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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 team of real estate agents 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 team of real estate agents once you choose one so they 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 team of real estate agents is the best way to determine the right selling price for your home. A team of real estate agents 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

We 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. Our 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. We 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 we deem the offer is acceptable, we 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 team of real estate agents.

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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. We 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, we 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. We 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 team of real estate agents 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.

Testimonials

"Jeff didn't just help us sell our home and buy a new one, he made it happen. I can say without a doubt that I would not own the house of my dreams today had it not been for Jeff. His knowledge, professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to us were exceptional. And his sense of humor and friendship made the process all the more enjoyable. Truly a great experience."
"Jeff didn't just help us sell our home and buy a new one, he made it happen. I can say without a doubt that I would not own the house of my dreams today had it not been for Jeff. His knowledge, professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to us were exceptional. And his sense of humor and friendship made the process all the more enjoyable. Truly a great experience."
Maureen K.
"Very supportive. Has up-to-date knowledge of the local market. We took the property off the market for reasons unrelated to Jeff. When we do sell, Jeff will be our agent."
"Very supportive. Has up-to-date knowledge of the local market. We took the property off the market for reasons unrelated to Jeff. When we do sell, Jeff will be our agent."
Seller
"Jeff sold our waterfront home in East Orleans and found us a new home in East Orleans within 30 days of the closing. We wanted to get to the next stage of life while we were physically, mentally, and emotionally able to make such an important decision. Jeff was someone that we could trust to guide us. He has great listening skills and will not discount anything you say as unimportant. He has a keen sense of the Orleans market how to price your property when selling and how to negotiate pricing on the buy side. He handled both wonderfully for us. He's a very competent fellow with an easy and pleasant personality."
"Jeff sold our waterfront home in East Orleans and found us a new home in East Orleans within 30 days of the closing. We wanted to get to the next stage of life while we were physically, mentally, and emotionally able to make such an important decision. Jeff was someone that we could trust to guide us. He has great listening skills and will not discount anything you say as unimportant. He has a keen sense of the Orleans market how to price your property when selling and how to negotiate pricing on the buy side. He handled both wonderfully for us. He's a very competent fellow with an easy and pleasant personality."
Ken & Christine R.
"Our family has been vacationing in East Orleans for the last 20+ years. When the opportunity presented itself this past fall to look for a place to call home away from home, we connected with Laura Clements at Cove Road Real Estate in Orleans. Laura was nothing but responsive to our initial inquiry, and our mostly practical but oddball list of needs wants, and wishes. Together we put together a list of homes to visit on a marathon property viewing day. She shuttled us around like a champ and helped us navigate the pros and cons of the various properties. We were connected throughout the process via email, texts, and phone calls - superb communication and engagement. When our offer on a home fell though, she persevered and helped us identify other properties of interest. When a home in a pristine location with most of what we wanted came on the market - she arranged a showing quickly. We fell in love with the second home and made an offer accepted. She made the whole process simple and straightforward. She made recommendations for local resources (bank, attorney, etc) that understand the nuances of the Cape. Laura was there every step of the way to ensure the inspection, seller communication, and paperwork were all in line so there were zero complications at what would be the smoothest closing ever. We closed last week and couldn't be happier! She has subsequently shared trusted business partners for painting, landscaping, etc to help ensure our ownership transition is a smooth one. We are grateful for her tenacity, attention to detail, and good humor throughout the process. We'd work with again in a heartbeat!"
