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soldFROM LISTED TOLaura SosnowskiM : 2 0 7 . 8 0 7 . 1 9 0 2 | L a u r a @ M a i n e H o m e C o n n e c i t o n . c o mA H O M E S E L L E R ' S G U I D E

C O N T E N T SABOUT USFACTORSPREPARING TO LIST YOUR HOMELISTING YOUR HOMEAFTER LISTING YOUR HOMECONTRACT TO CLOSINGINTRODUCTIONMEET THE TEAMPRICINGHOW IT SHOWSMARKETINGPRICING STRATEGYSTAGING PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEONETWORKINGPROMOTIONMAXIMIZE YOUR HOME'S POTENTIALWHERE TO FIND THE BUYERSNETWORK OUTREACHSIGNAGEONLINE EXPOSUREEMAIL MARKETINGDIGITAL STORYTELLINGPROPERTY VIDEOSHOWINGSOPEN HOUSESOCIAL MEDIAIMAGINE MORESHOWINGSOFFERSNEGOTIATIONSINSPECTIONSAPPRAISALSCLOSINGREVIEWSFINAL STEPS

Nice to meet youThank you for considering our company to represent you inthe sale of your home. I am excited to share with you theinformation in this guide and how you can use it to be aknowledgeable and successful client. Even in today's digital world, sometimes it hard to knowwhere to start! On behalf of our entire company, we are hereto answer any questions you might have. Let's get started!Laura SosnowskiPrincipal | Broker

A B O U T U S

M E E T T H E T E A MLaura SosnowskiWhen we entered the real estate business we came to it knowing we didn’t want to fit ourselves intothe traditional realtor model. From our well established website, to the experience of our agents, westrive each and every day to provide our clients with the most thorough, most knowledgeable view ofthe Maine real estate market - one that fills the informational void.Principal | BrokerMichael SosnowskiA driving force behind the creation of Maine Home Connection, was the concept of combining acollaborative work environment for agents, sophisticated marketing tools, a preeminent website anda relentless desire to learn and improve.Principal | Designated BrokerShannon ElliottI came to Maine Home Connection, seeking just that; a connection. I believe in community, and thepower of relationship building. I enjoy bringing people together and supporting those I work with. Iam always happy and ready to help!Marketing & Client RelationsWhen it comes to real estate, here's a little bit about my work philosophy: I've never been the one tosit back and wait for things to happen; I make things happen! I READ MINDS TOO – okay...justkidding! While I don’t have that power I am great at anticipating needs. I will personally guide youthrough the stressful home buying and selling transition.Wilma EkBrokerMaine Home ConnectionWe started our brokerage from scratch with a new vision of what a company could look like if itfocused completely on the needs of its clients and agents. We focus on being the most professional,the best prepared, the most technologically skilled and most importantly – the most knowledgeable inour local market.Independent Real Estate Company

F A C T O R S

F A C T O R 3marketingPROSPECTINGProspecting daily for potential buyers, talking with neighbors, our co-op agents and past clients. MARKETINGThe second you sign with us, we go to work on marketing your home! Coming soon marketing, online , socialmedia and print are all part of the success strategy. Our goal is to maximize your home's exposure topotential buyers, ensuring a faster sale and a higher selling price than the competition.COMMUNICATIONActive communication with you through every step of the process is paramount. Diligently sharing feedbackfrom showings, following up with agents after viewing the home and calling weekly to discuss progress.The Advantage of Listing with MHCToday’s market is centered on technology and atMaine Home Connection, we have led the waylocally through video. Our innovative home toursinclude the use of our in-house drone and greenscreen studio, virtual staging as necessary andneighborhood profiles. F A C T O R 1pricingWhen pricing your home it is important to carefully consider top market value. Using our competitive marketanalysis tool, we will suggest your home’s best listing price. We sell homes HIGHER than the market averagebecause we list homes at the correct price from the start. F A C T O R 2how it showsIt is important to have your home ready for market on day one. We will help you prepare your home forshowings and online listings by:D E T E R M I N I N G F A C T O R Sif a property will or will not sellSuggesting repairs that need to be doneDecluttering & removing personal itemsMaking sure the home is clean and welcomingCleaning carpetsNeutralizing spaces and wallsOur advanced marketing strategies are designed to sell your home faster and maximize its value

