Preparing for a Successful Home Sale

Jackie Gammie YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD REALTOR®

Welcome,I realize that you have a choice when hiring an agent to help you sell your home and I truly appreciate the opportunity to present my proven approach and the results I’ve achieved for my clients. As your agent, there are several services you can expect me to provide, including:"

• Accurately pricing your home"

• Enhancing the perceived - and real - value of your home enabling you to command a higher asking price."

• Providing unmatched marketing including professional staging, photography, video and custom property web sites."

• Securing a qualified buyer within your specific time frame."

• Helping you avoid the two main reasons sales fall apart - low appraisals and problems with the home inspection."

Here’s what’s included:!

• A short bio About Me"

• Seller Testimonials"

• Special Report: Top 4 Reasons Homes Don’t Sell"

• Agent Interview Sheet (use this doc if you plan to interview more than one agent!)"

• Top 10 Reasons To Trust the Sale of Your Home to me and my team"

• How I Am Compensated"

• An overview of my Marketing Plan"

• My Top Tips on Preparing Your Home for Sale"

• My Top Tips on Showing Your Home (once we get it on the market!)"Very Truly Yours,"Jackie""Jackie Gammie"Realtor "Keller Williams Atlanta Partners"

Jackie Gammie, Realtor | Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners"2220 Wisteria Drive Suite 102 Snellville GA 30078"

Tel: (770) 331-2674 | Fax: (678) 808-1308"

About JackieAfter a 25 year career as a specialist in corporate communications and running my own television production company I decided it was time for a career change, so in 2010 I focused my drive and passion in a new direction and began a career as a Realtor! I find the same satisfaction and passion working with my real estate clients as I did with my corporate clients. I enjoy guiding them through the complicated process of buying, selling and marketing their homes and continue to build my

business around their needs. My extensive background as professional television producer, video editor and graphics designer gives me a firm understanding of the marketing techniques and tools used in today's real estate market. I attribute my success as a Realtor to my sphere of influence which includes my fantastic clients and the support and training I receive from my association with Keller Williams Realty. My first year in Real estate I was awarded “Rookie of the Year”. I have been a member of the “Million Dollar Club” every year since and in an office of 200 agents, I have consistently been a top 20% producer. I have received extensive training through Keller Williams where I continue to perfect my craft as a Realtor. I am professional in all my business dealings and pride myself on providing the highest quality customer service. I have been a Snellville resident for over 18 years. My two children are graduates of Brookwood High School where I spent many years as an active member of the Brookwood Football Touch Down Club and team mom for The Brookwood Golf Team. I am an active member of my church. I have a wonderful, supportive family that keeps me busy and makes my life interesting. My son is a graduate of Georgia Technical Institute and my daughter is an undergraduate at the University of Georgia. My husband and I are still getting used to our empty nest. I am an avid tennis player as my husband prefers golf. We enjoy family vacations together anywhere with a beach! I feel very fortunate to have raised my children in this wonderful community. I look forward to working very hard for you as YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD REALTOR! Now let’s get started!

“You are invited to join a long list of sellers who have successfully SOLD their homes by allowing me to utilize my HIGHLY EFFECTIVE marketing system.

Get the results you’ve been looking for and enjoy the satisfaction of working with an experienced, competent, hard working Realtor who gets homes SOLD!

Real Resul ts . . .

Ms Lewis 543 Johannah Place

“Well what can I say. At the time I sold my home I was very distressed due to a family illness. Jackie took me by the hand and lead me through the process of selling my home with little stress. I was also located out of state, she oversaw the preparation for market, the sale and all negotiations. The closing went very smoothly.

Mrs Bennett 2760 Adams Pointe Drive

“Jackie was awesome! She had my home under contract in 3 days! She was very helpful while I was preparing my home for the market. She was very professional and easy to work with. I will recommend her to everyone I know!”

Mr Elliot 4138 Suzanne Lane

“Jackie Gammie was extremely professional and personable during the entire process of selling our beloved Duluth house of 25 years. Because the house had some quirks, and I was living abroad during the selling process her use of technology especially electronic documents and Skype made the process easy. There were many bends in the road in preparation and re-mediation, but Jackie was there at each turn, with good advice, contacts and solutions. The house sold for the price we had sought and in a very fast turnaround from market placement to closing. Thanks Jackie!

