Preparing for a Successful Home Sale by Sommer Cronck, REALTOR

Sommer Cronck, REALTOR® | 360-647-8049 | BESTBELLINGHAMHOMES.COM

Preparing for a Successful Home Sale

Office (360) 647-8049 | Cell (360) 389-1671 sommerc@remax.net ▪ BestBellinghamHomes.com

Welcome I realize that you have a choice when hiring an agent to help you sell your home and truly appreciate the opportunity to present my approach to real estate. As your agent, there are several services you can expect me to provide, including: Helping you accurately price your home Offering you proven methods to enhance the perceived – and real – value of your home, enabling you to command a higher asking price Providing you with trusted professional resources such as painting, cleaning, and staging when you want to take your home beyond show-worthy

Making the sale process as smooth and easy as possible I’ve put together this booklet to help you understand more about me and my approach to real estate, as well as to provide you with some information to help you prepare for the sale of your home. Regardless of the price of your home, when you choose me as your REALTOR®, both you and your home will be prepared for a successful sale. Sincerely,

Marketing your property through a series of methods and outlets to ensure the greatest reach Securing a qualified buyer within your specific time frame

Sommer Cronck, REALTOR®

Table of Contents Sommer Cronck, REALTORÂŽ

Benefits of Using an Agent

My Clients Say it Best... Testimonials

RE/MAX vs. the Industry

Committment to Service

The Seller's Roadmap

The Difference Between Value, Cost & Price

How Homes Sell: Price + Condition

Pricing Your Home for a Successful Sale

The Right Price is Critical

The Benefits of Pricing Right

Maximixing Your Home's Value

Marketing

20-Point Marketing Plan

Home Staging

Professional Photography

Internet Marketing

Flyers & Open Houses

Print & Direct Mail

Above & Beyong Marketing

Moving Timeline

Real Estate Terminology

REALTORÂŽ Code of Ethics

The Law of Real Estate Agency

What Makes Your House a Home? Worksheet

Seller's Property Evaluation Worksheet

Home Improvements Made Since Purchase Worksheet

SAMPLE Seller's Disclosure (Form 17)

Easy-Exit Agreement

Sommer Cronck, REALTOR® | 360-647-8049 | BESTBELLINGHAMHOMES.COM

Sommer Cronck, REALTOR ®

am an independent broker with RE/MAX Whatcom County, Inc in Bellingham, WA. I am a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, where I received a BA in French with a minor in Architectural Studies.

- real estate. I became a broker in 2015 and have never felt more “at home” in my career as I do now. My 20-year experience in marketing, technology and leadership has allowed me to fall naturally into place as a real estate professional and my now extensive local network serves me and my clients well.

I have a very natural affinity for technology and design so after graduation, I actually started my career working in the tech industry as a Systems Administrator with the University of Pittsburgh. Soon after, however, love brought me to the Pacific Northwest and I settled in Bellingham in 2000. I continued to pursue my tech and marketing career, having first worked for a local internet service provider and then launching my own web and graphic design business in early 2004. After many years of self-employment, I opted to return to the traditional workforce where I became the Marketing Coordinator for Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism. This opportunity fueled my passion for marketing as well as my deep love of Bellingham, Whatcom County

and the Pacific Northwest. From there I moved on to become the Executive Director of the Technology Alliance Group for Northwest Washington (TAG) where I led the effort in growing our local tech industry. I grew the organization substantially in my tenure as Executive Director. Eventually, I decided to change gears to focus on a long-standing dream of mine

My unique blend of passion and skills are put to work every day - for you - as I market, network, negotiate, and navigate to bring you the best offer for your home. From there, my organizational abilities and attention to detail ensure that we move through to closing as smoothly as possible. Outside of my real estate career, I am a mom to four beautiful children; I have two daughters and twin sons. My Canadianborn husband and I live in the Sudden Valley community where we enjoy the outdoors and family time. I am a member of the American Association of University Women and Mensa, as well as a boater, a seamstress, and a really terrible singer.

Reasons to Choose Me as your REALTOR ® Here are just a few of the many reasons I stand out as a REALTOR® and why you can trust me with the sale of your home: Dedication: I am a dedicated, hardworking professional with a balance of strong work and family ethics. Quality: The quality of my work is important to my clients – and me. I will ensure that you receive the best care possible when trusting me with the sale of your home. Diligence: You and the sale of your home are my priority and I will work diligently to get you the best possible sale price. Communication: I will provide you with information and resources every step of the way so you’re never left wondering the status of a deal or

where things are at in a process. Network: My extensive network of associate agents and industry professionals as well as my own personal network enable to me to provide you with a vast array of resources. Technology: I have over 20 years of professional tech experience and leverage these skills in my marketing and communication – you can even sign contracts electronically from the comfort of your home. Loyal: My clients are my business. I know that by treating you with care and respect and providing you with my loyalty, we will both be set up for success. Fun: I am a fun, energetic person and promise to help offset those

major moments with levity and optimism. I aim to close every deal with a smile! You can learn more about me at: ● Zillow – www.zillow.com/ profile/SommerCronck ● FaceBook – www.facebook. com/BestBellinghamHomes ● LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/ in/SommerCronck

Preparing for a Successful Home Sale

Benefits of Using an Agent TIME IS MONEY How much is your time worth? If you don’t use a real estate professional, expect to spend at least 100 hours selling your home – assuming there are no problems! Considering your work, family, and personal commitments... is that the best use of your time?

IT’S A BIG DEAL Selling (and buying) a home is a big deal. Most people don’t sell more than two homes in their lifetime, so it’s not something they develop expertise in. There are ever-changing

laws, ethical practices and practical considerations that you don’t want to learn on your own through trial and error or relying on a book or information off the Internet. It’s just not worth the risk.

YOUR HOME IS LIKELY TO SELL FOR MORE WITH AN AGENT FSBOs (For Sale by Owners) accounted for 8% of home sales in 2014. The typical FSBO home sold for $210,000 compared to $249,000 for agent-assisted home sales.*

tell me they want to sell their home without an agent is to avoid paying a commission, but on average, sellers using an agent net MORE money than FSBO sellers (even after commission)! *Source: 2015 National Association of REALTORS® Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers

I CAN HELP! I am here to lend you my expertise and skill. Here are just some of the ways I will assist you in the sale of your home:

The biggest reason I hear people

I WILL... Consult with you on how to get your home in topselling condition. Give you up-to-date information on what’s happening in the marketplace. Provide you with information on competing properties; e.g. list price versus actual SOLD price, financing terms, condition and more. Market your home to other real estate agents and the public using research-based marketing strategies.

Help you objectively evaluate and negotiate every buyer’s offer without compromising your position.

Help you close on the sale of your home.

BECAUSE... We want to WOW prospective buyers during the first 30 days that your home is on the market. Having up-to-date market information helps us strategize. The fair market value of your home is determined by what competing properties are selling for right now.

Research conducted by the National Association of REALTORS® shows that 41% of homebuyers first learned about the home they purchased from an agent; only 7% from a newspaper ad. Additionally, 95% of home buyers use the internet in their search. An offer is just the beginning of a process of appraisals, inspections and financing – a lot of possible pitfalls. I can help you write a legally binding win-win contract that is more likely to make it through the process. The paperwork alone is overwhelming and it is not unusual for questions or unexpected problems to occur during closing (settlement).

Sommer Cronck, REALTORÂŽ | 360-647-8049 | BESTBELLINGHAMHOMES.COM

My Clients Say it Best...

I loved working with Sommer, both face-to-face and long-distance once I returned to Wyoming. Throughout the negotiations, at times when I felt it was getting tough, Sommer kept her calm and just helped me navigate all the paperwork smoothly and without stress. I would highly recommend Sommer if you are buying or selling real estate in or near Bellingham. Working with her made it a breeze.

- Clara V.

Sommer was a fantastic agent. She met our needs in everyway. She communicates via phone, text, even messenger! Her sense of humor got us through the nerve wracking parts of selling and buying. We SOLD OUR HOUSE IN LESS THAN 24 HRS!! While getting our house to sell, Sommer kept us on a great timeline (no pressure - just very helpful!) and saw us through with recommendations on improvements and find people to do the bathroom. We couldn't have asked for a better experience!

- Cassi & Caleb E.

Sommer was awesome through the whole process. She took the time to make sure that we knew exactly what we were looking at and getting into. Sommer is kind, thoughtful, honest and trustworthy. We live out of state so someone who communicates well was key to us. Sommer went over and above many, many times for us and we can honestly say that we could not have taken this big step with without her helping and guiding us along the way. I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t say enough good things about her and could go on and on. We will ALWAYS us Sommer when buying or selling a house.

- Jenna & Eric W.

Sommer was great! She is a doer and gets tasks done. I had lots of questions through the process and she took her time making me feel comfortable and confident with her knowledge. She always provided additional information for all my concerns.

- Coby J.

Incredible agent with all around knowledge in local real estate. She was a pleasure to work with and thanks to her aggressive marketing skills we were able to get multiple offers and all within 2 months on an off season! I highly recommend her to anyone looking to sell or buy a home!

- Ashilie & Chong S.

Preparing for a Successful Home Sale

2017

RE/MAX VS. THE INDUSTRY

Productive, high-quality agents. Over 1 million U.S. transactions. A brand people know. And an unmatched global presence. You have all sorts of reasons to choose RE/MAX.

