Home Sellers Guide - Birmingham Alabama

Many agents think their most important job is satisfying
the customer. We don’t think that’s true. We believe that

satisfying the customer is simply the minimum requirement
for staying in business. We work constantly to improve our
systems, processes, and services to go well beyond the
standard level of “service” provided by most agents.
Simply put, our objectives are to get you the most money,
in the least time, and with the fewest hassles. We want to
provide the absolute best service in the industry. Period!
We want to make you so satisfied you listed your home

with us, that you will refer us to all of your friends and family.
The Mega Agent Real Estate Team

RE/MAX Advantage
2 www.MegaAgents.com • 205-267-1520
Meet Our Team
COLLIER
Collier Swecker is a founding partner of the Mega Agent
Real Estate Team at RE/MAX Advantage. Collier leads
the team’s listing division. Collier and his Mega Team are
among the most successful Real Estate Agents in the
Birmingham Alabama real estate market. As a Realtor®,
he has been able to utilize his legal and marketing skills
to help clients save thousands of dollars and avoid costly
contractual mistakes.
Collier graduated from Auburn University (B.A., 1998),

Cumberland School of Law (Juris Doctor, 2002) and
Washington University School of Law in St. Louis (Masters
of Law in Taxation, 2003). Collier was the principal
partner in a law practice, Swecker and Sparks, for
3 years in Auburn, Alabama.
Collier is married to Amanda Capps Swecker and lives

in North Shelby County. Collier & Amanda are the proud
parents to a beautiful daughter, Julia Abigayle.
CARIN
Carin Charles brings extensive experience and knowledge
of advertising and marketing along with a strong business
acumen to her position as a Realtor with the Mega Agent
Real Estate Team at RE/MAX Advantage. After 15 years
specializing in marketing, Carin merged her expertise with
her passion for real estate, providing an unsurpassed
choice for anyone ready to purchase or sell a house. With
her background in real estate investment and flipping, she
is able to advise her clients on making smart real estate
purchases and maximizing profits when selling a property.
She graduated Summa Cum Laude from The University

of Alabama (B.A., 2000) with a major in Public Relations
and a minor in Marketing. She continued her education
at The University of Alabama at Birmingham (MBA, 2004)
and earned a Masters in Business Administration with
top honors. A native of Gardendale, Alabama, Carin has
lived throughout the Birmingham-Metro area, exposing
her to the charm and character of each part of town.
She is married to Brad Charles and their family lives in the
Greystone area of Birmingham, Alabama. They have two
children, Caroline and Brennen. They are active members
of Double Oak Community Church located in the Mt.
Laurel community.
www.MegaAgents.com • 205-267-1520 3
Meet Our Team
ANGEL
Angel Brown is a graduate of the University of Alabama at
Birmingham with a B.S. in Secondary Education (2003) and
Nursing (2005). Born and raised in Birmingham, she has lived
in many cities throughout the Birmingham Metro Area. She
is married to Clete Brown and they have two children, Abby
and Luke. Angel enjoys spending time at the lake, beach
and at her kids sporting events including gymnastics,
football and baseball.
Angel’s love of real estate has grown over the last decade.
License is with Mega Agent Alongside of her husband who is a general contractor
Rental Management LLC and a residential home builder, she enjoys flipping houses
and owning investment properties. She loves sharing her
experiences and knowledge with home buyers, sellers and
investors.
KATHY
Kathy Southerland brings over 15 years of executive
corporate experience to the Mega Agent Real Estate
Team. Kathy has a passion for finding that perfect home
for her clients. She loves putting deals together and
getting her clients the absolute best deal at the absolute
best price possible.
Kathy is a lifelong resident of Alabama and currently

lives in Pelham, Alabama. Kathy is married to Steve
Southerland and they have two children, one beautiful
granddaughter and three granddogs. Kathy enjoys
License is with Mega Agent
Rental Management LLC
spending time with her family, reading, crafting, and
going to flea markets and antiquing with her husband.
Meet Our Team
HALLIE
Hallie Underwood is the Mega Team’s Director of Client
Care. She is a graduate of the University of Southern Mis-
sissippi with a Bachelors Degree in Journalism / Public
Relations and a minor in Political Science. She loves being
involved in community service and helping others.
JULIE
Julie May is the Marketing Director for the Mega Agent Real
Estate Team and owner of Anything Creative, a creative
design firm. Julie has partnered with the team to create
compelling advertising and sales material for our programs
and listings. She brings more than 15 years of design and
marketing experience to The Mega Agent Real Estate
Team.
Julie graduated from The University of Alabama with a

degree in Communications and a minor in the Computer-
Based Honors program. She is married to Jordan and has a
daughter, Abigail and son, Preston.
TRISTA
Trista Ehlers is the Director of Property for Mega Agent
Rental Management LLC. Trista has years of sales and
management experience along with keen attention to
details and organization. She absolutely loves working in
property management and look forwards to managing
your property.
Trista enjoys spending time with her husband James and

their two children, Laine & Bryne. In addition, she and her
family host an International exchange student every school
year. Trista’s hobbies include reading, traveling, making
jewelry, watching moves, and walking her two dogs Boris &
Luda. Trista is a member of Helena United Methodist Church
and is an active volunteer with their youth group.
Meet Our Team
RUBY
Ruby Dela Cruz is one of the Mega Team’s Lead Client
Care Managers. Ruby has a Bachelors Degree in
Advertising and has years of management and marketing
experience which enhance her ability to assist home
buyers locate that perfect home. She lives with her
husband and their one son.
REIGN
Reign Patajo is a Client Care Manager for the Mega
Agent Real Estate Team. She graduated with Bachelor’s
Degree of Science in Nursing. Formerly Reign was IP
Relay communications assistant for the deaf & mute and
administrative technology specialist. Reign loves learning
to cook, teacher of aerial arts and is a bodybuilder training
for Amateur Olympia. She lives with her husband and one
daughter.
The Team Approach
The Mega Agent Real Estate Team has a full-time staff of professionals to assist our
agents and manage the hundreds of tasks associated with listing & buying a home. This
team approach allows the agents to do what they do best.... sell homes! Independent
real estate agents have to juggle these tasks all on their own.
NEGOTIATION
LEAD
GENERATION
REPORTS
NEGOTIATION
TRANSACTION
SALES MANAGEMENT
SALES
SERVICE
MARKETING
ACCOUNTING
SERVICE
Typical Real Estate Agent Mega Team Agent
OUR SERVICE TEAM INCLUDES:

Full-Time Marketing Expert on Staff Trained in Graphic Design, Internet Advertising & Real Estate.
Full-Time Listing Coordinator Ensuring that Your Listing is Getting the Marketing & Attention it
Deserves.
Full-Time Client Care Coordinator who Makes Sure You are Kept Informed about All Activities
and is Always Available to Answer Questions.
Full-Time Transaction Coordinator who Monitors Every Aspect of Your Transaction to Hold all
Parties Accountable to Their Promises So That You Close On Time.
Collier Swecker who Manages the Entire Listing Division to Ensure That Your Home is Marketed
to the Most People, in the Most Places and with the Absolute Best Chance of Selling.
Team up with the experts
At Mega Agent Real Estate, we have modeled our company differently than any other
real estate team in the area. And we have been successful doing it. We identify every-
one’s unique talent and put them in a position to showcase it. Each person you work
with is an expert in their field. Selling your home is a big deal and that’s exactly how
we’re going to treat it. While working with us, this isn’t just our team. It’s your team.
YOUR LISTING AGENTS:

Professional, licensed, full-time agents who handle
the listing of your home
Fierce negotiators
Track record of proven success selling homes
Coached by one of the top agents in the country
YOUR ADMIN SUPPORT TEAM:

Handles the details of a transaction to make your sale efficient
Professional photography
Gathers feedback from showings to make sure your property is
always represented to prospective buyers appropriately
Executes top marketing and advertising program in the area
YOUR INSIDE SALES TEAM:

Full time staff to handle all your property’s inquiries
24/7 site and marketing monitoring to never miss
communication with potetial buyer
Manages a database of 10,000+ people and markets directly
to them
YOUR TRANSACTION COORDINATORS:

Minimizes any hurdles in your contract
Coordinates your closing
Ensures every legal and financial detail is taken care of
What our clients are saying...
group to work with.
courteous, and their approach...In vivid contrast, Mark always made time for our
response time to my questions, and regularly called to keep us up to date on the
questions were great.
We had previously used
two other realtors from
done in the past, Mark continued to follow-up with us and the
neither one made us feel
that our listing was im- — Ross & Kelly Jacobs, Home Sellers
portant. I would highly
recommend Collier to
anyone looking for an “Carin understood the emotions I felt at selling the home my
agent. He is intelligent, late husband and I had shared, and she was very patient with
professional, caring, and me on learning what to obsess over and what to let go of. I was
his knowledge of the SO impressed with Carin & would recommend her to a friend
real estate market was in a heartbeat!”
the best that I have — Jane Mathis-Hopson, Home Seller
encountered. Collier and
his group went above
and beyond to make
Team to anyone is the team approach and the service we got
with the sale of our old from Carin Charles. She gave wise counsel in negotiations and
home and the purchase watched over all the details of closing. She was always friendly,
of the new one.” positive and timely in communicating.”
— Steve & Kathy — Cindy Shellum, Home Seller
Southerland, Home
Sellers & Home Buyers
we only had a few weeks to close. Collier was critical in not

I think the reason your only showing us new homes, but in every aspect of the
team is so successful purchase of our new home. From negotiating a good solid
is because they under- price, to providing advice, to arranging a quick closing, to
stand what the customer setting up inspections and etc., Collier and the Mega Agent
wants and that’s what Real Estate Team at RE/MAX Advantage were fantastic. We
they provide.” could not have asked for a better experience and we love our
— Matthew Holden, new home.”
Home Seller — Russell & Melanie Parker, Home Sellers
www.MegaAgents.com • 205-267-1520
1-Day Listing Guarantee
What’s Your Biggest Fear When Listing Your Home With A Realtor?
Unlike most Realtors, our ONE DAY LISTING GUARANTEE allows you to fire us. If you’re like
most sellers, you worry about being locked into a lengthy listing agreement with a
less-than-competent real estate agent, costing your home valuable time and exposure
on the market. Well, worry no more. Our Mega Agent Home Selling Team takes the risk
and fear out of selling your home with a real estate agent.
We will not lock you into a 12-month contract or even a 6-month contract. If you are not
completely satisfied with our services and marketing techniques, after just 1 day, you
can FIRE US! You sign a listing contract with me for only 1 day! That means if you don’t
think that working with me and sales team is your best option, just call and tell us at any
time to take a hike! I feel confident that after meeting with our team, you will see that
we have the best home marketing program in our area!
When you sell your home through the Mega Agent Real Estate Team, you can cancel
your listing at any time. No hassles, no worries. It’s simple:
You can cancel your listing literally the next day if you so choose. It’s literally a
day-to-day listing contract.
You can relax, knowing you won’t be locked into a lengthy listing agreement.
You will enjoy the highest caliber of service from professionals confident
enough to make this offer.
Our Hassle-Free Listing Program
When you list your home with The Mega Agent Real Estate Team, our Hassle-Free Listing
Program* gives you the most flexible listing terms available.
Sell Your Property Yourself, While It Is Listed, and Pay NO Commission.