P R E P A R I N G T O L I S T

Listing strategyUsing a scientific market analysis in your area, we will price your home correctly the first time so that it will sellquickly. If your home is priced at fair market value, it will attract the largest number of potential buyers in the firstfew weeks. If a home is overpriced it will attract the fewest number of buyers looking to purchase a home. The majority ofhome buyers look at a lot of homes, and they quickly get a feel for the price range that homes sell for in a givencondition and location.P R I C I N G S T R A T E G YP R O F E S S I O N A L & V I R T U A L S T A G I N GTo make sure your home is shown in the best light to buyers, we will provide a professional staging consultation toensure your home is ready to go on the market. A stager's job is to neutralize your home to appeal to themaximum number of potential buyers. We can also can virtually stage some rooms.P R O F E S S I O N A L P H O T O G R A P H Y & V I D E O SIn today’s market, home buyers are searching online first. It is imperative that the photos of your home are topnotch and of the best quality to catch the buyers attention and stand out from the competition. We want moreeyes on your home; this the fastest way to get it sold for top dollar.N E T W O R K R E A C HWe are part of a very large agent network. We will reach out to this network to see if your home might be a greatfit for one of their buyers. This agent network is key to connecting buyers with your home as 88% of residentialsales involve real estate agents.A D V E R T I S I N G & P R O M O T I O NWe know the importance of marketing a property. This is an area where we heavily focus our efforts.Our expertise is attracting hundreds of buyers per month and increasing brand awareness.ACTIVITY LEVEL+15%+10%-10%-15%10%30%60%75%90%*MV% OF BUYERSIN THE MARKET*MV= Market ValueWHEN MOSTOFFERS ARERECEIVEDWEEKS ON MARKET121110987654321ASKING PRICECOMPARED TOMARKET VALUE

A clean, neutral, and streamlined look helps buyers to imagine what life would be like in your home. The actionpoints below will help them be able to do that. Wash or paint the home’s exteriorPaint the front doorKeep the yard nicely trimmedKeep the lawn free of clutterWeed and freshly mulch garden bedsClean interior and exterior windowsApply fresh paint or stain to wooden fencesRemove personal items, excessive decorations & furnitureReplace or clean carpetsGet rid of clutter and organize and clean closetsApply a fresh coat of paint to walls, trim and ceilingsReplace outdated ceiling fixtures, and clean lighting fixturesMinimize and clean pet areas in the homeBe sure that all light bulbs are in working orderA new coat of exterior paint helps a home's curb appeal. It isn’t alow-budget item, but if you can swing it...DO IT!If you can’t paint the entire home, paint the trim. This is a relativelysimple thing to do, and it helps give a home that wow factor.Update exterior light fixtures. This can quickly give a home anupdated look.Put a fresh coat of paint on the front door.MAXIMIZE YOUR HOME'S POTENTIALE X T E R I O RI N T E R I O RF R E S H E N T H E P A I N T & F I X T U R E S010203Preparing to list

*2 02 2 NA R HO ME B UY ER A ND S EL LE R GE NE RA TI ON AL T RE ND SInternet50.5%Real estate agent27.7%Friend, relative, or neighbor5.9%Home builder or their agent5.9%Other1%WHERE DO BUYERSfind their home?

L I S T I N G Y O U R H O M E

Robust MarketingSIGNAGEA sign will be placed in your yard as well as pointersand open house signs prior to an open house. Thesewill be installed at the most opportune times to gainthe most exposure.OUTREACHnetworkA large percentage of real estate transactionshappen with co-operating agents in Maine. We willexpose your listing to this market consistently.ONLINE EXPOSUREsuperiorBuyers in today’s market begin their search online.We will meet your potential buyer where theyare...online! Not only will your home be featured inthe local MLS, it will also be featured on major 3rd-party real estate sites.MARKETINGemailEmails will be sent to our current buyer database.Our database includes thousands of active buyerssearching for properties using our website, as wellas contacts from our own network and sphere ofinfluence. A new listing email alert will go out toour agent network consisting of thousands of realestate agents in the area. STORYTELLINGdigitalHighly-informative and creative digitalpromotional material, with video, will be preparedand distributed, highlighting the features of yourhome and neighborhood. VIDEOpropertyWe produce the most immersive property videos inMaine. Each video includes a walk-through reviewof your home, featuring drone footage, virtualstaging as necessary, green screen techniques,gimbal stability and scripted storytelling. & SHOWINGSopen houseWe know the perfect formula for what day is bestto list a home and the required promotion to ensurea successful outcome. When we list your home, youwill also be signed up with a showing service thatimmediately communicates with you when ashowing is scheduled. Feedback from potentialbuyers is normally available within 24 hours.We invest in social media marketing and advertisingthat can be targeted and as a result, quantified. Allpotential buyers secured through these efforts areadded to our streamlined follow-up protocol thatincludes phone calls, text message, emails andmore.& ADVERTISINGsocial media

