View My Seller`s Guide

Seller’s Guide
Sue Ross
314.374.5450
[email protected]
suerossrealestate.com
RESUME
Sue Ross
Affiliation:
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Gundaker
1997 to 2000
Coldwell Banker Gundaker 2002 to 2012
Dutchman Realty, Inc.
2013
Coldwell Banker Gundaker 2014 to present
Experience:
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Licensed real estate agent in Missouri for 17+ years.
Specialize in listing Single Family Residential properties.
Specialize in Buyer’s Agency from first time homebuyers to retirees.
Specialize in staging, marketing, and advertising.
Specialize in contracts, negotiations, CMA’s, and closings.
Experienced in both building and remodeling of residential homes and
commercial buildings.
Experienced in HUD and Fannie Mae owned properties.
Owner of 5 child care centers for 13+ years.
Database administration and design for 8+ years with Ozark Airlines, Citi Corp,
and Edward D Jones.
Education:
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Obtained RRES (Residential Real Estate Specialist) designation 2015.
Obtained a Missouri Real Estate License in 1997.
Obtained an Associate’s Certificate from Control Data Institute in 1980.
Personal Information:
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Lifelong resident of St. Charles, MO, 55+ years.
Raised two children in the Francis Howell School District.
Both children obtained their BSN in nursing at Barnes Jewish Goldfarb School of
Nursing and UMSL. Both are practicing nurses.
I have a wonderful grandchild.
My Promise to You:
I will put my 17+ years of real estate experience to work for you as a buyer’s or seller’s
agent. I will personally be with you during every step of the transaction.
I will always provide you with the sincerest and highest integrity throughout the time we
work together. I will be trustworthy and available for you at all times. Your wellbeing will
be of the utmost importance.
Examples of Properties I have Sold
Condos, Raw Land, Homes
$640,000.00 Woodmere Dr.
St. Charles
$159,900.00 Bayonne Dr.
St. Charles
$165,000.00 7 Ac Woodmere
St. Charles
$374,000.00 Gastons Trail
Defiance
$418,000.00 Annapolis Way Dr.
St. Charles
$389,250.00 Grange Hill
St. Charles
$450,000.00 Woodmere Dr.
St. Charles
$304,750.00 Briarwick Trl
St. Charles
Deciding to sell your home is a crucial decision and
the selling process can be quite demanding. Sue Ross
and Coldwell Banker Gundaker is committed to
making the sale of your home quick, easy, and
profitable.
Here's a checklist to help you get
started:
Hire a Sales Associate
Contact Sue Ross directly.
Sue is a sales associate that utilizes tools and communications techniques to will make you
comfortable with:
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Her knowledgeable in your housing market
She is educated in the real estate market in your area
She will provide references upon request
Start planning early
Start weeding out your current possessions. Throw out, give away, or sell the things that you
don't want to move at a yard sale.
Start packing early
Anything that you are sure you will not be using before moving day should get boxed.
Identify your home's flaws or problems
Sellers are obligated to disclose any major problems or flaws in the structure or property,
including things like dry rot, termites, asbestos, or a new highway slated to run nearby. The
disclosure requirements vary by state, but if you fail to mention the leaky roof or flooding
basement, you could be sued for fraud. There is really no upside to trying to hide problems
anyway since most buyers will have the home inspected before closing.
Get the house in "showcase" condition
Small cosmetic touches can increase your home's value by thousands. (See improvement section
below.)
Decide what goes and what stays
Before you start showing your home, you need to decide
what will be included in the sale. If you want to take any
items that are attached to the structure, replace them prior to
putting your house on the market.
Look for a new home
Home sellers are generally advised not to begin the search
for a new home until they are confident that the sale of their
existing home is progressing towards a successful closing.
Even then, it is always possible that a sale can fall through
and you could be faced with the prospect of owing two
homes. And trying to perfectly time two closings can make
planning a move much more stressful. However, if you have
to move quickly or you don't want to pass on your dream
home, you can choose to buy and sell simultaneously. Just
make sure to listen to the advice of your real estate professional and other advisors so you know
your options.
Improvements
Suggested Exterior Improvements
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Painting: Touch up your house's exterior paint before you put it on the market. Paint
and/or clean the front door.
Lawn: Keep your lawn freshly mowed and neatly trimmed. Clear debris from the lawn
and the border of your home.
