Information for Sellers

Selling your home should be a win—not a worry.

Whether you are moving across town, relocating cross-country, selling for a family member, making a profit off your investment, going through a divorce, or are needing to sell for any other reason, we think you deserve nothing but the best. The key to starting off on the correct foot is choosing the right team to help you through the process, from preparing to list to handing off the keys and beyond.

We would love the opportunity to talk to you to see if we’re a good fit for each other! If you’re thinking of selling property in Southeast Michigan, reach out so we can schedule a time to introduce ourselves. During our meeting, we’ll go over the details of your property, the steps of getting you ready for the market, a preliminary price range to list at, share information about us, and answer any questions you may have.

Need help picturing what your home will look like when it’s up for sale? Contact us so we can talk through what to do to get you ready. Want to see what listings of ours look like when they’re on the market? Here are some examples for you to explore.

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Take a look below at our answers to some of the most common questions home sellers have!

FAQs About Selling

General Real Estate FAQs

Many Ways to Sell

Below are some of the most frequent ways we help our clients purchase property.

Downsizing

Downsizing can be bittersweet. We want to be supportive of all of the wonderful memories made, while also looking forward to what is in store after this chapter closes. We are happy to help coordinate services that collect any items which may not make the cut for the move. Many times, there are also logistics with other loved ones who are helping handle portions of the process. We will work with whomever you need to make this transition smooth, and will help keep you in your home as long as you need until you're ready to say goodbye.

Relocating To Out of Area

Selling while you live elsewhere? We can handle the coordination of your sale while you aren’t in the area. There are many different scenarios that may keep a person from living close to the property they are selling, and we make sure to adjust accordingly. Some clients move before or during the process, and some clients have moved before anything began. Whatever the case is, we can make it work and as stress-free as possible. We have a lot of experience in closings that don't take place locally, and can help with the coordination so you can move on to focusing on wherever you landed.

While you are not in the area, we are happy to meet contractors at your property to ensure work is done how it's needed. We can check your mail and view your property after showings. While you can't be there yourself, we are hoping that the next best thing will be us taking care of your home as close as we can to the way you would have.

Selling for Someone Else

Selling for someone else can be an emotional process, and we are there to help ground you as needed. Whether the owner is with us or not, you will likely need extra support and caring to get through this already intensive process. We want to make sure you are taken care of in the same way that you are taking care of another person's property. We will help give heads up about what is needed that you may not know, and do our best to take on some of the required work that can be done by someone other than you.

Separating

Separating is rarely easy, even if it is needed. We want to make sure everything is done as fairly as possible so that everyone involved can walk away with their shares to start fresh. We take confidentiality seriously, and won't share information that isn't relevant to the sale with others - including the other owner. Staying as focused as possible, while also giving breaks to be able to reset and stay strong is an important way to get through this difficult process.

While we always hope that all parties are able to communicate, there are times where this isn't possible. We will provide support and give our unbiased expertise to ease the transition. We validate and collaborate, and work to make sure everything is as efficient as it can be so there isn't more time or effort spent than needs to. During a time where there may be a lot to worry about, we hope your home is not something you need to fret over.

Selling Investment Property

Are you an investor needing to sell residential property? We work with you too! There can be some balances with tying up loose ends of an investment, and we want to help you through. If there's an ongoing lease, if you've owned the property less than two years, or if there's anything else unusual, we don't want it to be a surprise to you. If you are selling multiple properties in your portfolio at once, we can also look at how to maximize efficiency and profit while you do so.

Looking to sell commercial properties? This isn’t our specialty, but we can connect you with people who would be a great fit. While we are technically licensed to help, we would rather you work with an expert who would give you the experience you deserve. We have helped clients with commercial properties in the past, and can talk about your needs if you're hoping to make it happen. However, we think it's important to be transparent about our limitations. We want you to have the best experience possible, and will support you how we can to make sure it happens!

Renting Out and Managing Property

Need to rent out your property? We can help! Our license covers that too! We can help you find a tenant to live in the home, and have contracts that you can use to establish a professional relationship with the new occupant. We can also set you up with someone who can manage the property once the lease is in place, as this isn't our specialty and we would rather you have the expert tools immediately at your disposal to take care of anything that may come up.

Needing to Buy Too

Need to buy as well? We can help you balance both parts of your transition so they go as smoothly as possible. Having one real estate agent who understands your two transactions rather than playing catch-up helps to ensure nothing is lost in translation. We can help you navigate the process of deciding when to go on the market as a seller and when to enter it as a buyer.

Buying out of the area after you leave southeast Michigan? We can help you find a local expert in your new area for that as well! We are connected to agents across the country, and have relationships with those who've had success with past clients of ours.