Mrs Pustilnik 1320 Red Cedar Trail

“It was a pleasure to work with Jackie to sell my home. I appreciated her professionalism and positive attitude throughout the process. Because she stayed on top of everything we were able to have everything done accurately and at a timely manner. She was always available to talk when I had any questions. I will definitely recommend her to my friends and family.”

Mr and Mrs Ellington 1173 Grassmeade Way

“It pays to work with an agent who knows what they are doing! Jackie worked with us hand and hand to strategically price our home to sell and sure enough, our first offer was our best! We were under contract in 1 day with a full price offer! She not only got our house sold in record time but she saved us $25,000 on the home we purchased! Thanks Jackie we will absolutely recommend you to others.

Mrs Bruhns 2621 Stokesley Way

“Jackie is not only my Realtor but a friend and neighbor. She listed my home, brought the buyer and then worked professionally and diligently with both sides to get my home sold. Thanks Jackie for making it a quick and easy process ”

Testimonials

— S P E C I A L R E P O R T — !

Top 4 Reasons Homes Don’t Sell! 1. Poor Marketing

Gone are the days when an agent could simply place your listing with the local multiple listing service, stick a sign in the yard, and wait for another agent to "

bring forth a buyer. In the past 7 years computers and the internet have changed the face of real "estate. Most agents haven’t kept up. According to the National Association of Realtors (2013 study), "90% of all home buyers now use the Internet for house hunting. Top listing agents like Jackie are "computer-savvy, putting listings on lots of web sites, a particular benefit when working with out-of-town "buyers. Believe it or not, less than 7% of agents are trained in the fine art of sales and marketing. "There are those who rely on a yard sign to do their work for them, and those that put a lot of effort into "marketing their listings. In communications and marketing for over 25 years, Jackie implements "sensational, effective marketing plans for all of her listings."

2. Bad Photos You might be surprised how many buyers say ‘NO!’ to houses simply because of" poor photos used in ads, internet or on the Multiple Listing Service. It’s even more

amazing that agents let them discard a house based on that criteria, but it happens all the time. Good photos are not always easy to get. The sun isn’t always in an ideal position for the photo. The agent might not be capable of taking a good picture, or is just plain lazy. Make sure the house is well represented in all photographs. Jackie provides amazing professional photos with attention to detail that will work to get your home SOLD!

3. You Had A Lousy Agent Yep, they exist: Real estate agents who mislead, misfire and misbehave. " Their bad advice can cost you plenty in time, money and the sheer hassle of keeping" the place show-ready 24/7. The wrong agent will misrepresent (“Here’s what I can get "for you if you list with me!”), not market it properly, fail to screen for qualified buyers, be unresponsive "to interest from other agents and keep you totally in the dark throughout the process. What’s more, if "your agent is abrasive, arrogant or simply unknowledgeable, other agents may not want the hassle of "showing any of their listings to prospective buyers. Jackie is well liked and well respected by agents in "the real estate community and will work hard to get YOU the best price in the least amount of time. "Plus you’ll get feedback on every showing, and great communication!

4. Pricing Some home sellers want to price their homes above market value, because they think

the cushion gives them more negotiating room. But what overpricing actually does is "eliminate potential buyers. Others price their homes too low, causing potential buyers to wonder "‘what’s wrong with it?’. Jackie will work with you to get the most money in the least amount of time.

LIST WITH JACKIE & CONSIDER IT SOLD!"www.jackiegammie.com (770)331-2674

THE TOP 10 QUESTIONS YOU MUST ASK ANY!AGENT BEFORE YOU LIST YOUR HOME!NOTE: You should ask these questions over the phone!

BEFORE you agree to meet with the agent!*

Question Jackie’s !Answer

Other Agent’s !Answer Correct Answer Did agent give the !

correct answer?

What % of "the asking price" do you average "on your listings?

