Feature Listing
  • Roberts Homes Real Estate
  • Open Houses
  • David was one of the most patient realtors I have ever worked with. My husband and I were looking for a summer home in the Wisconsin area and David worked with us non-stop until we found exactly what we were looking for. We had very specific wants and needs and David always had a variety of homes to show us on the weekends and sent lots of options via email during the week. He was professional, friendly, informative and very accommodating. I have since recommended his services to several people and will do so in the future.

- Tom & Kelly Loucks, Big Cedar Lake, West Bend

Getting the House Ready to Sell

Uncluttering the House


This is the hardest thing for most people to do because they are emotionally attached to everything in the house. After years of living in the same home, clutter collects in such a way that may not be evident to the homeowner. However, it does affect the way buyers see the home, even if you do not realize it.

Clutter collects on shelves, counter tops, drawers, closets, garages, attics, and basements. You want as much open clear space as possible, so every extra little thing needs to be cleared away. Take a step back and pretend you are a buyer. Let a friend help point out areas of clutter, as long as you can accept their views without getting defensive. Let your agent help you, too.

The Exterior of the House

Most real estate advice tells you to work on the outside of the house first, but unless there is a major project involved, it is probably best to save it for last. There are two main reasons for this. First, the first steps in preparing the interior of the house are easier. They also help develop the proper mind set required for selling - beginning to think of your "home" as a marketable commodity. Second, the exterior is the most important.

A homebuyer’s first impression is based on his or her view of the house from the real estate agent’s car. They call that first impression "curb appeal." So take a walk across the street and take a good look at your house. Look at nearby houses, too, and see how yours compares. Then it may be time to go to work.


Choosing a REALTOR®

Selling a house is a very difficult job. You want to sell your home as quickly as possible and at its full value. When you sell your home, the REALTOR® will work for you as a client. You sign a contract with the agent, called a listing contract. The agent then works for you and receives an agreed commission when the house is sold. In a seller/client relationship, the agent guides you throughout the real estate transaction, providing information on such issues as pricing your home, which purchase offers are fair, and how to structure a purchase contract to your advantage. It is the business of the REALTOR® to help you sell your home with minimum delay and to help you realize every dollar it is worth. Although the REALTOR® works for you and owes you additional services, called fiduciary duties, the REALTOR® must also treat his or her buyer customers fairly. The buyer is generally the customer. There is no contract between the buyer and the REALTOR Today, however, many home buyers use a buyer’s agent– a specialized REALTOR® who is the home buyer's client and works for the interests of the buyer. This makes it even more important for you to have an expert on your side looking out for your best interests.

Your REALTOR® can recommend home repairs or cosmetic work that will significantly enhance the salability of your property. Your REALTOR® acts as the marketing coordinator, disbursing information about your property through a variety of mediums – placing strategic property ads, holding open houses, using the MLS – only available to REALTORS® – to quickly reach a large number of home buyers, as well as networking with other REALTORS® and business contacts.

Your REALTOR® can give you up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace and the price, financing, terms and condition of competing properties. These are key factors in getting your property sold at the best price, quickly and with minimum hassle.

Your REALTOR® is familiar with real estate financing and can help pre-qualify buyers to see if they can afford your home. This is information you want to know upfront because if potential buyers can’t afford your house, you don’t want to spend a lot of time and energy on them.

Your REALTOR® can help you objectively evaluate every buyer’s proposal without compromising your marketing position. Your REALTOR® can help you write a legally binding, win-win agreement that will be more likely to make it through the process.

Your REALTOR® can help you resolve questions that arise between the initial sales contract and closing. For example, unexpected repairs that may be required in order for the buyer to obtain financing or a cloud on the title is discovered. The required paperwork alone is overwhelming for most sellers.

Your REALTOR® will help relieve your anxieties about the closing procedures by explaining them in advance, and making sure everything you need for the closing is ready.