Being ahead of the technology curve is more important than ever.We have been able to provide clients with a competitiveadvantage by rewriting the rules of how homes are sold in Maine.Imagine MoreOur Listing Storyboard allows a seller toengage with their listing and share whythey fell in love with their home; wherethey love to eat and shop - everythingelse about the city and neighborhoodthat they live in and called HOME.story tellingWhen determining an optimal price foryour home, we review both similarhomes that have sold as well asautomated valuation models thatprovide trend analysis.Competitive Market AnalysisGreat HDR digital photographyrequires more than a keen eye tomake properties look beautiful. It alsoneeds to inspire buyers to take action.Professional PhotographyHigh definition video is the besttechnology to provide the maximum WOW factor. Our in-house productionfeatures a storyboard of what makes yourhome special and is captured on film.Property VideosOur drone videos provide potential buyerswith a unique perspective of your propertyand the surrounding neighborhood.Incorporated into our property videos, yourhome will stand out from the crowd.Drone VideoOur digital marketing platform includestargeted ads on Facebook, Instagram,and YouTube where we can establishbudgets and monitor results. Virtualstaging is offered as needed as well asa custom property page.Digital MarketingWe don't simply submit your propertyto the Maine MLS: We enhance alllistings, carefully curate appropriateinformation and submit videos tonational web portals.Global Exposure

I m m e r s i v e P r o p e r t y V i d e o s

A F T E R L I S T I N G Y O U R H O M E

showingsA few tips to help your homeshowings go as smoothly as possibleF L E X I B L EBe as flexible and accommodating to the buyers schedule asyou can be. We want to avoid having missed opportunities if atall possible. I N F O R M E DMake sure everyone in the home is informed when showings areto happen so they can keep their spaces clean.D A I L Y C L E A N I N GKeep up with daily messes. Wipe down high traffic areas, andall counters before leaving for the day.O D O R SAvoid strong-smelling foods: Keep your meal prep as neutraland simple as possible.F U R R Y F R I E N D SKeep pet areas clean. Clean up after your pets immediatelyand wash their bedding regularly. Hide pet food or litter. Noteveryone is a pet person and it may hinder a potential buyersability to picture themselves living in your home.N A T U R A L L I G H TOpen blinds and curtains and let in as much natural light aspossible. Leave lights on before you leave for a showing.T R A S HEmpty trash cans to avoid any odors. Try to empty trash cansnightly so that the home is fresh when you leave for the day.T E M P E R A T U R EKeep the room temperature comfortable. This demonstrates tobuyers that the HVAC is working properly.P E R S O N A L SMake sure you place all valuables and prescriptions out of siteand in a safe place.V A C A T EHaving a seller present can make buyers feel awkward. Wewant to make the buyers feel at home and stay awhile.

A conventional loan is often the least complicated. This is an appealing choice for sellers.An FHA loan can causedelays because they require certain repairs and approvals.offersPrice is just one of many considerations when deciding which offer isbest for your home. Here are some of the other factors that matter:The fewer contingencies on an offer the better. Shorter time periods are also valuable.A cash offer is usually more appealing than a finance offer as the seller doesn’t needto worry about the bank approving the loan.Assures home sellers thatthe buyercan gettheloan they need.Sometimes an offer comes in high, but the buyer asks you to pay a percentageof the buyer’sclosing costs. You might need to close quickly to move on to your next adventure, or you might need toextend closing to allow time for the next home to be ready. Choosing the offer with aclosing time that fits your needs could be most attractive to you. If you care about the future of your home, a buyer letter or video could assure you that you’reselling to someone who will love the home and your neighbors as much as you did.Of course, price matters too! If ahigh offerwill cost you more in closing costs,repairs or other factors—then it probably won’t be the better offer.If the home needs some repairs, but you don’t havethe time or moneytodothem, a buyer who is willing to do them for youmight be what you need. C O N T I N G E N C I E SA L L C A S H B U Y E RP R E - A P P R O V A LL O A N T Y P EC L O S I N G T I M E L I N EC L O S I N G C O S T SB U Y E R L E T T E R O R V I D E OR E P A I R R E Q U E S T SO F F E R P R I C E