While your home is listed with us, if you find a buyer who has not been exposed to
the property by our office or another agent, then you do not pay any commission.
Cancel the Listing at Anytime

Either you or our team can cancel by calling and saying “I want to cancel the
listing.” It’s that simple. The cancellation becomes effective at the time you call.
Please allow two business days to have the sign removed and the listing withdrawn
from the Multiple Listing Service.
No Advance Fees of Any Kind

You only pay if we procure an offer that is acceptable to you.
“No Pressure” Presentation

We will never allow you to be “pressured” by a buyer’s agent. All offers will be
emailed or delivered to our office, and then presented to you by phone, email, or
fax so you can make your decisions privately.
Variable Commission
* Applies to Single-Family Residential Homes Only and Requires a Signed Hassle-Free
Listing Addendum / Agreement to be Executed Between Seller and Listing Agent
6% 5% 1% 0%
Owner’s property Listing Agent Owner procures You find the
sells through a Buyer procures the the Buyer and there buyer and
procured through Buyer and writes is no other Agent there is no
the MLS. Another the contract. involved. Listing other agent
Agent represents the There is no other Agent will write the involved. You
Buyer. Agent involved. contract and pro- don’t want our
Total Commission Total cess it through assistance.
to be 6%. commission closing for Owner. You pay
* Applies to all homes with
Final Sales Price of $100,000 to be 5% Total commission nothing.
or higher. There is a to be 1%.
minimum sales commission
for all homes under $100,000
of $6,000.
If you are not

happy at any time....
FIRE us & pay nothing!
Home Marketing
54.1%
of homes EXPIRED or
are WITHDRAWN
In today’s ever changing Real Estate market,

you need every possible advantage to sell your home for top dollar.
This year, less than 50% of the homes listed have sold. That means your Realtor, their track
record and their experience are more important than ever.
We study the market daily so we can help advise our clients to make the best decisions,
opt for the most effective improvements and set the price that will attract the most
potential buyers. These are the major factors that affect your sale:
Location Pricing Strategy

Condition Exceptional Marketing
We cannot change your location, but we can advise you about how your home can
show in the best condition possible. We can also expertly help you price your home
correctly. Finally, we will provide you with the most proven marketing strategies in the
business.
Selling one of your largest investments is a huge step and the right Realtor can make
the process quick and easy. Don’t list your home with someone who will let it expire.
Hire a Realtor that will get your home sold

in the least amount of time
for the most amount of money!
Pricing Guidelines
1. Activity versus Timing - Timing is extremely important in the real estate
market. A property attracts the most interest and excitement from agents
and potential buyers when it is first listed. Setting a realistic price from the
beginning will help take advantage of this initial period and increase the
chance of a timely sale. When a home is overpriced from the start, it misses
the most critical time period in selling a home.
2. Determining Your Home’s Market Value - Location and characteristics

of your property are the key elements in determining its value, therefore the
basis for valuation is similar properties in your area. A market analysis takes
into account the sales price of comparable properties and the quantity and
quality of comparable properties on the market. Once the value has been
determined, you can decide on an offering price that will achieve your goals.
Generally, the price should not exceed the value by more than 5% or
potential buyers may not even make offers.
The Market Value of your home is what a How can my home be a “10” in today’s
buyer is willing to pay based on: selling market?
Today’s market Improve the condition dramatically
Today’s competition Offer good terms
Today’s financing Improve the way your home shows
Today’s economic condition Adjust the price
The buyer’s perception of the condition
Location
Normal marketing time
Showing accessibility
As a seller you control: As a seller you do not control:

The price you ask Market conditions
The condition of the property The motivation of your competition
Access to the property Value
Impact of Price Visibility
exactly what they requested in regards to preparing the home. Collier wanted us to have a
show home and told us how to do it and we did and sold in exactly 29 days from the day
we put it on the market. They understand how to sell a home and I highly
recommend them for anyone!!”
— Don Leipert
A Guaranteed Marketing Approach
Our team approach employs proven systems and resources to aggressively market and
sell your home.
Why? Because we work in an environment that demands quality service and
guaranteed results. Therefore, we expertly handle every detail from initial contact to
closing. Each person on the team has a specific responsibility to you, our client, in the
process of selling your property. Our team approach makes the possibility of getting your
home sold fast, and for top dollar, a REALITY.
Expert Advisors
Based on our industry research surrounding indisputable laws of selling real estate in a
new market, our system focuses on critical points and marketing that ensures your home
sells for the highest price during the peak marketing time frame.
Advanced Property Marketing System

Our exclusive marketing system is built and designed around the principles that govern
best practices in other industries. By applying these principles, we are able to maximize
the saleability of your property.
Professional Copy
As critical marketing professionals we recognize the
need for professional copy, this best conveys the beauty
and emotion of your home. That is why we only use the
most professional copy in all our advertisements.
Expert Negotiators
All of the marketing in the world is useless if we can’t
successfully negotiate a win-win deal for all parties,
especially you, our client. By ensuring it is a win-win
situation, we increase all parties commitment to a
successful closing.
Social & Multimedia Marketing System

We all understand that social media has overtaken traditional internet traffic, in it’s
effectiveness to reach the consumer. This means better exposure for our clients’ homes.
We are prominent on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and other social platforms
where 90% of your audience is.
“Having the TEAM of the Mega Agents is awesome! Knowing

that each person on the team specializes in what they do was great. Because of Collier’s
expertise our home went under contract in 10 days. I highly recommend the Mega Agents
to anyone looking to buy or sell their home.”
— Justin and Jessica Scarsella
MegaAgents.com
Potential buyers will find
your home’s listing on
our easy-to-use website -
MegaAgents.com. Our
MLS Home Search is one
of the best around! That’s
why around 70% of our
users are returning visitors.
We average more than
8,000 unique visitors a
month who stay on our site
around 8 minutes, which is
an eternity online!
http://www.megaagents.com - http://w… Go to this report
www.megaagents.com
Audience Overview Feb 20, 2014 - Mar 22, 2014
All Visits
100.00%
Overview
Visits
1,200

