SELLER STRATEGY

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SELLING A HOME

We control the process, You control the decisions.

Your home is likely your largest financial investment and one of the most significant transactions you will ever make. It is understandable that you want to maximize your investment by selling it for the best price and most favorable terms. However, selling a home is far more nuanced than simply placing a "for sale" sign in your front yard.

Every home possesses unique qualities that demand thoughtful consideration during the selling process. In an ever-evolving market, it's essential to collaborate with a seasoned real estate professional who understands how to effectively position your home in today's marketplace.

Our partnership begins with a seller consultation and continues through to key handover and beyond. With our expertise in property preparation, pricing, and marketing, we’ll be your steadfast guide throughout the process to ensure you achieve your desired price and time frame. Our expertise is in controlling the process, so that you can control the decisions.

Step 1

The Consultation

Our initial meeting is all about getting to know you and your unique goals for selling your home. By gaining a deep understanding of your objectives and expectations, we can craft a tailored strategy that not only meets your requirements but also addresses any concerns you may have.

Whether you're a first-time seller or seasoned in the real estate market, we often find common questions cropping up in the process. These may include:

  • How quickly will your home sell, and can it align with your preferred timeline?
  • What is a competitive price for your home in our current market?
  • Are there any home improvements or updates that should be considered to maximize your return on investment (ROI)?

Rest assured, we'll work closely with you to tackle these concerns and any others that may surface throughout the selling journey. Our ultimate goal is to ensure a smooth, stress-free, and successful sale of your home.

Step 2

Determine Value

Following our consultation and an on-site tour of your home, we'll craft a Comprehensive Market Analysis (CMA) which is a detailed examination of your neighborhood's housing data. This, paired with an assessment of your home's condition and unique features, will allow us to offer you a suggested list price.

UNDERSTANDING

A Comparative Market Analysis

A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) plays a pivotal role in pinpointing the ideal price for your home within today's market. The evaluation process begins with a meticulous review of comparable homes in your area, allowing us to identify the unique attributes that distinguish your home and what potential buyers will find most appealing. We also dive into market data and statistics, including recent sales, current inventory, and trends within our market. Equipped with this comprehensive information, we can provide you with a well-informed recommendation for a list price.

CMA: IN-DEPTH STUDY INCLUDES:

  • Comparable properties that have sold in the last 3-6 months.
  • Current available properties that are similar in size and condition to yours.
  • Current properties that are pending and sold.
  • Size of the property including bedroom and bathroom count, plus square footage.
  • Condition and finishes throughout the home focusing on kitchens and bathrooms.
  • Specific features unique to your home such as view, garage, additional dwelling unit, etc.
  • Lot size, access and landscape condition.
  • Neighborhood profile, including location and schools.
  • Proximity to amenities including local establishments and public transportation.
  • If a condominium, consideration of monthly dues as well as balance of association reserves.
  • Additional amenities such as pool, gym, concierge, parking and storage.

Step 3

Property Prep

In addition to the CMA, we will also provide recommendations on updates and repairs that can enhance your return on investment. These suggestions may range from a quick fix like a fresh coat of paint to more significant upgrades such as replacing countertops. Our goal is to offer valuable guidance that will make your home appealing to a broad range of potential buyers. With ourproject management expertise, we can provide qualified vendors to help with the various projects as well as oversee the repairs and updates as needed.

Step 4

Marketing

It's important to note that marketing is a crucial component of selling your home. In today's digital age, having an online presence is essential, and we will utilize various marketing channels to showcase your property.

From professional photography and color brochures to possible video tours, we will provide potential buyers with a comprehensive view of your home.

Additionally, we will actively promote your listing on multiple real estate websites, and leverage our wide network of real estate colleagues to generate more visibility for your home.

Lastly, we will feature your home on several social media platforms, introducing your home to our followers and expanding its visibility to a broader audience.

Photo_realistic_Marketing image

Step 5

Listing

Aside from preparing for sale, you'll also need to decide whether you'd like to continue living in your home while it's on the market or explore the option of relocating. There are some advantages to having an empty property, especially in the initial weeks of listing, but we’ll review together the options available to you.

