STEP 1: Meet With Your Listing Agent

A phone chat or email conversation may be the very, very first step, but to really get started we’ll set up an on-site meeting at your home or property. Our goal here is to understand more about your goals and to learn enough about your home to get started with a property evaluation. But this is also a great opportunity for us to discuss projects or updates that will offer the best return on your investment of time and money. Run your ideas by us, and we’ll let you know what we think based on our experience with other listings, and based on what the buyers we work with respond to when they’re out searching.

After the initial meeting we’ll follow up with a research-based CMA (comparative market analysis) based on comparable listings in the area, and we’ll send a custom to-do list for getting ready to sell based on your goals and the projects we discussed in our meeting. Need help with funds to get those projects completed? Ask about Windermere Ready.

STEP 2: House Preparation 

In order to get top dollar for your home, you may need to put in some work. This could be a quick cleaning and touch up session, but, depending on your sales goals, could also involve finishing some larger jobs.

We're here to help guide you towards the most effective preparation. This usually means approaching only the most vital projects for attracting a buyer. We have a list of service providers that can help you get the project finished and are happy to help you find the best value possible.

Again, if the budget for painting, cleaning, staging, or repairs is pretty tight right now, ask about Windermere Ready. Windermere Ready funds come to you up front to help get your house in its best shape for listing and are paid out of closing. The application is simple and funds are approved quickly. And we’ll help prioritize projects and connect you with service providers to get the jobs done.

STEP 3: Staging

Whether you are moving out of your home before putting it on the market, or living in it throughout the listing process we recommend staging to attract potential buyers. An empty home doesn't make for great photography, can fail to attract interest with web-browsing buyers, and often doesn’t connect as strongly during showings. A well-staged home feels warmer, more welcoming and inspires buyers to connect more deeply by imagining their own life in the home. We’ll provide a staging consultation with a professional designer who can advise you and make a plan for staging with your own furniture and decor, or can be hired to bring in furnishings from their extensive inventory for a custom staging.

STEP 4: Photography/Video

Artful and professional photography makes all the difference when listing your property online. We work with talented photographers and videographers to create beautiful online marketing for your home. This effort is essential for attracting would-be buyers to your home and is provided by us for every client.

STEP 5: Marketing

Selling a house requires a lot more effort than simply putting a sign in the yard. Many of today's online-savvy buyers conduct their own research to find listings they like before contacting an agent. We believe that proper marketing and online placement is key. We place listings on all major online listing sites featuring thoughtful and informative writing and the beautiful images created with our production team. We also use social media platforms, a dedicated web page on our site featuring an in-depth story of your home, and the marketing team at the Windermere Abode brokerage to further get your property out there. The goal is to generate as much interest as possible in your property to ensure you get the best offer possible. 
 

STEP 6: Showing/Buyer Relations/Negotiation

We oversee all aspects of the sale process including all communication with potential buyer's agents. When offers start rolling in, we utilize our deep understanding of the process and thorough valuation of your home to help us get the asking price you are seeking (and hopefully more).

Although negotiation can be difficult, we will have set clear expectations for buyers and will guide you in the selling process to ensure that there are as few surprises as possible. 
 

STEP 7: Closing

It's closing time but there is still lots to do. We will coordinate with the buyer's agent to help process paperwork and collect signatures, staging will be removed, signs will be removed, online status will be updated, keys will be exchanged and, most importantly, funds will be transferred.