Deciding to Sell?

Why Choose Potterton Rule?

Selling your home can be a complex process. Our agents can help you navigate the complexities and maximize your returns. With our contact networks and relationships we’ve built over the last 86 years, we are able to employ the most effective marketing and advertising strategies for your property. We are very familiar with the paperwork and specifics of real estate transactions in the communities and counties we serve.

• Local Expertise: Our deep-rooted knowledge of Southwestern Wisconsin real estate ensures accurate property valuations and effective marketing strategies.
• Extensive Network: We use our network of buyers and agents to reach a wider audience.
• Proven Marketing Strategies: Our marketing techniques showcase your home to more potential buyers.
• Negotiation Skills: Our team will advocate for your best interests and secure the best possible deal.
• Personalized Service: We’ll work closely with you to understand your specific needs and goals.

How to Choose a Real Estate Agent

When selecting a listing agent, consider the following:

• Experience: Look for an agent with a proven track record of success in your local market.
• Knowledge: Your agent should have a deep understanding of real estate trends, market conditions, and legal regulations.
• Communication Skills: Effective communication is key to a smooth selling process.
• Availability: Your agent should be readily available to answer your questions and address your concerns.
• Marketing Expertise: A skilled agent will employ effective marketing strategies to attract potential buyers.

What Is Your Property Worth?

Pricing your home accurately is crucial to a successful sale. Our agents will conduct a free, no-obligation market analysis to determine the optimal listing price. Factors to consider include:

• Comparable Sales: Analyzing recent sales of similar properties in your area.
• Market Trends: Understanding current market conditions, including interest rates and buyer demand.
• Property Condition: Assessing the condition of your home and any necessary repairs or improvements.
• Staging: Preparing your home to appeal to potential buyers.

Preparing Your Home for Sale

The Price Is Not Always Right.

“The higher the price, the better the offer.” Do not let yourself be fooled by this popular misconception. Price is not always the determining factor when accepting an offer for several important reasons: the initial offer is usually not final, and there are a number of terms and conditions that may influence the final outcome of a price. You can trust our team to help you thoroughly evaluate every proposal without compromising your marketing position.

Consider factors beyond just the purchase price, such as:

• Financing: Is the buyer pre-approved for a mortgage?
• Contingencies: Are there any contingencies, such as the sale of the buyer’s current home?
• Closing Timeline: Does the buyer’s desired closing date align with your timeline?
• Earnest Money Deposit: A larger deposit can demonstrate the buyer’s seriousness.

Negotiating The Right Way.

We take the ethical responsibility of fairly negotiating contractual terms very seriously. It is our job to find a win-win agreement that is beneficial to all parties involved. You may even have to deal with multiple offers before finding one agreeable to you – and as your agents, we will guarantee a thorough and objective assessment of each offer to help you make the right choice.

We work to:

• Maximize Your Offer: Negotiate the best possible price and terms.
• Address Contingencies: Work with the buyer to minimize or eliminate contingencies.
• Protect Your Interests: Ensure a smooth and timely closing.

The Purchase Agreement

Once an offer is accepted, you’ll sign a purchase agreement, which outlines the terms of the sale, including:

• Purchase Price: The agreed-upon sale price.
• Earnest Money Deposit: The amount the buyer will deposit as a good faith gesture.
• Closing Date: The target date for the transaction to be finalized.
• Contingencies: Any conditions that must be met before the sale can proceed.

Some tips

• Keep written records of everything.
  It is beneficial to transcribe all verbal agreements, including counteroffers and addendums, and convert them into written agreements to be signed by both parties. We will assist you in drafting all the paperwork for your sale and ensure you have copies of everything.

• Stick to the schedule.
  Now that you have chosen your offer, you and the buyer will be given a timeline to mark every stage in closing the real estate contract. Meeting the requirements on time ensures a smoother flow of negotiations and that each party involved is not in breach of their agreements. We will keep you constantly updated during the process so you will always be prepared for the next step.

Navigating the Inspection and Appraisal Process

Once an offer is accepted, the buyer will typically initiate several inspections to assess the property’s condition. These may include:

• General Home Inspection: A comprehensive evaluation of the home’s structure, systems, and components.
• Specialized Inspections: Inspections for specific concerns, such as pest control, radon, or lead-based paint.
• Appraisal: A professional assessment of the property’s market value, often required by lenders.

Understanding Contingencies

Many offers are contingent on certain conditions, such as a satisfactory home inspection or obtaining financing. These contingencies protect the buyer’s interests and can impact the timeline of the sale. Your agent will help you navigate these contingencies and work towards a smooth closing.

The Closing Process

The closing process involves finalizing the sale and transferring ownership. A closing agent, typically a title company or attorney, will oversee the transaction and ensure all legal requirements are met.

Key steps in the closing process include:

• Title Search and Insurance: Verifying ownership and protecting against potential claims.
• Prorations: Calculating and allocating property taxes, homeowners insurance, and other expenses.
• Document Signing: Signing the final closing documents, including the deed and mortgage.
• Funds Disbursement: Disbursing funds to the seller, lender, and other parties involved.

Closing Day

If you have come this far, this means that it is almost time for a congratulations, but not yet. Do not forget to tie up these loose ends:

Final Walk-Through Inspection.

More of a formality than anything else, the final walk-through inspection takes place up to three days prior to closing. The buyer visits the property to verify that all is in working order, everything is the same as when the buyer last viewed the property, and that there are no extra items left behind.

Cancel Home Services and Utilities.

We will provide a list of useful numbers for the termination of home services and utilities after the closing occurs.

Be Prepared.

We are ready to assist you should an unforeseen issue arise, even at this last stage. If something at the property breaks down or the buyers’ loan does not pull through on time, there is no need to worry. We have encountered these problems before so we know how to handle them efficiently and in a stress-free manner.

Closing.

The closing agent will furnish all parties involved with a settlement statement, which summarizes and details the financial transactions enacted in the process. The buyer(s) will sign this statement, and then you will sign, as well as the closing agent, certifying its accuracy. If you are unable to attend the scheduled closing, then arrangements can be made depending on the circumstances and the notice that we receive. If you are receiving funds from the transaction, you can elect to either have the funds wired electronically to an account at your financial institution, or have a check issued to you at the closing. The seller should arrange to have all property keys and any other important information for the new purchaser at the closing, so that the purchaser may receive these items at this time.