Home Selling Guide
Published October 4th, 2026
Listing Services
I realize that there is so much more to selling a home than just putting it in the MLS, displaying a few photos online, and sticking a sign in the yard. What puts me above the crowd is that I take a more proactive approach, going the extra mile to produce, providing excellent service, communication, and accessibility to my clients. More importantly, my relationship with each seller is a partnership, in which both parties have responsibilities to each other while sharing a common goal.
My goal is to get you the most money for your home, in the shortest time, with highly desirable terms, guiding you to a smooth closing while managing stress and expectations.
As an experienced real estate professional, I get results because my clients' needs come FIRST. Knowledgeable clients make the best clients, and I promise to keep you informed throughout the home selling process.
This package outlines the steps I take to sell your house, from the time you hire me to the moment you hand over the keys. I look forward to serving you and working together to get your house SOLD!
Cancellation Policy: I guarantee satisfaction with my service. If at any time during the listing period you are unhappy with the level of service you are receiving, I will release you from the agreement.
Marketing Strategy — Before We List
Strategic Positioning in Pricing: I DO NOT price your house to sit, I price it to SELL, using competitive market analysis.
Build Excitement: I build EXCITEMENT around your house before it hits the market through the use of COMING SOON signs, social media, calls to your neighbors, and spreading the word about the listing to other Realtors.
Home Staging: To ensure a GREAT first impression to prospective buyers, both for photos and showings, I provide a two-hour professional home staging consultation to prepare your house for sale.
Professional Color Photography: I provide professional, high dynamic range (HDR) photographs of your home to be used on the MLS, various online portals and websites, and other marketing materials.
Competitive Market Analysis
Price — pricing your house properly from the start is the deciding factor as to how long it will take to sell.
Condition — the condition of the property affects the price and speed of the sale. As prospective buyers often make purchases based on emotion, a positive first impression is critical. I will help in optimizing the physical appearance of your home to maximize the buyer's perception of value.
Timing — property values are affected by the current real estate market; I will collaborate with you on a pricing and marketing strategy that takes advantage of the first 30 days your house is listed. This is the window of opportunity when buyers and their agents will discover your listing and are most likely to visit and make an offer.
Location — location is an important factor in determining the value of your property.
Terms — terms structured to meet our objectives are important to successful marketing.
Market Factors Within Your Control
Price
Property Condition
Availability for Showings
Timing
Terms
Market Factors You Cannot Control
Location
Competition
Interest Rates
When the perfect buyer walks through the door
The Market
Marketing Strategy — When We List
Yard Sign: Placement of the "For Sale" sign in your yard will attract the attention of neighbors and drive-by traffic.
Massive Internet Exposure: 92% of all consumers view properties on the internet prior to purchasing. RE/MAX syndicates with hundreds of online websites to show your house for sale!
Social Media: Your house will be featured on my social media pages, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
Circle Prospecting: I make calls to every home within a half-mile radius of your house, constantly cultivating qualified buyers looking to buy a home in the area of your listing!
Full Color Home Books & Flyers: Full color, professionally designed printed books and flyers will be available inside your home for potential buyers to take with them, making your home more memorable. Flyer boxes to be placed outside the home are also available.
Suprakey Lockbox: This lockbox records information on everyone who accesses your home and restricts access to only licensed professionals.
Buyer Screening: I market to agents who will bring pre-qualified buyers to your house, who are seriously considering your listing, reducing stress and eliminating "looky-loos."
Centralized Showing Services I hire a co-op scheduling service that conveniently texts, calls, or emails sellers regarding showing appointments. Buyers are pre-qualified and always accompanied by an agent. Feedback requests are automatically sent out after each showing and sent to the listing agent and sellers once completed.
Open Houses: Conducted by trained agents, utilizing social media postings, door knocking, and physical advertising through signage to create exposure for your listing.
