Heather seller guide

HOME SELLER’s GUIDE

ABOUT Heather Doughton

I have been a full-time real estate professional in Gainesville for over 20 years I bring passion, commitment, and extensive local market knowledge to each and every real estate transaction With customer service, dedication and professional standards as my guide, I work diligently for my customers to help them accomplish their buying and selling goals. My motto is, "Building customers and friends for life."

Giving back to the community is paramount to me, which is why I am proud to be a part of the Bosshardt Team. Bosshardt Realty has been active in the North Central Florida community for more than 30 years and supports over 100 local charities

When I am not working with buyers and sellers, or helping out in a community event, a safe bet would be to find me with my grandchildren or entertaining other family members and friends at my home on Kanapaha Prairie

WHY SELL A HOME NOW?

DEMAND IS STRONG

The millennial generation, now in their prime household formation and home-buying years, is driving the surge in buyer demand. While inventory is expected to experience a modest uptick, it is anticipated to remain constrained, further fueling this heightened demand

UPGRADE OR DOWNSIZE

If you have been wanting to move to a home with more square footage, or a home with premium amenities, now is the time! Conversely, empty nesters might consider downsizing as their children move out, seeking a smaller, more manageable home.

COMPETITION IS LOW

The housing supply remains fairly low in our market, unable to meet the robust demand from prospective buyers. This creates an advantageous market for you to sell, as escalating demand has driven home prices upward Seize the opportunities presented by these conditions while they persist

LIFE EVENTS

There are many life events that can prompt the need for a change in living arrangements In such cases, selling your home may be a practical step to adapt to the new circumstances and ensure financial stability.

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS

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FACTORS IN THE SALE

When preparing to sell your property, consider whether achieving the highest possible price or a quicker sale aligns better with your goals Balancing your priorities between price and timing will ensure you make an informed decision that suits your unique circumstances and aspirations as a homeowner.

SELECTING A BROKERAGE

When choosing a real estate brokerage to assist in selling your property, prioritize those with extensive local market knowledge and a successful transaction history A great agent communicates well, providing clear updates and strategic insights to optimize your property sale

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MAJOR OBSTACLES

Do you anticipate any major obstacles arising during the sale of your property? Anticipating and proactively addressing potential issues can streamline the selling process and ensure a successful transaction for both you and potential buyers

LEGAL & FINANCIAL READINESS

If there are any known liens or legal issues with your home, it's important to address them before listing the property. It's also wise to consult with a tax professional and to plan for capital gains taxes, if applicable. 4

PRICING STRATEGY

I will complete a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) for your home. This is a crucial step in determining the appropriate listing price for a property. It involves comparing your property to similar homes that have recently sold or are currently on the market to determine its current market value.

Gather Property Details: I will collect detailed information about the property, including its size, number of bedrooms, bathrooms, lot size, and any unique features and recent upgrades.

Identify Comparable Properties: My CMA includes recently sold properties in the same neighborhood or area that are similar in size, features, and condition to your property I include sales from all real estate companies and I refer to public records in addition to MLS

Sold Listings: The best measure of value is sold properties I examine recently sold listings that are most similar to the your property, and I analyze their sale prices, days on market, and any negotiation trends to gauge the market's current conditions

Active Listings: I will look at properties that are currently on the market These listings will demonstrate supply and competition

Withdrawn/Expired Listings: It's important to research withdrawn or expired listings similar to your home. This may indicate a property overpriced for our market.

THE PRICE DERIVATIVE

PRE-LISTING CHECKLIST

You want your home to look its absolute best for potential buyers! As your agent, I will help you figure out what needs to be done, and plan and prioritize tasks This pre-listing checklist can serve as a roadmap to help you as you ready your home

OVERALL INTERIOR

Touch up paint & fill holes/scratches

Do your best to eliminate any odors

Test lights and replace bulbs if needed

Remove family photos & depersonalize

Minimize clutter

Wipe down baseboards & doors

BATHROOM

Place fresh towels and rugs

Clean toilet bowls

Remove soap residue, rust and stains

Re-caulk sinks and tubs if needed

Clear countertops and bath of all personal items

BEDROOM

Declutter and organize closets

Dust furniture

Use fresh bedding and pillows

Clean shades and curtains

Rearrange furniture as needed

Put way all clothing, toys and valuables

KITCHEN

Empty sinks & put away all dishes

Clear countertops

Pack away non-essential appliances

Deep clean fridge, stove, and oven

Organize the pantry

Remove noticeboards/family memos

If possible, store pet bowls & trash cans

Rugs and dish towels should be fresh

Remove magnets from fridge

OVERALL EXTERIOR

Lawn should be freshly mowed

House numbers clean & visible

Remove any yard clutter

Organize patio furniture

Clean windows & window wells

Consider pressure washing

Repaint front door if needed

Remove weeds & trim shrubs

Discuss possible roof & gutter cleaning

REASONS A HOME SELLS

REASONS BEYOND YOUR CONTROL

LOCATION

Some neighborhoods are more desirable than others The better the location of the home, the more money buyers are willing to pay For a house to sell in any location, its listing price should reflect its location and the value of the surrounding homes.