98.4% !of asking price

should be at least"96% or more

does agent get "at least 96% "

of asking price?

What's the average "number of days "

it takes you "to sell a home?

35 days or less should be 40 days"or less

is their average "days on market "less than 40?

Do you have a team "or do you work alone?

I work with sellers !one on one to provide !

personal attention

I will not turn you "over to my team, "

you deserve "personal attention

Does the agent "have a team of"

5 or more members?

What percentage "of your sales "are listings?

80% Listings!I specialize !

in listing property

Should be 80% "or more listings

Does 80% "of agent’s sales "

consist of listings?

Will you help me find"professionals to "

help me with "my home?

I provide all !my sellers with my!

personal vendors list

I have professionals "available to help you

Will agent help you" with vendors "

who can prepare "your home for market?

Do you sell real estate"full time or do you "work another job?

Full Time Should be full timeDoes agent "

sell real estate "full time?

Can you show me "your marketing plan "

for my home?

Yes! !I have an unbeatable !

plan for getting !your home SOLD!

Agent should have a "comprehensive "marketing plan

Does agent have a" comprehensive "marketing plan?

How long "have you "

been a Realtor?

Full time Realtor !for 3 years!awarded !

“Rookie of the Year”!

Should be a "full time agent "

for at least 3 years.

Does agent work "full time as a Realtor "with at least 3 years "

of experience?

Do you use "social media, internet "and other up-to-date "marketing platforms?

Jackie has spent !25 years in marketing, !

web design, !graphics, video

Computer savvy, "understands online "

and social "media marketing

Is agent comfortable" with up-to-date "

marketing technology?

Why should I" hire you over the "

competition?

Excellent negotiator!Knows your market!Always available!Experienced marketer!Gets results

Excellent negotiator"Knows your market"Always available"Experienced marketer"Gets results

Did agent provide "you with good reasons "

why to hire them?

The sale of your home is one of the largest financial transactions of your life. This interview will help you avoid choosing the wrong agent. Before agreeing to meet with an agent, simply let them know that you have a few questions you'd like to ask before agreeing to meet.

TOP 10 REASONS To Trust The Sale

Of Your Home To Jackie

1.Jackie knows Gwinnett. "Jackie has worked and lived in the "Gwinnett area since 1994 and is "intimately familiar with the market here.

6. Jackie is well trained as a Realtor®. !Keller Williams Realty requires all of their "agents to be Realtors® not just agents. "Realtors are held to a higher standard "of service and ethics.

2. Jackie nets you more. "While many agent's listings sell for less" than 94% of asking price, Jackie gets her "sellers an average of 98.4% of list price.

7. Jackie is tech savvy! !Jackie has a 25 year background as a "corporate website, video and graphics "designer. She understands today’s marketing "platforms such as social media, the internet "and video.

3. More marketing for your listing. As a corporate marketing professional, "Jackie knows how to create exposure "for your home. Jackie implements a "strategic marketing plan for your home, "including placement on more than "500 websites.

8. Jackie is a full-time Realtor® !You'll be surprised to know how many agents "in the Gwinnett area only dabble in real estate "part-time. Would you trust a part-time attorney "with an important case? Jackie sells real estate "full time, with a steadfast focus on the"successful sale of your home.

4. Jackie focuses on sellers. "While many agents focus on working "with buyers, nearly 80% of Jackie’s "business is working with sellers. "This unique skill set maximizes "your success.

9. Jackie has the experience you need.!Jackie has been a full time Realtor for more "than 3 years. In her first year as a Realtor she "was awarded “Rookie of the Year” and "continues to be a top 20% producer in her "office of 200 agents!

5. You get Jackie's entire team !for the same price. "You get the benefits of a team with "the individual service you expect. "Jackie does not list your home and then" turn you over to her team. She will be "with you every step of the way so you can "feel confident when you hire Jackie, "you will be working with Jackie.

10. Jackie founded her business !on the principles of trust and honesty. !Jackie understands the importance of having "integrity and always doing the right thing, and "putting her clients needs first. She believes that "her success is ultimately determined by the "legacy she leaves with each client she serves.