Take a look at our reviews with success stories from all of the scenarios above and more!

Valiant Realty Listings

7382 Spy Glass Ln, Ypsilanti Twp, MI 48197

Welcome home to this inviting 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath Colonial that offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience in the desirable Amberly Grove neighborhood.

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs About Selling

Is there a perfect time to sell my home?

The real estate market follows the school year (and good weather), with peak season starting in the spring and ending early fall. This is the time when you will see the most potential buyers for your home, but it is also when they will have the most options of homes to pick from. In the winter, there are fewer buyers looking, but the ones who are out there tend to be more serious. Regardless of when you go on the market, you will need to make sure you price your home appropriately.

Remember, people move at all times of the year. Don't push yourself into a timeslot that won't work for you. You will find the most success when you aren't stressing out to make it happen.

What is the process of selling a property, and how long does it typically take?

While every situation is unique, it typically takes about a month from the time you accept an offer until the time that you close. The general pillars of home selling along the way include:

1. Getting ready for the market by cleaning and finishing projects.
2. Signing the paperwork with a realtor.
3. Getting listing photos taken and gathering any information needed to put the listing online.
4. Putting your home on the market and starting showings.
5. Accepting an offer.
6. Allowing the inspection(s) and appraisal to happen.
7. Removing all items from your home except what was agreed upon with the buyers.
8. Signing the paperwork and handing over the keys.

What do I need to prepare to sell my home? Will you give advice on what’s worth doing?

Before getting ready to go on the market, we would love to come by to see the current condition of the home. During that meeting, we will give advice on what will likely yield the best results as far as time and money spent goes.

In general, we suggest you deep clean, organize, de-personalize, and finish any projects you may have started working on. We like to say that you should look at your home as if you're a first time home-buyer's parent and nervous about everything. Anything you think they might point out is worth considering addressing.

How long does it take you to get a home on the market?

How will you calculate the value of my home? When do you do a market analysis?

There are many different ways to look at the value of a home. We have to look from the perspective of a buyer, an appraiser, another realtor, and, of course, from you the seller. We look at the comparable properties in the area that have recently sold, what is pending on the market right now, and what active properties would be your direct competition. All of these factors play into finding the right value, which we take very seriously.

The best time for us to do an analysis is after we've already seen your home and when we're just about to list. The closer to listing we wait, the more accurate we can be. For example, if we wait until the pictures have been taken, we can compare our photos to other listings like a buyer would do. Ultimately, we like to give a range that we think you'll be successful pricing your home within, and can do this multiple times during the process if you wish.

How can we maximize the money made on my home? Is there anything I can do to increase its value?

Take the time to look at what needs to be done around your home that you've been putting off. The more items you can complete, the less work a potential buyer sees when they come to your home.

Curb appeal as the first impression when people arrive is huge, and so is what they see when they first walk up to your door and inside your home. Take the time to make your space look as neutral as possible to make it so more people can picture themselves living in your home. Take down your personal photos so they don't feel like they're intruding on a stranger's home. Look at listings of other homes to see what you like and dislike, and apply those ideas to your own.

Do I get to approve of my property’s listing before it goes live on the market?

Definitely! This is your home, not ours. We want to make sure you as the expert get to approve of everything that is put out there - info, pictures, price, etc. It is easy to change any information after we go live, except the price. If we adjust the price, it will show up as an increase or decrease when changed. We want to make sure we are solid about our starting price, and only make adjustments when we're sure they're needed.

What is your marketing strategy?

Most buyers find their home online, and that is our primary focus. We want to make sure every picture looks amazing and piece of information out there is motivating to come. We list at a time of the week that maximizes traffic through, and try to avoid going on the market around holidays.

We also use word of mouth to spread knowledge of your home. With the many connections we have, we find out realtors sharing our listings as well as past clients and other acquaintances.

Our biggest success, however, comes from our meticulous pricing. We want to make sure you are placed where it is likely you'll have the most success. Due to this, most of our listings accept an offer in just a couple of days.

Do you do the showings on my property while it’s on the market?

No, your agent typically doesn't show your home. Buyers typically have their own agent who shows them around. If they don't, what we tend to do is have the one of us who isn't directly working with you show the property to the potential buyer. That way, you still have your exclusive agent, but the other person showing the home has your best interests in mind.

If you would like us to be present for showings for any reason, we can talk about what would make you comfortable.

What can I expect for closing costs?

Can I buy a home at the same time as I sell this one?

Do I have to sign a contract to work with you? Does that mean we have to be exclusive?

Looking for additional tools to help with selling? Visit our Client Zone for more resources!

General Real Estate FAQs

How long have you been in the real estate industry? When did you get your real estate license?