Sidewalks: Sweep your sidewalks daily.
Shrubbery: Remove or replace any dead or dying trees, hedges, or shrubs; prune anything
that looks unsightly or overgrown.
Flowers: Filling flowerbeds with seasonal flowers is an inexpensive way to add color and
charm to your property. Consider placing a flowerpot by your front door.
Repairs: Be sure that all gutters and downspouts are in place and clean. Replace missing
roof shingles and broken or cracked windows.
Make sure the garage door is greased and working properly and the house address
numbers are easily visible. Replace stray or warped roofing shingles. Straighten sagging
gutters. Repaint or replace your mailbox if it shows signs of wear.
Windows: Keep your windows spotless inside and out throughout the marketing period.
Eliminate or hide clutter: Clear everything out of the garage that you don't need.
Suggested Interior Improvements
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Clean, scrub, and polish: Keep your stove, oven,
refrigerator, microwave, and other appliances
spotlessly clean inside and out.
Clean and spot-treat all carpeting. Polish wood
floors and vinyl flooring.
Clean walls, doors, and woodwork.
Eliminate odors: Buyers will notice strong smells
as soon as they walk through your front door.
Eliminate smoke, mildew, and pet odors.
Fix drippy faucets and running toilets: If any of your sinks or bathtubs drain slowly,
unclog them.
Get rid of clutter: Keep clutter off of kitchen counters and dirty dishes out of the sink.
Straighten all closets.
Make cosmetic improvements: Painting isn't expensive if you do it yourself, but be
careful when selecting interior colors. Avoid cherry red, canary yellow, emerald green,
and other bold colors with strong visual impact. Make sure hinges and knobs are
tightened and doors close properly.
Suggested Staging Tips
Here are some staging tips that you can use to increase your house's emotional appeal.
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Kitchen: Aromas from fragrant goodies like freshly baked gingerbread or just-brewed
coffee bring back wonderful memories of home.
Bathrooms: Always have fresh towels in bathrooms. Buy new shower curtains; old ones
are usually spotted with mildew. Put new soap in the soap dishes.
Clear everything off your refrigerator: Most folks use magnets or tape to stick everything
from vacation snapshots and finger-painting masterpieces. Clear everything off.
Comfort: Keep your house warm in the winter and cool in the summer. A house that's too
hot or too cold isn't inviting.
Flowers: Vases of colorful, fresh flowers spotted throughout the house make a wonderful
impression on prospective buyers.
Buying or selling a home can seem like an
overwhelming task. The right REALTOR
can make the process easier – and more
profitable. A REALTOR with many years of
experience and success, can help you
make smart decisions in the fast-paced,
complex and competitive marketplace.
The answer to selling a home and buying a
home is Staging, Pricing and Location.
Sellers want to have their home up to the
buyer’s expectations of a clean and happy
home. Most buyers do not have the funds
to buy a home that needs work – they want
to move in without painting, carpeting, and
fixing up their new home.
Along with being a multi-million dollar
seller, Sue Ross has been staging homes
for over 17 years. Her expertise will sell
your house for a higher price and with
less days on the market. You can rest
assured she knows the latest trends to
help make your home attractive to
buyers and stand above from the rest.
You have an opportunity to have one of
the best home stagers in our area without paying the extravagant fees most
stagers charge. Take advantage of it!
Above homes staged and sold by Sue Ross.
STAGE YOUR HOME FOR A QUICK SALE
“YOU NEVER GET A SECOND CHANCE
TO MAKE A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION.”
LOOK GOOD FROM TOP TO BOTTOM.
The first thing that perspective buyers see.
Fertilize, if needed, and always keep snow and ice
removed from sidewalks and steps.
Display the full value of your basement, garage and
other utility space by removing all unnecessary
items. Dark dull walls are easily brightened with a
coat of paint. If the basement or crawl space has a
damp sell, place a bag of lime stone in the damp
area.
YOUR FRONT DOOR WELCOMES THE PROSPECT .
CHECK MAJOR APPLIANCES.
START WITH YOUR LAWN.
Always make sure the front door is clean or freshly
painted. A seasonal door decoration adds a warm
inviting touch.
DECORATING HELPS ASSURE TOP DOLLAR .
Faded walls, worn or scratched woodwork reduce
appeal. A little Liquid Gold does wonders for
scratched and dry looking woodwork, paneling and
kitchen cabinets.
