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Seller's Guide

A Step-by-Step First Time Seller's Guide

Putting your home on the market can be a stressful process, especially when you don’t know what to expect. Fortunately, with the help of an experienced agent and this easy to follow guide, you can smoothly complete the process. Following these steps will help you prepare so you can get organized and sell your home for the best price possible.​​​​​​​

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Step 1: Understand Why You're Selling

What do you want to accomplish with the sale of your home? Do you want to make a certain amount of money that you can put toward a larger or nicer home? Do you need to sell it as soon as possible to facilitate a move to a new city or area? Once you understand your needs, you can better craft your offer. For example, if you need to sell quickly, you might want to price your home lower than if your goal is to make a certain profit margin. Make sure you convey these needs to your real estate agent once you choose one so he or she can adjust your selling price accordingly.

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Step 2: Determine Selling Price

Knowing how to price your home is one of the most important parts of the selling process. When you set a fair price in the beginning, you’ll get the most interest from other real estate agents and prospective buyers. Overpricing your home could lead to reduced interest, and underpricing leads to receiving less than what your home is worth. Working with a real estate agent is the best way to determine the right selling price for your home. An agent with experience can determine what other comparable homes are selling for, evaluate the current market, and may even suggest a home appraisal.

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Step 3: Start Preparations

If you’ve kept your home in showroom condition since you’ve lived in it, you’re in the minority of homeowners. Once you price your home, it’s time to start getting it ready to be shown to potential buyers. This includes getting rid of clutter, depersonalizing the space so that buyers can envision themselves in the space, making any small repairs, and doing a deep clean to make sure your home is in pristine condition.

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Step 4: Develop a Marketing Strategy

I will develop a marketing strategy that is perfect for advertising your home. This involves listing the home and then driving the right people to that listing through social media campaigns, agent-to-agent referrals, traditional media, or SEO advertising. My team creates a marketing campaign that aims to get the most possible traffic to your listing in the first three weeks after becoming a client.

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Step 5: Evaluate Offers

Receiving an offer is an exciting part of the process, but it doesn’t mean the journey is over. I will evaluate each offer and make sure the party making the offer is prequalified or pre-approved by a mortgage lender and that their offer is acceptable to you. If the offer is too low, you can make a counter-offer or offer other ways to bridge the gap, such as covering some or all of the closing costs, making repairs, adjusting the move-in date, or leaving some appliances or fixtures for the new buyer.

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Step 6: Accept an Offer

Once I deem the offer is acceptable, I will review the proposed contract to make sure it’s all in order and includes the necessary components such as deposit amount, down payment, financing, inspection rights and repair allowances, contingencies, settlement date, and a list of fees and who will pay them. When both parties have agreed to the term, a final contract will be prepared by your agent.

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Step 7: Get Ready to Close

You have accepted an offer and are now very close to the end of your selling journey. But first, you and the buyer must make a list of what needs to be done before closing. In some cases, your home may need to be formally inspected, surveyed, and appraised. In other cases, major or minor repairs will need to be made before the house can close. I will head up efforts to develop and execute this list, get each action item paid for by the correct party, and make sure everything is in order by the closing date. A few days before the closing date, I will call the company closing the transaction to make sure everything is ready to go. If you haven’t done so already, you also need to make arrangements to move out of the home so the new buyer can take possession.

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Step 8: Close

You’ve reached the last step in the seller’s process. When you close on a home you are selling, you are legally transferring ownership of the property to the new buyer. I will meet with the company closing the transaction to sign the final paperwork and go over any issues that have not yet been taken care of. During this time, you can also make plans with your real estate agent to handle final details such as canceling utilities, cable, and lawn or trash services, changing the name on accounts that the new owner is retaining and ensuring the new owner has instructions for all appliances that will remain in the home.

Congratulations!

Once you have sold your home, you’re free to take the next step on your journey. Whether this is relocating to a new city, moving into a larger home, or downsizing and enjoying your life as empty-nesters, knowing all your selling responsibilities have been taken care of will help you achieve peace of mind for your new path.