600 www.megaagents.com

Feb 22 Mar 1 Mar 8 Mar 15
All Visits
100.00%
Returning Visitor New Visitor
Visits
Overview Unique Visitors Pageviews
21,273 8,297 185,876

27%
Visits
1,200 / Visit
Pages Avg. Visit Duration Bounce Rate
8.74 00:08:51 14.19%

73%
600
% New Visits
26.99%
Language
27%
Visits % Visits
1. en-us 20,443 96.10%

2. en
Pages / Visit Avg. Visit Duration Bounce Rate 556 2.61%
Visits Unique Visitors Pageviews
21,273 8,297 185,876
Mobile Website
Our Mobile site allows buyers who
are out and about to easily find
your home’s listing! They can view
properties nearby their location
with a click of a button. Our
mobile site averages more than
3,000 unique visitors per month,
with 79% of those as returning
visitors. Buyers love our mobile site!

www.megaagents.com
All Visits
100.00%
Overview
Visits
1,200
600

Visits Unique Visitors Pageviews
21,273 8,297 185,876

27%
Pages / Visit Avg. Visit Duration Bounce Rate
8.74 00:08:51 14.19%

73%
% New Visits
26.99%
Language Visits % Visits
1. en-us 20,443 96.10%
8.74
3. zh-cn 00:08:51 14.19% 78 0.37%
73%
4. es-es 73 0.34%
5. en-gb 38 0.18%
% New Visits
26.99%
6. es-mx 15 0.07%
7. fr 13 0.06%
National Traffic
Not only does our MegaAgents.com website get great traffic, but the national
Remax.com brand website gets more traffic than any other national real estate
franchise site. This exposes your listing on a national level to potential buyers
moving into our area.
2. en 556 2.61%
3. zh-cn 78 0.37%
4. es-es 73 0.34%
5. en-gb 38 0.18%
www.MegaAgents.com
6. es-mx • 205-267-1520 15 0.07%
7. fr 13 0.06%
8. pt-br 10 0.05%
Email Marketing
Each week we stay top-of-mind
with our buyers by sending out
Collier’s Top Five Awesome Home
Deals email. Collier picks five home
each week that are great deals
based on price, amenities &
location. This popular email is sent
to over 9,000 potential buyers
every week.
We also send out informational

emails to our database such as
interest rate updates, real estate
tax info and so much more.
Facebook Marketing
Targets BUYERS for your home and brokers who
have buyers for your home.
Professional Photography / Video
Other than price, photography is the most
important factor in selling your home! We
have a professional photographer that will
take photos and video of your home to
highlight the features, show the floor plan
and give prospective buyers an overview
of the home without having to step foot
inside. The photos and video provide a
virtual open house, available 24/7 online
without agents having to show your
property.
Drone Technology
The photographs of your home could make or break the sale... Our state of the art
drone technology highlights your home in a unique and captivating way.
Showings and Feedback
Professional 24/7 appointment setting service
ensures we never miss a showing request
Customizable showing information tailored to
each client according to their needs
Automatically request and collect feedback
from showing agents
Create custom reports on all showing activity
over a period of time
Quality Lead Conversion
Problem:
Even if an agent markets homes online and in print, their lead response process is just as
critical to getting buyers to ultimately view their listings. NAR reports that the average re-
sponse time to an internet lead is 16 hours with 32% of all leads never being responded
to at all! Is this how you would want interested buyers treated when inquiring about your
home?
Solution:
Our revolutionary websites convert interested buyers into hot leads at a rate that
quadruples the average website. We generate hundreds of leads every month and our
lead response time is typically under five minutes within the hours of 8am - 9pm, seven
days a week. Our system for attracting buyers plays a huge role in the sale of
your home.
Seller’s Benefits Buyer’s Benefits

Our lead conversion program will bring you Potential buyers have complete access to
more interested and qualified buyers. see any home while getting the answers they
want quickly.
We have leads sent to our agents via text
message as soon as they are received for With our lead conversion, buyers get the
immediate response. response they need to make the decision to
buy.
We were turned on to Mega Agent Real Estate Team at RE/MAX Advantage by Dave
Ramsey’s web site. Collier, Sharron and the entire team worked very hard to help us sell our
marketing plan generated a lot of valid leads and showings
result was that we sold our house at a favorable price and both buyer and seller were pleased
with the results.We would recommend Mega Agent to anyone buying or selling a house.
— Mike & Robin Vickers
He came over and gave us his opinion of what changes we should make before listing it.
was on the market! Collier was always very quick to return phone calls and I
was always made to feel that my questions and concerns were important!
— Maria Brandt
Lead Tracking
Every potential buyer goes into our computerized lead follow-up system that ensures
that there are no more forgotten leads or delayed responses. Our Agents are able to
manage our huge lead flow through our accountability dashboards that allow them to
prioritize leads, track email and phone calls, and keep tabs on potential buyers every
step of the way - from the first click through to closing! -
Home Selling Strategies
Mega Team Other Agents
PRE-SALE STRATEGY
Utilize our extensive market knowledge & study comparables in
order to determine your home’s market value.
Staging and Decorating Advice
SALES STRATEGY
Showing calls accepted by our call center from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Give Showing Agents the ability to authorize showings via Internet,
email or telephone.
Receive, follow up with and convert prospective Buyers of your
home through our incredible group of Buyer Agents.
LEAD MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

Buyers Division Agents systematically follow up on every lead - from
every source.
Dedicated Client Care Staff available to all prospective buyers.
REPORTING STRATEGY
Frequent showing feedback updates to your personal listing page
at Showings.com.
Bi-weekly phone call from Client Care Team to discuss your listing.
Weekly email from Client Care Team with detailed sales data
relevant to Your Home.
MARKETING STRATEGY
Professional Photography
Utilize the Facebook Marketplace
Attractive “For Sale” Sign on 4x4 post
Extensive Internet exposure from syndication to more than 100
websites, plus featured placement listings on MegaAgents.com,
RealEstate-BirminghamAlabama.com and RE/MAX.com
Marketing through Social Media Website
Mobile Friendly Website (i.e. Facebook / Twitter etc)
“Top 5 Awesome Deals of the Week” emails to entire Mega Team

database
Targeted emails to potential buyers of your home from Buyer Agents.
Home Selling Steps
Initial Consultation Prepare
with Agent for Closing
Market Research/ Order Mortgage Send Loan to