How I Am CompensatedNO SALARY- I work strictly on a commission/brokerage - fee basis, and am not

paid a salary of any kind.

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR- I am an independent contractor, and am only paid when a transaction is closed and the title is transferred.

DIVISION OF BROKERAGE FEES – When I earn a brokerage fee, it is first divided between real estate companies in the transaction. Then the company’s share is divided between our local franchise (Keller Williams, Atlanta Partners) and us.

OVERHEAD – Keller Williams, Atlanta Partners and its professional associates incur expenses and overhead, just like any other business or independent contractor.

TAXES/LICENSE FEES – Like all U.S. citizens, we must pay taxes (Federal and State), FICA, and any other obligations as self-employed professionals, including but not limited to, state licensing tax, Board of Realtors® membership dues and continuing education fees.

EXPENSES – We also incur marketing, promotion and operating expenses, above and beyond what Keller Williams Realty, Atlanta Partners provides.

TIME – When I am working for you, I am investing my time to help you sell or acquire property. Since time is our greatest commodity, your loyalty to me is highly regarded.

SATISFACTION – Your satisfaction is evidenced by referrals of friends and family, and is the ultimate compliment and sign of gratitude that you might demonstrate.I will continually strive to provide you with the highest quality personal service and offer every technological advantage that you expect.

Your Loyalty and Business are Greatly Appreciated! Sincerely,

Jackie

The marketing I will do to promote your home has only one purpose - to increase awareness among potential buyers leading to in-person showings."

Once buyers reach your front door, the job of marketing is over. Your home must now compete with other homes in two areas; Features and Price."

If your home has more features that appeal to buyers - or your home is priced lower than comparable homes - your home will stand out as the better value."

Conversely, if your home lacks the features that potential buyers desire, your only option is to compete on price."

To be effective, your home should stand out as one of the top two to three best values in your immediate market place."

UNDERSTANDING HOW BUYERS EVALUATE HOMES"

How Homes Sell

Pricing your home accurately is the most effective way to ensure a successful sale. Allow me to repeat that - pricing your home accurately is the most effective way to ensure a successful sale.""No amount of marketing can sell an overpriced home.""Many sellers are tempted to list their home with the agent who quotes the highest price.""Please keep in mind, the agent doesn’t set the price, the seller doesn’t set the price - the market will set the price, or value, for your home."

PriceUNDERSTANDING HOW BUYERS EVALUATE HOMES"

FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE MARKET VALUE!• Supply & Demand"• Economic Condition"• Asking & selling prices of competing homes"• Your homes condition"• Buyers perception of your home FACTORS THAT LITTLE OR NO INFLUENCE MARKET VALUE"

• The price the seller paid for the house"• The sellers expected net proceeds"• The amount spent on improvements

The most effective method of pricing your home is to have a professional appraisal."" •" You receive an unbiased, third party opinion of the

market value of your home by a trained professional. "" •" You are positioned to quickly recognize and respond

to a market offer. "" •" You are positioned to effectively challenge a low

lender’s appraisal of your home, maintaining your higher contract price. A lender will consider a well-known appraisers valuation - they will not consider an estimate provided by a real estate agent. "

" •" You avoid the common practice of a real estate agent “buying your listing” by suggesting a higher price than can be achieved. Because the agent would then be reluctant to suggest a price reduction early in the marketing process, you lose valuable

PricePROFESSIONAL APPRAISAL"

Having a pre-listing appraisal not only helped us sell our home faster, but we saved over $10,000 by using our appraisal to successfully challenge the low lenders appraisal. That savings more than covered Jackie’s fee!"John Elliot-4138 Suzanne Lane

With the typical agent, you only discover potential deal-killing repairs after you are already under contract - when the buyer hires a home inspector to scrutinize every aspect of your home."

Discovering and repairing problems early in the marketing process places you in control, eliminating the stress of making repairs on the buyer’s schedule. Having your house in move-in condition also helps you avoid delays to closing and demonstrates to buyers, agents and the buyer’s home inspector that your house has been very well maintained. We want buyers to focus on how they would live in your home - not what they would have to repair."

