pre-listing package

{COMPANY SLOGAN} Your Next Move Starts Here

Prepared for:

Compliments of:

Prospective Home Seller

John McLaughlinNorth Florida Moves TeamKeller Williams Realty1520 Killearn Center BlvdCell: (850) 296-2864Office: (850) 201-4664 [email protected]

Hello!

Thank you for taking a few minutes to read through this package. Inside, it contains some helpful information for you including a step-by-step process on how we will get your home sold, some information about my team, and answers to some frequently asked questions.

I am different from most real estate professionals in that I’m an active and aggressive agent specializing in providing a unique marketing strategy that gets homes sold. I have built my business on results, and I am confident I can deliver the same for you.

I’m looking forward to working with you to get you the best possible price, in the shortest time, with the least amount of inconvenience to you.

Most agents simply list homes, I aggressively market to get them sold.

From listing to closing, I’m committed to working closely with you to navigate the entire sale process, taking the time and using my expertise to understand the unique selling points of your home and neighborhood.

In summary, we will sell your home smoothly, for top price. I will actively target the types of buyers most likely to want your home. I will advise you about the home repairs and improvements that will maximize your asking price and net return. I will also aggressively advertise your home 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Thank you in advance for the opportunity to serve you!

Sincerely,

John McLaughlin

John McLaughlin • (850) 296-2864

[email protected] • NorthFloridaMoves.com

What My Clients Are Saying About Me

“John was recommended to me by another satisfied customer. He responded immediately to my initial inquiry. His market analysis was comprehensive and made sense. We priced the house appropriately and it was under contract the following week. John is knowledgeable and highly motivated. I am very satisfied with the outcome of our business relationship.”- Darryl Olson (850) 567-6276

“John was amazing. My husband and I were first time homebuyers and John worked hard to ensure we knew what was happening every step of the way. He had to of shown us 10 houses in a span of two days and gave us tips on what to look for from the layout of the house, to wood rot, to yard space, to which side of town we wanted to live on. He was very professional and polite and, although my husband and I were not knowledgeable about real estate, he never made us feel stupid. I recommend John to anyone and would definitely use him again.” – Tim & Maggie Williams (850) 841-0560 “John was prompt in his responses and was excellent at keeping us updated throughout the sale of our home. There were several rather large bumps along the way, but John made sure to figure out the problem and was quick to find a solution. Selling your home can definitely be frustrating; John was patient in explaining to us the process and answering our questions. I would definitely recommend him for anyone looking for help with selling their home.” – Danielle Forte (954) 534-1134 “John made the sale of my home happen within a reasonable amount of time, which was not an easy feat. I also moved to a different city in the process and so was forced to rely on him from a distance. The nature of sales is generally cumbersome and stressful, especially for the seller (me). And there were definitely times I was not an ideal client. My only other experience with a realtor was a bad one, and so I pretty much questioned every representation he made to me. But I found his statements to me were accurate and he earned my trust. John was very patient with me, answering my questions and addressing my concerns. I am very grateful.” – Charlotte Fernee (850) 728-7861 “First off, bless John McLaughlin for putting up with me throughout the entire process. He always found time to communicate and respond promptly to any questions or inquiries I had, he was exceedingly available. John was there every step of the way and truly looked out for me, even when I did not listen or take his advice. John was available and ready to do what I felt I needed to do. He does his homework and uses the most up-to-date research tools to find what a potential homeowner is looking for, saving time and cutting unnecessary showings from the list.” – Katie Morgan (850) 841-9530 “From the minute I called about an advertised property for sale, I was very impressed with his quick response, energy, and knowledge. He went out of his way to be helpful in every aspect of the purchase and was always available, even when out of town. He is very polite, but when needed he knows how to assert himself to get things done; always remaining professional. I highly recommend John McLaughlin.”– Hedy Hall (310) 460-8022 “John was a great Realtor. He was very knowledgeable in the community and was VERY helpful in helping us find the house of our dreams. John was very responsive through e-mails, phone calls and text messages. I never had to wait to get a response from him. He would also take his weekends to show us however many houses we wanted to look at.” – Mariel & Tony Diaz-Jimenez (619) 300-5775

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13 Questions to Ask When Choosing Your REALTOR® - Answered

1.  How long have you been in residential real estate sales? Is it your full-time job? I have been a licensed Realtor since February 2013. And yes, it is my full time job. While experience or length in the industry is no guarantee of skill, real estate is mostly learned on the job. My “go-getter” mentality has garnered a very successful sales record, I’ll be happy to show you my results!

