For Sellers

Yes. It definitely does. You'll be relying on your REALTOR® to give you solid advice, market your home well, assist with negotiations, and tend to a myriad of details. You need someone who is dedicated to your success.

One of the first considerations in making your choice should be how comfortable you feel when you're with the agent. Listen to your own instincts.  Can you talk things over and not feel intimidated? Do you sense that she cares more about doing a job for you... or getting a paycheck? 

Next, because you'll be relying on your REALTOR®'s advice, you need someone who knows the Alexandria housing market inside and out. Only through knowledge of the comparable neighborhoods and properties can an agent give a reliable price recommendation. Always choose a local REALTOR®.

Since 92% of all home buyers now begin their search on line, you need an agent with Internet marketing skills that make your home stand out from the crowd. Look at his or her other listings on line to see how your home will be presented.

Choose an agent who returns phone calls or emails in a timely fashion and who is willing to take the time to answer your questions. If a REALTOR® doesn't have time for you before you sign the listing, they won't have time for you later.

Read testimonials and ask for references.

Go for honesty over flattery. You need a REALTOR® who will tell you the truth, even if it isn't what you want to hear. And the truth is: It's the market - not the agent - that determines the price your home will sell for.

If you're considering offering your Alexandria or Old Town Alexandria home for sale, please get in touch. I'll be glad to answer your questions about the market and about how I serve my clients. And of course, I invite you to explore this site and visit my blog.

Thanks for visiting me at www.susanmovesyou.com,

Susan Haughton
SUSAN.HAUGHTON@Longandfoster.com
703.470.4545

As Your Agent, I Will:

• Complete a comparative market analysis that will compare your home's value to that of your neighbors.
• Compile a comprehensive plan detailing all the efforts I will employ to sell your home, including Internet and local media.
• Present your home to as many qualified buyers as possible getting your home maximum exposure.
• Help you stage your home and generate curb appeal to ensure you get the highest price.
• Assist with obtaining offers and help you in negotiating the best deal as smoothly as possible.
• Help you find your next home and answer all of your questions about the local market area, including schools, neighborhoods, the local economy, and more.

Recent Home Sales

What are homes selling for on your street? Feel free to contact me to find out what neighborhood homes are selling for, free of charge, or to receive a more detailed analysis of the value of your home.

Getting the Highest Price for Your Home

Curb appeal is key and could make a difference whether people stop and take a flyer, or drive right by. Here are a few tips to increase the curb appeal of your home. Staging your home is important. Many buyers will stay in your home longer if it's staged appropriately. I have compiled some ideas to present your home in the most effective manner.

Closing Costs to Expect:

• Title insurance fees depend on the sales price of the home.
• Broker's commission is a full-service fee and will cost anywhere between 5% to 7%.
• Local property transfer tax, county transfer tax, state transfer tax, and state capital gains tax are the charges that you'll pay for the privilege of selling your home. Credit to the buyer of unpaid real estate taxes for the prior or current year are variable and depend on when you close and when your taxes are due.
• FHA fees and costs are all fees are now negotiable between an FHA buyer and seller.
• Home inspections fees are in some circumstances paid for by the seller and include pest, radon and other inspections.
• Miscellaneous fees can accrue from correcting problems noticed during the home inspection.

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