MARKET CONDITIONS

The economy, interest rates, and other factors impact the state of the housing market

COMPETITION

The combination of heightened buyer demand and limited inventory results in homes selling faster, and vice versa, when buyers have more to choose from, sellers have more to compete with

LISTING PRICE

To effectively sell your property fast for the most money, the listing price has to be just right. If your home is not selling or getting traffic, it could be a sign it’s priced too high for the current market.

TERMS OFFERED

In addition to the condition and price of your home, there is sometimes more to attracting the right buyer Many sellers offer incentives such as closing costs or a home warranty to help compete in the marketplace

CONDITION

The better condition your property is in, the easier it is to sell Making repairs and staging your home will create a more impressive presentation to buyers

EASE OF SHOWING REASONS WITHIN YOUR CONTROL

The more buyer traffic a home gets, the more likely it is to sell Sellers need to make sure their home is available to show to buyers, sometimes even with very short notice

HOME STAGING EVERY SELLER SHOULD DO

During a showing, home buyers are there to see your house, not your stuff A disorganized living space signals to buyers that storage may be insufficient and diverts attention away from the genuine size and possibilities of the home. It's crucial to bear in mind that buyers seek a property that resonates with them as a potential home Family photos and other personalized items are distracting and inhibit potential buyer’s ability to envision the home as their own

PURPOSE AND SPACE

When touring your home, prospective buyers will focus on envisioning the practicality of each space and its potential uses Ensure that your furnishings convey the functionality of each room, assigning a distinct purpose to avoid any confusion. For instance, transform a room into a home office by strategically placing a desk and bookshelf. Additionally, arrange furniture to optimize traffic flow and improve the functionality of each space

NEUTRAL DECOR

Maintain a neutral and straightforward aesthetic to enhance the home's appeal to a broad range of buyers, regardless of gender or age, be it a young bachelor or a retired couple Opt for soft, neutral wall colors and choose uncomplicated bed and window coverings to create a universally appealing ambiance This timeless approach ensures that the home welcomes a diverse range of potential buyers.

CLEAN THOUROUGHLY

Whether you opt for personal cleaning efforts or enlist the assistance of professionals, maintaining a clean house is crucial This creates an impression for potential buyers that the home has been meticulously cared for and well-maintained.

CURB APPEAL

An unappealing outer appearance can quickly trigger skepticism in a potential buyer, hindering their ability to approach the situation with an open mind Extensive and expensive landscaping may not be necessary, but it's essential that the yard appears wellmaintained, and the porches, decks, and walkways are clean and free of debris

I understand the importance of every home sale and strive to exceed expectations at every step of the process. From custom flyers to online listings and from digital ads to social media posts, I will deliver unparalleled exposure When you choose Bosshardt Realty to represent your property, you can expect a comprehensive suite of services aimed at maximizing your home's market potential

Custom Property Flyer/Brochure: The Bosshardt Marketing Team will create tailored promotional materials developed for your property.

Yard Sign Placement: A prominent yard sign will be placed on your property.

Targeted Direct Mailing: Identification and outreach to potential buyers based on property type

Just Listed Postcards: Every Bosshardt listing automatically receives 50+ custom property postcards mailed to potential buyers

Internal Office Network Connect your listing with my network of 110+ Realtors® through Bosshardt’s weekly sales meetings

MLS Exposure: Inclusion of your property's data in the Multiple Listing Service for real estate professionals.

Online Presence: Showcase on BosshardtRealty.com, social media platforms, and popular real estate websites like Zillow and Realtor.com.

Past Prospect Follow-up: Revisit potential buyers in my data files for similar properties

Local Expertise: I understand the local market and the best way to position your property Property Tours: Conducted as applicable

Open Houses/Broker Opens: I organize engaging events to attract potential buyers and real estate professionals for an up-close look at your property

SHOULD I COMPENSATE THE BUYER’S BROKER?

In the dynamic landscape of real estate transactions, one crucial aspect that demands careful consideration is the compensation for the buyer's broker. I understand that this is a significant conversation to have, and I encourage you to delve into the details.

It’s important to know that commissions are not set in stone; rather, they are negotiable terms that should align with your unique situation I bring a wealth of expertise in both marketing and real estate, positioning myself as a valuable resource in guiding you through the diverse range of compensation options available. I am committed to ensuring that the compensation structure not only reflects the true value of the services rendered but also optimizes your overall real estate experience.

“Determining how to compensate the buyer's broker is a key decision that shapes the entire transaction. We will help you navigate this choice strategically, ensuring a harmonious alignment of interests and a smooth path to a successful sale.”

Of buyers use a Realtor® to find a home to purchase 86%

CREDIBILITY

The Selling Process

THE DECISION

You have made the huge decision to sell your home and you're ready to get started on this journey!

