SELLING YOUR SOUTH JERSEY HOME

A Quick Overview of the Selling Process in South Jersey

STEP 1: BRING IN A REALTOR®

As a licensed REALTOR®, I am here to guide you through the process of selling your South Jersey property and help you maximize your return on investment. By bringing me in before you make any repairs or renovations, I can provide you with expert advice on what changes will have the greatest impact on your property's market value. By focusing on high-impact updates, you can save time and money on unnecessary repairs and increase the value of your property. Often, the repairs needed aren't what you think. For example, according to the National Association of Realtors, a brand new front door and garage doors can increase the value of your property by at least 4% instantly. So, don't hesitate to reach out to me before you make any changes to your property and let's work together to get the best results for your sale.

STEP 2: DETERMINE YOUR MARKET VALUE (LISTING PRICE)

A comparative market analysis (CMA) is a report that real estate agents and appraisers use to help homeowners determine the value of their property. The report compares the homeowner's property to similar properties that have recently sold in the area, taking into account factors such as location, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, square footage, and condition. It is important for homeowners to work with their real estate agent to determine the market value of their property, as pricing too low can result in missing out on the highest price, and pricing too high can result in missing out on the sale altogether. Pricing at market value can also increase the chances of a bidding war and ensure that the appraisal value is accurate.

STEP 3: PREPARE YOUR HOME

Your real estate agent can provide valuable advice on how to prepare your South Jersey home for sale in order to maximize its value and appeal to potential buyers. Some tips that your agent may provide include decluttering, making repairs, and staging the home to showcase its best features. Your agent should also suggest professional cleaning, photography and videography to help make your property more attractive to buyers. It's important to listen to your agent's advice and make the necessary preparations to ensure that your home is presented in the best possible light from the start. Remember, you only get one shot at a first impression.

STEP 4: PREPARE YOUR HOME

It is important to discuss your marketing plan with your real estate agent ahead of time to ensure that you are both on the same page and that there are no surprises. Your real estate agent will likely have their own plan for marketing the property, which may include things like hiring a photographer, creating videos, producing materials, and placing ads. Make sure to ask the real estate agents you interview about their plans so that you can compare and make an informed decision. Additionally, it's good to know that Real estate agents typically pay for their own marketing expenses with the commission, so be sure to ask them how they plan to market your South Jersey property.

Read below for a full overview of my marketing services. A copy of my marketing plan can also be downloaded below.

STEP 5: SHOWINGS

Having showings while you are living in the property can be an inconvenience as you will have to keep the house extra clean, manage pets and kids, and be mindful of clutter. It is a common myth that sellers should be present during showings as it can make potential buyers feel uncomfortable and rushed, making it difficult for them to connect with your property. Additionally, a good buyer's agent may ask you questions about your motivation to sell, which could impact the negotiation process and ultimately affect the price you receive for the property. To avoid these issues, it is best to confirm all showings and leave the house during them. This will allow potential buyers to envision themselves living in the house, and may lead to a quicker sale and a better price for your property.

STEP 6: NEGOTIATIONS

During the process of selling your South Jersey home, there are two main instances where negotiation will take place: the terms of the contract and the home inspection. Your real estate agent will work with you to provide an overview of what to expect during these negotiations, and may also involve an attorney.

The first negotiation will take place when the buyer presents an offer on your home. This offer will include details such as the purchase price, closing date, and any contingencies. Your real estate agent will review the offer with you, and work with you to determine if you want to accept, reject, or counter the offer. The second negotiation will take place during the home inspection. After the buyer has completed their home inspection, they may ask for certain repairs or concessions to be made before they proceed with the purchase. Your real estate agent will work with you to negotiate the terms and reach a mutual agreement with the buyer.

It's important to keep in mind that negotiations are normal and a natural part of the home-selling process. Your real estate agent will work with you to ensure that your interests are protected and that you get the best possible outcome. If you are interviewing real estate agents, be sure to ask them what their credentials are with respect to negotiating. Their education and experience will be evident.

STEP 7: ORDER MORTGAGE PAYOFF IF APPLICABLE

As the borrower, it is important to inform your mortgage company that you are selling your South Jersey property and to request a mortgage payoff. A mortgage payoff is the total amount of money you will need to pay off your remaining mortgage balance. This information is typically found on your monthly mortgage statement. Once you have obtained the mortgage payoff amount, your REALTOR® will provide this information to the title company handling the sale of your property.

