When a potential seller makes an appointment to meet with me about selling their Oakland or Lapeer County home I am typically asked "how long will this take?" and "are you going to take pictures?"

There are two ways a listing can happen. The 1 step approach or 2 step.

On the 1 step listing, I have comparable sales pulled in advance. When I get to your house I go through the house measuring rooms and taking notes. Then we sit down and discuss how I market a home, my experience, we go over comparable sales and discuss price, discuss your motivations and time lines, and then I answer any questions you may have. At that point if you decide to list your house with me I fill out the listing agreement while you fill out the disclosures. Then I take photos. I take photos of every room and multiple photos of the exterior.

A 2 step approach involves all the above except for the paperwork and photos. It may not include a discussion of pricing either if a) I didn't have enough lead time to work on pricing in advance and b) your house is so unique that I need to go back and pull different comparable sales.

Both approaches work for me. Often times a seller wants to interview multiple agents then make a decision. Sometimes sellers want to discuss if they are still going to sell- especially after hearing an honest value for their house.

You should schedule anywhere from 1-3 hours for the appointment. If you plan on listing at that appointment the house needs to be clean and de-cluttered for photos. Your old mortgage report (survey) can come in handy along with dates of any improvements such as new roof, well, furnace, etc. Copies of your utility bills, copies of any warranties that would transfer with the house and your current mortgage information (name of lender, contact number and loan number(s)).

If you are thinking about selling your North Oakland County or Lapeer County MI home please contact me, Jackie Hawley at: 

Jackie Hawley
Re/Max Encore

Jackie@JackieHawley.com

Cell: (248) 736-6407

This is a common question I get when a person is considering selling their home. First let me explain that most everything is negotiable; the purpose of this post is to address what is customary for the Oakland County and Lapeer County areas.

Costs to the seller:

• commission
• transfer tax (.75%)
• revenue stamps ($1.10 per $1000)
• title insurance (depends on the sale price)
• $495 broker compliance fee (amount varies with different companies)
• misc. costs such as wiring fees, recording fees and I usually estimate on the high side at $500 but is probably closer to $100 on most transactions

If you currently have a mortgage on the house that will have to be paid out of your proceeds. Taxes are usually prorated to the date of closing and if you are current on your taxes you will probably get some back. Homeowner association dues is usually prorated to the date of closing. Water and sewer bill (if applicable) are paid at closing.

If there is possession $200 or $300 is usually escrowed at closing to cover any water/sewer charges for the time you live in the house as a tenant after closing. You will normally pay the new owner's house payment for the time you stay after closing. So you agree on 45 days possession after closing, we will typically escrow 45 days of the new owner's mortgage and you pay for the days you stay.

These costs are for a normal sale- not short sale or land contract sale.

For more information about selling your Oakland County or Lapeer County MI home please don't hesitate to contact me.

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