1. Let's Talk
We’ll start with a phone call or Zoom conversation. Before we talk about your house, I want to learn about you.
Why are you thinking about selling? Where are you going next? What’s your timeline? Do you need to sell quickly, or do you have some flexibility? Is getting every possible dollar the priority, or is certainty and convenience more important? Your goals matter because they affect almost every decision we’ll make from here.
2. Figure Out What the Market Says
Before I recommend a listing price, I’ll prepare a Comparative Market Analysis using recent active, pending, sold and expired listings near your home, generally concentrating on the previous 180 days.
I’ll also look at additional valuation data, including RPR and Zillow’s Zestimate, when useful.
I look at price per finished square foot, calculate averages, study what has actually sold, look at what didn't sell, and relevantly, look at the homes you’ll be competing against when your house hits the market.
From there, I’ll give you a realistic value range based on the home, the competition and current Columbus, Indiana real estate market conditions.
3. Get the House Ready
Before we list, I’ll walk through the house with you and look at it through a buyer’s eyes.
We’ll discuss repairs that may be worth making, things that probably aren't worth spending money on, decluttering, furniture placement, curb appeal and anything else that could affect a buyer’s first impression.
The goal is to figure out where a little effort or money can make a meaningful difference, and where it won't.
4. Build the Plan
When you're ready to move forward, we’ll sit down for the listing appointment and put the plan together.
We’ll review the listing contract, my rate, our marketing strategy, timing and what to expect once the house goes on the market.
We’ll also get into the details such as what stays with the house, what goes with you, anything buyers need to know, and measurements and information I’ll need to properly market the property.
By the time your home goes live, we should both know exactly what the plan is.
5. Set the Price—and a Plan
Pricing a home isn't just about deciding what we think it's worth. We also need to consider the price in the context of the current market, your competition and your motivation for selling.
If you have plenty of time, our strategy may look different than it would if you need to be under contract quickly.
We will of course decide on a starting price, but also, we'll talk ahead of time about what we'll do if the market doesn't respond the way we expect—including when and how we would consider a price adjustment.
I would much rather have that conversation before we need it.
6. You'll Hear From Me Every Monday
Every Monday morning, I'll send you a detailed seller update. We'll look at activity on your home, buyer feedback, showing activity among competing homes in our price range, new listings, pending sales, price changes and what's happening in the Columbus, Indiana housing market overall.
Most importantly, I'll tell you what I think the information means and whether I believe we should change anything. The market gives us information every week and our job is to pay attention to it, and act on it.
7. Active Marketing. Not Passive Marketing.
Putting your home in the MLS is important, but that's only the beginning of the marketing plan.
I'll use professional photography to present your home at its best. Depending on the property and our strategy, we'll also use open houses, home-tour videos, social media, direct outreach to my sphere and other agents, and weekly promotion designed to keep your home in front of potential buyers.
We'll do some clever stuff, too. We want to give buyers reasons to notice your house.
8. We Have an Offer
When an offer comes in, price is important, but it isn't the only thing that matters.
I'll prepare a net sheet so you can see what the offer actually means to you financially.
Then we'll look at the rest of the terms: financing, inspections, closing costs, possession, contingencies, timing and anything else that could affect the strength of the offer. If a counteroffer makes sense, we'll talk through our options and decide together how to respond.
The goal is to get you under contract on terms that work for you.
9. From Accepted Offer to Closing
Once we're under contract, there are a lot of moving pieces and deadlines.
You'll meet Elisa Torres, my transaction manager, who helps me keep everything organized from contract to closing.
Elisa will keep you updated on inspection dates and response deadlines, mortgage payoff information, title and closing details, and the other behind-the-scenes pieces that need to happen.
I'll continue to be involved throughout the process, especially when decisions or negotiations come up. Elisa will help make sure nothing falls through the cracks.
10. Closing Day
Before closing, we'll make sure the final details are handled, answer any remaining questions and get you ready to sign.
Then we close, the sale is complete, and when possession begins, we pass the keys to the new owners, and you get to start whatever comes next!
