• Consultation. During the first meeting we will listen to your requirements, share our marketing strategy and walk you through the selling process. We specialize in Berkeley, Albany, El Cerrito, Kensington, and Oakland CA real estate.

• Prepare your home for sale. We will discuss how to best prepare your home for sale. This includes which reports to order, disclosure items, as well as the cost effectiveness of repairs and staging when applicable.

• Price your home. In order to establish a strategic list price we pay careful attention to factors such as the comparative market analysis, your time frame and personal requirements as well as local market conditions.

• Market your home. Our aggressive marketing techniques combine internet and traditional media channels to ensure that information about your home reaches the widest possible pool of potential buyers.

• Sell your home. After an offer is received we will assist you in evaluating your options and negotiating with the buyer.

• Close escrow. Once a contract is signed by all parties we will manage the escrow. During this time it is important to maintain communication, monitor all paperwork and make sure contingencies are removed according to the contract.

What does it cost to sell a home?

Common costs in selling a home include:

• Real Estate Commission: The commission is not fixed by law and is generally negotiated between the seller and the seller's agent.

• Closing Expenses and Costs: Costs vary depending on the sales contract and may include items such as transfer taxes, loan payoffs, termite inspection, any judgments and liens, recording fees, tax pro-rations, notary fees and any other negotiated items.

What is 'escrow'?

Escrow is a process for handling the details of the transaction from the time the purchase agreement is accepted until title is transferred to the buyer. An escrow is a temporary deposit of assets, such as funds and documents, with a neutral third party that makes sure that the terms of the purchase agreement are carried out. The money is released when the conditions of the contract between the two parties have been met.

How long is an escrow?

The length of an escrow is determined by the terms of the purchase agreement and can range from around 10 days to several months. An escrow often takes an average time of 30-40 days.

How are real estate agents compensated?

A commission amount is negotiated between the Seller and the Seller's agent, and that amount is usually divided among the Seller's agent's Brokerage, the Seller's agent, the Buyer's agent's Brokerage, the Buyer's agent and any referring agents. Real Estate commissions are traditionally paid at the close of escrow from the Seller's proceeds.