2.  What designations do you hold? Designations, which require that agents take additional, specialized training, are held only by about one-quarter of real estate practitioners. I hold the CDPE (Certified Distressed Property Expert) designation.

3.  How many homes did you and your real estate brokerage sell last year? Keller Williams is #1 in the Capital City area in both units and volume sold. I am in the top 20% of agents in our office.

4.  How many days did it take you to sell the average home? My average days on the market varies based on the location of the home. My Tallahassee area listings on average sell in less than 90 days. My Coastal listings sometimes take some more time due to the amount of available inventory.

5.  How close to the initial asking prices of the homes you sold were the final sale prices? My listings, on average, sell for 97.5% of listed price.

6.  What types of specific marketing systems and approaches will you use to sell my home? This is my main strength that separates me from other agents. My aggressive prospecting and internet marketing techniques are designed to captivate attention from buyers while boosting the presence of my listings on all Real Estate websites.

7.  Will you represent me exclusively, or will you represent both the buyer and the seller in the transaction? While it’s legal in Florida to represent both parties in a transaction, it’s important to know my obligation lies with you, my seller. As a transaction broker, I have an obligation to deal honestly and fairly on your behalf. If there is a situation where our team produces a buyer, someone will working with the buyer exclusively.

8.  Can you recommend service providers who can help me obtain a mortgage, make home repairs, and help with other things I need done? I’m a wonderful resource for all types of vendors from lenders, home improvement companies, plumbers, contractors, and other home service providers. Having used many different service providers, I’ve been able to vet the good ones to make sure we’re not wasting any time on poor service or results. I even have access to an Angie’s List account you can use free of charge!

9.  What type of support and supervision does your brokerage office provide to you? My broker of record’s job is solely for support and reference and strictly a “non-compete” agent. We also have E&O insurance on all transactions up to $1 million at no cost to you.

10.  What’s your business philosophy? Win-win or no deal. Integrity: always do the right thing. Customers: always come first. Commitment: in all things. Communication: seek first to understand. Creativity: ideas before results. Teamwork: together everyone achieves more. Trust: starts with honesty. Success: results through people.

11.  How will you keep me informed about the progress of my transaction? How frequently? This is entirely up to you. Do you want updates twice a week, on Fridays via email, or do you prefer not to be bothered unless there’s a showing request? Do you prefer phone, e-mail, or a personal visit?

12.  Could you please give me the names and phone numbers of your three most recent clients? Please see the attached testimonials sheet in this package for some of my recent client testimonials

13.  Do you charge a Broker’s Transaction Fee? Do you have an administrator and personal assistant? These are ultimately the same question. I’ve invested in using a transaction coordinator who helps with assisting properties go from “contract” to “SOLD.” Knowing I can’t be two places at once, having a great team behind me helping you get your home sold is what allows me to better assist you, my client. We only get paid after your home sells, and the transaction fee is how the administrative help gets paid.

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Throughout the House

Open the draperies, pull up the shades, and let in the sunlight.1.

Create a positive mood. Turn on all lights, day or night, and install higher wattage light bulbs to show 2. your home brightly.

Remove clutter from each room to visually enlarge them.3.

If you have a fireplace, highlight it in your decorating.4.

Keep your home dusted and vacuumed at all times.5.

Replace the carpet if it does not clean up well6.

Have a family “game plan” to get the home in order quickly if necessary.7.

Air out your home for one-half hour before showings, if possible.8.

Lightly spray the house with air freshener so that it has a chance to diffuse before the buyer arrives.9.

Put family photos in storage.10.

Improve traffic flow through every room by removing unnecessary furniture.11.

Create the feeling of a spacious entry area by using decorative accents and removing unnecessary 12. furniture.

Putty over and paint any nail holes or other mishaps in the walls.13.

Paint all interior walls a neutral color to brighten the home and make it look bigger.14.

Repair or replace any loose or damaged wallpaper.15.

Clean all light bulbs and light fixtures to brighten the home.16.

Wash all windows inside and out. 17.

Use plants in transitional areas of your house.18.

Make the most of your attic’s potential.19.

Remove and/or hide excess extension cords and exposed wires.20.

Open doors to areas you want potential buyers to see such as walk-in closets, pantries, attics, etc.21.

Remove all smoke and pet odors.22.

Repair or replace banisters and handrails.23.