TRANSACTION SIDES PER AGENT

U.S. RESIDENTIAL TRANSACTION SIDES2

BRAND AWARENESS (UNAIDED)3

COUNTRIES & TERRITORIES

OFFICES WORLDWIDE

AGENTS WORLDWIDE

17.2

1 million+

27.6%

100+

7,343

111,915

11.0

Not released

0.5%

500

8,000

9.2

Not released

4.3%

1,240

42,747

8.4

727,415

14.2%

3,000

88,400

8.2

420,184

19.7%

7,300

110,800

8.2

128,812

1.1%

2,300

37,900

6.9

70,980

0.6%

300

10,900

6.8

977,603

7.3%

800

154,979

6.5

111,950

2.1%

850

20,300

LARGE BROKERAGES ONLY1

©2017 RE/MAX, LLC. Each office independently owned and operated. Data is full-year or as of year-end 2016, as applicable. Except as noted, Coldwell Banker, Century 21, ERA, Sotheby’s and Better Homes and Gardens data is as reported by Realogy Corporation on SEC 10-K, Annual Report for 2016; Keller Williams, Realty Executives and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices data is from company websites and industry reports. ¹Transaction sides per agent calculated by RE/MAX based on 2017 REAL Trends 500 data, citing 2016 transaction sides for the 1,705 largest participating U.S. brokerages. Coldwell Banker includes NRT. Berkshire does not include HomeServices of America. ²Keller Williams reports all transaction sides and does not itemize U.S. residential transactions. ³MMR Strategy Group study of unaided awareness among buyers, sellers, and those planning to buy or sell; asked, when they think of real estate brands, which ones come to mind? 17_166094

Sommer Cronck, REALTOR® | 360-647-8049 | BESTBELLINGHAMHOMES.COM

Committment to Service As your REALTOR® I promise that I will: Provide you with excellent customer service during the entire selling process including taking the time to understand your wants, needs and expectations, returning your calls and emails promptly, and being honest with you at all times. Provide you with attentive, one-on-one service. The responsibility of managing the sale of your home is never passed off to other agents or assistants. This is one way that I ensure that you receive the best care possible; it also allows me to gather valuable feedback.

DID YOU KNOW? Not all real estate professionals are REALTORS®. Only licensed real estate agents who are members of the National Association of REALTORS® can call themselves REALTORS®. REALTORS® are committed to treat all parties honestly – they subscribe to a strict code of conduct and are required to maintain a high level of real estate standards. It is to your advantage to work with a REALTOR® because of the additional training and standards this professional designation requires.

Maintain regular communication with you. I will keep you informed on any activity pertaining to your home and the market. I am also just a call away should you have any questions or concerns during the process. If the need arises for a change in strategy in order for your property to remain competitive, I will let you know right away. Negotiate offers and prepare contracts on your behalf.

Support you through the process of selling your home. I can attend the closing of your transaction to ensure that all contract conditions are met and you are fully satified with the results of your sale. These are just some of the ways that I work with my clients every day!

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Sommer Cronck, REALTOR® | 360-647-8049 | BESTBELLINGHAMHOMES.COM

The Difference Between Value, Cost + Price One of the biggest problems you face in obtaining top dollar for your property is determining your home’s value. The problem of determining value occurs primarily because sellers and buyers alike use three words – price, cost and value – interchangeably. A lack of understanding regarding the meaning of these words and their use causes communication breakdowns and allows emotion to replace objectivity during price negotiations. The fact is that neither cost nor price is the same as value.

VALUE

Value is elusive. It is your opinion of your house’s worth to you based on the way you use it now and plan to use it in the future. Did you notice that the words “you” and “your” both appear twice in the preceding sentence? That is because your opinion is subjective. The features you value may not be the standard for all people. Two factors affect value: Internal: Your personal (internal) situation is the first factor and it changes over time. Let’s illustrate – suppose you were a growing family buying a house 15 years ago. You would most likely have put great value on such things as 4 bedrooms, a huge yard and a great school system. But now, 15 years later, your family is grown. You don’t need 4 bedrooms, a yard or that terrific school system. The house didn’t change – your personal (internal) use for that house did. Thus, its value to you changed. It’s the internal factors in people’s lives that compel them to buy and sell property. External: These are the circumstances outside of your control that affect value – for better or worse. If, for instance, a major 8-lane toll road is proposed to cut through your neighborhood your property value could take a hit. On the other hand, if a new short cut to an I-5 on ramp is coming to your neighborhood that could decrease your commute to work from 45 minutes to 20 minutes your value may increase. Likewise, the law of supply and demand is a huge external factor that affects value. If there are more buyers than

houses, the value goes up. If more people want to sell than there are buyers, value goes down.

COST Cost is history. Cost measure past expenditures. But that was then and this is now. What you paid for your house then or the cost of maintaining it doesn’t mean anything as far as the present or future value of your house is concerned. Why? Markets can and do change dramatically. Around 2006, housing prices peaked nationally and people made huge profits upon resale. Then prices started to drop dramatically. Unfortunately, many sellers who bought their homes during the upswing and sold in the following years realized little to no profit upon selling and many lost money. Your potential profit or loss as a seller doesn’t enter into the equation when determining your house’s present value.

PRICE Price is here and now. You put an asking price on your house. The buyer puts an offering price in their offer. You and the buyer negotiate back and forth until you arrive at a mutually acceptable purchase price. Today’s purchase price becomes tomorrow’s cost. Remember, cost is past, price is present and value is in the eye of the beholder. Neither the price you paid nor the price you want to get matters to the buyer. Not understanding this often causes sellers to make a very common mistake – overpricing.

12 Preparing for a Successful Home Sale

How Homes Sell: Price + Condition UNDERSTANDING HOW BUYERS EVALUATE HOMES The marketing I do to promote your home has only one purpose – to increase awareness among potential buyers leading to in-person showings. Once buyers reach your front door, the job of marketing is over. Your home must now compete with other homes in two areas: price and condition.

If your home has more features that appeal to buyers – or your home is priced lower than comparable homes – your home will stand out as the better value. Conversely, if your home lacks the features that potential buyers desire, your only option is to compete on price. To be effective, your home should stand out as one of the top two to three best values in your immediate market place.

Sommer Cronck, REALTOR® | 360-647-8049 | BESTBELLINGHAMHOMES.COM

Pricing Your Home for a Successful Sale Pricing your home accurately is the most effective way to ensure a successful sale. Many sellers are tempted to list with the agent that quotes the highest price. Please keep in mind that the agent doesn’t set the price, the seller doesn’t set the price – the market will set the value for your home.

DETERMINING THE LISTING PRICE OF YOUR HOME The market ultimately determines the true value for your property. Before you compare your home to similar properties and establish a competitive list price, the following points should be considered:

Factors that influence market value:

Factors with little or no influence on market value:

Supply & demand

The price the seller paid for the house

Economic conditions

What the seller needs or wants

Asking & selling prices of competing homes

The seller’s expected net proceeds

Your home’s condition

The amount spent on improvements

Buyer’s perception of your home

Cost to re-build it today What neighbors say it’s worth What other agents say it’s worth

14 Preparing for a Successful Home Sale

The Right Price is Critical THE PERILS OF OVERPRICING You might be tempted to price based on what you paid for it, your mortgage balance, or the profit you want to make so you can buy a new home. But the reality is that your home is only worth what the market will bear. Pricing your home too high will lead potential buyers to think it’s out of their range and they won’t even look. Buyers also have access to comparable homes and if yours doesn’t compare favorably, they are not likely to want to see it at all. Buyers avoid overpriced listings and no amount of marketing can sell an overpriced home.

A property generates the most interest when it first hits the market.

ACTIVITY LEVEL

When most offers are received

WEEKS ON MARKET

10 11 12 13

Sommer Cronck, REALTOR® | 360-647-8049 | BESTBELLINGHAMHOMES.COM

WOW! This home sold in 24 hours for $17,000 over list price due to accurate pricing which drew competing offers

The Benefits of "Pricing Right" Your property sells faster because it is exposed to more qualified buyers Your home doesn’t lose its “marketability” The closer to market value, the higher the offers A well-priced property can generate competing offers Real Estate Professionals will be enthusiastic about presenting your property to buyers

15% Above

ASKING PRICE

10% Above

Market Value

10% Below

15% Below

10%

Percentage of potential buyers who will look at the property.

30%

60%

75%

90%

16 Preparing for a Successful Home Sale

Maximizing Your Home’s Value Getting top dollar for your house begins with understanding how to see your house through the eyes of a buyer. To be a successful seller you must have your house looking its best!

PRE-SALE PREPARATION The moment you decide to sell your property the “home” you love so dearly turns into a “house”. This shift in vocabulary is the process of “letting go”. It is the emotional detachment all sellers eventually experience. Home is where the heart is; houses, on the other hand, are commodities sold on the open market. Keep in mind... You are getting ready to sell a HOUSE.

If you make the right improvements when preparing your house to sell you increase the odds of selling it quickly for top dollar. If, conversely, you do nothing or make the wrong changes to your property you prolong the sale and reduce the ultimate sales price. You don’t usually have to spend thousands of dollars on your house prior to putting up the “For Sale” sign.

You don’t usually have to spend thousands of dollars on your house prior to putting up the “For Sale” sign. Little things you do generally give the biggest increase in value. Concentrate on the three C’s: Clean, Clutter and Cosmetic.