Determine List Price Appraisal Company Underwriting
Listing Loan Approval

Agreement
Order
Survey Closing Attorney Title Search
Pre-Inspection Marketing
Seller to Arrange to
Home Staging Cancel Utilities
Closing Attorney
Showings Prepares Closing
Disclosure
Receive Offer Negotiate Buyer Brings

on Property Terms of Offer Cashier’s Check to
Closing
Initial Contract
Refer Your Friends
& Family to the
Mega Agent Team
Home Inspection Addendum

Transfer
Ownership
Negotiate
Repairs
Inspection
Final Contract
Real Expectations
Maybe not what you WANT to hear... but certainly what you NEED to hear.
Pre-Listing Period: Under Contract & Due Diligence:

Getting your home ready Once we come to terms with a buyer your
home will go into status of “pending” ( aka
Professional Photography under contract) and other buyers agents will
Determine Staging not be allowed to show the property.
Gathering surveys, HOA documents, etc. There will be a “due diligence” period
which is a negotiated time for the buyer to
Co-author ad copy & details about home perform inspections and during this time
period in Alabama a buyer can back out for
Install yard sign and lockbox
any or no reason at all and receive all of their
earnest money back.
Hitting the Market: Once the buyer performs their inspections

we will be presented a list of items that the
buyer wants to have addressed before they
Hits the Multiple Listing Service
agree to proceed to closing. This is another
Double / Triple check all ad-copy to ensure negotiating period that be one of THE most
accuracy. frustrating times in the entire process. We will
guide you through the inspection period one
Appears on Zillow.com within 24 hours, keep step at a time.
in mind we do NOT control the information on
Zillow, but we can make special requests for
errors. Expect the Unexpected:
Appears on many other syndicated Expect frustrations along the way as the
websites within 24 hours. federal government has placed many
Emailed out to ALL home buyers that are regulations and steps in the home buying and
looking for homes that match your criteria. selling process that did not use to exist. We will
walk you through the process one step at a
time and getting angry usually causes more
problems that it can possible help.
Showings & Feedback:
Do everything possible to make it easy to
show as we may never get a second chance
for the potential buyer to come back.
Make the home as presentable as you can,
but we do realize you have to live there.
If possible, leave all lights on, blinds open
and some music playing.
Do NOT be at home if possible as that
makes buyers feel uncomfortable.
Once we receive feedback, usually
the following day, we will report it to you
immediately... the good, the bad and the
needed.
Estimated Costs
SELLER PAYS FOR: APPROXIMATE AMOUNT:
Real Estate Commission 6%
Attorney Fees $450
Title Insurance Purchase Price x .00355 / 2
Termite Bond Transfer $200
Property Taxes Prorated from October 1 until date of closing
Home Warranty $630
BUYER PAYS FOR: APPROXIMATE AMOUNT:

Earnest Money Min. $500
Appraisal $450
Credit Report $30
Home Inspection $350-$450 (based on square footage)
Origination Fee 1% of the loan amount
Attorney Fee $450
Termite Inspection $175
Survey $300 - $500
Flood Certification $15
Recording Fee $1 per thousand of purchase price
Deed Tax $1 per thousand of consideration (amount you put down)
Mortgage Tax $1.50 per thousand borrowed
Title Insurance Purchase Price x .00355 / 2
Property Tax/HOA Dues Prorated from date of closing
Express Mail $35-$40
Hazard Insurance Purchase price / 1000 x $3.50
Prepaid Interest Daily interest amount x days remaining in month
Our Process
The Mega Agent Real Estate Team Best Price!

uses strategies specifically designed
Perform
to help you get the best price for your
home. Our consumer-focused and
professional approach helps sellers
feel safe, secure & confident with one
of the biggest decisions of their lives.
Your agent will work with you to plan

your sale, prepare your home and
Prepare
perform the plan to deliver you the
best selling price.
Plan
Plan
1. Assess Home Seller’s Needs - We’ll discuss your particular needs by asking
questions such as when do you need to move? What are your financial goals
for the sale? What concerns do you have about the selling process?
2. Conduct Best Price Analysis - We use a three step pricing

system. First, we look at the supply vs. demand in your
immediate area. That tells us if we can afford to push the
envelope on price, or if we need to concentrate on
being the best deal out there. Second, we look at the
comparable sales, and establish a value range that an
appraiser could put your house in. Third, we look at your
competition and answer the question, “Based on the type of
market you are in, where do you need to be inside the
appraised value range, compared to your competition, to
ensure that you sell for the most money in a reasonable amount
of time?”
3. Perform Initial Seller’s Consultation - Your mega agent will meet with you
to tour the property and assess its features and condition. We will share with
you the results from our market research, including comparable homes. With
this information, we will discuss and determine the best price for your home.
Our Process
4. Review Seller’s Proceeds - To avoid any surprises, we’ll calculate all
expenses of the sale of your home and provide you with an estimated profit.
5. Complete Listing Agreement - We will then complete the Mega Agent