- Continued -

Easy Ways to Make Your Home Sell Faster47

Suggestions and ideas to improve your home’s appearance and help you prepare to sell it faster!



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In the Kitchen

Microwave a small dish of vanilla twenty minutes before a showing and place it in an out-of-the-way place.24.

Highlight an eat-in area in your kitchen with a table set for dinner.25.

The kitchen and bathrooms should always be spotlessly clean. 26.

Expand your counter space by removing small appliances.27.

In the Bedrooms

Create a master suite effect in your decorating.28.

Depersonalize bedrooms and decorate in a neutral scheme.29.

Make sure that the beds are made and the linens are clean.30.

Organize your closets, remove unnecessary items and put them in storage.31.

In the Bathrooms

Do not leave towels around and wipe down the sinks and shower areas after each use.32.

Re-caulk the tub if the caulk is not sparkling white.33.

Repair or replace broken tiles in the shower/tub. 34.

Replace shower curtains and keep them clean.35.

Put out fresh towels and decorative soaps.36.

Outside

Keep the yard mowed and raked at all times.37.

Use flowering plants to dress up the yard, walkway, and patio.38.

Remove all toys, bicycles, tools, unsightly patio furniture, and trash from the yard.39.

Porches, steps, verandas, balconies, patios, and other extensions of the house should be kept uncluttered, 40. swept, and in good condition.

Paint all entrance doors.41.

Make sure the garage door opens easily. Fix and paint the garage door if necessary.42.

Clean and shine all hardware and accessories indoors and out (door knobs, knockers, lamps, mail box, 43. address numbers, etc.)

Trees and shrubs should be trimmed and pruned. 44.

Use a new doormat.45.

Be sure the front doorbell is in good working order.46.

Be sure the front door and screen door works perfectly.47.



Meet the Team – Here’s What Each Specialist Does for You

John McLaughlin – Team LeaderTallahassee resident since 2004, FSU Alumni with BS in Political Science & Minor in Business/Marketing, Agent Leadership Council (ALC) at Keller Williams Tallahassee, and Top 20% producer in the Tallahassee Board of Realtors. Utilizing the latest in technology, tools, training, and a proven step-by-step marketing strategy, this gives John the edge in effectively helping you sell or buy a home. When you work with John, you can be sure that his knowledge, expertise, and negotiating skills will be at your disposal to deliver the best possible price and terms.

Sandy Watts – Transaction & Closing Coordinator“I work to make the closing experience easy and stress-free.” Once we go under contract, Sandy assists in every aspect of preparing the contract for closing. She schedules appointments with vendors, verifies paperwork, oversees all contingencies, and communicates with all parties as an additional 3rd party resource to answer questions and be a “helping hand” for the team.

Lindsey Cooper – Marketing & Listing Coordinator Lindsey assists will preparation of all marketing materials and ensures listing materials get their full potential exposure. From design for flyers, email blasts, mailers, and more, together we craft a custom results-focused marketing plan for each listing, and communicate with you every step of the way.

Chelsey Hough – Office Administrative Assistant Chelsey is available in office hours to assist in all phases of the buying or selling process. From taking calls and answering questions to scheduling appointments, Chelsey is the part of the team behind the scenes making sure everything in the office moves smoothly.



What I Do For You All Real Estate Agents will claim they can sell your house… I promise to sell your house at the maximum price with a hassle-free experience. Selling a home successfully requires experience, time, and resources. Experience From pinpointing an optimal asking price, to writing a purchase, and negotiating terms of sale, real estate transactions are a science. The complexities of your real estate transaction will be well-handled. Smoothing the way for your listing and sale, I will capably remove many potential challenges before they have the opportunity to appear. Time Selling a home involves hours of open houses, phone calls, and paperwork that you shouldn’t have to worry about. I will take care of it all for you. Marketing Resources Your home will get the exposure it deserves. My marketing systems maximize your property’s exposure to buyers. Yard signs, brochures, ads, direct mail, and Internet technology are just the beginning. Keeping your home in front of potential buyers requires marketing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. My Points of Difference •  Full time sales team including buyer specialist, marketing coordinator, closing coordinator, and

administrative help •  Extensive database to facilitate networking between buyers and sellers •  Easy-exit listing agreement •  Extensive database of vendors to help assist in getting your home sold, including staging

services •  Internet Marketing for listings directly to over 350 partner home marketing sites •  Personalized client service •  Local knowledge, experience, and results Professional Designations & Affiliations •  National Association of Realtors •  Florida Board of Realtors •  Tallahassee Board of Realtors •  Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) •  Associate Leadership Council (ALC) at Keller Williams Tallahassee – Top 20% in volume & sales •  Top 20% producer in the Tallahassee Board of Realtors