Sommer Cronck, REALTOR® | 360-647-8049 | BESTBELLINGHAMHOMES.COM

Creating Curb Appeal

Clutter

Buyers generally decide if they want to see the inside of a house within 20 seconds of viewing the external attractiveness (curb appeal) of your property. No matter how magnificent your house is on the inside, many buyers will drive by without even stopping if the curb appeal isn’t inviting.

Clear out the clutter – it can reduce the value of your house.

Keep the lawn cut & edged. Trim the bushes. Weed the gardens. Freshen pine straw. Plant fresh annuals. Keep the porch swept. Pressure wash the driveway, sidewalk & deck. Paint the exterior siding and trim. Keep children’s toys out of the front yard, sidewalks and front porch.

Keep kitchens counters clear and put all unnecessary items away. Keep dirty dishes out of the sink. Recycle stacks of old magazines and newspapers. Clean out the closets. They should look like they have enough room to hold additional items. Get everything off the floor and don’t have the shelves piled to the ceiling. Make sure rooms are not overcrowded with furniture. It makes them appear smaller.

If you have pets, clean up their debris daily. The front door greets the buyer. Make sure it is fresh, clean and paint the trim.

Clean Scrub your house from top to bottom. Buyers will notice strong smells as soon as they walk through your front door – eliminate odors. Clean all appliances inside and out. Stains and dirt make them appear old.

Cosmetic

EXTERIORS ATTRACT INTERIORS SELL Curb appeal draws buyers into your house. Appealing, well cared for interiors make the sale!

Scour walls, floors, bathtubs, showers and sinks until they sparkle. Check grout in bathtubs, showers and on the floors. Clean your carpets to reduce stains and eliminate odors. Wash all the windows in your house – inside and out. Use a dehumidifier to help must basements.

Making minor cosmetic improvements could increase your sales price. Pay attention to everything anywhere in your house that could cause the buyer to “reduce your price”. Find it and repair it before you put it on the market. Repair sheetrock cracks over doors or windows. Repair nail pops. Locate ceiling stains and the cause of leak. Touch up walls and trim where needed.

Repaint bold color, non-neutral walls and rooms. Check that windows are working properly and look for cracked panes and broken seals. Put bright light bulbs in every socket. Buyers like bright and cheery surroundings. Repair loose knobs and doors that stick or don’t close properly.

If you smoke clean ashtrays daily and smoke outside!

Observe bathrooms for signs of mildew, stains in sinks and toilets, missing tiles or grout and inadequate caulking.

Strategically place mild air fresheners throughout your home.

Check for drippy faucets, slow draining sinks and tubs.

REMEMBER: Buyers consider any of the above problems a sign of poor maintenance. More often than not they are correct. Their solutions are: either don’t buy or reduce the price by thousands!

18 Preparing for a Successful Home Sale

I have over 20 years of technology and marketing experience to put to work for YOU!

Marketing MARKETING YOUR HOME FOR A SUCCESSFUL SALE Your home is now priced accurately and looks great. Let’s sell it! The marketing of your home will reflect an established history of how buyers search for and purchase homes: 95% of buyers use the Internet during their home search 85% of all home sales are co-brokered. This means that there is a listing agent that represents you, the seller, and another agent who represents the buyer of your home. As a result, marketing to real estate agents is our most productive activity. The most effective way to get the attention of productive agents and buyers is through accurate pricing and good photography.

I have over 20 years of technology and marketing experience and this is one of the ways I set myself above the crowd as a REALTOR®. From attractive printed marketing marterials to an extremely savvy internet presence, I will ensure that your home stands apart as “the one to see” to your prospective buyers!

Sommer Cronck, REALTOR® | 360-647-8049 | BESTBELLINGHAMHOMES.COM

20-Point Home Marketing Plan Every seller and every home is unique, so I will create a custom marketing plan for your home. Below is a sample of the many ways in which I work to present your home in the best possible way and get the most exposure to ensure a top-dollar sale. With over 20 years of marketing and technology experience, I guarantee that your home will be well-represented with topquality, professional verbiage, photography, and materials.

Preparing Your Home – I will provide specific

guidance on what you should do prior to placing your home on the market. The goal is to get your home in top condition so that it will command a premium price. Properly staging your home before showing it to buyers will help the home sell itself.

4 Multiple Listing Service (MLS) –

5 Lock Box –

2 Pre-Listing Preparation –

I will be a major resource providing recommendations for some of the best service providers: escrow, property inspection, termite inspection, home warranty, etc.

3 Professional Photography – .

Surveys have shown that 95% of home shoppers use the internet to find their next home. This makes professional photography essential to create the best first impression to these online home shoppers. With proper photography, your home will have more showings and sell faster than those without.

I will register your property in the Multiple Listing Service database, making it instantly available to agents throughout the Pacific Northwest. A Supra electronic lock box will provide state-of-the-art security while ensuring your home is accessible to agents to show to their buyers. This electronic lock box also allows me to find out who accessed your home and their contact information so I can promptly follow-up on all showings. Statistics show that using a lock box increases the number of buyer showings by 40%.

6 Sign –

Of course we’ll let the entire neighborhood know that your house is available with a sign in the yard. The sign also makes it easy for prospective buyers and buyers’ agents to find your property for open houses and showings.

20 Preparing for a Successful Home Sale

7 Custom Flyer –

14 Broker Virtual Tour –

Flyer Box – I will place a flyer box on the sign

15 Neighborhood Involvement –

Home Book – Not all agents will be as

16 Open House –

I create a quality flyer to emphasize all of the important amenities of your home to potential buyers. The idea is to make the best possible impression and to provide information so that after looking at dozens of homes, your home will stand out in the buyer's mind.

post in front of your home wherever it is allowed. This gives the drive-by buyer enough information about your home to become interested and to call for a showing.

knowledgeable about your home and the neighborhood as I am. Therefore, I will compile a book to be left in your house which will answer most buyer questions about your home, the community facilities, schools, and the surrounding area. The objective is to provide the buyers with all the information they need to make the decision to purchase your home.

Soon after your home is listed, I will present a virtual open house to the entire RE/MAX team. In addition to creating broker interest in your property, this will also reduce the number of agents who come days later to preview your home.

In 8-10% of all home sales, the buyer knows someone who lives within two blocks of the house that he or she buys. I will create interest about the sale of your home in the surrounding neighborhood. As often as possible, your house will be held open to the public to attract prospective buyers.

17 Showing Follow Up –

I will contact every agent who shows your property to determine the level of buyer interest and to provide additional information for the prospective buyers as required. Their feedback also helps gauge the property’s condition and price as assessed by buyers.

10 The Internet –

18 Status Reports –

11 Social Media –

19 Market Updates –

I will advertise your home 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, world-wide on my web site as well as the local RE/MAX website, the national RE/MAX website, and other major national home search portals including Zillow, Trulia, Redfin, Realtor.com and many others. I am extremely active on social media and will promote your home, its features and all open houses on several Facebook pages and groups, getting your house in front of the right people to attract more attention and achieve a faster sale.

12 Print Advertising –

As a new listing, your home will be featured in the Bellingham Herald and the Sudden Valley Views (if applicable).

13 Agent Prospecting –

I will review which agents have sent your listing information to their buyers and provide them with information about the home we have for sale and remind them about the special features of our house.

I will provide you with regular emailed, written or verbal reports to include actions taken, actions needed, current and planned advertising, feedback on showings, and changes in the market conditions that may affect the sale of your home. I will ensure that you are receiving market updates of homes that are similar to yours so you can monitor your competition in real-time.

20 Partnership –

The process is a team effort. While active, my job is to market your home while your job is make the home accessible and ready for showings. We will work together to negotiate an offer that is in your best interest. Once under contract, my job will be to actively monitor the status and progress of the transaction to ensure a smooth closing while you remain accessible for important items such as inspection negotiations, contract signings and any questions that may arise during the process.

I will compile a book to be left in your house which will answer most buyer questions about your home, the community facilities, schools, and the surrounding area. The objective is to provide the buyers with all the information they need to make the decision to purchase your home

Sommer Cronck, REALTORÂŽ | 360-647-8049 | BESTBELLINGHAMHOMES.COM

Home Staging Once your home has had the necessary repairs made, we will focus on presentation. You only get one opportunity to make a positive first impression with potential buyers. Well-staged homes look better, photograph better, show better and sell faster than non-staged homes.

to help buyers imagine living in the home.

Home staging is not decorating. Decorating appeals to the person living in the house; staging is positioning the home to appeal to the psychological needs of buyers by creating a series of impressions that build an emotional connection

A Money & Finance poll revealed that 87% of respondents said home presentation makes the difference in most sales. Studies have also shown that vacant, staged homes sell faster and at a higher price than empty vacant homes.

If you are still living in the home, we can stage it using your existing furniture and dĂŠcor. If the home is vacant, we can stage it with rented furniture if you so desire.

% of respondents in a Money & Finance poll said that home presentation makes the difference in most sales

22 Preparing for a Successful Home Sale

Professional Photography I cannot stress enough the importance and the value of professional real estate photography. 95% of home buyers will be using the internet in their home search and using the listing information and photographs to help them decide which homes to preview. The photographs of your home are the first thing they are likely to see. First impressions are important, so I ensure that we “wow” them from the start and set yourself apart from the competition. The above image was taken by my professional photographer and the below image was taken by me in the same room, at the same time, with the same lighting, and the same orientation. See the difference?

First impressions are important, so I ensure that we “wow” them from the start and set your home apart from the competition.