Team Listing Agreement document. We will review it to make sure all parties
understand and are in agreement on what is expected during the sale.
6. Complete Home Pre-Inspection - We recommend that

all of our listings be pre-inspected before moving forward
with any marketing. The knowledge gained from a
TM
pre-inspection will help put us in the best negotiating

position possible. Nationally, more than one-fourth of all
home sale transactions fall through, and a significant
portion of these failed deals could have been avoided
with a pre-inspection and a pre-listing appraisal.
Prepare
1. Complete Required Paperwork - Various paperwork is required before we
can list your home for sale, including documents required by the Greater
Alabama Area MLS and the Alabama Real Estate Commission. This
paperwork must be returned to our team prior to your home being listed in
the MLS.
2. Complete Recommended Repairs - We’ll review the pre-inspection report

and recommend repairs that are necessary before listing your home
on the MLS and beginning to show the property to prospective
buyers.
3. Professional Photography - Because the majority of

home buyers now use the Internet to begin their home
search, it is important to have only the best high-quality
images of your home online. Our team’s photographer will
call you to schedule a time to shoot you home’s photos.
4. Launch the Mega Agent Real Estate Team Marketing Plan - Your Mega Agent
and Client Care manager will set the marketing wheels in motion by developing
marketing copy, putting up yard sign, etc.
Our Process
Perform
1. List property on Multiple Listing Service (MLS) - We will submit your
property to the Greater Alabama Area Multiple Listing Service. This service
lists the details of your property including price, showing instructions & photos.
Nearly all of the 2,500+ real estate agents in Birmingham subscribe to the MLS
and use it to locate homes for their clients.
2. Syndicate Listing Online - Your home’s online presence is critical! Through

our cutting-edge system, your home will appear on many of the top home
selling websites.
3. Respond to Inquiries - We answer our phones and do our best to make sure
every potential buyer gets their questions answered and an opportunity to see
your home.
4. Get Agent Feedback - We will contact every agent who shows your
property to gather feedback about the condition, price and staging of your
home. We will forward this information on to you whether it is positive or
negative on an account setup for you at ShowingTime.com.
5. Provide Status Reports - Your Client Care manager will keep you up-to-
date with verbal and written reports throughout the listing process. You will
receive a detailed analysis every week showing how your home is priced
against competitors. This information is important for sellers to know so that
they can make an educated decision. We also keep you abreast of changes
in the market that may affect the marketing and sale of your home.
6. Be the Best Negotiators - Our agents are trained and experienced in the
art of successful negotiation to achieve the best results for our clients. The
team is led by Collier Swecker, who is a former Real Estate & Tax Attorney.
7. Manage All Closing Activities - Our team’s Transaction Coordinator will

work closely with you and your Mega Agent to ensure a smooth closing. They
will be in touch with you throughout the closing process to give you updates
and ensure there is nothing in the way of an on time closing.
Best Impressions
These tips can help your house make the best impression every time it’s previewed by
sales professionals or shown to prospective buyers. A comparatively small investment in
time, money and effort to remove these visual intrusions can lead to stronger offers from
buyers.
INTERIOR EXTERIOR
Make beds Trim bushes
Put away toys Pick up after pets
Clean up dishes Remove yard clutter
Empty wastebaskets Touch up outdoor paint
Remove clutter Make sure all exterior lights work
Organize closets & cupboards Water your grass
Set out “show towels” in bathrooms Fix “danger” spots
Refresh the air Mow lawn/shovel driveway
Deodorize pet areas Park vehicles in the garage or street
Set the temperature (cooler in the Add color with flowers & potted plants
summer & warmer in the winter) Fix peeling paint
Vacuum & dust Remove dead & dying plants
Turn on the lights Clean up untrimmed hedges & shrubs
Turn off the television Remove anything that looks old/worn
Open drapes and shades
Play soft background music
Arrange fresh flowers throughout
Repair nail holes in walls
Clean worn carpets & drapes
Wash soiled windows, kitchen & baths
Remove pet, smoking & strong odors
Remove peeling paint, smudges or
marks on walls
Avoid Selling Mistakes
Serious about selling your home? Before
you sign anything, read about these
common mistakes that home sellers make:
1. Pricing Too High: It’s no secret, price is

