Seller Information
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The Moving Process

MOVING ON
Regardless of the reason, the decision to sell a house is not an easy one. Once you have determined that it’s time to move on, you need a professional at your side

COMMODITY
Once your home is on the market, it becomes a commodity… in competition for the attention of other homes in Randolph and beyond. Regardless of price point, buyers must determine that your home is a good value based on the asking price and condition of the property. I will help you prepare your home and price it correctly based on the latest market data and real estate trends.

BULLHORN
We have the price and the house looks great. Now we take out the bullhorn and let the world know the house is for sale. Don’t be shy!  I offer my 20 years of real estate expertise, along with the marketing know-how and name recognition of Coldwell Banker to make the sale a reality. From our cutting edge website to our exclusive Lead Router system, we do more than anyone else to bring attention to your home in order to find the right buyer.

I will present a marketing plan that includes mailings, marketing flyers and brochures, open houses to other leading Realtors and to the public and more.

KEEP TALKING
Whether we are speaking on the phone or email, I will be in constant communication with you… keeping you up to date with any changes to the market, local employment issues and timely reports on any showings of your home.

OFFERS
According to law, all offers must be presented… but the decision to accept an offer is up to you. I will work on your behalf to get you the best terms (price, occupancy and finance terms) possible. Just as the decision to accept an offer is up to you, the decision to make an offer… and the terms of that offer are the decision of the potential buyer.

NOW WHAT?
The offer is accepted and we clear attorney review. Now I continue to watch out for your interests and communicate with the buyer’s Realtor to complete the home inspection, resolve outstanding issues and keep the mortgage process on track so the deal closes successfully.

WHERE IN THE WORLD?
Whether your heart is set on another home in Randolph, NJ or one in Randolph, California (just 2,396 miles from here), I can help. Let’s talk about your next exciting step! If you’re relocating in or around Morris County, I would be happy to help you find your next home. If you are moving outside of the area, I can introduce you to a Coldwell Banker professional in our 3,700 offices in the US and around the world.

Selling Tips

Preparing Your House for Sale

  • DECLUTTER: Go through your basement and garage and get rid of anything you won’t be taking with you. Donate what is good and throw out what’s left. If you’re interested in selling that spare dresser or lawn mower on Craigslist and are not familiar with the process, give me a call and I will be glad to help.

  • LOOK: Walk across the street and check your house out as if you’re seeing it for the first time. Is your house warm and welcoming? Make sure bushes are trimmed and windows are clean.  Make sure banisters are tightly fastened and that the doorbell works. First impressions are important!

  • CLEAR: That special collection or group of family portraits may hold memories for you, but are only a distraction to others. Box items that you are taking with you now to make surfaces as clear of clutter as possible.

  • RENOVATIONS: Not necessary in all cases, but if you’re thinking of a new kitchen or bath to make the home sell better, keep it neutral. Same with paint, carpet and wall coverings. Call me for advice on which renovations get the best return on investment, colors that sell, or for a one-on-one consultation.

  • FURNITURE: Sometimes that extra cabinet or foot rest… the added TV cart or grouping of chairs makes a room look small and cramped. Move spare furniture to the basement and store these items neatly until moving day. If you don’t think you’ll take these items with you, dispose of them now. I will be glad to visit with you to help arrange furniture to maximize your space.

  • INSPECT: Have your home pre-inspected.  You’ll be better off if you correct defects now instead of waiting for a surprise once you’ve found a buyer. Keep the inspection report to show to buyers. This will show your commitment to the transaction.  Feel free to call me for names of several qualified home inspectors.

  • DOCUMENTS: Review paperwork, including the current balance on your mortgage, current contracts and warrantees you may have with vendors. Have information on utility costs ready. Buyers will ask for this information. Call me with any questions on your mortgage status. It is best to address any potential legal or financials before a buyer is found.

  • INTERVIEW: Find an attorney who specializes in real estate before selling your home. He/she can offer pricing for services and advice on any legal issues that may come up. I have a list of qualified attorneys with whom we work, and would be glad to recommend several to you.


How to Show Your House

I recommend the following steps in order to show a home to its fullest potential. Whether it is minor changes to the way the home looks, or a profession presentation, the goal is to present the home and all of its advantages.

  • LIGHTS ON, DRAPES OPEN! The goal is to make your house look as big, bright and open as possible. If you’ve ever been to a model home, you’ll notice that professional builders have all the lights on and have the drapes open… regardless of the weather outside.

  • TURN IT OFF: If you’re home while we’re showing the house, turn the golf or football off while buyers are coming through. You want buyers focusing on the house, not on the great touchdown pass that was thrown in the third quarter.

  • TURN IT ON: Choose some soft rock or soft jazz to set a mood for the potential buyer.   Load your iPod with a playlist of songs that are welcoming, or find the right CD to play. Contact me for suggestions.

  • MAKE YOUR BED AND CLEAN UP: Beds that are made and rooms that are neat make a difference in the appearance of your home. A messy home may send the message that the house is too small to hold the items the buyer may have.

  • NEAT AND CLEAN. Clear off surfaces, especially in the kitchen and baths. Clean off crumbs in the kitchen, clear dishes from the sink and put away the toothpaste and hair dryer in the bathroom.

  • SPARE THE APPLIANCES: A counter that is crammed with a toaster, bread maker, pasta machine and food processor can make a kitchen look small. Store small appliances when not being used.

  • COLLECT YOUR COLLECTIONS: Sometimes collections or photos that interest you become a distraction when the house is being shown. We want the customer to look at the house, not the contents. Get a head-start on packing by storing items in boxes now. The house should show warmth while appearing spacious and inviting.

  • BE SECURE: Consider putting valuable or irreplaceable keepsakes, out of reach so they are not accidently damaged by a potential buyer or their kids. This is a rare occurrence in real estate, but it does happen.

  • SHHHHH: Realtors discuss the features of a home before viewing, so don’t be surprised if the agent is quiet during a showing. The potential buyer is picturing him/herself in the house and sometimes less said is better. If you are home and want the Realtor to mention something about the house, call him/her aside and mention it to them.  Overselling with comments like “and we have…. Don’t forget the new….” can make you seem overanxious when it comes time to negotiate.

Feel free to contact me for advice on the preparation of your home or for more detailed selling tips. I can be reached at andrew@randolphnjhomes.com or 862-432-2771.

The Legal Fine Print

  • If your property is currently listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit offerings of other real estate brokers. We are happy to work with them & cooperate fully.
  • I represent either a buyer or a seller in a transaction. When an offer is made, I represent one side of a transaction, but never both at the same time.
  • If I am representing a seller and bring an offer from a buyer, a non-interested third party from Coldwell Banker becomes involved in negotiations so that all parties can be represented fairly.
  • I am not an attorney, and cannot practice law. I STRONGLY recommend that buyers and sellers retain the services of an attorney. I also recommend that you secure an attorney before the negotiations… I can provide the names of several attorneys in our area with whom either I or one of my colleges have worked.
  • Full disclosure: I must, and will divulge any material defects found in a property or any potential fraud that anyone discusses with me. Please treat others as you would like to be treated… it makes life much easier for all parties.