Additionally, your house will stand out from the competition as a better value and command a higher price."

I will also recommend trustworthy, professional contractors to address any repairs that are needed. The extent that these repairs are made will directly affect your listing price. You have the ability to command a higher asking price, and substantiate it, when your home is in top condition."

ConditionPREPARING FOR A SUCCESSFUL SALE"

In a Maritz poll, 63% of buyers "responded they would pay more for "

a house that is move-in ready.

Once we have had your home inspected and made the necessary repairs we will focus on presentation. You will only get one opportunity to make a positive first impression with potential buyers. Well staged homes look better, photograph better, show better and sell faster than non-staged homes."

Home staging is not decorating. Decorating appeals to the person living in the house; staging is positioning the home to appeal to the psychological needs of buyers by creating a series of impressions that build an emotional connection to help buyers imagine living in the home. An AOL Money & Finance poll revealed that 87% of respondents said home presentation makes the difference in most sales."

Also, while many agents overlook the presentation of your home and push for price reductions, the problems, whether perceived or real, still exist."

ConditionSTAGING"

Jackie recognized that the steep drop off in my backyard would not appeal to buyers seeking a safe backyard for their children to play. I followed her suggestions and erected a fence and redesigned the landscaping. An equivalent price reduction would have had no effect

at all. We sold a few weeks later for our full asking price. Mrs Pustilnik- 1320 Red Cedar Trail

While your home is listed with me, it will be covered by a nationally-recognized home warranty from 2-10. The benefit to you is that many of the normal day-to-day repairs are covered under this plan while your home is listed."

By advertising a comprehensive warranty for your home, we increase buyer confidence in your home and set you apart from the competition."

ConditionHOME WARRANTY"

MarketingMARKETING YOUR HOME FOR A SUCCESSFUL SALE"

Your home is now priced accurately and looks great. Let’s show it off!"

The marketing of your home will reflect an established history of how buyers search for, and purchase, homes."

My marketing plan provides multiple opportunities for buyers and their agents to find your listing.

• 95% of buyers use the Internet during their home search. "

" •"85% of all home sales in Atlanta are co-brokered. This means there is a listing agent who represents you, the seller, and another agent who represents the buyer of your home. As a result, marketing to Realtors® is our most productive activity. "

" •"The most effective way to get the attention of productive agents and buyers is through accurate pricing and great photography. "

After your home is staged, the next step is to have it professionally photographed."

With 95% of buyers using the Internet to search for homes, professional photography is essential

to any comprehensive marketing plan."

More people will view your home online than will ever visit it personally. Getting, and holding, their attention online with professional photography is one way to increase the probability of an in-person showing."

“Buyers perceive homes with professional photography to be worth, on average, 12% more than the actual price.”"

The Wall Street Journal"

MarketingMARKETING YOUR HOME FOR A SUCCESSFUL SALE"

MarketingMARKETING YOUR HOME THROUGH !

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICES"

Most agents will use just one MLS listing service but when you list with me, your home will be syndicated to three Listing Services. Listing through our exclusive Keller Williams Listing

Services allows your listing to be distributed to more than 300 home search websites."

Georgia MLS First MLS Keller !Williams LS

25,000 Active "Listings""

#1 Most Visited MLS "in Georgia w/ 68,000 "

monthly visitors.""

Actively Markets"Listings to the Public."

"Covers the entire"

Metro Atlanta Area

14,760 "Active Listings"

"#2 Most Visited MLS "in Georgia w/ 50,000 "

monthly visitors.""

Does not market "listings to the public."

"Mainly Covers North "Metro Atlanta Areas

Unique to KW"""

Allows all "Keller Williams "

agents to search "and co-op "

other KW listings.""

Features listings "on KW.com

MarketingINTERNET MARKETING

I will place your home on more than 300 of the world’s leading real estate web sites for unmatched

exposure. Here are just a few of the sites "where your home will be found. . ."

MarketingINTERNET MARKETING

Your home will be featured on the Keller Williams Realty web site where it will be seen by 675,000 unique visitors each month.""