Sommer Cronck, REALTOR® | 360-647-8049 | BESTBELLINGHAMHOMES.COM

Internet Marketing Online real estate technology tools are incredible, and as an e-PRO®, I am ready to leverage the power of technology to get your home SOLD. As soon as your house is listed, I will use my extensive network of Internet resources to provide you with the most exposure possible in the shortest time frame. From the Northwest MLS to Zillow, I’ve got you covered!

95%

of home buyers use the Internet in their search

24 Preparing for a Successful Home Sale

Unique Property Website I can create a property website at a unique URL to further ease the promotion of your home online. This website can be shared via social media, emailed, and accessed via a QR code on the property flyer. Additionally, the site is mobile-optimized, meaning interested buyers can get the information they want, how they want it â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and fast! An example of a custom URL might be 15StarViewLane.com

Video Studies have shown that real estate listings with videos receive

403% more inquiries than those without video. I can create a video tour or slideshow of your home to include with your listing to help increase activity and buyer inquiries.

Social Media I run an active Facebook page and participate in several local Facebook groups with a combined membership of over 30,000. Through images, links, and videos, I will be promoting your home both through organic methods (posts to my page, timeline and groups) as well as through paid Facebook ad placements that are strategically targeted to users who are most likely to be searching for a home in your area.

Preparing for a Sommer Cronck, REALTOR® | 360-647-8049 | BESTBELLINGHAMHOMES.COM Successful Home Sale

If you desire, we will hold at least one open house where buyers will be invited to walk through your home during a set time and see all it has to offer.

Flyers + Open Houses While the Internet may be the easiest marketing net to cast, it’s not the only approach I will take to ensuring that your home gets noticed by buyers. I will also create beautiful informational flyers to place outside your home with the “For Sale” sign as well as on the counter for buyers who come through for showings. If you desire, we will also hold at least one open house where buyers will be invited to walk through your home during a set time and see all it has to offer. Open houses are promoted in a variety of online sources such as Craigslist and Zillow, offering even more exposure to your listing.

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26 Preparing for a Successful Home Sale

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11 Horseshoe Circle Bellingham, WA

Sommer Cronck, REALTOR® RE/MAX Whatcom County, Inc. (360) 647-8049 or sommerc@remax.net BestBellinghamHomes.com

Print + Direct Mail Other marketing opportunities include “Just Listed” postcards to your neighborhood letting everyone know about your home. While your neighbors might not be in the market for your home, they may know someone who is looking! While not nearly as effective as Internet marketing, print advertisements may be used as well if deemed appropriate for the situation.

Sommer Cronck, REALTOR® | 360-647-8049 | BESTBELLINGHAMHOMES.COM

Above-and-Beyond Marketing When you choose me as your REALTOR®, your home will not only be marketed through universal channels such as the Internet, the Multiple Listing Service and signage. I will also market internally with my own business connections which will form a rich source of prospects, buyers, and referrals. This “market within a market” results in the most efficient transaction environment in real estate.

Most agents will list your home using the “three P” approach: Place your house on the MLS; Place a sign in your yard; and Pray someone else will sell it!

I will go beyond the basics and prospect for buyers every day as well as keep an eye on the market to ensure that your home remains competitive!

28 Preparing for a Successful Home Sale

Moving Timeline The inspection and subsequent negotiations are complete. What’s next? As you move towards closing and possession of your new home, you’ll need to be preparing for your big move. Here’s a planning guide to help.

Weeks Before

Begin packing. If you begin packing slowly several weeks, you can avoid trying to pack everything at the last minute, which can be extremely time-consuming and can create undue stress. Do one room at a time over the weeks leading up to your move. Pack the bedroom and a box of kitchen and first-night supplies last.

Make reservations. Call and reserve your moving equipment and schedule your moving helpers, if needed. Transfer services. Call your utility, Internet and cable companies to transfer services to your new home. Notify the appropriate companies of your change of address. Make sure your mail will be going to the right place. Submit a change of address form online or stop by your local post office. Don’t forget to change the address that’s on file with credit card companies, vehicle loans, and insurance agents.

Eliminate clutter and get rid of unnecessary items. Consider having a yard sale, donating to charity, or offloading the items online. Inspect your house and make any final repairs. The last thing you want to worry about post-move is problems with your old home. Do a final inspection and walk through the entire place to make sure everything is in good working condition.

Days Before

Do laundry. No one wants to move dirty clothes from one place to another. Laundry just becomes an extra task for you after moving into your new home.

MOVING TIP Small tasks are easily forgotten when moving. Set important dates and reminders as alerts on your phone or in your calendar.

Cancel local newspapers and other regular deliveries. Switch magazine subscriptions, newspapers, and catalogs to your new address. Put items in storage. If you have large pieces of furniture that will not be going into your new home, and that you don’t plan to sell or give away, rent a storage unit. Now is the time to pack them away.

MOVING TIP: Purge before packing

Weeks Before

Confirm everything. Call and confirm your truck rental and moving help. Make sure they will be where you need them at the right time.

Pack a box with essential items. Most likely, unpacking every box won’t be done by the first night of move-in. Pack a box of essentials such as shampoo, a change of clothes, a toothbrush, clean sheets and a towel, and label this as your “First Night” box. This will eliminate the frustration of digging through boxes when you’re getting ready to go to bed your first night.

Clean your old home. Now that nearly everything is packed and ready to go, you can get your home ready for the new residents. Wipe down the windows, sweep the floors and vacuum the carpets.

oving Day

Energize! Eat a balanced breakfast and have plenty of water and snacks on hand to keep you going. It’s the big day. You’ll be on the go for the better part of it.

Pick up your equipment. Go to the location where you have made your moving truck reservation. Arrive 15 minutes early or check in online to account for potential lines or delays. If you’ve hired a moving crew, make sure everything is ready to go before they arrive. Take care of any children and pets. Whether you’re dropping them off at a babysitter or keeping them busy in another room, make sure you have the proper arrangements ready to go for your children or pets. Make copies. Make copies of moving receipts and statements for future reference and taxes. Or just tuck them away in the pocket of your moving binder. Keep calm and breathe. Remember to take your day one step at a time and allow yourself time to take a break if needed. Keep yourself hydrated and have a positive attitude. This will make sure your move runs smoothly.

Real Estate Terminology

Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) — The interest rate is tied to a financial index making the monthly mortgage payment go up or down over time. Annual Percentage Rate (APR) — The percent of interest that will be charged on a home loan. Appraisal — A report highlighting the estimated value of the property completed by a qualified 3rd party. This is typically done for the benefit of the buyer to ensure the property is worth what they are paying. Association Fee/HOA Fee — In addition to a mortgage, certain housing communities such as townhomes have a monthly fee associated with maintaining the common areas and ameni-ties. Balloon Mortgage — A long-term mortgage loan that starts small but has a large payment due at maturity. Closing — This is the final meeting where the buyer and seller sign the necessary paper-work, complete the transaction, and release/take possession

of the property. Usually the representing agents and attorneys attend. Closing Costs — The buyer and seller have expenses associated with the transaction other than that of the actual cost of the home. For example, the buyer has a variety of fees due for obtaining a new loan and the seller must pay commission to both agents. Closing Disclosure — A form that provides the final details about the mortgage loan. It in-cludes loan terms, projected monthly payments, and how much the extra fees will be. Collateral — Something of value (in this case your home) that is held to ensure repayment of a mortgage or loan.

Contingencies — Conditions which must be met in order to close. Contingencies are typically tied to a date, referred to as a deadline. If the contingency is not satisfied the contract may be canceled. Counteroffer — The response from the seller in regard to an offer. Debt to Income Ratio — A lender will look at a borrowers debt versus income to determine the amount of loan they are eligible for and if they can repay their debt plus the home loan. Down payment — A percent of the cost of the property that is paid up front as a part of the mortgage.

Commission — A percent of the sale price of the home that is paid to agents. The seller pays commission to both the buyer and listing agent.

Earnest Money — The deposit made from the buyer to the seller when submitting an offer. This deposit is typically held in trust by a third party. Upon closing the money will generally be applied to the down payment or closing cost.

Comparables — Homes in the area of interest that have recently sold that have similar fea-tures.