NEGOTIATIONSWE CAN:Accept the offerDecline the offer: If the offer isn’t close enough to yourexpectation and there is no need to further negotiate.Counter-offer: A counter-offer is when you offer differentterms to the buyer. AFTER AN OFFER IS SUBMITTED...OFFER IS ACCEPTED:You will sign the purchase agreement and you are now officiallyunder contract! This period of time is called the contingencyperiod.Now inspections, appraisals, and other contingencies included inthe purchase and sale agreement will take place.THE BUYER CAN THEN:Accept the counter-offerDecline the counter-offerCounter the counter-offer: You can negotiate back and forthas many times as needed until you can reach an agreement orsomeone chooses to walk away.

Contracts &Commissions Role of Buyer AgentThere are three key contracts involved in completing thesale of a property: the listing agreement, the buyerrepresentation agreement, and the purchase and saleagreement. The cost of compensating both Buyer andSeller agents has been part of the total transaction formany years. Incentivizing buyers agents encourages more showings,and offers. Compensation for Buyer agents is now totallytransparent and part of the negotiation process. Buyeragents can be compensated by:A seller concession, included in the purchasecontract, which can include compensation for abuyer’s agent. Direct payment to the buyer agents’s brokerage.outlined in the purchase contract.The recent NAR Settlement brings significant changesto real estate transactions. If working with an agent,a potential buyer is required to have a signedrepresentation agreement, which Maine already hadin place for many years. Additionally, cooperativecompensation is excluded from MLS listings, ensuringthat commission fees are to be negotiated directlybetween parties. These adjustments aim to create amore transparent and fair process for both buyersand sellers.A buyer’s agent is legally obligated to protect and workin the best interest’s of their clients. Not only do theywork closely with them to find homes that meet theirneeds, they ensure that they are qualified when offersare submitted and coordinate with the listing agent sothat the transaction is completed to the satisfaction ofall parties.The overall process, contingencies, inspection reports,appraisals and title work are all complicated. Using anagent makes the process easier. In the end, it is thebuyer who is bringing all the cash to the transaction. Included inPurchase & SaleWrittenRepresentationAgency &RepresentionSeller | ListingAgreementBuyerAgreementP&SContract%Includes all terms,conditions and feesassociated with the salestransaction. Your agent will provideyou with complete andlegal fiduciary dutiesthroughout.

C O N T R A C T T O C L O S I N G

Roof & ComponentsExterior & SidingBasementFoundationCrawlspaceStructureHeating & CoolingPlumbingElectricalAttic & InsulationDoorsWindows & LightingAppliances (limited)Attached GaragesGarage DoorsGrading & DrainageAll StairsINSPECTION TIME FRAMETypically 7 to 10 days after signing a contract.Negotiations usually happen within 5 to 8 days.COSTSNo cost to the Seller. The Buyer will choose andpurchase the inspection performed by the inspectorof their choice.POSSIBLE OUTCOMESInspections and potential repairs are usually one ofthe top reasons that a sale does not close.Common problems could be foundation, electrical,plumbing, pets, structural, mold, or radon.UPON COMPLETIONWhat isCommonly Included:FAQhomeINSPECTIONS Buyer can accept as-is Buyer can offer to re-negotiate Buyer can cancel the contract

Renegotiate the sale price with the buyerRenegotiate with the buyer to cover the differenceCancel and re-listConsider an alternative all-cash offerhomeAPPRAISALIf the buyer is seeking a loan to purchase your home they will need to have an appraisal performed bythe bank to verify the home is worth the loan amount.As a seller we want the property to appraise forat least the sale amount or more. It is very difficult to successfully contest your appraisal. Anexperienced agent demonstrates certain strategies to reveal value of the home prior to the appraisal.APPRAISAL COMES IN AT OR ABOVE SALE PRICEYou are in the clear and closing can begin!APPRAISAL COMES IN BELOW SALE PRICE

