Selling Property in Marin
The steps you will be guided through during the selling process.
If you’ve made it to this page, then you probably have been thinking about selling your home for a while, and now decided it’s time to seriously consider who you can trust to get the job done. You likely know more than one agent, and probably read online reviews, and even received recommendations from family, friends, or neighbors. Selling your with the least amount of hassle, and at the highest price is most appealing to you.
Who you hire as your Marin listing agent matters, It matters a lot.
You want an agent with a strong track record.
You want someone who is respected by other agents and can get your home in front of the best buyer.
You want someone who understands your needs and will fight for every last dollar with your best interests in mind.
And you certainly want a solid negotiator who’s organized and can oversee the entire process.
Ultimately, you want someone you can trust.
The agent you hire does make a difference. You will end up selling your home with the least amount of stress and at the highest possible price and best terms.
Step 1 | Initial Consultation
The initial consultation allows you to share your current situation, ideal outcomes, the situations you want to avoid, and what you do and do not want in an agent. If it is determined that we are a good fit to work together to sell your home, a Residential Listing Agreement will be completed and signed, with a tentative price and agreed-upon terms. This agreement initiates the listing process and grants me permission to market and sell your home.
Step 2 | Planning & Preparation
The planning step allows for a comprehensive evaluation of your property, including its features, size, and location, as well as current market trends and recent sales of comparable properties. This analysis provides an opportunity to discuss and finalize potential property updates or upgrades, inspections, mandatory resale requirements, and the marketing plan, including promotion, staging, pricing strategy, and timing. The seller disclosure package will be started.
Preparation of your property will follow the agreed-upon plan and be carried out by trusted vendors and service providers. You may use your own trusted local vendors or ones who have supported my prior transactions. A project manager, when applicable, will work with the listing agent throughout the process for scheduling and marketing purposes.
Step 3 | Execute the Marketing Plan
When your home is ready for sale, whether on- or off-market, it is important to attract the highest number of qualified buyers. This step focuses on executing the marketing plan through a blend of cutting-edge technology, powerful online and digital marketing, and traditional methods such as high-quality brochures, public open houses, and targeted outreach to local agents who may have buyers for your property.
Once the property is ready, it can be presented to potential buyers as an Off-Market, Coming Soon, or Active listing on the MLS. From there, the planned marketing initiatives will be implemented and monitored, with results evaluated and communicated to you on a regular basis. Revisions to the marketing approach and pricing strategy will be made as necessary.
Step 4 | Review Offers and Reach Agreement with Buyers
Whether or not an offer deadline exists, offers from potential buyers will be presented for your review. Each offer will include specific terms and conditions that we will discuss and clarify as needed. Based on the information gathered, and when applicable, you will be advised on negotiation strategies to help achieve your preferred outcome. This step is completed once a final agreement is reached with a buyer.
Step 5 | Complete Settlement Process
This step is guided by the specific terms of the purchase contract. Escrow will be opened, and the buyer’s earnest money deposit will be made. The buyer will receive escrow instructions and sign the necessary documents. Any agreed-upon repairs will be completed, and all remaining contingencies will be removed. A final walkthrough of the property will be completed to confirm that it is in the agreed-upon condition and that any outstanding issues have been addressed. The buyer’s remaining funds will then be deposited into escrow, and the deed will be recorded.
Step 6 | Congratulations on your Sale!
The long-awaited closing day has arrived. We will make sure all final requirements are met so that the deed can be recorded and ownership is successfully transferred.
Congratulations on the sale of your home!
Step 7 | After-Sales Service
You will receive resources for after-sale home owner needs. Additionally, we will help find your next home or assist with relocation needs.
Appraisal
Assessment of the property’s market value, for the purpose of obtaining a mortgage and performed by a licensed appraiser.
Assessed Value
Value placed upon property for property tax purposes by the Tax Collector.
Closing Costs
Expenses incidental to a sale of real estate, such as loan fees, appraisal fees, title insurance and escrow fees.
Closing Statement
The statement which lists the financial settlement between Buyer and Seller, and the costs each must pay.
Contingency
Certain criteria that have to be met in order to finalize the sale.
Conventional Mortgage
A mortgage or Deed of Trust not obtained under a government insured program such as FHA or VA.
Credit
Money given to a buyer from a seller through escrow at closing.
Escrow
A neutral third party that handles the transfer of any money during
the sale of a home from initial deposit to final funding and closing.
Earnest Money Deposit
Buyers in California usually deposit 3% of the purchase price to show
that the buyer is serious about purchasing the home. It is usually refundable in the event a contingency in the sales contract cannot be met.
Fixed Rate Mortgage
A loan on which the interest rate and monthly payment do not change.
Home Warranty
A policy that covers certain repairs (e.g. plumbing/heating) of a newly purchased home for a period of time, typically one-year.
Preliminary Title Report
A report showing the condition of title before a sale or loan transaction. After completion of the transaction, a new title insurance policy will be issued.
Title Insurance
Insurance to protect the buyer and lender against losses arising from disputes over the ownership of a property.
Recording Fees
Money paid to the lender for recording a home sale with the local authorities, thereby making it part of the public records.
Compass Tools & Programs to Help You Find Your Next Home
Collections
Collections lets you compare multiple properties—their size, neighborhood, amenities—within a visual workspace. Monitor market activity in real time, stay in constant contact with your agent, and invite collaborators to join in on the discussion.
Search
Compass Search lets your agent filter and sort by a wide range of features and amenities. Plus, discover exclusive Compass listings you won’t find anywhere else and receive real-time notifications of new homes with customized Saved Searches!
Coming Soon & Private Exclusive
What buyer isn’t looking for an edge over the competition? Browse unique properties that are only viewable on Compass.com with your agent and discover your future home before it hits the market.
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In real estate, relationships are everything. My national network of agents covers 45% of the country's population, making Compass a coast-to-coast network of collaborative, hardworking agents. When you're looking to move to a new area, I leverage these local and national connections to make your dream home yours.
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Fast-paced, dynamic, and constantly changing; these are just a few key aspects of a real estate market. Should you want to work with a respected realtor proven to excel in a competitive environment and who strives to lead in a calm, yet confident manner, then contact Dana.