“ In September of last year I took a job in a town about three hours drive from San Francisco...tried to do the back and forth thing, but by December it was obvious: if I was going to keep the job, which I loved, my husband and I needed to relocate. This was a life changing decision in and of itself, but complicated by the fact that we were facing either renting out our San Francisco home (even though neither of us wanted to be landlords) or selling it in what was perhaps the worst market for sellers in decades...
We decided to sell, but were very apprehensive. Next step was to find a really good Realtor, as we were going to need a whole lot of help to make our decision happen! I went on the internet, and after a bit of research came up with several names, including Danielle's.
Of the several realtors we interviewed, Danielle was clearly the best prepared: she came to our first interview with personalized information about the market, comparable prices for houses like ours, and more. The other realtors we interviewed were nice, but not even a tenth as prepared! Indeed, one of the other realtors asked my husband and me how much wed like to get for our home, and I remember thinking to myself, 'well, of course I'd LIKE to get a million dollars, but those days are gone: I was hoping you'd tell me what you think it is worth and why'. Danielle did give us her recommendation as to listing price, and most importantly, the reasons for the recommendation (with plenty of research and information to back it up): It was then that I knew: Danielle was the right choice for us!
We moved out in January, and then took a few weeks to paint, re-do the floors, and get the house 'spiffed up' for sale. We told Danielle that we were on a budget, and she gave excellent advice about where to spend money and where not to during the preparation process, and then went the extra mile to get us bids from contractors within our budget. She and her team (especially her very capable assistant Cici English) did an excellent job of managing the work and making sure that everything was done right; a very important role since it was tough to deal with while living several hours away. The end results were very impressive: hubby wistfully wished that someone could do a similar makeover for him personally!
Bottom line: we listed the house in mid-February of 2009, and within about a week we had two offers, both for over asking! The offer we accepted came in on my birthday; talk about a wonderful birthday present! In my opinion, Danielle nailed the suggested listing price. Even in my daydreams, I didnt imagine the process going as smoothly as it did.
I cannot stress enough the difference that Danielles attention to detail, computer savyness, assertiveness in representing our interests, knowledge of the overall market and micro-markets in San Francisco, and marketing strategies made in the sale of our home. Moreover, she and Cici both kept us calm during the inevitable bumps in the road (though, to be honest, even the bumps seemed very minor thanks to their professional demeanor).
We are now only a few days from closing escrow in SF, and in the process of buying a home here in our new town. We love our new home-to-be, but do have one regret: we wish it wasnt too far away to make it practical for Danielle to be our realtor here as well. Our new realtor is doing a fine job, but every once in a while hubby and I look at each other and sigh, XXX (Insert New Realtors Name Here) is ok, but she is no Danielle. I think He or she is a Danielle may become our new code words for He or she is the best.
When I say Danielle is the BEST, I mean it! I give her my absolute highest recommendation, and wouldnt dream of using any team but hers for a SF Bay Area real estate transaction.
”
My name is Danielle Lazier and I am a Real Estate Consultant (licensed Realtor & Certified Residential Specialist) with Zephyr Real Estate in San Francisco. Professionally, my primary ambition is to help as many folks as possible achieve their home ownership dreams. I assist all sorts of people in accomplishing a wide variety of real estate goals. Part financial advisor, part therapist, I am dedicated to helping you achieve your goal, whether you are a first-time home buyer, a homeowner looking for greener pastures, an empty-nester ready for easier living, or a seasoned investor looking for the next great opportunity.
With careful planning and consistent follow through, Zephyr Real Estate and I will help you obtain the highest sales price for your property in the most timely, informed, and efficient fashion. I take great pride in representing sellers in the sale of their property. My goal is to work as a team to achieve the most successful results and rewarding experience.
The Process
Achieving the best price and terms when selling your property requires careful planning and consistent follow through. Together, we will work to help define your specific goals and to develop a cohesive marketing plan to sell your property.
Here are some of the strategic steps we will take to guarantee a successful sale. View the real estate transaction flowchart by clicking here.
Provide a comprehensive market evaluation of your property. I will present comparable properties in your location that have recently sold or are currently on the market. Often, I will suggest that you go see some of these properties, especially your competition. My belief is that the more informed you are about the market, the better! I work transparently and openly always so you feel included and aware of the process at all times.
Determine the best listing and selling price. I will help determine the fair market value range and discuss various listing price strategies with you.
Prepare your property for marketing. I will provide an objective overview on how to make your property show its best. Remember, once you decide to sell your house, it evolves from a "home" to a "product." We want to make your "product" appeal to a wide spectrum of buyers so we can generate the interest that brings the highest sales price. I will also schedule and attend any presale inspections and will prepare a marketing "kit" (a.k.a., "the Disclosure Package") with all disclosure documentation including the Transfer Disclosure Statement and Supplement to Transfer Disclosure Statement, 3-R Report, underground storage tank inspection, seismic hazard disclosures, condominium documents if property is a condominium, lead paint disclosure, and the many other documents we use to inform the buyer and protect you from future legal liability. This package will be given to interested buyers and/or their agents so that they will be well informed about your property prior to writing an offer to purchase. Having a well-prepared disclosure package available from the onset helps ensure a smooth transaction and prevents cancelled escrows and flaky buyers.