The title company is responsible for handling the transfer of ownership from the seller to the buyer, and will also handle the satisfaction of the mortgage on your behalf. This means that the title company will use the proceeds from the sale of the property to pay off the remaining mortgage balance to your lender. Once the mortgage has been satisfied, the title company will then transfer the ownership of the property to the buyer and provide you with any remaining funds from the sale.

It's important to keep in mind that the mortgage payoff and the satisfaction of the mortgage are critical steps in the process of selling a property, and that they should be done with the guidance of a professional, typically a title company, to ensure that everything is done correctly.

STEP 8: ORDER CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY (CO)

A Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is a document issued by a local government agency that certifies that a building meets the minimum standards for safety and habitability. This certificate is required before a property can be sold or occupied. The requirements for obtaining a CO vary depending on the municipality, so it's important to check with your township to understand what inspections are required and what you need to do to obtain a CO.

Your real estate agent will be able to assist you with this process and help you navigate the specific requirements of your municipality. They will also be able to provide you with a list of any required inspections, such as electrical, plumbing, and fire safety inspections. Once all inspections have been completed and any necessary repairs have been made, the municipality will issue a CO. It's important to keep in mind that obtaining a CO is a critical step in the process of selling a property, and that it should be done with the guidance of a professional, typically a real estate agent, to ensure that everything is done correctly.

STEP 9: CLOSING

In New Jersey, it is common for an attorney to be used to draft a deed package for the seller. The attorney's role is to prepare the necessary documents for the transfer of ownership from the seller to the buyer. This typically includes a deed, which is the legal document that transfers ownership of the property, as well as any other necessary documents such as a mortgage satisfaction, or a release of any liens on the property. The attorney's fee for this service is usually a flat fee, around $125, and it is usually charged to the seller at closing.

As the seller, you have the option to attend the closing in person or you may sign the deed package in advance. This means that, you will give power of attorney to your agent or attorney and they will represent you in closing, and will sign all the closing documents on your behalf. It's important to keep in mind that the drafting of the deed package and closing process are critical steps in the process of selling a property, and that they should be done with the guidance of a professional, typically a real estate attorney, to ensure that everything is done correctly and in compliance with the laws of the state of New Jersey.

GET YOUR SELLER'S GUIDE

First Name

Email *

The Secret Sauce for Sellers: Marketing

How to Ensure that You Get the Maximum Exposure for Your South Jersey Property Which Results in Getting You the Highest Price the Market will Bear at the time of your Sale!

In order to get the highest price for your South Jersey home in the shortest amount of time, it is important to know how to effectively market your real estate property. The better you market your home, the more offers you will receive, and the more offers you receive, the more choices you have to get the price and terms you want.

The most important factor in marketing your home is pricing it correctly. Your price should be adjusted to reflect the current market and the worth of your real estate property. The key is to get as many people as possible to see your fairly priced property. If your property is not priced fairly, there will be no buyers because your price will be set too high.

Another important factor is the condition of your home. Make sure that your home looks ready to be sold. Fix any defects such as peeling or faded paint, cracks, stains, etc. The condition of your home alone can sometimes prompt fast buying decisions. A well-maintained home triggers an emotional response that can lead to a positive financial response. It also sends the message that the home has been well-maintained, which is something buyers are looking for.

A good real estate agent will also negotiate the best terms for all parties involved. Terms are another factor that may be adjusted to attract buyers. If you insist on getting your asking price, think about what you can offer to buyers. For example, improvements you've made or even offering seller financing at a lower than market interest rate on a portion of the sale price. It's important to convince buyers why they should be paying the price you have set.

Lastly, it's important to get the word out about your home. List your house with an agent that ensures it is listed on the MLS and on the Internet. On your own, get the word out by displaying signs, running local advertisements or telling friends, family, and acquaintances. When interviewing a real estate agent, be sure to ask them about their marketing plan and how they will ensure that your home receives maximum exposure.

DOWNLOAD MARKETING PLAN

THINKING ABOUT SELLING?

Know How Much Your Home is Worth

GET FREE HOME VALUE REPORT

List Your Home

LET'S CONNECT

DISCLAIMER

New Roots South Jersey is founded by Jamie Hartman. She is a licensed REALTOR® at eXp Realty. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal, without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting, or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.