"Our family has been vacationing in East Orleans for the last 20+ years. When the opportunity presented itself this past fall to look for a place to call home away from home, we connected with Laura Clements at Cove Road Real Estate in Orleans. Laura was nothing but responsive to our initial inquiry, and our mostly practical but oddball list of needs wants, and wishes. Together we put together a list of homes to visit on a marathon property viewing day. She shuttled us around like a champ and helped us navigate the pros and cons of the various properties. We were connected throughout the process via email, texts, and phone calls - superb communication and engagement. When our offer on a home fell though, she persevered and helped us identify other properties of interest. When a home in a pristine location with most of what we wanted came on the market - she arranged a showing quickly. We fell in love with the second home and made an offer accepted. She made the whole process simple and straightforward. She made recommendations for local resources (bank, attorney, etc) that understand the nuances of the Cape. Laura was there every step of the way to ensure the inspection, seller communication, and paperwork were all in line so there were zero complications at what would be the smoothest closing ever. We closed last week and couldn't be happier! She has subsequently shared trusted business partners for painting, landscaping, etc to help ensure our ownership transition is a smooth one. We are grateful for her tenacity, attention to detail, and good humor throughout the process. We'd work with again in a heartbeat!"
Janet L.
"I highly recommend Laura! She is the best from our first meeting after I chose to put my house on the market, to her follow-up after the sale, she was on top of every detail! This was my first time selling a house. I was nervous and had no idea how the process worked. She walked me through it all, including suggestions on what improvements should be made to get top dollar. She even calmed my nerves when I got anxious. She knows the market, she knows the Cape, she knows people, and she surely knows her job. A loving, compassionate woman with a huge heart."
"I highly recommend Laura! She is the best from our first meeting after I chose to put my house on the market, to her follow-up after the sale, she was on top of every detail! This was my first time selling a house. I was nervous and had no idea how the process worked. She walked me through it all, including suggestions on what improvements should be made to get top dollar. She even calmed my nerves when I got anxious. She knows the market, she knows the Cape, she knows people, and she surely knows her job. A loving, compassionate woman with a huge heart."
Beth C.
"We first contacted Samantha about a home she had listed that had had two offers in one day. She invested significant time with us, offering excellent insight into the market and promising to keep us informed of opportunities that might meet our goals. When the home unexpectedly became available again, she contacted us promptly and worked skillfully with us and the seller to enable us to purchase our dream Cape Cod home with a minimum of stress. Her knowledge of the area, including service providers, was extremely helpful. She was friendly, prompt, and professional, and her calm approach to the negotiations was critical to getting us over the finish line for the quick closing that we and the sellers had agreed to accomplish. Samantha is the real deal and has our highest recommendation and our sincere thanks."
"We first contacted Samantha about a home she had listed that had had two offers in one day. She invested significant time with us, offering excellent insight into the market and promising to keep us informed of opportunities that might meet our goals. When the home unexpectedly became available again, she contacted us promptly and worked skillfully with us and the seller to enable us to purchase our dream Cape Cod home with a minimum of stress. Her knowledge of the area, including service providers, was extremely helpful. She was friendly, prompt, and professional, and her calm approach to the negotiations was critical to getting us over the finish line for the quick closing that we and the sellers had agreed to accomplish. Samantha is the real deal and has our highest recommendation and our sincere thanks."
Kelly F.
"Laura listed and sold our house in Orleans. We are impressed with how passionate she is about real estate, and how knowledgeable she is about the Cape market. Laura took time to listen to our needs and developed a sound marketing plan for our house. From start to finish she was there for us. Highly recommended."
"Laura listed and sold our house in Orleans. We are impressed with how passionate she is about real estate, and how knowledgeable she is about the Cape market. Laura took time to listen to our needs and developed a sound marketing plan for our house. From start to finish she was there for us. Highly recommended."
Seller
"Our agent Laura Clements was amazing in helping us find and buy our dream vacation home in a tight market. Laura had every detail covered and was professional throughout. Laura’s knowledge of the Cape Cod real estate market is invaluable. Thank you!"
"Our agent Laura Clements was amazing in helping us find and buy our dream vacation home in a tight market. Laura had every detail covered and was professional throughout. Laura’s knowledge of the Cape Cod real estate market is invaluable. Thank you!"
Stephanie F.
"Trying to find and buy a house from 200 miles away was a daunting task until I met Jeff Cusack by happenstance. He was my eyes and ears on the Cape and more than one time saved me from myself. His knowledge of the properties on the entire Cape and all the players within its real estate community is amazing. This allowed me to find an incredible piece of property in the town I love so much for a great price. His patience is also a virtue. Finally, I was lucky enough to meet everyone else at Cove Road and was made to feel like part of their team."
"Trying to find and buy a house from 200 miles away was a daunting task until I met Jeff Cusack by happenstance. He was my eyes and ears on the Cape and more than one time saved me from myself. His knowledge of the properties on the entire Cape and all the players within its real estate community is amazing. This allowed me to find an incredible piece of property in the town I love so much for a great price. His patience is also a virtue. Finally, I was lucky enough to meet everyone else at Cove Road and was made to feel like part of their team."
Thomas K.

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