SELLING

A DRAMATIC EXPERIENCE WITHOUT THE DRAMA

For most people, listing their house for sale isn't a spur of the moment thing. People often think about selling their house for years before ever actually selling it.

Yet, given how much time and thought people tend to give it, many people don't do enough to prepare their house for sale (or prepare themselves for what's to come). They just get to a point where they decide it's time to sell and they pop a sign in the yard.

This often leads to people not selling their house for as much, as quickly, or as smoothly as it could have. Or at all.

On the other hand, there are people who do too much and spend way more time and money than they should. They may very well do things that help their house sell as quickly as possible and for as much as possible, but they don't net as much as they could have because they put more money into it than they can recoup from the sale. It's a fine line. You don't want to do too little or too much...

Whether you have a few years, a few weeks, or a few days before you put your house on the market, I'll be glad to give you my thoughts on whatever you're considering!

Ranked in the top 2% of Coldwell Banker agents internationally

THE PROCESS

  • Pricing your home correctly is key to attracting serious buyers and maximizing your return. Before your home hits the market, I’ll complete a detailed market analysis using recently sold properties and current listings within a one-mile radius. This ensures we're aligned with what today’s buyers are paying in your area. Because staging and presentation can influence your home’s perceived value, we’ll begin with a pricing range.

    Once your home is fully prepped and ready to show, we’ll narrow in on a strategic list price that reflects both market conditions and your home’s standout features. When you’re ready to move forward, we’ll sign the listing agreement and complete the required documentation to get your property listed on the MLS and ready for buyer exposure.

  • Every home is unique—and buyers are often looking for move-in-ready properties without visible issues. My goal is to help you make simple, strategic updates that deliver the greatest return on your investment.

    One powerful option is working with a professional stager. They’ll meet with you for an in-home consultation and then provide a customized report outlining the most impactful improvements. From there, we’ll partner together to present your home in the best possible light, both in person and online.

    Need repairs or updates before going to market? We can explore covering the costs through your closing proceeds, so there's no upfront payment required. This could include painting, new flooring, minor carpentry, and more—helping your home shine without added stress.

  • Once your home is ready to go live, I’ll schedule a professional photographer to capture it at its absolute best. You don’t need to be home for the appointment—we’ll place a secure lockbox on your door to allow access. Photography is fully covered by me, as part of my commitment to marketing your home with excellence.

    Because we can list your home within 24 hours of the photos being taken, it’s important that everything is show-ready for the shoot. From there, we’ll activate a comprehensive marketing strategy: high-visibility exposure on social media, targeted outreach, open houses, and consistent follow-up with buyer agents for feedback.

    We’ll also install a professionally branded for sale sign with solar lighting in your yard to ensure your home stands out—even after dark. Every detail is designed to attract strong offers and get your home sold quickly and for top value.

  • Once your home is on the market, showings will begin—often with just a few hours’ notice. You’ll receive all requests via text and email, giving you time to prepare, even for next-day appointments that come in late at night.

    If there are times that don’t work for showings—such as work hours, children’s bedtimes, or family events—just let me know. I can easily block those out to protect your schedule and peace of mind.

    That said, we want to accommodate as many showings as possible, especially in the first one to two weeks when buyer interest is at its peak. Being flexible early on helps us maximize your home’s exposure and increases the chances of receiving strong offers quickly.

  • When a buyer submits an offer on your home, I’ll receive it directly and begin by reviewing the terms and conditions in detail. I’ll then present it to you along with a personalized estimated proceeds spreadsheet, so you clearly understand your potential bottom line.

    We’ll go over all the key components—including offer price, buyer-paid closing costs, inspection and financing contingencies, down payment amount, proposed closing date, any home warranty requests, and whether the offer is contingent on the sale of the buyer’s current home.

    We can review this together by phone or in person—whatever works best for you. And if we receive multiple offers, I’ll help you compare them side by side so you can make the most informed and strategic decision.

  • Once we’ve accepted an offer and signed a purchase agreement, the buyer typically schedules a home inspection within a set timeframe—often within the first few days. The inspection usually lasts around four hours, and buyers often attend near the end. After the inspection, they may request repairs or concessions, which we can review and negotiate on your terms.

    In addition to the general inspection, buyers may request specialized inspections such as a radon test (a 48-hour test for indoor air quality), a sewer line scope (to check for blockages or damage), stucco or moisture testing (particularly in homes with stucco exteriors), and even a mold inspection. If any concerns are identified, they may ask for remediation or price adjustments—but again, these requests are negotiable.

    If you'd like to get ahead of potential issues, we can discuss having any of these tests completed before going on the market. Proactive steps like these can create peace of mind and smoother negotiations.

    Click here to view a sample inspection report

  • After the inspection contingency is removed, the buyer’s lender will order an appraisal to confirm that the home’s value supports the agreed-upon sale price. You don’t need to be home for this appointment. The appraiser will schedule a visit just like a showing, access the home, and conduct their evaluation.

    Before the appraisal, I’ll send the appraiser a detailed report highlighting comparable sales in your area, recent improvements you've made, the number of showings, and the level of buyer interest. This helps reinforce the contract price and demonstrates market demand.

    Appraisal results are typically available within a week. While we won’t receive a copy—since the appraisal is considered the buyer’s personal property—we will be notified if the home appraised at value and whether the lender is requiring any repairs.

    Keep in mind, if the buyer is paying in cash, no appraisal is required. This can often speed up the process and reduce the likelihood of pricing-related delays.

  • The closing process typically takes 30 to 45 days from the time the purchase agreement is signed, allowing the buyer’s mortgage lender time to finalize the loan. If your buyer is paying in cash, the timeline can often be shortened to as little as two weeks.

    As we near the closing date, be sure to contact your utility providers to schedule cancellation or transfer of services effective the day of closing. You’ll sign your seller documents in advance—often a few days prior to closing. In most cases, buyers and sellers no longer meet at the closing table. Signing can even be done remotely, with the assistance of a notary, meaning you don’t have to be in town for closing.

    Proceeds from the sale will be delivered either as a check or wired directly to your bank account—whichever you prefer.

RECENT HOME SALES

GET IN TOUCH

Laura Lee Berger

LLBerger@cbburnet.com | 952.212.8568

17305 Cedar Avenue S. #100 Lakeville, MN 55044