Market your property through print and online advertising, promotion and open houses. I will present the best plan for maximum exposure, utilizing a variety of advertising and promotional tools and showing schedules. Marketing should be targeted, so I focus on highlighting your property to the most viable buyers. My methods include heavy online exposure on over 20 websites, including but not limited to: Craigslist.org, SFHotlist.com, ZephyrSF.com, DanielleLazier.com, Realtor.com, SFARMLS.com, and etc. In addition, I will target the Brokerage Community. The vast majority of sales take place through brokers working with other brokers. The positive reputation I have built with my colleagues as well as Zephyr's 30 years of excellent relationships with REALTORS from other top firms will lead to maximum exposure for your property. During this marketing time, I will be in frequent contact with you to let you know what the response is to your property. You will know how many people have seen your property and what they liked and didn't like. I persistently follow up with you, potential buyers, and other agents.
Evaluate and negotiate offers on your behalf. Because an offer consists of a combination of price and terms, every offer must be considered individually. I will help you decide whether to accept, reject or counter any offer(s) received. I will also make sure that the buyer is qualified financially and is prepared to go through with the purchase. Again, I am careful and dogged about obtaining information. I will question not only the buyer's agent but also their mortgage broker on the prospective purchaser's financial and personal capabilities. We want successful sales, the first time around.
Coordinate all inspections, appraisals, and escrow details. I will handle all of the details for you, while keeping you informed all along. This will save you time, money, and stress. Most buyers will want to have the property inspected by one or all of the following: architects, engineers, structural pest control inspectors and home inspection contractors. The lender will send an appraiser to view and measure the property for appraisal purposes. I will schedule these appointments with all parties and be present during the inspections.
Comply with local, state and federal requirements as required by law or called for by the contract. No property is perfect. Complete disclosure of all aspects of your property is essential to protect you from claims after the sale due to conditions that were not discussed. I will provide you with a Summary of Laws and Codes applicable to the sale of your particular property and will be able to refer you to appropriate sources to ensure compliance.
Coordinate the closing. I will prepare closing instructions for the Title & Escrow Company, check all closing statements, and arrange for signature of the closing documents. Once the property has closed, I will deliver keys to the buyer.
Be available to answer any questions that may arise. My company, Zephyr Real Estate, and I are here for you at each stage of the process to keep you well informed and up to date. This service extends well after the close of escrow. I am always here as your trusted real estate advisor. Always.
Zephyr and I offer technological solutions and short-term financial assistance services to enable you to conduct your transaction in the most efficient manner.
The most efficient workflow
In real estate, time is of the essence. Sometimes you don't have time to go back to the office, or you are traveling without access to a fax machine or printer. Through your Internet connection, Zephyr and I provide the latest technological tools to assist you and the buyer in successfully completing your transaction from contract to closing.
Electronic binding signatures
Contracts and disclosure papers can be signed electronically. You don't need a printer or a fax. Plus your contract pages will be legible since they haven't been faxed 1,000 times! If you have an Internet connection, you can electronically sign your documents.
Zephyr e-Docs
I can send documents to you and the buyer via email in the familiar PDF format. Documents or disclosure packages that are too large to be emailed can be delivered via Zephyr's secure e-Doc solution.
Fax Direct
I have immediate, private, secure fax delivery so that documents will go directly to my e-mail inbox, accessible anywhere. Zephyr agents are nimble and more productive.
Zephyr may be able to assist you in short-term financing
On occasion, a seller may need short-term financial assistance until escrow closes. Through a separate financial arrangement, we are able to offer short term financing to sellers with sufficient equity at competitive rates and terms. (Please be aware that this financing must be cleared through Zephyr management and is subject to availability.)
"Bridge Loan"
This traditional loan assists sellers to close a purchase prior to the close of escrow of the listed property or while waiting for the liquidation of an asset such as timed deposit certificates.
"Fix-Up" and "Staging" Loans
In order to help realize the highest and best sale price, fix-up loans allow sellers to complete necessary repairs or improvements prior to placing the property on the market. Fix-up loans can be used for projects such as painting, clean-up, new roof, or removal of code violations.
"Hardship Loan"
This loan is to allow sellers who are experiencing financial difficulty to cure default or make loan payments during the escrow period.
Contact me for a free, no pressure initial consultation to discuss your particular goals and determine how much your property is worth.
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Achieving the best price and terms when selling your property requires careful planning and consistent follow through. Together, we will work to help define your specific goals and to develop a cohesive marketing plan to sell your property.
Here are some of the strategic steps we will take to guarantee a successful sale. View the real estate transaction flowchart by