Escrow — This term has multiple meanings; earnest money is typical held by a third party

until closing in “escrow”. It can also be referred to as the time period from when the con-tract is written and accepted by the seller to when the home sale actually closes. Equity — The difference in the market value of a home versus what is owed on the home. FHA — A mortgage that is financed through a private lender and insured by the Federal Housing Administration, often requiring a lower down payment and income to qualify. Fixed Rate — The interest rate will remain the same for the entire life of the mortgage. Home Equity Line of Credit — A loan or line of credit that is determined based on the equity or homes value after subtracting the loans owed. Home Inspection — The process in which a professional inspects the seller’s home for issues that are not openly apparent, then creates a report for the buyer to review. Home Protection Plan — An annual service that covers the cost of repairs or replacements to items covered in the plan; items like stoves, washer/dryers, etc. Hybrid — A loan that starts with a fixed rate period, then converts to an adjustable rate. Mortgage Insurance — Insurance

written in connection with a mortgage loan that protects the lender in the event the borrower cannot repay their loan. This is usually not required if the borrower has 20% or more for the down payment. Mortgage Note — A promise to pay a sum of money at a standard interest rate during a specific term that is secured by a mortgage. Multiple Listing Service (MLS) — The national list of real estate properties that are available for sale. These are the most reliable sources to receive up-to-date listing information. Pre-Approval — The process in which a buyer must provide a mortgage professional the ap-propriate information on income, debts, and assets that will be used to make the initial credit only loan decision. Pre-Qualification — Once approved for a loan, this is the process in which the maximum sale price, loan amount, and month payments are calculated for the borrow. This not a loan ap-proval however, it useful to know prior to searching for a home. Principal — The underlying amount of the loan which is actually borrowed. Property Taxes — These are the taxes that are enforced by the city, town, county, and state

government entities. These taxes are included in the total monthly mortgage payment and are held in escrow by the lender. REO — Real estate owned properties or foreclosed properties currently owned by a financial institution such as the bank that made the loan to the previous owner Reverse Mortgage — This is specifically for seniors and it allows them to convert the equity in their home to cash. Short Sale — A situation when the seller’s lender is willing to accept an offer and allows the sale to be completed for an amount less than the mortgage amount owed by the seller. Title — A legal document proving current and proper ownership of the property. Also re-ferred to as a Title Deed, this document highlights the history of property ownership and transfers. Underwriting — The process in which the potential home buyer is evaluated for their finan-cial ability to obtain and repay a loan. This normally consist of a credit check and appraisal of the property. VA Loan — Loans that are given to Americans who have served in the armed forces. They are administered by the Department of Veteran Affairs.

Realtor ® Code of Ethics Article 1 – When representing a buyer, seller, landlord, tenant, or other client as an agent, Realtors® pledge themselves to protect and promote the interests of their client. This obligation to the client is primary, but it does not relieve Realtors® of their obligation to treat all parties honestly. When serving a buyer, seller, landlord, tenant or other party in a non-agency capacity, Realtors® remain obligated to treat all parties honestly. Article 2 – Realtors® shall avoid exaggeration, misrepresentation, or concealment of pertinent facts relating to the property or the transaction. Realtors® shall not, however, be obligated to discover latent defects in the property, to advise on matters outside the scope of their real estate license, or to disclose facts which are confidential under the scope of agency or non-agency relationships as defined by state law. Article 3 – Realtors® shall cooperate with other brokers except when cooperation is not in the client’s best interest. The obligation to cooperate does not include the obligation to share commissions, fees, or to otherwise compensate another broker. Article 4 – Realtors® shall not acquire an interest in or buy or present offers from themselves, any member of their immediate families, their firms or any member thereof, or any entities in which they have any ownership interest, any real property without making their true position known to the owner or the owner’s agent or broker. In selling property they own, or in which they have any interest, Realtors® shall reveal their ownership or interest in writing to the purchaser or the purchaser’s representative. Article 5 – Realtors® shall not undertake to provide professional services concerning a property or its value where they have a present or contemplated interest unless such interest is specifically disclosed to all affected parties. Article 6 – Realtors® shall not accept any commission, rebate, or profiton expenditures made for their client, without the client’s knowledge and consent.

consent of the Realtor®’s client or clients. Article 8 – Realtors® shall keep in a special account in an appropriate financial institution, separated from their own funds, monies coming into their possession in trust for other persons, such as escrows, trust funds, clients’ monies, and other like items. Article 9 – Realtors®, for the protection of all parties, shall assure whenever possible that all agreements related to real estate transactions including, but not limited to, listing and representation agreements, purchase contracts, and leases are in writing in clear and understandable language expressing the specific terms, conditions, obligations and commitments of the parties. A copy of each agreement shall be furnished to each party to such agreements upon their signing or initialing. Article 10 – Realtors® shall not deny equal professional services to any person for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Realtors® shall not be parties to any plan or agreement to discriminate against a person or persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Realtors®, in their real estate employment practices, shall not discriminate against any person or persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Article 11 – The services which Realtors® provide to their clients and customers shall conform to the standards of practice and competence which are reasonably expected in the specific real estate disciplines in which they engage; specifically, residential real estate brokerage, real property management, commercial and industrial real estate brokerage, land brokerage, real estate appraisal, real estate counseling, real estate syndication, real estate auction, and international real estate.

When recommending real estate products or services (e.g., homeowner’s insurance, warranty programs, mortgage financing, title insurance, etc.), Realtors® shall disclose to the client or customer to whom the recommendation is made any financial benefits or fees, other than real estate referral fees, the Realtor® or Realtor®’s firm may receive as a direct result of such recommendation.

Realtors® shall not undertake to provide specialized professional services concerning a type of property or service that is outside their field of competence unless they engage the assistance of one who is competent on such types of property or service, or unless the facts are fully disclosed to the client. Any persons engaged to provide such assistance shall be so identified to the client and their contribution to the assignment should be set forth.

Article 7 – In a transaction, Realtors® shall not accept compensation from more than one party, even if permitted by law, without disclosure to all parties and the informed

Article 12 – Realtors® shall be honest and truthful in their real estate communications and shall present a true picture in their advertising, marketing, and other

representations. Realtors® shall ensure that their status as real estate professionals is readily apparent in their advertising, marketing, and other representations, and that the recipients of all real estate communications are, or have been, notified that those communications are from a real estate professional. Article 13 – Realtors® shall not engage in activities that constitute the unauthorized practice of law and shall recommend that legal counsel be obtained when the interest of any party to the transaction requires it. Article 14 – If charged with unethical practice or asked to present evidence or to cooperate in any other way, in any professional standards proceeding or investigation, Realtors® shall place all pertinent facts before the proper tribunals of the Member Board or affiliated institute, society, or council in which membership is held and shall take no action to disrupt or obstruct such processes. Article 15 – Realtors® shall not knowingly or recklessly make false or misleading statements about other real estate professionals, their businesses, or their business practices. Article 16 – Realtors® shall not engage in any practice or take any action inconsistent with exclusive representation or exclusive brokerage relationship agreements that other Realtors® have with clients. Article 17 – In the event of contractual disputes or specific non-contractual disputes as defined in Standard of Practice 17-4 between Realtors® (principals) associated with different firms, arising out of their relationship as Realtors® the Realtors® shall mediate the dispute if the Board requires its members to mediate. If the dispute is not resolved through mediation, or if mediation is not required, Realtors® shall submit the dispute to arbitration in accordance with the policies of the Board rather than litigate the matter. In the event clients of Realtors® wish to mediate or arbitrate contractual disputes arising out of real estate transactions, Realtors® shall mediate or arbitrate those disputes in accordance with the policies of the Board, provided the clients agree to be bound by any resulting agreement or award. The obligation to participate in mediation and arbitration contemplated by this Article includes the obligation of Realtors® (principals) to cause their firms to mediate and arbitrate and be bound by any resulting agreement or award.

THE LAW OF REAL ESTATE AGENCY This pamphlet describes your legal rights in dealing with a real estate firm or broker. Please read it carefully before signing any documents.

The following is only a brief summary of the attached law. SEC. 1.

Definitions. Defines the specific terms used in the law.

SEC. 2.

Relationships between Brokers and the Public. Prescribes that a broker who works with a buyer or tenant represents that buyer or tenant — unless the broker is the listing agent, a seller’s subagent, a dual agent, the seller personally or the parties agree otherwise. Also prescribes that in a transaction involving two different brokers licensed to the same real estate firm, the firm’s designated broker and any managing broker responsible for the supervision of both brokers, are dual agents and each broker solely represents his or her client — unless the parties agree in writing that both brokers are dual agents.

SEC. 3.

Duties of a Broker Generally. Prescribes the duties that are owed by all brokers, regardless of who the broker represents. Requires disclosure of the broker’s agency relationship in a specific transaction.

SEC. 4.

Duties of a Seller’s Agent. Prescribes the additional duties of a broker representing the seller or landlord only.

SEC. 5.

Duties of a Buyer’s Agent. Prescribes the additional duties of a broker representing the buyer or tenant only.

SEC. 6.

Duties of a Dual Agent. Prescribes the additional duties of a broker representing both parties in the same transaction, and requires the written consent of both parties to the broker acting as a dual agent.

SEC. 7.

Duration of Agency Relationship. Describes when an agency relationship begins and ends. Provides that the duties of accounting and confidentiality continue after the termination of an agency relationship.

SEC. 8.

Compensation. Allows real estate firms to share compensation with cooperating real estate firms. States that payment of compensation does not necessarily establish an agency relationship. Allows brokers to receive compensation from more than one party in a transaction with the parties’ consent.

SEC. 9.

Vicarious Liability. Eliminates the liability of a party for the conduct of the party’s agent or subagent, unless the principal participated in or benefited from the conduct or the agent or subagent is insolvent. Also limits the liability of a broker for the conduct of a subagent.

SEC. 10. Imputed Knowledge and Notice. Eliminates the common law rule that notice to or knowledge of an agent constitutes notice to or knowledge of the principal. SEC. 11. Interpretation. This law establishes statutory duties which replace common law fiduciary duties owed by an agent to a principal. SEC. 12. Short Sale. Prescribes an additional duty of a firm representing the seller of owner-occupied real property in a short sale.

(d) Would, if disclosed, operate to the detriment of the principal; and

(b) The principal reasonably expects to be kept confidential;

(a) Was acquired by the broker during the course of an agency relationship with the principal;

(7) “Confidential information” means information from or concerning a principal of a broker that:

(6) “Buyer’s agent” means a broker who has entered into an agency relationship with only the buyer in a real estate transaction, and includes sub-agents engaged by a buyer’s agent.