Your home is also directly accessible by more than 600 Leading Real Estate Companies of the World with affiliates offices across

the country and around the world. Additionally, all open houses are promoted on our web site, increasing the exposure of your home."

MarketingINTERNET MARKETING

When you list with me, your home will appear as"a featured property on both of my websites.

Your property will also be presented as a featured property on all emails campaigns and marketing

materials sent to my extensive buyer client database."

jackiegammie.com

homesforsalegwinnett.com

MarketingSOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING

Your home will also be marketed extensively on my Facebook business page and my YouTube Channel the

world’s leading social media sites. I will market your home using several proven approaches, including highly-

targeted ads, video, photos and more.""Facebook represents an opportunity to reach tens of

thousands of local Atlanta residents on a site where they already spend a lot of time."

MarketingDIRECT MAIL MARKETING

Your home will also be marketed using the latest email and direct mail technology, announcing your home as just

listed on the market.""

I will send full color professionally produced “just listed” post cards and email blasts to area buyers and agents inviting them to alert their friends, neighbors and clients

that your home is now available for sale.

MarketingCAPTURING DRIVE-BY BUYERS

I will create a custom mobile voice presentation and "custom web page link for your home that can be "

accessed from any smart phone, "replacing the need for paper flyers.""

There are numerous advantages for you;"" •" Potential buyers are able to immediately access a

detailed description of your home, along with beautiful photos and video."

" •" Unlike paper flyers, I receive an immediate notification with the potential buyer’s cell phone number, allowing me to follow up while the prospective buyer is still in your neighborhood. With a paper flyer, we have to wait until they call us - if they ever do. "

" •" This technology is the flyer box that is never empty.

MarketingA MARKET WITHIN A MARKET

Your home will not only be marketed through universal channels such as the Internet, print advertising, the Multiple Listing Service and signage. I will also market internally to our highly collaborative Keller Williams sales force of more than 1,000 agents - each with their own connections that forms a rich source of prospects, buyers and referrals.

This “market within a market” results in the most efficient transaction environment in Atlanta real estate. In fact, one out of every six transactions in the Atlanta area involves a Keller Williams agent.

Furthermore, Keller Williams has the highest market share in Gwinnett County for every price category.

MarketingINTERACTIVE MOBILE MARKETING

I provide all my clients with my custom Jackie Gammie mobile search app that can be accessed from any smart phone.

There are numerous advantages for you;

• With this app, I have another crucial outlet to find homebuyers. Your home automatically appears in this GPS-enabled app with a stylish photo gallery and listing details to showcase your home whether the homebuyer is searching at home or on the go.

• When a homebuyer requests information about your home I am immediately notified which allows me to follow up immediately.

• This technology is the flyer box that is never empty. Nothing is more frustrating to potential buyers - and sellers - than an empty flyer box!

In addition to the services we’ve covered, you can expect me to provide the following:"

" •" Attentive one-on-one service. The responsibility of managing the sale of your home is never passed off to other agents or assistants. I follow up after every showing to ensure your home is presented properly and to gather valuable feedback. "

" •" Regular communications regarding every aspect of my efforts and the results of those efforts as well as any changes in the market, including new listings, price changes of competing homes, sales and how we should re-position your property to remain competitive. "

" •" Assistance negotiating offers and preparing contracts. " " •" Attending the closing to ensure all contract provisions

have been met and that you are fully satisfied with the results of your sale. "

Service

Thank you for the privilege and opportunity to work with you. As always, feel free to call me if you have any questions. I look forward to meeting with you

and helping you achieve a successful sale."

Thank You

Jackie Gammie YOUR neighborhood REALTOR 2220 Wisteria Drive "Suite 102"Snellville, GA 30078 "Office: (678) 808-1489"Cell: (770) 331-2674""realtor@jackiegammie.com""jackiegammie.com"homesforsalegwinnett.com"

Jackie’s Top Tips For Showing Your Home

★The television and radio should be turned off. Let the buyer’s agent and buyer talk, free of disturbances.

★Send children and pets outdoors to play. This will eliminate confusion and keep the prospect’s attention focused on your home.