everything. Overpricing does more to
discourage buyers than any other single
factor. When you overprice, you put your
home in competition with homes that may
be newer, larger or have more amenities
than yours. You help your competition sell
their home. This leads to long days on the
market, and costs you money in the long
run. Make sure you get your pricing advice
from a professional agent who knows the
market.
2. Poor Condition: A home that is in ill repair, or otherwise poor condition, does not
excite buyers. A home like this is looked at by buyers as a work project and money pit.
Having your home in good repair and great showing condition will significantly improve
your chances for a sale at top dollar value. Having your home pre-inspected by a
termite and pest inspector will also have a positive impact on buyers.
3. Poor Curb Appeal: Most buyers today want to drive by. If your home is an attractive
drive-by, it will gain more attention and certainly more showings. Doing the little things to
help your home’s curb appeal will make a huge difference.
4. Dreary Dark Homes Don’t Sell: Buyers like updated, light and bright homes. Dark
carpets, paint, and curtains are often buyer turn-offs. Go through your home and
remove clutter; touch up and update paint, counter tops, and carpets. Open your
home up and make sure the sun shines in. Offensive odors from pets and smoking are
also huge turn-offs to most buyers. Rid your home of offensive smells by burning scented
candles and create a pleasant aroma. The most important rooms to concentrate on
are the living room, family room, kitchen and master bedroom. Your entire home’s
atmosphere is set off by these rooms.
5. Don’t Over-improve: Get your home in good showing condition, but don’t over do it.
Huge projects such as complete remodels of kitchens, adding decks, and expanding
room sizes may not pay back your investment. Before you jump into a huge
improvement project, get some good advice from a good agent, like those found at
The Mega Agent Real Estate Team of RE/MAX Advantage.
Avoid Selling Mistakes
6. Be Financeable: Bad roofs, exterior paint, or structural problems may make your home
un-financeable. The wider the scope of financing that your home can qualify for, the
higher the overall market value. Remember -- government programs like VA and FHA will
be the most picky!
7. Get Good Advice and Good Market Exposure: Hiring a professional agent will help you
get your home priced right. A strong agent will get your home exposed to the largest
number of potential buyers. Paying the agent fee is often the least expensive part of
selling your home. Trying to sell your home yourself can be costly. Most ‘for sale by owner’
homes close for far less than comparable homes listed with an agent, and you have no
representation.
8. Don’t Be Present During Showings: When your home is being shown, go for a drive or
a walk. Take yourself, your family, and pets and let the agent and their clients have the
freedom they need. An agent can always do their best job of showing your home when
you are not underfoot. Buyers are more at ease and much more likely to spend time
looking at your home’s features and benefits.
9. Let Your Agent Do the Negotiating: If there is ever a good reason to have a veteran
agent working for you, it’s during the negotiation of your home sale. A good
negotiator can mean thousands of dollars to you, and will protect your interests. Don’t
let your emotions run wild during negotiations. Try to separate your emotions from your
business side. Remain cool and calm during this time.
10. Act Fast With Offers: When you do get an offer on your home, act quickly and
decisively. Letting offers sit around without acting can be a huge mistake. Things can
change quickly in the mind of a prospective buyer. Acting quickly while the excitement
and interest level are at a high point can be very important. Typically, a buyer’s
motivation level decreases with time. Buyers’ remorse can even set in. Acting in a timely
manner is essential!
What does FHA/VA appraiser look for?
FHA is primarily concerned that everything in the house functions properly and that there are no health
and safety issues. The basic concept of meeting FHA minimum requirements is that everything must work as
it was designed to work. For example, a window that is supposed to open must open, and a built-in
appliance should do what that appliance is supposed to do. If you have a sliding glass door with a lock on
the handle, the lock should work.
Here is a general list of what an FHA/VA appraiser looks for during an inspection:
Utilities should be turned on so the appraiser can test systems and appliances.
Appliances must function properly.
There should be proper drainage around the perimeter of the house.
The air conditioning must be in working order.
Water pressure must be adequate for the house. Appraisers flush toilets, turn on all faucets and
ensure that both hot and cold water are working.
The water heater must be in working order and strapped according to local code.
Attics and crawlspaces are to be viewed at minimum from the shoulder up by the appraiser.
When viewing the attic, appraisers make sure there are vents, no damage, no exposed or frayed
wires, and that sunlight is not beaming through. When inspecting the crawl space, appraisers
make sure there are no signs of standing water or any other foundation support issues. Excessive
debris in the attic or crawl space should be removed.
Paint must not be chipping, peeling, or flaking on homes built before 1978 because of the
danger of lead-based paint (lead was used in paint prior to 1978). However, there must be no
defective paint or bare wood for properties built after 1978 because defective paint impacts
the economic longevity of the property. Defective paint should be scraped and repainted (with
no wood chips on the soil).
Electrical outlets must work (outlets should have a cover plate also).
Toilets must flush and be mounted.
Any active termite infestation needs to be cured.
Minor cosmetic issues such as stained carpet or a need for interior paint are okay.
The house does not have to be perfect, but if there are issues that impact health and
safety or the long-term economic viability of the property, those issues must be cured.
Windows must open and close and they cannot be broken. Minor cracks can be okay
so long as there is not an issue with safety, soundness and security.
No dangling wires from missing fixtures or anywhere else.
Smoke detectors & carbon monoxide detectors are required insofar as required by
local code
The firewall from the garage to the house should be intact. Missing sheetrock, a pet
door installed in the door, a lack of self-closing hinges, or a hollow door could pose a
safety issue.
A roof should not be leaking and have at least two years of economic life left.
A house will be rejected if the site is subject to hazards, environmental contaminants,
noxious odors, or excessive noises to the point of endangering the physical
improvements or affecting the livability of the property (this isn’t an issue for the vast
majority of properties).
A trip hazard is a subjective call to make by the appraiser and not necessarily an
automatic repair, but if there is a legitimate safety issue it should be called out by the
appraiser.
There are things any appraiser will call out in an FHA appraisal, but there are times
when appraisers have to consider how the spirit of FHA might apply in a situation. FHA
is black and white on many issues, but other times appraisers simply need to use good
judgment.
10 Things you might not know:
1.) Open up that Attic: If there is an attic, the appraiser is required to do a “head and shoulders”
inspection of the attic – even if the attic access has been sealed off by the home owner. If the
attic has been sealed, it will have to be opened up again for the
appraiser to safely be able to inspect the attic.
2. Hoarder Inspection: If the appraiser cannot see the floor or walls due to debris, the owner will
have to clean things up so the appraiser can do a proper visual inspection of the property.
3. Layers of Roofing: FHA will accept a maximum of 3 layers of existing roofing. If more than 2
layers exist and repair is necessary, then all old roofing must be removed as part of the reroofing.
4. The Whole Enchilada: Every structure within the parcel lines has to meet FHA minimum
standards. This means if there is a barn with a defective paint surface, broken window or any
other FHA issue, it’ll need to be addressed. FHA standards don’t just apply to the main house.
5. Zero Value: There is no such thing in the FHA world for a certain feature or structure on a
property to be given “zero value”. For example, despite a buyer, seller and agents agreeing that
the run-down garage is not included in the sale, that’s not the way the appraiser will look at it.
FHA would say the garage has to have a use of some sort.
6. Graffiti Removal: FHA states graffiti on the house must be removed because it is a safety issue.
7. Old Comps: Appraisers cannot use comparable sales (“comps”) older than 12 months prior to
the date of value. So if you share “comps” with an appraiser, they should be recent sales.
8. Pool Issues: Each county or city has specific requirements for pool safety, so FHA will bow to
local authority on their standards for pool safety. There is no one universal standard for all states,
so it’s all about local standards. However, no matter what the pool should be filled so the
appraiser can verify if the pool equipment is working or not. Likewise, if the water is green, it can
be deemed a health and safety issue, but it’s also a sign that the equipment might not be
working (remember, everything has to work).
9. Pet Door: If there is a pet door installed in the firewall door from the garage to the house, it is a
breach of the fire-wall door. While it’s convenient for Fido, it’s a safety issue.
10. Subjective Issues: There are certain things appraisers will call out in an FHA appraisal, but
there is also subjectivity involved where appraisers are going to consider how the spirit of FHA
might apply to a certain situation. After all, there are so many unique homes and interesting
property characteristics out there. This means it’s not always possible to make one rule that will
apply to every single property. Appraisers therefore have to ask questions like: Is it working like it is
supposed to work? Is this a health or safety issue? Will this issue negatively impact the
marketability of the property?
If you have questions about FHA, contact a local FHA appraiser or HUD consultant. You
can also try calling 800-CALL-FHA (you may get a different answer depending on who
you talk to though).
Questions to ask your Realtor
Q: What are your references?