Once your home is ready for market, we'll kick off the process of showcasing it to potential buyers. We'll arrange open houses for both our fellow real estate colleagues as well as public opens to attract potential buyers.

Rest assured, we'll keep you well-informed throughout the journey. You can expect to receive a Weekly Listing Report which will include details on the number of showings, website traffic, and online exposure your listing is receiving. Additionally, we'll share any valuable feedback provided by potential buyers and their agents after visiting your home.

Step 6

Offer received

Congratulations, all of our hard work has paid off and you've received an offer! Now what? At this stage, we'll assist you in evaluating the contract terms, highlighting any potential red flags, and determining the pros and cons of each offer. We'll also guide you through the offer negotiation process, securing favorable terms, and ensuring that the buyer has the ability to close. Although uncommon, some challenges may arise during the transaction. As your broker, it is our  responsibility to anticipate these challenges and ensure that all parties stay on track to achieve our objective of closing as agreed, and most importantly, on time.

Sold Home

HOW TO

Prepare your home for market

When it's time to put your home on the market, you want to ensure it stands out and makes a lasting impression on potential buyers. Here's a checklist of key areas to focus on for maximum impact:

EXTERIOR:

  • SPARKLING CLEAN WINDOWS AND SCREENS:

    Professionally clean both the interior and exterior of your windows and screens. Store screens away during photos and showings to showcase your home's unobstructed views.

  • CURB APPEAL ENHANCEMENT:

    Conduct an extensive yard cleanup, which includes mowing and edging your lawn, weeding, mulching flower beds, and trimming shrubs and trees. When removing dead plants, replace them with fresh shrubs and grass to rejuvenate your landscaping.

  • REVIVE CONCRETE SURFACES:

    Give all concrete surfaces a fresh look by pressure washing them.

  • DECK AND PORCH BEAUTIFICATION:

    Clean and stain or paint wood decks, railings, and porches to create an inviting outdoor space.

  • EXTERIOR REPAIRS:

    Attend to any damaged trim and siding, and repaint as necessary to give your home a polished appearance.

  • GUTTER MAINTENANCE:

    Clean out gutters and make any needed repairs to ensure proper drainage.

INTERIOR:

  • HIRE THE PROFESSIONALS:

    Schedule a professional move-out clean, having them pay special attention to inside cabinets and appliances, wiping down baseboards, cleaning vents, and getting in to the tight corners that you may not have reached in a while.

  • FLOORING REFINEMENT:

    Evaluate the condition of your floors. Consider replacing or professionally cleaning carpets as well as stretching to address any ripples. For hardwood floors, consider refinishing them to restore their original luster.

  • FRESH PAINT:

    Repaint walls, trim, and doors with a single, neutral color throughout your home for a cohesive look.

  • BATHROOM AND KITCHEN TLC:

    Steam clean tile surfaces, repair grout, and re-caulk where necessary. Update appliances if they are over a decade old to modernize your kitchen. Consider replacing counters with a modern surface such as stone or quartz.

  • LET THERE BE LIGHT:

    Remove window treatments to maximize natural light and create an airy, welcoming ambiance.

  • STAGING FOR SUCCESS:

    Consider professionally staging your home to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that helps potential buyers visualize themselves living there.

By addressing these key areas, you'll be well on your way to presenting a home that's ready to impress and attract eager buyers. Your dedicated effort in these areas can significantly enhance your chances of a successful sale.

Step 7

Escrow

An essential element of the real estate transaction process is the involvement of an impartial third party known as escrow. The role of escrow is to receive and oversee contract documents as well as funds deposited by buyers, sellers, and lenders, to facilitate the successful closing of your new home. Hand in hand with escrow, we will maintain close oversight of your transaction to guarantee a smooth and trouble-free closing experience.

Step 8

Closing

As your closing date approaches, your escrow officer will reach out to coordinate the signing of your documents, officially passing the baton of homeownership. They will also ensure that the title to the property is free and clear from any liens or defects.