Curious About Your Home’s Value?

Your Home May Be Worth More Than You Think!

The Greensboro real estate market is competitive, and home values are on the rise. If you’re wondering how much your home is worth, I can provide a customized valuation report that reflects the latest market trends and comparable sales.

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Thank You!

I'll be in touch with your free personalized report. It'll compare your home to nearby properties, taking into account market conditions, location, and features to accurately determine its value.
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Testimonials

"Over the past 40+ years, we have moved over a dozen times and used at least 10 different realtors to purchase a house. None of them provided the quality of service that we received from Colleen Long. She has excellent communication, is detail-oriented, and works tirelessly. It took some time in this crazy market, but we found our perfect home. In all the homes we have purchased, I’ve never had a realtor present at the home inspection or closing, but Colleen was there and very helpful. Colleen and her team are highly recommended. We feel very blessed that we found Colleen for our home search in the Triad, especially in this market. She and her team are very professional and detail-oriented."
"Over the past 40+ years, we have moved over a dozen times and used at least 10 different realtors to purchase a house. None of them provided the quality of service that we received from Colleen Long. She has excellent communication, is detail-oriented, and works tirelessly. It took some time in this crazy market, but we found our perfect home. In all the homes we have purchased, I’ve never had a realtor present at the home inspection or closing, but Colleen was there and very helpful. Colleen and her team are highly recommended. We feel very blessed that we found Colleen for our home search in the Triad, especially in this market. She and her team are very professional and detail-oriented."
Danny H.
"We have known Colleen for many years. Colleen has represented us as both a buyer and seller. She is the consummate real estate professional; conscientious, knowledgeable, and personable. We highly recommend Colleen. Mark and Joyce Markwell"
"We have known Colleen for many years. Colleen has represented us as both a buyer and seller. She is the consummate real estate professional; conscientious, knowledgeable, and personable. We highly recommend Colleen. Mark and Joyce Markwell"
The Markwells
"Colleen is a go-getter. She worked with her heart and soul for me. When I get to buy again she is my go-to! Honest and extremely dependable Thank you, Colleen."
"Colleen is a go-getter. She worked with her heart and soul for me. When I get to buy again she is my go-to! Honest and extremely dependable Thank you, Colleen."
A. Rudd
"Colleen Long is a delightful person to work with. She is knowledgeable, informed, responsive, and always ready to deal with just about anything that comes up in the real estate process. She is as they say a ten!"
"Colleen Long is a delightful person to work with. She is knowledgeable, informed, responsive, and always ready to deal with just about anything that comes up in the real estate process. She is as they say a ten!"
A. Delio
"As the CEO of a Fortune 500 company, we have had to move the family on many occasions. I have never dealt with a real estate agent who has had the same quality and tireless approach as Colleen Long. A true professional and expert in her field. Outstanding and genuine. Thank you, Colleen!"
"As the CEO of a Fortune 500 company, we have had to move the family on many occasions. I have never dealt with a real estate agent who has had the same quality and tireless approach as Colleen Long. A true professional and expert in her field. Outstanding and genuine. Thank you, Colleen!"
P. McLaughlin
"Colleen was simply amazing. She clearly has been in this business for a while and that experience was tremendously helpful. She made the whole transaction very easy. Her many connections and familiarity with the area helped us find the perfect home. We could not be happier with our new home. On top of that, Colleen is an absolute pleasure to work with. Thank you Colleen for making this so easy!"
"Colleen was simply amazing. She clearly has been in this business for a while and that experience was tremendously helpful. She made the whole transaction very easy. Her many connections and familiarity with the area helped us find the perfect home. We could not be happier with our new home. On top of that, Colleen is an absolute pleasure to work with. Thank you Colleen for making this so easy!"
C. Dickson
"Colleen is a rare gem in the real estate profession! Her knowledge and attentiveness through every step took the stress and anxiety out of our move to Greensboro. She goes above and beyond to make sure everyone has a thorough understanding of each step in the process. We are thrilled with our new home! 10. Rating Across the Board for Colleen."