1. TRANSFER FUNDSFunds may include payoffs to:Seller’s mortgage company as well as any lienholdersLocal government,if any property taxes are dueThird-party service providersReal estate agents, for payment of a commissionSellers, if there are any proceeds from the saleof the home2. TRANSFER DOCUMENTSThe transfer of documents may include:The deed to the houseCertificate of Title, Bill of Sale, and other realestate-related documentsSigned closing instructionsand/or settlementstatement (HUD 1)Receipts (if needed) for completed repairs, persales contract3. TRANSFER PROPERTYThe transfer of property may include:Recording of the signed deed (completed by athird party) at the county courthouse.The post-closing agreement if the seller willneed to rent back home for a specified timeframe.Exchange of keys, garage door opener, securitycodes and/or devices, appliance manuals, etc.Homeownership legally transfers to the newowner when the signed deed is recorded at theseller's local county courthouse.YOUR COSTSSellers commonly pay:Mortgage balance & penalties ifapplicableAny claims against your propertyUnpaid assessments on yourpropertyReal estate agents, for paymentof a commissionDeed preparation Home warranty (if negotiated)WHAT TO BRINGSellers need to bring to closing:A government picture IDHouse keysGarage door openersMailbox and any other spare keysAFTER CLOSINGKeep copies of the following fortaxes:Copies of all closing documentsAll home improvement receiptsClosing is when funds and documents are completed in order to transfer ownership of the property to thebuyer. The escrow officer will look over the contract and find out what payments are owed by whom,prepare documents for closing, perform the closing, make sure all payoffs are completed, the buyer’s titleis recorded, and that you receive payoffs that are due to you. what to expectCLOSING THE SALE

F I N A L S T E P S

Once the title transfer has occurred contact your insuranceagent to cancel your policy so you can receive a refund ofanyprepaid premiums.C A N C E L P O L I C I E SCancel utilities and close those accounts. Keep a list of phonenumbers for each of your utility and entertainment companies.C L O S E A C C O U N T SLet everyone know your new address. Submit a change-of-address form to the post office.C H A N G E A D D R E S STurn off valves to the sinks, toilets, appliances, and waterheater. Turn off all light switches and fans. Lastly, call theelectric company.T U R N E V E R Y T H I N G O F FSecure all closing documents as well as the contract andclosing documents. Keep them in a safe place.D O C U M E N T SPut together a packet of manuals, receipts, and anywarranties as well.G A T H E R H O M E P A P E R W O R KMove out your personal belongings completely. Check alldrawers, cabinets, and closets.C L E A R O U T P E R S O N A L SEnsure that your home is completely clean upon leaving thehome. Clean the cabinets, refrigerators, and other appliancesinside and out. Thoroughly clean out the garage. Scheduletrash pick-up prior to the day of closing. Leave your home theway you would like to find it if you were the buyer.C L E A NLeave all house keys, remotes, gate keys, pool key and mailboxkeys in a drawer in the kitchen - or bring to closing.I N C I D E N T A L SVacuum and sweep floors one more time.F L O O R SEnsure all blinds are closed, and lock the windows and doors.L O C K U PstepsF I N A LF O R S E L L E R S

R E V I E W S

Laura worked with us for more than a year trying to find theperfect condo in a very tight and expensive market. She wasenthusiastic and patient in our long journey. Finally, when wefound the ideal condo, she guided us to make the right offer tosecure our future home. Through it all, Laura ended up beingmore like a trusted friend than a sharp business woman. Wehighly recommend Laura to represent you in real estate dealings.Max S., Home BuyerReviews"We used Laura of Maine Home Connection and were so pleased with theassistance she provided throughout the process. We were out of statebuyers and she provided a very important service that allowed us to useour time efficiently. She fully represented our interests at each propertywe viewed and once we selected one, she was invaluable right throughthe closing. One additional note: after we moved in she connected uswith a handy man, a plumber, and an electrician, all top notch and honestindividuals. We were quite satisfied with Laura and highly recommend herand her company."Ed H., Home BuyerLaura is a gem! Professional, extremely knowledgeable and alway will take the extra steps necessary to ensureeverything goes smoothly. She was instrumental in finding ahome that fit my needs, crafting a solid offer and ensuringeverything went smoothly to closing in a very tight window.If you need a Realtor, MHC is the place to go. Jacqueline S., Home Buyer

M a i n e H o m e C o n n e c t i o n . c o m | 1 9 C o m m e r c i a l S t P o r t l a n d M E 0 4 1 0 1 | 2 0 7 . 5 1 7 . 3 1 0 0soldFROM LISTED TOLaura SosnowskiM : 2 0 7 . 8 0 7 . 1 9 0 2 | L a u r a @ M a i n e H o m e C o n n e c i t o n . c o m