(5) “Buyer” means an actual or prospective purchaser in a real estate transaction, or an actual or prospective tenant in a real estate rental or lease transaction, as applicable.

(4) “Business opportunity” means and includes a business, business opportunity, and goodwill of an existing business, or any one or combination thereof when the transaction or business includes an interest in real property.

(3) “Broker” means broker, managing broker, and designated broker, collectively, as defined in chapter 18.85 RCW, unless the context requires the terms to be considered separately.

(2) “Agent” means a broker who has entered into an agency relationship with a buyer or seller.

(1) “Agency relationship” means the agency relationship created under this chapter or by written agreement between a real estate firm and a buyer and/or seller relating to the performance of real estate brokerage services.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.

DEFINITIONS.

SECTION 1:

PAGE 2

(16) “Seller’s agent” means a broker who has entered

(15) “Seller” means an actual or prospective seller in a real estate transaction, or an actual or prospective landlord in a real estate rental or lease transaction, as applicable.

(14) “Real estate transaction” or “transaction” means an actual or prospective transaction involving a purchase, sale, option, or exchange of any interest in real property or a business opportunity, or a lease or rental of real property. For purposes of this chapter, a prospective transaction does not exist until a written offer has been signed by at least one of the parties.

(13) “Real estate firm” or “firm” have the same meaning as defined in chapter 18.85 RCW.

(12) “Real estate brokerage services” means the rendering of services for which a real estate license is required under chapter 18.85 RCW.

(11) “Principal” means a buyer or a seller who has entered into an agency relationship with a broker.

(10) “Owner-occupied real property” means real property consisting solely of a single-family residence, a residential condominium unit, or a residential cooperative unit that is the principal residence of the borrower.

(9) “Material fact” means information that substantially adversely affects the value of the property or a party’s ability to perform its obligations in a real estate transaction, or operates to materially impair or defeat the purpose of the transaction. The fact or suspicion that the property, or any neighboring property, is or was the site of a murder, suicide or other death, rape or other sex crime, assault or other violent crime, robbery or burglary, illegal drug activity, gang-related activity, political or religious activity, or other act, occurrence, or use not adversely affecting the physical condition of or title to the property is not a material fact.

(8) “Dual agent” means a broker who has entered into an agency relationship with both the buyer and seller in the same transaction.

(e) The principal personally would not be obligated to disclose to the other party.

(2) In a transaction in which different brokers affiliated with the same firm represent different parties, the firm’s designated broker and any managing broker responsible for the supervision of both brokers, is a dual agent, and must obtain the written consent of both parties as required under RCW 18.86.060. In such case, each of the brokers

(e) Parties agree otherwise in writing after the broker has complied with RCW 18.86.030(1)(f).

(d) Broker is the seller or one of the sellers; or

(c) Broker’s firm has appointed the broker to represent the seller pursuant to a written agency agreement between the firm and the seller, and the broker’s firm has appointed the broker to represent the buyer pursuant to a written agency agreement between the firm and the buyer, in which case the broker is a dual agent;

(b) Broker has entered into a subagency agreement with the seller’s agent’s firm, in which case the broker is a seller’s agent;

(a) Broker’s firm has appointed the broker to represent the seller pursuant to a written agency agreement between the firm and the seller, in which case the broker is a seller’s agent;

(1) A broker who performs real estate brokerage services for a buyer is a buyer’s agent unless the:

RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN BROKERS AND THE PUBLIC.

SECTION 2:

(17) “Subagent” means a broker who is engaged to act on behalf of a principal by the principal’s agent where the principal has authorized the broker in writing to appoint subagents.

into an agency relationship with only the seller in a real estate transaction, and includes subagents engaged by a seller’s agent.

PAGE 3

(f) To provide a pamphlet on the law of real estate agency in the form prescribed in

(e) To account in a timely manner for all money and property received from or on behalf of either party;

(d) To disclose all existing material facts known by the broker and not apparent or readily ascertainable to a party; provided that this subsection shall not be construed to imply any duty to investigate matters that the broker has not agreed to investigate;

(c) To present all written offers, written notices and other written communications to and from either party in a timely manner, regardless of whether the property is subject to an existing contract for sale or the buyer is already a party to an existing contract to purchase;

(b) To deal honestly and in good faith;

(a) To exercise reasonable skill and care;

(1) Regardless of whether a broker is an agent, the broker owes to all parties to whom the broker renders real estate brokerage services the following duties, which may not be waived:

DUTIES OF A BROKER GENERALLY.

SECTION 3:

(3) A broker may work with a party in separate transactions pursuant to different relationships, including, but not limited to, representing a party in one transaction and at the same time not representing that party in a different transaction involving that party, if the broker complies with this chapter in establishing the relationships for each transaction.

shall solely represent the party with whom the broker has an agency relationship, unless all parties agree in writing that the broker is a dual agent.

RCW 18.86.120 to all parties to whom the broker renders real estate brokerage services, before the party signs an agency agreement with the broker, signs an offer in a real estate transaction handled by the broker, consents to dual agency, or waives any rights, under RCW 18.86.020(1)(e), 18.86.040(1)(e), 18.86.050(1)(e), or 18.86.060(2)(e) or (f), whichever occurs earliest; and (g) To disclose in writing to all parties to whom the broker renders real estate brokerage services, before the party signs an offer in a real estate transaction handled by the broker, whether the broker represents the buyer, the seller, both parties, or neither party. The disclosure shall be set forth in a separate paragraph entitled “Agency Disclosure” in the agreement between the buyer and seller or in a separate writing entitled “Agency Disclosure.” (2) Unless otherwise agreed, a broker owes no duty to conduct an independent inspection of the property or to conduct an independent investigation of either party’s financial condition, and owes no duty to independently verify the accuracy or completeness of any statement made by either party or by any source reasonably believed by the broker to be reliable.

SECTION 4: DUTIES OF A SELLER’S AGENT. (1) Unless additional duties are agreed to in writing signed by a seller’s agent, the duties of a seller’s agent are limited to those set forth in RCW 18.86.030 and the following, which may not be waived except as expressly set forth in (e) of this subsection: (a) To be loyal to the seller by taking no action that is adverse or detrimental to the seller’s interest in a transaction; (b) To timely disclose to the seller any conflicts of interest;

PAGE 4

(c) To advise the seller to seek expert advice on matters relating to the transaction that are beyond the agent’s expertise; (d) Not to disclose any confidential information from or about the seller, except under subpoena or court order, even after termination of the agency relationship; and (e) Unless otherwise agreed to in writing after the seller’s agent has complied with RCW 18.86.030(1)(f), to make a good faith and continuous effort to find a buyer for the property; except that a seller’s agent is not obligated to seek additional offers to purchase the property while the property is subject to an existing contract for sale. (2) (a) The showing of properties not owned by the seller to prospective buyers or the listing of competing properties for sale by a seller’s agent does not in and of itself breach the duty of loyalty to the seller or create a conflict of interest. (b) The representation of more than one seller by different brokers affiliated with the same firm in competing transactions involving the same buyer does not in and of itself breach the duty of loyalty to the sellers or create a conflict of interest.

SECTION 5: DUTIES OF A BUYER’S AGENT. (1) Unless additional duties are agreed to in writing signed by a buyer’s agent, the duties of a buyer’s agent are limited to those set forth in RCW 18.86.030 and the following, which may not be waived except as expressly set forth in (e) of this subsection: (a) To be loyal to the buyer by taking no action that is adverse or detrimental to the buyer’s interest in a transaction;

(c) To advise the buyer to seek expert advice on matters relating to the transaction that are beyond the agent’s expertise;

(b) To timely disclose to the buyer any conflicts of interest;

RCW 18.86.030(1)(f), which consent must include a statement of the terms of compensation.

(3) (a) The showing of proper ties not owned by the seller to prospective buyers or the listing of competing properties for sale by a dual agent does not in and of itself constitute action that is

(ii) show properties as to which there is no written agreement to pay compensation to the dual agent.

(i) seek additional properties to purchase while the buyer is a party to an existing contract to purchase; or

(f) Unless otherwise agreed to in writing after the dual agent has complied with RCW 18.86.030(1)(f), to make a good faith and continuous effort to find a property for the buyer; except that a dual agent is not obligated to:

(e) Unless otherwise agreed to in writing after the dual agent has complied with RCW 18.86.030(1)(f), to make a good faith and continuous effort to find a buyer for the property; except that a dual agent is not obligated to seek additional offers to purchase the property while the property is subject to an existing contract for sale; and

(d) Not to disclose any confidential information from or about either party, except under subpoena or court order, even after termination of the agency relationship;

(c) To advise both parties to seek expert advice on matters relating to the transaction that are beyond the dual agent’s expertise;

(b) To timely disclose to both parties any conflicts of interest;

(a) To take no action that is adverse or detrimental to either party’s interest in a transaction;

(2) Unless additional duties are agreed to in writing signed by a dual agent, the duties of a dual agent are limited to those set forth in RCW 18.86.030 and the following, which may not be waived except as expressly set forth in (e) and (f) of this subsection: (d) Not to disclose any confidential information from or about the buyer, except under subpoena or court order, even after termination of the agency relationship; and (e) Unless otherwise agreed to in writing after the buyer’s agent has complied with RCW 18.86.030(1)(f), to make a good faith and continuous effort to find a property for the buyer; except that a buyer’s agent is not obligated to: (i) seek additional properties to purchase while the buyer is a party to an existing contract to purchase; or (ii) show properties as to which there is no written agreement to pay compensation to the buyer’s agent.