"Colleen is a rare gem in the real estate profession! Her knowledge and attentiveness through every step took the stress and anxiety out of our move to Greensboro. She goes above and beyond to make sure everyone has a thorough understanding of each step in the process. We are thrilled with our new home! 10. Rating Across the Board for Colleen."
K. Timbie
"We have worked with Colleen Long several times on real estate transactions. Recently, she helped us sell our downtown Greensboro home offers above asking in one day!-and buy our new home in Summerfield at a great price. Colleen has deep experience in Triad real estate. She knows everyone in real estate and construction, and she knows every neighborhood. These kinds of contacts and experience are how she makes things happen. To help us sell our home quickly, Colleen advised us on staging and repairs, hired a talented photographer for listing photos, and created a winning strategy. To help us buy a new home, Colleen listened carefully to what we said, advised us on when to make an offer and when to walk away, and coordinated pre-move renovations. Every real estate transaction comes with nuances and sometimes glitches. We had an issue with property lines that Colleen identified and solved swiftly. She does her homework and leaves nothing to chance, making you a top priority. When you work with Colleen, you will feel as if you are her only client."
"We have worked with Colleen Long several times on real estate transactions. Recently, she helped us sell our downtown Greensboro home offers above asking in one day!-and buy our new home in Summerfield at a great price. Colleen has deep experience in Triad real estate. She knows everyone in real estate and construction, and she knows every neighborhood. These kinds of contacts and experience are how she makes things happen. To help us sell our home quickly, Colleen advised us on staging and repairs, hired a talented photographer for listing photos, and created a winning strategy. To help us buy a new home, Colleen listened carefully to what we said, advised us on when to make an offer and when to walk away, and coordinated pre-move renovations. Every real estate transaction comes with nuances and sometimes glitches. We had an issue with property lines that Colleen identified and solved swiftly. She does her homework and leaves nothing to chance, making you a top priority. When you work with Colleen, you will feel as if you are her only client."
S. & D. Barnard
"My experience with Colleen is unique in that I worked with her to buy my first home when I was 28 years old and again to sell that same home when I was 35. She helped guide me through every aspect of both buying and selling and I never worried that her guidance was anything other than personal, professional, and in my best interest. Colleen is extremely caring, thoughtful, and hard-working and I am so thankful and honored to have met and worked with her. If you are even slightly interested in buying or selling a home, I highly recommend contacting and discussing your options with Colleen. Not only will you receive the best guidance from one of the top realtors in the Triad area, you will also gain a friend."
"My experience with Colleen is unique in that I worked with her to buy my first home when I was 28 years old and again to sell that same home when I was 35. She helped guide me through every aspect of both buying and selling and I never worried that her guidance was anything other than personal, professional, and in my best interest. Colleen is extremely caring, thoughtful, and hard-working and I am so thankful and honored to have met and worked with her. If you are even slightly interested in buying or selling a home, I highly recommend contacting and discussing your options with Colleen. Not only will you receive the best guidance from one of the top realtors in the Triad area, you will also gain a friend."
C. Burke
"We have relocated many times and have purchased many homes all over the country. Colleen was one of the best realtors we have had the pleasure of working with. Colleen is so knowledgeable of the area and really understands our preferences. Colleen helped us through some tough negotiating and continued to be professional and supportive. We will definitely work with Colleen again!"
"We have relocated many times and have purchased many homes all over the country. Colleen was one of the best realtors we have had the pleasure of working with. Colleen is so knowledgeable of the area and really understands our preferences. Colleen helped us through some tough negotiating and continued to be professional and supportive. We will definitely work with Colleen again!"
M. & L. Dunahoo