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Marketing Your Home

My 15-step marketing plan is designed to get your home the maximum amount of exposure in the shortest period of time. Each step involves proven techniques that leverage the opportunities to showcase your home to key people that can either buy your home or help us find the right buyer: I will: 1.  Price your home strategically so you’re competitive with the current market and current price

trends. 2.  Stage your home to cast a positive light on the features most important to buyers: uncluttered

rooms and closets, fresh paint, and pleasing curb appeal. 3.  Place professional “for sale” signage. 4.  Create a personal website for your home listing used in all marketing. 5.  Distribute “just listed” notices to neighbors, encouraging them to tell family and friends about

your home. 6.  Optimize your home's internet presence by posting it on the local MLS systems and 350+

Internet sites to maximize your home’s exposure with a creative listing description. 7.  Professional photography. With 90% of home buyers using the internet to find their next home

online, and 60% of web “clicks” spent on photos (Wall Street Journal), we’ll make sure your home’s first impression stands out from the pack and is nothing but the best.

8.  Produce a video virtual tour of your home, placing it on multiple Websites to attract local and out-of-town buyers.

9.  Create a home book, comment cards, and flyers for your property. 10.  Target my marketing to active real estate agents who specialize in selling homes in your

neighborhood. 11.  Include your home in our caravan group tours, allowing other agents to see your home

firsthand. 12.  Advertise your home in my real estate magazine, direct mail campaigns, email campaigns, and

social media. 13.  Create an open house schedule to promote your property to prospective buyers and market

those open houses. 14.  Target my marketing to active buyers and investors in my database that are looking for homes

in your price range and area. 15.  Provide you with weekly updates detailing my marketing efforts, including comments from the

prospective buyers and agents who have visited your home.



How Buyers Find the Home They Purchase

From National Association of Realtors, Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, 2009

Buyers find the home they purchase primarily by looking on the Internet and by asking real estate agents. An excellent agent with a terrific Internet marketing program is your best path to a sale. When we meet, I plan on showing you my aggressive internet marketing campaign that will attract buyers to your home.



Extended Marketing Reach When you list with me, we’ll have access to the Keller Williams Listing System, or KWLS. This proprietary, exclusive system ensures your property is marketed online 24/7 through more than 350 of the most popular search Websites.



Preparing Your Home for Sale

It's a fact: acquiring the highest market value and elevating your home above others in the same price range often comes down to first impressions. In my experience, these are some simple ways we can maximize your home’s appeal. Exterior

•  Keep the grass freshly cut. •  Remove all yard clutter. •  Apply fresh paint to wooden fences. •  Paint the front door. •  Weed and apply fresh mulch to garden beds. •  Clean windows inside and out. •  Wash or paint home’s exterior. •  Tighten and clean all door handles. •  Ensure gutters and downspouts are firmly attached.

Interior •  Remove excessive wall hangings, furniture and knickknacks (consider a temporary self-

storage unit). •  Clean or paint walls and ceilings. •  Shampoo carpets. •  Clean and organize cabinets and closets. •  Repair all plumbing leaks, including faucets and drain traps. •  Clean all light fixtures.

For Showings •  Turn on all the lights in the house. •  Open drapes/blinds in the daytime for maximum light exposure. •  De-clutter countertops and living spaces. •  Bedrooms: Secure personal belongings in drawers or closets and make beds •  Kitchen: Any cookware or items in sink stowed in dishwasher or cleaned and put away •  Keep pets secured outdoors. •  Play quiet background music. •  Light the fireplace (if seasonally appropriate). •  Infuse home with a comforting scent like apple spice or vanilla. •  Vacate the property while it is being shown.



Contract to Close: My Promise

Once we accept an offer on your home, my service doesn’t step. My team will monitor the progress and ensure all requirements are met by all parties including the following

•  Inspection – Negotiation and Paperwork

•  Appraisal – Checking on status and requirements

•  Loan Process – Status and approval

•  Homeowner’s Association – Paperwork and Documents

•  Direct all necessary documentation to closing attorney or title company, lender,

co-op agent, unrepresented buyer, etc.

•  Provide contact information for utilities, vendors for repairs, insurance

requirements, tax information, etc.