(2) ( a ) The showing of property in which a buyer is interested to other prospective buyers by a buyer’s agent does not in and of itself breach the duty of loyalty to the buyer or create a conflict of interest. (b) The representation of more than one buyer by different brokers affiliated with the same firm in competing transactions involving the same property does not in and of itself breach the duty of loyalty to the buyer or create a conflict of interest.

SECTION 6: DUTIES OF A DUAL AGENT. (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, a broker may act as a dual agent only with the written consent of both parties to the transaction after the dual agent has complied with

PAGE 5

(d) Termination of the relationship by notice from either party to the other. However, such

(b) Expiration of the term agreed upon by the parties;

(a) Completion of performance by the broker;

(1) The agency relationships set forth in this chapter commence at the time that the broker undertakes to provide real estate brokerage services to a principal and continue until the earliest of the following:

DURATION OF AGENCY RELATIONSHIP.

SECTION 7:

(b) The representation of more than one buyer by different brokers licensed to the same firm in competing transactions involving the same property does not in and of itself constitute action that is adverse or detrimental to the buyer or create a conflict of interest.

(4) (a) The showing of property in which a buyer is interested to other prospective buyers or the presentation of additional offers to purchase property while the property is subject to a transaction by a dual agent does not in and of itself constitute action that is adverse or detrimental to the buyer or create a conflict of interest.

(b) The representation of more than one seller by different brokers licensed to the same firm in competing transactions involving the same buyer does not in and of itself constitute action that is adverse or detrimental to the sellers or create a conflict of interest.

adverse or detrimental to the seller or create a conflict of interest.

PAGE 6

(7) Nothing contained in this chapter negates the requirement that an agreement authorizing or employing a broker to sell or purchase real estate for compensation or a commission be in writing and signed by the seller or buyer.

(6) A firm may receive compensation based on the purchase price without breaching any duty to the buyer or seller.

(5) A firm may be compensated by more than one party for real estate brokerage services in a real estate transaction, if those parties consent in writing at or before the time of signing an offer in the transaction.

(4) A buyer may agree that a buyer’s agent’s firm may share with another firm the compensation paid by the buyer.

(3) A seller may agree that a seller’s agent’s firm may share with another firm the compensation paid by the seller.

(2) An agreement to pay or payment of compensation does not establish an agency relationship between the party who paid the compensation and the broker.

(1) In any real estate transaction, a firm’s compensation may be paid by the seller, the buyer, a third party, or by sharing the compensation between firms.

COMPENSATION.

SECTION 8:

(b) Not disclosing confidential information.

(a) Accounting for all moneys and property received during the relationship; and

(2) Except as otherwise agreed to in writing, a broker owes no further duty after termination of the agency relationship, other than the duties of:

a termination does not affect the contractual rights of either party.

(2) Unless otherwise agreed to in writing, a broker does not have knowledge or notice of any facts known by a subagent that are not actually known by the broker. This subsection does not limit the knowledge imputed to the designated broker or any managing broker responsible for the supervision of the broker of any facts known by the broker.

(1) Unless otherwise agreed to in writing, a principal does not have knowledge or notice of any facts known by an agent or subagent of the principal that are not actually known by the principal.

IMPUTED KNOWLEDGE AND NOTICE.

SECTION 10:

(2) A broker is not liable for an act, error, or omission of a subagent under this chapter, unless that broker participated in or authorized the act, error or omission. This subsection does not limit the liability of a firm for an act, error, or omission by a broker licensed to the firm.

(ii) the court determines that it is highly probable that the claimant would be unable to enforce a judgment against the agent or subagent.

(i) the principal benefited from the act, error, or omission; and

(b) Except to the extent that:

(a) Unless the principal participated in or authorized the act, error, or omission; or

PAGE 7

Revised July 2013 RCW 18.86.120

When the seller of owner-occupied residential real property enters into a listing agreement with a real estate firm where the proceeds from the sale may be insufficient to cover the costs at closing, it is the responsibility of the real estate firm to disclose to the seller in writing that the decision by any beneficiary or mortgagee, or its assignees, to release its interest in the real property, for less than the amount the borrower owes, does not automatically relieve the seller of the obligation to pay any debt or costs remaining at closing, including fees such as the real estate firm’s commission.

SHORT SALE.

SECTION 12:

The duties under this chapter are statutory duties and not fiduciary duties. This chapter supersedes the fiduciary duties of an agent to a principal under the common law. The common law continues to apply to the parties in all other respects. This chapter does not affect the duties of a broker while engaging in the authorized or unauthorized practice of law as determined by the courts of this state. This chapter shall be construed broadly.

INTERPRETATION.

VICARIOUS LIABILITY. (1) A principal is not liable for an act, error, or omission by an agent or subagent of the principal arising out of an agency relationship:

SECTION 11:

SECTION 9:

36 Preparing for a Successful Home Sale

Makes Your a Home? WhatWhat Makes YourHouse House a Home? What I have enjoyed most about my home is…

The reason I bought this home is…

I feel that the best three features of this house are… 1. 2. 3. I would describe this neighborhood as…

Personal property included…

Personal property excluded…

I am selling this house because…

1937 Lake Whatcom Boulevard, Bellingham, WA 98229 (360) 647-8049 Office • (360) 389-1671 Mobile sommerc@remax.net • BestBellinghamHomes.com

Sommer Cronck, REALTOR® | 360-647-8049 | BESTBELLINGHAMHOMES.COM

Seller's Property Evaluation Evaluation Seller’s Property Please examine Your Home and Rate the Following { 0 = Not a Problem / 5 = Potential Problem } Circle Your Choice Sloped Lot or Steep Driveway

Landscaping

Exterior Painting

Condition of Walkway & Front Door

Condition of Roof

Interior Paint Color or Wallpaper

Carpet & Flooring

Personalized, Non-Neutral Decor

Condition of Appliances

Location

Environment (Not Busy or Noisy)

Desirable Neighborhood

Yard Maintenance (weeds pulled, yard cut & edged, fresh flowers)

1937 Lake Whatcom Boulevard, Bellingham, WA 98229 (360) 647-8049 Office • (360) 389-1671 Mobile sommerc@remax.net • BestBellinghamHomes.com

38 Preparing for a Successful Home Sale

HomeHome Improvements Since Purchase Improvements Since Purchase

To assist in determining the value of your home, it is important to know what improvements were made to the home since you purchased it. Please itemize the improvements with the date, amount and reason.

Date

Amount

Improvement

Reason

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

1937 Lake Whatcom Boulevard, Bellingham, WA 98229 (360) 647-8049 Office â&#x20AC;˘ (360) 389-1671 Mobile sommerc@remax.net â&#x20AC;˘ BestBellinghamHomes.com

Sommer Cronck, REALTOR® | 360-647-8049 | BESTBELLINGHAMHOMES.COM Form 17 Seller Disclosure Statement Rev. 7/15 Page 1 of 6

SELLER DISCLOSURE STATEMENT IMPROVED PROPERTY

SELLER: ________________________________________________________________________________________________

To be used in transfers of improved residential real property, including residential dwellings up to four units, new construction, condominiums not subject to a public offering statement, certain timeshares, and manufactured and mobile homes. See RCW Chapter 64.06 for further information.

2 3 4

Seller

5 INSTRUCTIONS TO THE SELLER Please complete the following form. Do not leave any spaces blank. If the question clearly does not apply to the property check 6 “NA.” If the answer is “yes” to any asterisked (*) item(s), please explain on attached sheets. Please refer to the line number(s) of 7 the question(s) when you provide your explanation(s). For your protection you must date and initial each page of this disclosure 8 statement and each attachment. Delivery of the disclosure statement must occur not later than five (5) business days, unless 9 10 otherwise agreed, after mutual acceptance of a written purchase and sale agreement between Buyer and Seller. 11 NOTICE TO THE BUYER THE FOLLOWING DISCLOSURES ARE MADE BY THE SELLER ABOUT THE CONDITION OF THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 12 ________________________________________________________________ , CITY _________________________________ , 13

STATE _______ , ZIP _______________, COUNTY____________________________________ (“THE PROPERTY”) OR AS 14 15 LEGALLY DESCRIBED ON THE ATTACHED EXHIBIT A.

SELLER MAKES THE FOLLOWING DISCLOSURES OF EXISTING MATERIAL FACTS OR MATERIAL DEFECTS TO BUYER BASED ON SELLER’S ACTUAL KNOWLEDGE OF THE PROPERTY AT THE TIME SELLER COMPLETES THIS DISCLOSURE STATEMENT. UNLESS YOU AND SELLER OTHERWISE AGREE IN WRITING, YOU HAVE THREE (3) BUSINESS DAYS FROM THE DAY SELLER OR SELLER’S AGENT DELIVERS THIS DISCLOSURE STATEMENT TO YOU TO RESCIND THE AGREEMENT BY DELIVERING A SEPARATELY SIGNED WRITTEN STATEMENT OF RESCISSION TO SELLER OR SELLER’S AGENT. IF THE SELLER DOES NOT GIVE YOU A COMPLETED DISCLOSURE STATEMENT, THEN YOU MAY WAIVE THE RIGHT TO RESCIND PRIOR TO OR AFTER THE TIME YOU ENTER INTO A PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT.