CLEAN WINDOWS SHOW THE BRIGHT SIDE OF
YOUR HOME.
When you open your draperies and curtains you
highlight your walls and ceilings, letting perspective
buyers see how cheerful your home can be.
THE KITCHEN MUST BE CLEAN AND TIDY.
Many buyers judge housekeeping by the cleanliness
of your oven and stove. Use your favorite oven
cleaner until the oven shines. Clean the interior of
your dishwasher, removing stains. Clean out your
kitchen cabinets and pack away items not needed.
Counter tops should be clean and free of clutter.
Baking soda is good for removing stains on Formica
and it will not mar the finish. Jubilee is an excellent
counter top cleaner.
CLEAN BATHROOMS HELP SELL YOUR HOME.
Repair caulking in bathtubs and showers. Shower
doors, ceramic tile and grouting should be cleaned
and free of soap film. Fixtures should be polished
and free of water stains. If there is a window in your
bathroom open it and let the fresh air in.
AVOID CLUTTERED APPEARANCES.
Remove any excess furniture and other items you
seldom use. Keep newspapers, toys and other
articles picked up. Clear stairways are essential.
Objects on any stairs are dangerous.
MAKE CLOSETS LOOK LARGER.
Remove or pack items that can be stored
elsewhere. Neat, well organized, closets show that
there is ample space.
Drain a pail of water from the heater to remove rust
particles and change the filter of the furnace. A
little oil corrects noisy attic or other appliance fans.
Be sure to clean the exterior of the water heater,
furnace and other appliances that will be seen by
prospective buyers.
MAKE MINOR REPAIRS.
Repairs are required if closet doors are off their
tracks, door knobs are loose, screen doors do not
close, faucets are dripping, or floor or ceiling
molding is cracked. Minor flaws in your house
suggest neglect to the buyer. Have these problems
fixed.
LIGHT UP YOUR HOUSE.
Remember to turn on the porch light and in fact turn
on all lights in the house. It shows much better
when well lit.
INTRODUCTIONS ARE DISTRACTING.
The best possible scenario is to have no one at
home when the showing takes place. This puts the
prospective buyer at ease and gives them a chance
to absorb clearly the advantages of your property
and they feels more comfortable to explore. Most
people like dogs but they distract attention. If you
have a pet we suggest you keep it out of the way,
preferably out of the house.
LET THE AGENT TALK.
If you must stay home, be polite but do not strike up
a conversation with the buyer. The agent has
already given the details of your property and
needs all the attention of the buyer to increase his
interest.
SELL THE HOUSE, NOT PERSONAL PROPERTY.
Do not try to sell the buyer furniture, lawn mowers,
or other personal property. This can complicate
the sale and detracts from the interest created in
your house. Also lenders will not accept a contract
with personal property included. The only goal you
should focus is on selling the house.
My Marketing Plan
My knowledge of St. Charles and my philosophy of putting my customer’s needs first
sets me apart from other agents. My promise to you is to provide you quality and quick
service and ensure that your property is marketed and receives the highest market value.
 I will view your home and we will agree upon a Marketing strategy
including any improvements that will be made to the home, market value,
listing price.
 I will submit your property information to the Multiple Listing Service,
with 10 - 15 pictures.
 I will send all buyers searching for homes in the MLS that are looking for
your style of home using the reverse prospecting feature in the MLS
system.
 I will install a For Sale Sign for all potential purchasers to see.
 I will enter your homes exterior and interior photos along with details into
Zillow.com, Realtor.com,
Cbgundaker.com, Coldwellbanker.com,
Google.com, Trulia.com, Yahoo.com, stltoday.com, Openhouse.com
HomeFinder.com,
cyberhomes.com,
WSJ.com,
AOL.com
and
Homebase.com for the most exposure for the buyer pool.
 I will use your interior and exterior pictures to create a color home
marketing packet to leave in the house. This is great way for potential
buyers who have toured your home to take information with them to remind
them of all the quality aspects of your home.
 At our Tuesday morning sales meeting, I will discuss your homes assets
with the other agents in our office. I will personally meet with all agents
who have buyers with criteria that meets your home.
 I will schedule a property tour with my office if your home is in our tour
area and that will be on a Tuesday morning according to schedule.
 You will receive an e-mail status report of what your buyers say about your
home, providing the showing agent returns my e-mail.