Marketing Strategy — After We List
Quick, Reliable Responsiveness: I pride myself on communication and availability, not only for my clients but for all agents and buyers inquiring about your listing, in addition to service partners such as inspectors, appraisers, and lenders.
Canvassing Your Neighborhood: Neighbors often know someone looking to move to our area, so I continually market your house for sale to others in the area in the event they know of a potential buyer.
Skilled Negotiating Strategy: Your best interest is my best interest! I will represent you in every phase of the transaction.
Updates on Market Condition: I consistently monitor what the market is doing in your area and inform you accordingly through weekly and monthly reports.
Online Activity Monitoring & Reporting: I will track how many hits your listing generates and respond in a timely manner to online inquiries.
Did you know that 95% of home buyers work with a licensed Realtor? As a member of RE/MAX International, I am part of a massive agent network across the globe. Locally, because of my extensive experience and proven track record, I also have strong relationships with other agents working with buyers across the Greater Kansas City area. I am licensed in Kansas and Missouri to serve the entirety of our beloved city.
Preparing Your House For Sale
Exterior
Keep the grass freshly cut and sidewalks and driveways free of snow or ice.
Remove all yard clutter.
Apply fresh paint or stain to wooden fences.
Paint the front door.
Weed and apply mulch to garden beds.
Clean windows, inside and out.
Wash, caulk, and/or paint the home's exterior.
Tighten and clean door handles.
Ensure gutters and downspouts are firmly attached.
Interior
Remove excessive wall hangings, furniture, and knick-knacks.
Thoroughly clean the home, including cabinets and closets.
Shampoo carpets.
Clean or paint walls and ceilings.
Repair all plumbing leaks, including faucet and drain traps.
Clean all light fixtures and appliances.
For Showings
Turn on all lights.
Open drapes and blinds in the daytime.
Keep pets secured in crates or removed from the home.
Play quiet background music.
Vacate the home while it is being shown.
Please NEVER leave a candle burning.
Home Warranty Plans Home warranty plans go a long way toward alleviating some of the risks and concerns potential buyers have when purchasing a home. For a modest price (typically $500-$600), the seller can provide a one-year warranty covering specified HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or appliance breakdowns. Coverage is available during the listing period, providing protection to the seller, and is then transferable to the buyer with the policy paid at closing.
Save yourself time, money, and disappointment: do deferred maintenance NOW!
Inspections 101
General Overview Inspections should take place within 10 days of the contract being accepted and are coordinated by the buyer and their agent.
EMP (Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing) The EMP is a basic home inspection which evaluates many components of the home including, but not limited to, all light switches, electrical outlets and the main breaker, the water meter, water heater, duct system, ceiling fans, fireplace, oven and cooktop, dishwasher, built-in microwave, trash compactor, all sink faucets, toilets, tubs and showers, the furnace, and the air conditioning system when weather permits.
Roof: The inspection covers the main roof covering material only and will give buyers an estimate of how much life remains. Unless it is raining at the time of inspection or there has been a recent heavy rain, it may not be possible to detect a roof leak.
Structural: A structural engineer can identify any visible distress indicating foundation settlement, such as structurally significant cracks in the slab, sheetrock cracks, veneer cracks, and visible structural frame deficiencies, and make recommendations for repair. It's important to note that a general home inspector cannot evaluate and make the same recommendations as a structural engineer.
Radon: Radon is a gas that moves from the soil into a home. Testing your home will identify radon levels and determine if corrective action is suggested.
Termite & Wood Rot: An exterminating company will inspect your home and yard for troublesome rodents, insects, spiders, and termites, while also checking your property for any rotted wood or moisture damage.
Additional Inspections: Other popular inspections include the testing of the chimney, sprinkler system, sewer line scope, septic system, pool and spa, as well as evaluating the crawl space (if applicable).
Please make sure the inspector has access to the attic, electrical panel, HVAC components, water heater, sewer clean-out access, and crawl space (if applicable).