"Colleen has been great. You may already know this but she helped with the selling of our previous home and we were happy with working with her then and we’re excited to be working with her now. She’s super responsive, very knowledgeable, and goes above and beyond our expectations. She’s an awesome Realtor!"
"Colleen has been great. You may already know this but she helped with the selling of our previous home and we were happy with working with her then and we’re excited to be working with her now. She’s super responsive, very knowledgeable, and goes above and beyond our expectations. She’s an awesome Realtor!"
George J.
"Colleen is an amazing agent, and so great to work with, she goes above and beyond for her clients and is super knowledgeable. I will definitely continue to work with Colleen in the future. Arsenio worked with me on my home insurance, he got me a great rate and was super helpful and very responsive. Overall I have had a great experience with Allen Tate."
"Colleen is an amazing agent, and so great to work with, she goes above and beyond for her clients and is super knowledgeable. I will definitely continue to work with Colleen in the future. Arsenio worked with me on my home insurance, he got me a great rate and was super helpful and very responsive. Overall I have had a great experience with Allen Tate."
Lynda D.
"I will recommend Colleen Long to everyone I meet who has real estate needs. She was 100% professional and gave up better-than-expected service."
"I will recommend Colleen Long to everyone I meet who has real estate needs. She was 100% professional and gave up better-than-expected service."
Sheila B.
"Colleen is the best! As first-time home buyers, we were clueless about the process of finding and buying a property. Colleen not only patiently held our hand through each decision and step, but she also put herself totally in service of our interests as a shrewd negotiator and advisor. She is responsive, friendly, and never misses a beat. Want to set up a viewing? Already done. Want to check that property again after it has rained? Let’s go. Need to contest an appraisal? Colleen did all the legwork and won the day. Working with her made this process so much easier than I imagined. I can’t say enough positive things about her."
"Colleen is the best! As first-time home buyers, we were clueless about the process of finding and buying a property. Colleen not only patiently held our hand through each decision and step, but she also put herself totally in service of our interests as a shrewd negotiator and advisor. She is responsive, friendly, and never misses a beat. Want to set up a viewing? Already done. Want to check that property again after it has rained? Let’s go. Need to contest an appraisal? Colleen did all the legwork and won the day. Working with her made this process so much easier than I imagined. I can’t say enough positive things about her."
B. Summers
"She did a good job and sold the property quickly."
"She did a good job and sold the property quickly."
Thomas M.
"5 stars for the best Real Estate Agent that I have ever worked with, Colleen Long! Would recommend her to anyone in this market."
"5 stars for the best Real Estate Agent that I have ever worked with, Colleen Long! Would recommend her to anyone in this market."
Thomas R.
"My husband and I were so lucky to work with Colleen Long of Allen Tate. She was professional, responsive, knowledgeable, and best of all FUN! Despite our nominal budget, Colleen treated us like we had a million dollars in the bank. She listened to everything we wanted in a home and sought to find it for us! I honestly don't know what we would of done without her!"
"My husband and I were so lucky to work with Colleen Long of Allen Tate. She was professional, responsive, knowledgeable, and best of all FUN! Despite our nominal budget, Colleen treated us like we had a million dollars in the bank. She listened to everything we wanted in a home and sought to find it for us! I honestly don't know what we would of done without her!"
William B.
"Colleen is a great agent!"
"Colleen is a great agent!"
Lolita M.
"Colleen is such a professional at what she does! I completely enjoyed working with her. She constantly kept us informed on all potential real estate sales. Thank you, Colleen, for all your help. I will be sure to call on you for any future housing opportunities."
"Colleen is such a professional at what she does! I completely enjoyed working with her. She constantly kept us informed on all potential real estate sales. Thank you, Colleen, for all your help. I will be sure to call on you for any future housing opportunities."
Marianne A.
"Loved working with Colleen. This was my 4th house purchase and she was by far the best I've worked with!"
"Loved working with Colleen. This was my 4th house purchase and she was by far the best I've worked with!"
Rita F.

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