★Be absent during showings. Many prospects feel like intruders when owners/occupants are present. They tend to hurry away, or fail to ask their agent the questions they’d really like to ask. Your absence will put buyers at ease, and give them a chance to spend more time looking at your home and absorbing its advantages.

★Leave drapes open for light and airiness.

★If it’s evening, all lights should be turned on to give the rooms a larger appearance and a cheerful effect.

★Be sure the kitchen sink is free of dishes and rooms are uncluttered. Make sure trash baskets are empty.

★Make sure rugs are clean and straight. Set a comfortable temperature. Do a “once over” cleaning—vacuum, sweep, and dust.

★Final check every room.

★If you are at home during the showing, be courteous but don’t force conversation with the potential buyer. They want to inspect your house— not pay a social call.

★Open windows to freshen rooms. Set tables with flowers and linens.

★Never apologize for the appearance of your home—after all, it has been lived in.

★The buyer’s agent knows the buyer’s requirements and can better emphasize the features of your home when you don’t follow along. You will be called if needed.

★Let Jackie, your Realtor, discuss price, terms, possession and other factors with the customer. As a trained negotiator, she is better qualified to bring negotiations to a favorable conclusion.

★If buyers just drop by and aren’t accompanied by a real estate agent, it’s best not to show your home. Ask for their names and phone number, and provide it me for follow-up. I screen calls so you don’t waste time showing to someone who isn’t qualified or, worse yet—a potential burglar.

★I use an electronic key-box system that agent’s must access in order to obtain the key. This key-box records which agent showed your home (and the exact time and date, so that I can track showings and request feedback.

When it’s time for buyer’s agents to show your home, all your preparations will be worth the effort. Here are a few final tips that can add that extra

Jackie

The First Impression Counts… Let’s Make it a Positive One! The most important single reason that a home sells is its Emotional Appeal. Over 90% of buyers in today’s market buy on emotion. Looking at your house through “buyer’s eyes” can help you prepare your home to sell for the best price, in the least amount of time. When you begin preparing your home, begin outside and work y our way in. Make up a “to do” list as you go along, keeping in mind the importance of first impressions. "EXTERIOR TIPS It’s estimated that more than half of all houses are sold before buyers even get out of their cars. Stand across the street from your home and review its “curb appeal”. What can you do to improve the very first impression?★Keep sidewalks and patios hosed off. Hose down

house siding to remove cobwebs and dirt. Hose down your garage and clean your driveway of any grease spots. A garage can be an important selling point for your home, and a good spraying with a garden hose and just a drop of industrial strength cleaner can make a big difference.

★Mow, trim, weed, and water lawns and gardens. Add a fresh layer of mulch or gravel if needed and plant flowers for color.

★The front door is one of the first things prospective buyers see. If it shows signs of wear clean it, stain, it, or paint it.

★Make sure the doorbell and porch lights work. ★Remove trash and debris from the yard and

around house. ★Remove extra vehicles from view. ★Repair any fences or gates. ★Remove holiday lights that may still be hanging. ★Paint exterior window sashes, trim, and shutters

painting the entire exterior can be an expensive and unnecessary venture — unless there is bad blistering or peeling.

★Apply fresh paint to wooden fences

★Buy a new welcome mat ★Place potted flowers near the door ★Clean windows inside and out ★Power wash the home’s exterior ★Ensure gutters and downspouts are firmly attached

and functioning "INTERIOR TIPS When showing your home to prospective buyers you want to make everything look spacious, organized, bright, warm, and “homey.” Start with a full housecleaning from top to bottom.Don’t let dirt and clutter obscure your home’s good points. A clean home will sell a lot faster than a dirty one. Be sure walls are clean and free of dirt and fingerprints consider a fresh coat of paint if washing doesn’t do the trick. ★Wash all windows and sills. ★Curtains and drapes should be freshly cleaned. ★Arrange furniture to make rooms appear spacious and

attractive. ★Evaluate the furniture in each room and remove

anything that interrupts the flow or makes the room appear smaller. Consider renting a storage unit to move the items off-site.