What is a REALTOR®? Is that what you are?

How does it work that you are part of Keller Williams and are also Valiant Realty?

Keller Williams Ann Arbor is the office that we work out of. Within our office, there are different teams, groups, and individuals that work separate from one another. We all have the same broker and office leadership, but are independent contractors that set our own standards of practice. Valiant Realty is our two person team that is connected to but also is separate from the other agents in our office.

We sometimes like to describe Keller Williams like a mall. Malls have different stores in them that function on their own, but are in the same building with the same overhead as each other. While we may be neighbors with other Macy's, Apple, Hot Topic, etc stores, we are our own entity with our own identity.

If I choose you as my real estate agent, will I work with you directly or someone else on your team?

Yes! You will work with one of us directly! Either Linda or Veronica will be your agent to go through the process with. The other will be there to provide support as needed, such as doing showings when your agent is busy. But all offers and negotiation will come from your agent. Your agent will be the one attending your inspections and closing as well.

We often utilize a transaction coordinator who helps with paperwork needed for the title company and lender. They are computer based and will be the only other regular point of contact, beyond anyone from your lender.

Do you have info for professionals like lenders, inspectors, and contractors you could connect us with?

What areas and what price range do you work in?

We have sold properties in eleven counties located across Southeast Michigan. We are based in Ann Arbor, which is located in Washtenaw County. We are most comfortable here as well as Wayne, Oakland, Livingston, Jackson, Monroe, and Lenawee County.

We don't have an upper or lower price limit, and think people in every price range deserve to have great service! The majority of our business is working with buyers and sellers of homes worth around half a million. However, we will work both higher and lower, tending to stay between $200,000 and $1 million.

What hours do you work, and what is your general availability?

We don't have set hours, and work when our clients need us! Many people are only available in the evenings and on weekends, so don't feel bad if that is when you ask us to meet. However, we have clients with all different kinds of work schedules, and can easily meet during the day as well. We have had meetings in the middle of the night with clients who are in different timezones. We are truly happy to accomodate how we can, and don't adhere to one set schedule. Reach out whenever you need us!

What is your negotiating style?

We like to work in a way where all parties are as happy as possible at all times. We take the time to get to know the other agent, if we don't know them already. We learn as much as we can about the other party and try to come up with solutions that meet everyone's needs, while keeping our clients in the best position possible. We are fierce advocates for our people and can get stern when needed. However, we try to keep as much kindness and positivity in the process as possible.

We want to get to the end of every transaction saying, "Yay!! Congratulations!" not, "Oh, thank god it's done..."

What sets you apart from other agents?

Our love for our clients, our careers, and those around us.

It's love that fuels each meeting and how we communicate. We know it may be less efficient to cater every process to each individual we work with, but you're worth it and we believe it gives you the best results possible. We will fight for YOU because we take the time to get to know you and be there as a partner every step of the way.

Do you ever work as both the buyer’s agent and seller's agent on the same home?

This is called being a dual agent, and we try to stay away from this. We have worked for both the buyer and seller on the same property, but they have only been special circumstances where we were asked.

What we prefer to do, is have the buyer work with one of us and the seller work with the other. That way, you know we will always have your best interests at heart, but you will still have your own individual representation. The other agent won't know your numbers or personal information, but you know you can trust them to not take advantage of you.

What do you charge for compensation, and do you charge an administrative fee as well?

We do not charge an administrative or transaction fee. We think you're paying enough to go through this process.

Compensation is not set and is always negotiable.

While working with sellers, we typically charge 6%, with 3% going to the buyer's agent and 3% going to the listing agent. This is the most normal way to handle commission in our area. However, there are times where we do other amounts, such as structured commission like 3% up to $400,000 and 2% for anything above it.

While working with buyers, the seller almost always pays commission. However, in the agency agreement we are required to sign before beginning showings, we have to put a compensation amount. We put 3% because that sets the maximum we are allowed to receive on a transaction with this client, and because this is the most common amount we don't need anything higher than that.

Am I able to cancel our partnership if we aren’t a good fit for each other?

Of course. We don't want to work with anyone who doesn't want to work with us and will never force you to stay in a contract you want out of.

If we have to cancel our partnership, we will do so in writing to provide a clear end so you can form a relationship with an agent who is a better fit for you.

We ask that if you aren't satisfied with our service at any time, you tell us so we can adjust to your needs. But sometimes we just need to part ways, and that's okay. We will always wish you the best, no matter if you're working with us or not.

Looking for info about buying as well? We have you covered! View FAQs About Buying here.

Have more questions than these? We have the answers!

We would love to help you with your personal journey of buying and/or selling. Reach out today to see if we're a good fit to work with each other. We hope to celebrate with you soon too!