In the midst of your moving preparations, it will be helpful to remember the little details—leave the house keys, mailbox keys, garage openers, and any other essential home system controls behind. For a smooth transition, consider providing a list of your trusted service professionals to handle ongoing home maintenance. And be sure to consult your Moving Guide; it's packed with a handy checklist for updating addresses.

Navigating a move can be a whirlwind, so if you're in need of resources like relocation assistance or reliable movers, we've got your back. Perhaps you're on the lookout for a dependable real estate agent to assist you in finding your new home in the upcoming chapter of your life. Rest assured, our commitment goes beyond the transaction—we're here as your go-to resource for all things home. Consider us your partners as you embark on this exciting journey.

UNDERSTANDING

The cost of selling your home

When considering the sale of your home, it’s natural to have questions about the expenses involved. To provide you with a general idea, we have highlighted some of the costs that may arise throughout the process. Once we have progressed through the market analysis phase of your property, we’ll can provide you with a more comprehensive breakdown to help you accurately gauge your final net proceeds. Your clarity and confidence in the financial aspects of your sale are paramount to us.

EXPENSE: AMOUNT: WHEN TO PAY:
Property preparation Variable Prior to closing
Home inspection $500 - $850 On inspection day
Sewer inspection $200 - $300 On inspection day
Septic inspection $300 - $1000 On inspection day
Listing broker compensation 2.5 - 3% of the sales price* Paid at closing
Buyer broker compensation 2.5 - 3% of the sales price* Paid at closing
Mortgage payoff Balance of your loan Paid at closing
Excise tax (city & state) 1.6% - 4% of the sales price* Paid at closing
Title insurance $1500 - $3500 Paid at closing
Escrow services $1500 - $1900 Paid at closing
Property taxes Pro-rated based on closing date Paid at closing
Utilities Pro-rated based on closing date Paid at closing

*Rates and fees quoted are estimated and are variable dependent upon sale price.

Mel and Sheila Dennis

We are happy to recommend Theresa Bianchi as a real estate agent. Her qualities of enthusiasm, knowledge, expertise and skill helped us prepare our house for sale successfully. She instilled confidence in us to make some changes and to show the house at its best.

A & A Wilkerson

My husband and I have worked with Therese on three separate occasions selling two homes then buying our dream home. Therese had a great feel for local market trends and communicated to us fast and effectively. Her hard work has allowed us to easily understand and accomplish our real estate goals. Therese really enjoys helping people and her sense of integrity, culture and family is at the highest level. We will definitely recommend Therese and her team to anyone who may need their first-class assistance with buying or selling a home!

Hilda Memisha

We were very lucky to have found Therese Bianchi. She helped us on planning, keeping track and advising as we were getting ready to sell our house. She was side by side with us and it helped us a lot in facilitating the sale process. Therese is a great negotiator, and she is truly enjoys her
profession which she is really good at. She pulled out statistics to help us determine the price and be realistic on the return of the sale. She also had a wonderful crew who photographed and staged our home to perfection and was there to help and sell our home. We rated her five stars, but she needs triple that!

Nancy Doyle

I highly recommend Therese Bianchi for any of your real estate needs. She knows the business well, and she works so hard for you. If you need her help she’ll help you move, she’ll help you get boxes, she will help you in the simplest matters and in the most complicated where it really counts. I was apprehensive not using an attorney but I had no worries for any legal problems or complications because Therese knows her job. When we were selling our home she had so many open houses as we were selling it it kind of an odd time of year. I was worried that nobody would come look but she made it happen and she sold it and took such good care of myself and my husband. You will not regret hiring Therese she is organized and kind and professional.

Per Junkerman

Theresa Bianchi is the go to if you’re thinking of buying or selling a house in the South Sound. She is attentive, detail-oriented, honest, timely and will outwork the competition. Her familiarity with the local market and current trends, paired with her ability to read the situation and negotiate on your behalf puts her clients in the best hands possible in a highly competitive market. Go with Team Bianchi. You won’t be disappointed.