•  Arrange final inspection if necessary

•  Arrange final walk-through if desired

•  Keep in constant contact to keep you well informed of the closing process

•  Review the Settlement Statement in advance when possible and distribute to

you

•  Attend Closing and transferring of keys



Closing 101

The closing process finalizes the sale of your home and makes everything official. Also known as settlement, the closing is when you get paid and the buyer receives the deed to your home. Here are a few things to bring to the closing:

• House keys • Garage door opener(s) • A picture ID

What can you expect? The closing agent will look over the purchase contract and identify what payments are owed and by whom; prepare documents for the closing; conduct the closing; make sure taxes, title searches, real estate commissions and other closing costs are paid; ensure that the buyer's title is recorded; and ensure that you receive any monies due to you. What are your costs? Sellers commonly pay the following at closing:

• Mortgage balance and prepayment penalties, if applicable • Other claims against your property, such as unpaid property taxes • Unpaid special assessments on your property • Document stamps (or taxes) on the deed • Real estate commission • Legal fee or title insurance premium, and WDO inspection fee

After the closing, make sure you keep the following for tax purposes:

• Copies of all closing documents • All home improvement receipts on the home you sold



The Home Selling Process: Closing and Beyond

My Commitment •  I will personally guarantee you the most extensive and well-executed marketing plan

available. •  I am dedicated and committed to making this relationship and transaction successful. •  My goal is to exceed your expectations. Coordinating Your Sale to a Successful Closing •  All potential buyers will be pre-qualified, so valuable time isn’t wasted. •  Each offer will be presented and discussed with you. •  I will negotiate the details of your transaction with the other agent. •  Closing will be prepared, coordinated and finalized for you. Beyond the Sale •  Do you need an agent to assist you in your relocation? •  Need a recommendation for a moving company? •  Would a moving checklist help? •  I’m happy to refer you to great providers of other real estate-related services. •  I’m here to make the sale of your home as smooth and stress-free as possible.



Frequently Asked Questions

Are there things we should do to our home to help ensure the maximum price? Yes. There is a benefit to making sure your home looks its best prior to offering it for sale. There are also small remodeling jobs that will pay off at resale. I can advise you about specific improvements that will increase your home’s marketability and value. How often will you advertise our property? I don’t just list homes, I market them to sell. I will make sure your home is marketed to potential buyers around the clock, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I will customize a marketing plan to reach the types of buyers most likely to purchase your home. I know how to maximize the power of the internet for my clients, while also using traditional methods including newspaper ads, brochures, yard signs, and direct mail. Will you be present at all showings? For showings, potential buyers usually bring their own agent. Most buyers prefer only their own agents be present when evaluating a prospective new home to allow for questions and open communication. In the event I produce potential buyers, I will be present for showings. What if another agent tells us they can get us more for the house? Some agents will quote a higher listing price just to get your business, but an overpriced house will not sell. If you choose to work with me, I will conduct a comparative market analysis prior to recommending an asking price for your home. I will explain how I arrived at that price, but ultimately the decision on listing price is up to you. I will offer my professional opinion on how the market will value your home based on recommended price. Do we have any responsibilities during the marketing of our home? Your primary job during the sale and marketing of your home is to keep it neat and clean for showings and open houses. A large part of a home’s appeal involves staging, which is everything from furniture placement to home fragrance. I will advise you on how to stage your home well, giving you easy tips and quick fixes to maximize your home’s appeal What happens once we get an offer? I will help you consider each offer and negotiate the best deal for you. Once you’ve accepted an offer, I will guide you through the entire closing process and ensure everything proceeds smoothly.

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Moving Checklist

New Telephone Number: ____________________________________________ New Address: _____________________________________________________ Before you move, you should contact the following companies and service providers:

Insurance Companies: ______Accidental ______Auto ______Health ______Home ______Life ______Renters Business Accounts: ______Banks ______Cellular Phones ______Department Stores ______Finance Companies/Credit Cards Subscriptions: ______Magazines ______Newspapers Miscellaneous: ______Business Associates ______House of Worship ______Drugstore ______Dry Cleaner ______Hairstylist

Utilities: ______Electric ______Telephone ______Water ______Cable ______Gas Professional Services: ______Broker ______Accountant ______Doctor ______Dentist ______Lawyer Government: ______Internal Revenue Service ______Post Office ______Schools ______State Licensing ______Library ______Veterans Administration Clubs: ______Health and Fitness ______Country Club