 Remember pricing your home is the most important factor when getting
your home sold. After the first two weeks we will review the asking price
depending upon how many showings we have.
ESTIMATED NET PROCEEDS OF SALE
Address: ______________________________________
Sale Price
Sales Contract Deductions
Closing Cost Credited To Buyer
Home Protection Plan
Gas Inspection Provided to Buyer
Termite Inspection Paid for VA Loan
Miscellaneous
Total Contract Deductions
Net Sales Price
$570.00
$150.00
$75.00
Seller's Deductions
First Mortgage
Second Mortgage
Reraltor's Commission
Broker Administration Fee
Mortgage Interest
$295.00
(to end of month for FHA, from first of month for all other)
Real Estate Taxes (prorated from January 1st)
Municipality Inspections
(Cottleville, Dardenne Prairie, LSL, Wentzville, St. Louis)
Miscellaneous Fees
Other - Subdivision / Condo Fee
Title Company Charges
Title Commitment
Payoff Delivery Fee
Closing Protection Letter
Estimated Total Deductions
Estimated Seller's Proceeds
$295.00
$40.00
$25.00
Get Ready For Action
Steps you can take for your house to look its best for broker preview,
tours, open houses and most important the buyers and their agent.
Prepare each room:
 Pick-up toys and shoes
 Keep dishes out of sight
 Be sure the beds are made and all cloths are put away
 Kitchen and baths should sparkle and clutter free
 Give carpets a quick once-over with the vacuum
 Open the drapes and shades, turn on the lights
 Turn off television, and turn on the radio – soft music
 Pick up newspapers and sweep the front walk
 Keep pets contained and odor free
 When the buyers show up – step outside or take a drive
 If anyone wants to see your property without an agent, give them my
name and I will follow up with them. Do not let anyone in your home
without an agent
 If you are leaving town, please notify me and let me know how I can
reach you.
OPEN HOUSE PREPARATION
Buyers decide which home to purchase based on comparison. Just as every person has
good days and bad day, so do homes. When holding our Open House, it is critical that
your homes be in its best condition. The following are a few of the most important things
you can do to create a positive atmosphere in your home during our Open House.
Curb appeal is of the utmost importance! All lawns should be freshly cut and trimmed.
Remove any unnecessary items from in front of the house. Most important is to have a
“fresh” appearance as the prospective buyers approach the home. This can be
accomplished by washing down the sidewalks, turning the soil in bordering flower
gardens and watering the lawn just prior to the open house itself.
The entry way is critical. The buyer forms an opinion before he ever steps through the
front door. The front door should be freshly painted, if needed, and cobwebs should be
brushed out of the corners of your entryway. A fresh container of colorful flowers would
be a wise investment for the front door area or on the kitchen table
If snow exists, make certain you have a clear walkway from the parking area to the front
door. A coat rack inside may come in handy as well.
A comfortable house keeps the buyer there longer. Allow for the agent to have your air
conditioner turned to 70 degrees during summer months, or have the heat turned to 73
degrees for the winter months. A roaring fire will set a wonderful tone in your fireplace
and have adequate firewood available for the afternoon.
The cleanliness of the home is imperative. The most important rooms in the home are
the kitchen and bathrooms. Extra effort in these rooms will go a long way toward a
favorable impression.
Turn all lights on and change burnt out bulbs including garage and closets.
All doors and windows should open and slide freely. They should all be clean as a
whistle to see the exterior of the home and yard.
Leave the home during the hours of an open house. All prospective buyers are more
comfortable if the seller is not present. If they choose to discuss details of your home,
they may feel awkward.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION
Preparing for your home inspection!
The listing agent and buyer’s agent should help their clients prepare for the home
inspection. Being prepared can prevent confusion and frustration by all the parties
involved and in some cases no additional inspections will be needed.
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Please allow 2-3 hours for the inspection.
Disarm the security system.
No unsupervised children should be home at the time of inspection.
Clean your home, make it shine and have all pets contained.
Make sure all interior and exterior light fixtures work. Check the
light bulbs.
Make sure there is clear access to all areas of the home particularly
the attic access, basement, crawlspace, electrical panel, water heater,
furnace, and the outer walls in the garage.
Install a new furnace filter and vacuum the registers.
Make sure all the windows are able to operate correctly.
Replace all damaged window screens.