Paul Veldhuis

Therese helped me through the sale of my first home. Her ideas, experience, professionalism and undivided attention got my house sold in 5 days at a higher price than I was expecting at a time when the market had already turned. My entire experience with Therese was flawless. She graciously worked around my timelines and expectations. I would recommend Therese Bianchi to anyone and everyone who wants a seamless and professional experience buying or selling a home.

JC

Therese was a class act from start to finish. Not only did she have amazing insights into the local market but she also provided staging which was a huge win for the sale of the home. I can't say enough about how she went above and beyond to make the deal happen and I wouldn't even think about hiring someone else.

Melvin Wells

I grew up with Therese, so she was the one and only person I thought of when I needed to sell my mother’s home. In an extremely stressful situation, Therese guided me every step of the way. I can honestly say I don’t know how I could have gotten through this without her. In the end, with her experience and expertise, I was able to quickly sell my mother’s home, at a price that will allow me to care for her for many, many years. I cannot thank her enough!

Roberto Ros

Therese Bianchi is a unique Realtor! To ensure the best and fastest sale of our house she has gone above and beyond the scope of her work. We have to say that Therese is in a different league. She is competent, energetic, forthcoming, with a clear, down to the point mind. Therese knows her job inside out and does it with great enthusiasm. Three words may define her the best: Energy, Competence and Wheels-spinning (from minute one).

Thank you, Therese!

Mullen

I had the good fortune to work with Therese as both a buyer and a seller. She is committed to her clients and doesn't rest! Therese's knowledge of the market and attention to detail is exceptional. Her expertise and tireless energy led to 2 smooth transactions in a few short weeks. Therese was
incredibly patient with me, always available for questions and went above and beyond. You will be  very pleased you chose to work with Therese!

Dave

We had already decided on a different realtor when we interviewed Therese, really just as due-diligence. it was going to take something really outstanding to unseat the incumbent who we had bought the house from years ago. Therese showed up with an enthusiasm about our house and within a day she produced a detailed portfolio which suggested a selling price that was way above what the other realtor had suggested. we selected Therese based on her fire and the WAM (Walk Away Money) that she suggested we would get over and above what we had expected. She guided us through the preparation to sell, did an awesome job of staging the house to attract a specific market niche and with just more that 2 weeks on the market sold our house for the asking price. Selecting Therese netted us an extra $60,000, WAM!! This is no BS, I would recommend Therese to anyone. Thanks Therese! WAM!

Martin Patricelli

Therese is a real estate professional! She was defiantly the right choice to represent me. She listened to my needs and then shared her thoughts. Theresa brings a fun attitude to her profession and is ingenuous in all her interactions. Each person who viewed the property were treated like a
family member, not just someone to make a sale to. I wish everyone in her profession shared that courtesy!

From marketing, personal clientele and showings, Theresa kept the lines of communication open and current. Found a buyer, closed the deal.

I have recommended Theresa to several associates and will continue to do so. I am only sorry that I that I did not know or hire her for past real estate transactions, but Theresa Bianchi will be representing me whether buying or selling!

Therese Bianchi

THERESE BIANCHI

Therese Bianchi is a dedicated and passionate Real Estate Broker who strives to achieve exceptional client results. As a native of the Greater Puget Sound region, she has an intimate understanding of the local Real Estate market and is always eager to share her insights with her clients. Her love and enthusiasm for the region are apparent in her work, and she takes great pride in helping her clients find the perfect home in one of the area's many charming communities.

Therese is known for her high energy, tenacity, and determination which she brings to every aspect of her work. Her clients appreciate her dedication and commitment to serving them with true advocacy and a compassionate, impactful approach. With her background as a personal trainer, she is always up for an adventure or a challenge, and she brings that same level of enthusiasm to every real estate transaction.

Contact Therese Bianchi today if you're looking for a real estate broker who will go above and beyond to help you achieve your personal real estate goals. With her insightful perspective, impeccable service, and warm, authentic attributes, she will surely provide you with a truly impressive real estate experience.