PRICING

I will help you evaluate the current real estate market and all relative factors about your property so you can choose the best price for your home

MARKETING

I will market your home on many different platforms to ensure it is seen by as many potential buyers as possible

The buyers will perform a final inspection to verify property condition Once the closing documents are signed and the buyer's final funds are received, the deed is recorded with the County Recorder's Office and escrow is officially closed

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You hire me, a Bosshardt Realtor®, to consult you on the many important factors involved in selling a home, as well as negotiate on your behalf and deal with any issues that may arise along the way.

PREPARATION

My goal is to understand the real estate landscape and how to best position your home I want your home to look its absolute best and I will guide you as you prepare the home for sale

I will help you manage buyer offers to purchase as well as help you understand any requests for repairs and/or credits during the inspection period

NEGOTIATION & INSPECTION PERIOD MOVING

Time to celebrate the sale of your home!

®

As a member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, our company is a global not just local real estate company working on your behalf LeadingRE provides world-class marketing and resources, allowing us to provide the very best services. Our invitation-only network was responsible for $353 billion in annual home sales volume among the top 500 U.S. real estate firms in 2022.

WHERE DID BOSSHARDT BEGIN?

What started out as Carol Bosshardt and a three-Realtor® team, has developed into a comprehensive suite of real estate solutions, all under one roof, and including Residential and Commercial Sales. The company boasts in-house marketing, unmatched administrative support for our agents, global reach through our affiliation with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, and the most strategic insights into our local market

WHERE IS BOSSHARDT NOW?

Aaron Bosshardt, Carol’s son, is the current owner of Bosshardt Realty Services, LLC. Guided by innovative thinking and the same customer-first approach, Aaron has grown the company into what it is today. He supports his agents and staff with a wealth of knowledge and three decades of real estate experience He also ensures that every Bosshardt customer works with the best trained team in order to help them accomplish their real estate goals.

Aaron is an expert in business development, strategic asset management, real estate brokerage and property management As brokerowner, Aaron has overseen more than 50,000 successful real estate transactions, including over two billion in closed commercial sales and leases He is dedicated to maintaining a reputation built on quality, service, and uncompromising ethics

TODD LOEFFLER

President/Broker

Todd has been a top-producing real estate agent since 1997 He oversees the day-to-day activities of Bosshardt’s dedicated Realtors® and staff Todd knows what it takes to be successful in the ever-changing real estate market He is committed to providing Bosshardt Realty’s customers and clients with the most comprehensive real estate services in North Central Florida

The BOSSHARDT WAY

When it comes to the communities and customers we serve, we’re all in! What does it signify for a real estate company to operate with an “all in” mindset? It’s all about a profound passion for our work and the places we call home, which resonates through every aspect of our operations. We’re homegrown in North Florida and our commitment to the region runs deep, fueling our passion for making a positive impact in the neighborhoods we serve We firmly believe that real estate is more than just buying and selling properties; it’s about fostering strong connections and enhancing the lives of individuals and families We strive to be more than just a real estate brokerage; we aim to be a trusted partner and neighbor, working tirelessly to contribute to the growth, vitality, and well-being of our region.

This year, with the help of agents, staff, and customers, Bosshardt donated more than $142,000 to non-profit organizations in North Central Florida. Our passion for building a better future drives us to focus on Florida-based non-profit organizations that align with Bosshardt’s vision to solve problems with real-world solutions and empower fellow Floridians We believe that excellence, generosity and balance are foundational to selling, to work and to life.

On January 9, 2023, the Bosshardt Family of Companies announced donations totaling $90,000 to three local charities through the non-profit arm, Bosshardt Charitable Fund. These funds were generated during the annual Dancing Through the Decades event and were equally distributed among three deserving organizations: Aces in Motion, The Scott Loeffler Memorial Fund for Mental Health, and The Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases

“Bosshardt is committed to making a positive impact in our community and this year, we set our highest contribution goal to date,” said broker/owner Aaron Bosshardt. “Our agents and staff are honored to partner with so many great organizations We know that the work they do in Gainesville and the surrounding areas is necessary and meaningful, and makes our community stronger ”

with confidence

PASSIONATE

Simply put, we love what we do, and it makes all the difference between providing a service and delivering an experience. We fully commit to every task, providing well-rounded solutions that don’t shy away from the details We firmly believe that real estate is more than just buying and selling properties; it’s about fostering strong connections and enhancing the lives of individuals and families We strive to be more than just a real estate brokerage; we aim to be a trusted partner and neighbor, working tirelessly to contribute to the growth, vitality, and well-being of our region

PROFESSIONAL

We pride ourselves on being a team of knowledgeable specialists embodying an exceptional level of professionalism, both with our customers and among our peers Our dedication to the highest quality service, efficiency, and insight is unparalleled

Success in selling a home begins with a carefully crafted strategy, and an unwavering commitment to turning dreams into reality. It's not just about closing a deal; it's about opening the door to new beginnings.