process more easily and increase the likelihood that you will be able to sell your home in your desired timeframe.

Check out my tips below about the selling process and let's connect when you're ready!

To begin the sales process, I will conduct a comparative market analysis (CMA) to estimate your home's value and determine an accurate listing price. The analysis considers the location, age, size, construction, style, and condition, of the property, as well as comparables.

Market Analysis

Even in competitive markets, buyers don’t want to pay more than they have to, so it’s crucial to get home pricing correct from the start. Going too high can backfire, while underestimating a home’s value might leave money on the table. I will help find the sweet spot of where to price your home by consulting numerous data points including comps (the sales price of similar properties that have sold recently in your neighborhood), so we can price your home appropriately from the start.

Accurate Pricing

I will provide you with a realistic timeline to get through the entire selling process based on the status of the current market, the repairs/upgrades that need to be done, and the community your home is in. Selling a home requires a lot of work and can be quite complicated, but rest assured, I will help you successfully navigate the process.

Realistic Timeline

You want your house to feel warm and livable, but you don't want to distract potential buyers with extra things lying around and a cluttered closet. Having everything as open and clear as possible showcases your house's living space. In some cases, decluttering may include renting a storage unit to clear closets, open up floor space, and show your home in its best light.

Home Preparation

In preparing your house for market, I can help you determine which upgrades will provide the best return on investment and which should be left for the new owners to personalize their space. Additionally, I can advise you whether to consider a pre-sale home inspection. This can be useful to identify any problem areas, especially if you suspect structural or mechanical issues that might need to be addressed to facilitate a sale. From my extensive experience in the Charleston area market, I know what buyers expect so I will be able to help formulate the best plan for your home.

Repairs & Updates

If your home needs repairs or upgrades, I have a vast network of handypersons and contractors who I trust and can recommend (as well a few that I would steer clear of). 😉

Contractors

Depending on the state of your house, deep cleaning could be extensive or minimal. Before your home is photographed and goes on the market, you'll want to make sure the carpets and floors are in peak condition - steam cleaning, grout scrubbing - and your windows and walls are washed and free of markings. Depending on need, you may also want to consider pressure washing the walkways and exterior of your home.

Deep Cleaning

Staging your home ensures that buyers will see it in its best light. It makes it easier for buyers to envision living in the home and helps them focus on what a property can offer. I can connect you with my favorite talented and affordable home stagers, or simply provide you with advice on the most important rooms and techniques to stage your home yourself.

Staging

According to lanscape economists, landscaping can contribute up to 28% of your home's overall value, so you'll want to be sure that the outside of your home is also primed for photos and an active sales listing. You can stage your exterior by keeping your yard tidy. Mow the grass, trim bushes and shrubs, and freshen mulch. You can add some color by planting flowers in the front yard or in pots on your front porch. In winter months, you may want to consider adding seasonal touches like a wreath or holiday lights.

Landscaping

Superb real estate photography and videography is essential to optimize your home’s online appeal. You’ve probably heard of curb appeal, but online appeal is now even more important because your home’s first showing is typically online. I have several experts in this field that I work with regularly. They can create photos, video tours, and aerial shots to showcase your home and highlight the most important features!

Photography

To alert agents who are working with home buyers, that your property is for sale, it will be listed in the MLS (multiple listing service). The listing will include details about the home, its location, and many other data points. I will work with you to ensure that any home features that are attractive to buyers in this local market are highlighted.

MLS Listing

I will help get your home maximum visbility with potential buyers through my extensive connections with local real estate profesionals, as well as the vast network of U.S. & International Berkshire Hathaway Home Services agents and partners who I work with.

Marketing Plan

Once you have a buyer, there are still many milestones to meet to get you to the closing table. As your agent, I will be there to ensure that each one of those milestones are met, so you can relax & focus on your upcoming move.