Have all the doorknobs and handrails tightened and/or repaired.
Your attic access should be clear of storage and the inspector has a full
view of the attic.
Smoke detectors should be operable, one on each floor.
Provide all keys to the sheds, outbuildings and garage.
All utilities must be on for the home inspection: gas, water, electric.
The gas pilot light in fireplace should be lit.
The dishwasher will be ran at the time of inspection, please empty the
dishes.
Provide any paperwork for the furnace, A/C, sprinkler system and any
repairs that have been made to the home in the past 5 years.
Provide any foundation and roof repairs and warranties for the
inspector to review.
Provide a copy of the seller’s disclosure statement.
If a septic inspection is applicable please make sure to mark the area
and have the septic tank exposed for the inspection. And in the event
the home has been vacant for 2 months fill the tank with water.
The above suggestions will make the inspector’s job easier and the report
will help state only structural defects and not minor issues.
MOVING CHECK LIST
Moving requires extensive planning, teamwork and understanding. The experience does not have
to be traumatic. It can be rewarding and meaningful. Here are some suggestions to help you
organize for a smooth move.
Plan Ahead
 Send change of address to: Post office (give forwarding address), charge accounts and
credit cards, subscriptions (change notice requires several weeks), and friends and
relatives.
 Contact gas, electric, and telephone companies in new location to arrange for
immediate service.
 Arrange insurance on the new home prior to the transfer of property.
 Service appliances before moving.
 Clean rugs and have them wrapped.
 Discontinue deliveries, electricity, water, gas, newspapers, and garbage collection,
etc.
 Obtain copies or transfer your children's school records.
 Obtain records from doctors and dentists, including eyeglass prescriptions, dental Xrays, and vaccinations.
 Cancel club memberships.
 Transfer car title registration, if necessary, as well as driver's license, city windshield
sticker, and motor club membership.
 Pay existing bills and cancel local charge accounts.
 Check on personal items that may be at the photo shop, bank safe deposit box,
neighbor's house, on lay-a-way or in the repair shop (e.g., shoes, jewelry, small
appliances or clothing).
 Arrange for transporting pets and obtain immunization records from the vet.
 Return all library books and anything borrowed from friends.
 Notify the religious leader of your church or synagogue.
 Plan for special care and needs of infants.
 Arrange for transporting plants.
 Service the car for the trip.
 Disconnect the telephone.
 Review moving plans with your moving company representative, including insurance
for packing and unpacking, arrival date, payment agreement, shipping papers, etc.
One Week Before Moving
 Clean and air out your stove.
 Defrost refrigerator and freezer 24 hours before leaving.
 Place charcoal or baking soda inside refrigerator and freezer to dispel odors.
 Dispose of all open cans and jars that cannot be tightly sealed.
 Remember to pack your telephone directory for future reference.
HERE ARE ITEMS YOU MAY NEED IMMEDIATELY UPON
ARRIVING AT YOUR NEW HOME:
Cleaning
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Soap powder
Kitchen cleanser
Dish towels
Paper towels
Dish cloth
Steel wool pads
Sponge
Window cleaner
Scrub brush
Mop
Broom
Kitchen
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Paper plates, cups, napkins
Plastic knives, forks, spoons
Plastic pitcher for drinks
Small saucepan
Serving spoons
Tea kettle
Bathroom
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Facial tissue
Toilet tissue
Bath towel
Shower curtain
Face cloth
Bath soap
First aid kit
Aspirin
Prescription medicine
Miscellaneous
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Light bulbs
Flashlight
Hammer, screwdriver, pliers
Aluminum foil
Shelf paper
Trash bags
Twine
Newspaper
Children
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Coloring books and crayons
Favorite toys
Reading materials
Puzzles
Small surprise gift
Snacks
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Easy-open cans of pudding
Sandwich spreads
Jars of cheese
Packages of crackers
Instant creamer, sugar, salt
Dry soup mix
Boxes of dry cereal, raisins
Instant coffee, tea, chocolate
Fresh fruit
On Your Moving Day
 Leave a copy of your travel itinerary with a friend or relative.
 Carry all currency, jewelry, and personal papers (birth certificates, deeds, and
documents).
 Double check closets, drawers, and shelves to be sure they are empty.
 Confirm hotel reservations.
Leave all keys and garage door openers in a drawer in the kitchen.