A: Your Realtor should be able to give you 5+ glowing references immediately.
If not, they might not be a Realtor® worth aligning with.
Q: Are you on a team or are you an independent agent?

A: There are benefits to both approaches. Be sure to ask the reason “why.”
Q: How many transactions do you do each year? How many

current clients do you have?
A: You wouldn’t visit a physician, a dentist or a home builder without

experience. You should think of your Realtor® in the same way.
Q: Are you full-time or part time as a Realtor? Do you have

another occupation?
A: This is the biggest financial transaction of your life. Be sure that the agent
representing you treats it that way with their time, focus and dollars.
Q: What is your communication style?

A: If you are a tech-based person and you hire a Realtor® that isn’t - you’re set
up for frustration. The same goes if you despise technology and your agent
relies solely on it. Make sure you’re on the same page so expectations can
be met.
Client Questionare
Name: Birthday:
Marital Status: Single Engaged Married Divorced Widowed
Phone: E-mail:
Occupation: Veteran: Yes No
Name: Birthday:
Marital Status: Single Engaged Married Divorced Widowed
Phone: E-mail:
Occupation: Veteran: Yes No
Preferred Communication
Feedback: Email Phone Text
Open Houses: Email Phone Text
How did you hear about us?
Radio Signage Open House Facebook
Referral Postcard Other:
Real Estate Happy Hour Show
Tune in to The Real Estate Happy Hour with Collier Swecker and David Arnette every
Thursday at 4 p.m. Collier Swecker & David Arnette bring their sense of humor and
unique perspective on all things real estate, personal finance, entertainment & so much
more. We’re kind of a BIG DEAL so you need to tune in LIVE or watch our replays!
Watch LIVE on Facebook:
facebook.com/realestatehappyhourshow
Watch & Subscribe on YouTube! Seach for Real Estate Happy Hour Show or
use the link: youtube.com/channel/UCy2MWFNeTvRK4xZZOHacNOg
Listen & Subscribe to our podcast! Search for Real Estate Happy Hour Show
in the Podcasts app or use the RSS link:
realestatehappyhour.libsyn.com
Thursdays at 4 p.m.

Home Sellers Guide - Birmingham Alabama

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Home Sellers Guide - Birmingham Alabama

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Many agents think their most important job is satisfying

the customer. We don’t think that’s true. We believe that

We want to make you so satisfied you listed your home

The Mega Agent Real Estate Team

Collier graduated from Auburn University (B.A., 1998),

Collier is married to Amanda Capps Swecker and lives

She graduated Summa Cum Laude from The University

Kathy is a lifelong resident of Alabama and currently

Julie graduated from The University of Alabama with a

Trista enjoys spending time with her husband James and

Typical Real Estate Agent Mega Team Agent

OUR SERVICE TEAM INCLUDES:

YOUR LISTING AGENTS:

YOUR ADMIN SUPPORT TEAM:

YOUR INSIDE SALES TEAM:

YOUR TRANSACTION COORDINATORS:

group to work with.

we only had a few weeks to close. Collier was critical in not

Sell Your Property Yourself, While It Is Listed, and Pay NO Commission.

Cancel the Listing at Anytime

No Advance Fees of Any Kind

“No Pressure” Presentation

If you are not

In today’s ever changing Real Estate market,

Location Pricing Strategy

Hire a Realtor that will get your home sold

2. Determining Your Home’s Market Value - Location and characteristics

As a seller you control: As a seller you do not control:

Advanced Property Marketing System

Social & Multimedia Marketing System

“Having the TEAM of the Mega Agents is awesome! Knowing

Audience Overview Feb 20, 2014 - Mar 22, 2014

http://www.megaagents.com - http://w… Go to this report

Audience Overview Feb 20, 2014 - Mar 22, 2014

21,273 8,297 185,876

8.74 00:08:51 14.19%

1. en-us 20,443 96.10%

21,273 8,297 185,876

http://www.megaagents.com - http://w… Go to this report

Audience Overview Feb 20, 2014 - Mar 22, 2014

Feb 22 Mar 1 Mar 8 Mar 15

Returning Visitor New Visitor

21,273 8,297 185,876

Pages / Visit Avg. Visit Duration Bounce Rate

8.74 00:08:51 14.19%

Language Visits % Visits

1. en-us 20,443 96.10%

We also send out informational

Seller’s Benefits Buyer’s Benefits

marketing plan generated a lot of valid leads and showings

LEAD MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

Marketing through Social Media Website

Mobile Friendly Website (i.e. Facebook / Twitter etc)

“Top 5 Awesome Deals of the Week” emails to entire Mega Team

Market Research/ Order Mortgage Send Loan to

Listing Loan Approval

Receive Offer Negotiate Buyer Brings

Home Inspection Addendum

Pre-Listing Period: Under Contract & Due Diligence:

Hitting the Market: Once the buyer performs their inspections

BUYER PAYS FOR: APPROXIMATE AMOUNT:

The Mega Agent Real Estate Team Best Price!

Your agent will work with you to plan

2. Conduct Best Price Analysis - We use a three step pricing