If you have any questions, let me know:

319-331-2320 or jodie@jodiej.com

"Jodie was very flexible and patient with our schedules, not at all pushy.  She maintained contact with me throughout both the selling and buying processes, and we appreciated all of her help."
-- Mishelle

So you want to sell your home... now what?

I work with buyers and sellers every day. I know the market and can be your advocate throughout the process. I will work with you to:

• List your home at the best possible price.
• Get it in great shape (stage it) so it shows well to potential buyers.
• Market it to a vast network of agents and potential buyers.
• Represent you at the negotiating table every step of the way.

I am a Certified Home Marketing Specialist, which means I have received training specifically designed to help stage your home so it can sell more quickly at the best possible price.

Contact me today at (319) 331-2320 or jodie@jodiej.com and let me start working for you!

Get started by reading the ten steps of the selling process that every seller should know:

Step One: Get pre-qualified for another home loan.
If you're selling your house, you must need a new one. If you plan on purchasing a new home, you will need to find out how much you can afford. It's a good idea to do this before you sell your current home, so contact your lender to get that process started.

Step Two: Choose a listing agent.
All listing agents are not the same: REALTORS® are licensed experts and members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. They are committed to honesty and subscribe to a strict code of ethics. For more reasons you should choose a REALTOR®, click here.

So how do you choose a REALTOR®? Start by choosing a reputable real estate company. Nationally known and locally owned, Coldwell Banker Real Estate Professionals is the area's largest real estate company and has been recognized as the best Coldwell Banker office in Iowa four years in a row. J.D. Power & Associates ranks Coldwell Banker highest in repeat homebuyer satisfaction.

I would be honored to list your home. My philosophy is simple: work hard, be honest and have fun. I have the training and expertise to represent you with confidence and can answer any questions you may have. Call me at 319-331-2320 or email jodie@jodiej.com.

Step Three: Determine how much your house is worth.
I can help you set a fair market value for your house by doing a Competitive Market Analysis. It will give you a solid foundation for the realistic pricing of your property by showing what buyers are willing to pay.

We will look at properties that have recently sold, that are currently for sale and those that didn't sell. The price at which your house is marketed must attract enough attention among buyers to generate showings and offers.

Step Four: Estimate your costs and proceeds.
We will start by listing all selling costs, including prorated costs for your share of annual expenses (like property taxes, homeowner's association fees, etc.), professional fees, repair costs, what you currently owe on your mortgage and any outstanding home equity loans or lines of credit.

Then, we will deduct those costs from your home's fair market value. Any remaining money is an estimate of the proceeds you will be paid at closing.

Step Five: Make necessary repairs and get it ready to show.
I love to help my clients stage their homes. In fact, it's my specialty!

It's a fact that well-staged homes show better and can sell more quickly. Staging is more than just tidying up: it takes skill and experience to make a big impact - on a small budget!

There are a few things you can do to get started. Look at your home as if you were buying it. If you know you need a new roof, get one. If you know you've had that furnace for twenty years, replace it. Basically, fix anything that is obviously broken, worn out or in need of repair.

Next, neutralize your space. That means to pack up excess furniture, clutter, and things like collections and family portraits - they may be great for you to look at, but they make it harder for people to visualize themselves in your house. It may also be a good idea to put a fresh coat of paint on the walls to freshen up the space.

Before you show your house, make your house as clean and picked-up as possible. Pick up toys and shoes, make beds, prepare tables with flowers and place-settings, tidy up bathrooms, open drapes and shades and turn on all the lights. Empty wastebaskets, vacuum the carpet, clean pet areas, and secure prescriptions and other valuables. Outside, make sure your grass is mowed, trees and shrubs are trimmed, and any lawn toys or tools are picked up. Finally, sweep the front walkway to make a clear path to your front door.

Step Six: Market the property.
Coldwell Banker Real Estate Professionals will promote your property in the most effective ways to get you the best price in the shortest possible time.

I will start by placing your home on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) so local real estate agents can have immediate access to information about your home. I will also place your property on our local website, www.cbrep.com, on our national website, www.coldwellbanker.com, on www.realtor.com and on my website, www.jodiej.com.

New listings are featured in our bi-weekly print publication that is available in grocery stores, convenience stores, banks and in the Iowa City Press-Citizen. I also work with OnMedia cable advertising to get your home in front of the eyes of television viewers.

Finally, I will put a "for sale" sign in your yard and will hold an office preview so the other agents in my office are aware of your property.

Step Seven: Someone makes an offer - now what?
I present the potential buyer's offer to you and help you decide if it's what you want. If not, I help you prepare a counter-offer or we decide to reject it altogether.

If it is the kind of offer you are looking for, then we accept it.

Step Eight: Continue to show your property.
Even though you have accepted a buyer's offer, it is contingent upon a number of factors. While these contingencies are being satisfied, it is a good idea to continue showing your house in case something falls through.

Step Nine: Make sure things are OK with the property you are moving into.
With a closing just around the corner, make sure that the other property you are moving into is ready. For a complete overview of things to keep in mind when buying a home, click here.

Step Ten: Close on the sale of your current home.
Make sure that you have completed any requests from the buyer that are in your contract. On closing day, go the bank with your keys, sign the papers, and wish the new homeowners well!

Congratulations - you have sold your house!

Let's get started! Contact me today at (319) 331-2320 or jodie@jodiej.com and let me start working for you!