★Clean all light fixtures and ceiling fans ★Have carpets cleaned ★Make minor repairs ★Replace any burned out light bulbs. You can make

rooms seem warmer and brighter by using high intensity light bulbs that give the house a warm glow.

★Discard or replace any dying houseplants. "KITCHEN & BATH TIPS The bathrooms and kitchen are focal points for most buyers. Be sure those rooms are clean and clear of clutter. ★Clear extra appliances, accessories, etc. from counters. ★ Polish sinks and remove stains. ★Clean appliances thoroughly inside and out.

Jackie’s Top Tips For Preparing Your Home

★Polish all brass and chrome fixtures.

★Polish mirrors so they sparkle. ★Scrub and wax floors. ★Have carpets professionally cleaned and deodorized. ★Clean and deodorize garbage areas. ★Clean sliding door track so that the door moves quietly

and smoothly. "REPAIRING TIPS Making little repairs can make a big difference. Although many families learn to live with a broken doorknob or a cracked window—all of these little things should be fixed when selling your home. The savvy homeowner concentrates his efforts on cosmetic repairs that cost relatively little but return a lot on the investment (don’t forget those first impressions!). ★Repair leaking faucets, running toilets, grout, and

caulking as needed. ★Replace any cracked windows and torn screens. ★Patch and paint wall and ceiling cracks. ★Repair or replace loose doorknobs, drawer pulls,

sticking doors and windows, warped drawers, cabinet handles, towel racks, switch plates and outlet covers.

★Tack down any loose molding and glue down any lifted wallpaper. "

NEUTRALIZING Try to create an appearance that allows the buyers to picture themselves living there. Neutral paint, décor and carpeting create a home for any life style. ★Eliminate distracting colors and accessories so that

buyers can concentrate on positive impressions. ★Brighten things with fresh paint. White, off white, or

beige walls make a room look bigger and lighter. Interior painting costs very little, and it can make a big difference in buyer perception—so go ahead and do it. "

DON’T OVER IMPROVE Preparing your home for sale doesn’t need to be expensive or time-consuming, as long as you keep up with normal maintenance. In the event you do not have the time to do the cleaning or repair work, consider hiring a professional: it could save you time and money later. And a few hundred dollars well spent can be the best investment you’ll ever make. Remember, you need to think like a buyer now and have a critical eye.

★Straighten and remove excess papers from kitchen memo area.

★Clean out your cabinets and drawers and add shelf paper and utensil trays to make them look as organized as possible.

★Buy a new shower curtain. "DE-CLUTTERING TIPS Eliminating clutter will give your home a more spacious look. By removing or storing things you don’t need, you create a roomy, comfortable feeling that will be inviting to prospective buyers. If a house is too cluttered, buyers have trouble imagining themselves and their belongings in it. Remember, when in doubt move it out! ★Clean out closets to display their roominess. ★Prospective buyers love to inspect for storage space,

so it’s important to make whatever closets you have look as spacious as possible. Another trick is to clear the floor space in closets. This simple strategy will make the closet ‘appear’ as large as possible.

★Be sure clothes are hung neatly and shoes and other objects are neatly arranged. If something you have stored away hasn’t been worn or used in the last year, chances are it never will be. Give it away, sell it, or pack it neatly in a box and store it in the garage.

★Have a garage sale! Not only will you be reducing clutter, but you can use the money you earn to finance your touch-ups.

★Straighten bookshelves and remove unnecessary papers from coffee tables.

★ In children’s rooms, straighten or store extra toys and remove distracting posters. Arrange toys to look fun and inviting, open a book on a night stand, add a flowering plant and arrange decorative pillows or shams on the bed.

★ If you have a spare room or storage area, turn it into an area with a purpose. If it’s too small to be a bedroom, turn it into a hobby center, study or office.

★Again, consider renting storage space to move out items you won’t need before you move. "

CLEANING TIPS When a home is clean, it gives the impression that it has been well cared for. Some fresh paint and a one- time professional cleaning service can make your house look like new. ★Be sure every room smells as good as it looks, ★paying special attention to pet areas, children’s ★nurseries and bathrooms. Jackie