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

THE FOLLOWING ARE DISCLOSURES MADE BY SELLER AND ARE NOT THE REPRESENTATIONS OF ANY REAL ESTATE 23 LICENSEE OR OTHER PARTY. THIS INFORMATION IS FOR DISCLOSURE ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A PART OF 24 25 ANY WRITTEN AGREEMENT BETWEEN BUYER AND SELLER. 26 27 28 29 30 31 32

SELLER

IS NOT OCCUPYING THE PROPERTY.

IS/

FOR A MORE COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION OF THE SPECIFIC CONDITION OF THIS PROPERTY YOU ARE ADVISED TO OBTAIN AND PAY FOR THE SERVICES OF QUALIFIED EXPERTS TO INSPECT THE PROPERTY, WHICH MAY INCLUDE, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ARCHITECTS, ENGINEERS, LAND SURVEYORS, PLUMBERS, ELECTRICIANS, ROOFERS, BUILDING INSPECTORS, ON-SITE WASTEWATER TREATMENT INSPECTORS, OR STRUCTURAL PEST INSPECTORS. THE PROSPECTIVE BUYER AND SELLER MAY WISH TO OBTAIN PROFESSIONAL ADVICE OR INSPECTIONS OF THE PROPERTY OR TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE PROVISIONS IN A CONTRACT BETWEEN THEM WITH RESPECT TO ANY ADVICE, INSPECTION, DEFECTS OR WARRANTIES.

34 I. SELLER’S DISCLOSURES: *If you answer “Yes” to a question with an asterisk (*), please explain your answer and attach documents, if available and not 35 36 otherwise publicly recorded. If necessary, use an attached sheet. YES

1. TITLE

A. Do you have legal authority to sell the property? If no, please explain. ...........................................

DON’T KNOW

N/A

37 38 39

*B. Is title to the property subject to any of the following?

First right of refusal .................................................................................................................. Option ....................................................................................................................................... Lease or rental agreement ....................................................................................................... Life estate? ...............................................................................................................................

40 41 42 43 44

*C. Are there any encroachments, boundary agreements, or boundary disputes? ................................

*D. Is there a private road or easement agreement for access to the property? ....................................

*E. Are there any rights-of-way, easements, or access limitations that may affect the Buyer’s use of the property? ...................................................................................................................................

47 48

*F. Are there any written agreements for joint maintenance of an easement or right-of-way? ...............

*G. Is there any study, survey project, or notice that would adversely affect the property? ...................

*H. Are there any pending or existing assessments against the property? ............................................

(1) (2) (3) (4)

________________________________ SELLER’S INITIALS

Date

________________________________ SELLER’S INITIALS

Date

40 Preparing for a Successful Home Sale

Form 17 Seller Disclosure Statement Rev. 7/15 Page 2 of 6

*I.

SELLER DISCLOSURE STATEMENT IMPROVED PROPERTY (Continued)

Are there any zoning violations, nonconforming uses, or any unusual restrictions on the property that would affect future construction or remodeling? .........................................................

DON’T KNOW

N/A

52 53 54 55

*J. Is there a boundary survey for the property? ...................................................................................

*K. Are there any covenants, conditions, or restrictions recorded against the property? ......................

PLEASE NOTE: Covenants, conditions, and restrictions which purport to forbid or restrict the conveyance, encumbrance, occupancy, or lease of real property to individuals based on race, creed, color, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability are void, unenforceable, and illegal. RCW 49.60.224.

58 59 60 61 62

*(2) Is there an easement (recorded or unrecorded) for access to and/or maintenance of the water source? ...........................................................................................................................

67 68

*(3) Are there any problems or repairs needed? .............................................................................

(4) During your ownership, has the source provided an adequate year-round supply of potable water? ..

If no, please explain: ______________________________________________________

2. WATER A. Household Water (1) The source of water for the property is: Private or publicly owned water system Private well serving only the subject property * Other water system *If shared, are there any written agreements? .........................................................................

63 64 65 66

*(5) Are there any water treatment systems for the property? ......................................................... If yes, are they: Leased Owned

*(6) Are there any water rights for the property associated with its domestic water supply, such as a water right permit, certificate, or claim? ............................................................................

74 75

*(b) If yes, has all or any portion of the water right not been used for five or more successive years?

*(7) Are there any defects in the operation of the water system (e.g. pipes, tank, pump, etc.)? ......

B. Irrigation Water (1) Are there any irrigation water rights for the property, such as a water right permit, certificate, or claim? ................................................................................................................. *(a) If yes, has all or any portion of the water right not been used for five or more successive years? ............................................................................................................. *(b) If so, is the certificate available? (If yes, please attach a copy.) ........................................ *(c) If so, has the water right permit, certificate, or claim been assigned, transferred, or changed? ...

79 80 81

*(2) Does the property receive irrigation water from a ditch company, irrigation district, or other entity? ..... If so, please identify the entity that supplies water to the property:

86 87 88

(a) If yes, has the water right permit, certificate, or claim been assigned, transferred, or changed? ..

_______________________________________________________________________

C. Outdoor Sprinkler System

82 83 84 85

(1) Is there an outdoor sprinkler system for the property? .............................................................

*(2) If yes, are there any defects in the system? .............................................................................

*(3) If yes, is the sprinkler system connected to irrigation water? .........................................................

3. SEWER/ON-SITE SEWAGE SYSTEM

A. The property is served by: Public sewer system On-site sewage system (including pipes, tanks, drainfields, and all other component parts) Other disposal system Please describe: _________________________________________________________ ________________________________ SELLER’S INITIALS

Date

________________________________ SELLER’S INITIALS

Date

94 95 96 97

Sommer Cronck, REALTOR® | 360-647-8049 | BESTBELLINGHAMHOMES.COM Form 17 Seller Disclosure Statement Rev. 7/15 Page 3 of 6

SELLER DISCLOSURE STATEMENT IMPROVED PROPERTY (Continued)

B. If public sewer system service is available to the property, is the house connected to the sewer main? .............................................................................................................................. If no, please explain: ________________________________________________________

DON’T KNOW

N/A

41 98 99 100 101 102 103

D. If the property is connected to an on-site sewage system: *(1) Was a permit issued for its construction, and was it approved by the local health department or district following its construction? ....................................................................... (2) When was it last pumped? _______________________________________________ *(3) Are there any defects in the operation of the on-site sewage system? ..................................... (4) When was it last inspected? ______________________________________________ By whom: ____________________________________________________________ (5) For how many bedrooms was the on-site sewage system approved? ______ bedrooms

104

E. Are all plumbing fixtures, including laundry drain, connected to the sewer/on-site sewage system? .............................................................................................................................. If no, please explain: ________________________________________________________

112 113 114

*F. Have there been any changes or repairs to the on-site sewage system? .......................................

115

G. Is the on-site sewage system, including the drainfield, located entirely within the boundaries of the property? ............................................................................................................. If no, please explain: ________________________________________________________

116 117

*H. Does the on-site sewage system require monitoring and maintenance services more frequently than once a year? ..............................................................................................................................

119 120

*C. Is the property subject to any sewage system fees or charges in addition to those covered in your regularly billed sewer or on-site sewage system maintenance service? ...............................

105 106 107 108 109 110 111

118

NOTICE: IF THIS RESIDENTIAL REAL PROPERTY DISCLOSURE IS BEING COMPLETED FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION 121 WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN OCCUPIED, SELLER IS NOT REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE QUESTIONS LISTED IN ITEM 4 122 123 (STRUCTURAL) OR ITEM 5 (SYSTEMS AND FIXTURES). 124

*B. Has the basement flooded or leaked? .............................................................................................

126

*C. Have there been any conversions, additions or remodeling? .......................................................... *(1) If yes, were all building permits obtained? ................................................................................ *(2) If yes, were all final inspections obtained? ...............................................................................

127 128

D. Do you know the age of the house? ................................................................................................ If yes, year of original construction: _____________________________________________

130

*E. Has there been any settling, slippage, or sliding of the property or its improvements? ...................

132

*F. Are there any defects with the following: (If yes, please check applicable items and explain) ......... Foundations Decks Exterior Walls Chimneys Interior Walls Fire Alarms Doors Windows Patio Ceilings Slab Floors Driveways Pools Hot Tub Sauna Sidewalks Outbuildings Fireplaces Garage Floors Walkways Siding Wood Stoves Elevators Incline Elevators Stairway Chair Lifts Wheelchair Lifts Other _______________________________________

133

*G. Was a structural pest or “whole house” inspection done? ................................................................ If yes, when and by whom was the inspection completed? ______________________________________________________________________

142 143

H. During your ownership, has the property had any wood destroying organism or pest infestation?.......... I. Is the attic insulated? ........................................................................................................................ J. Is the basement insulated? ..............................................................................................................

145 146 147

4. STRUCTURAL *A. Has the roof leaked within the last 5 years? .....................................................................................

________________________________ SELLER’S INITIALS

Date

________________________________ SELLER’S INITIALS

Date

125

129 131

134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141

144

42 Preparing for a Successful Home Sale

Form 17 Seller Disclosure Statement Rev. 7/15 Page 4 of 6

SELLER DISCLOSURE STATEMENT IMPROVED PROPERTY (Continued)

5. SYSTEMS AND FIXTURES *A. If any of the following systems or fixtures are included with the transfer, are there any defects?

YES

If yes, please explain: ____________________________________________________ Electrical system, including wiring, switches, outlets, and service ............................................ Plumbing system, including pipes, faucets, fixtures, and toilets ................................................ Hot water tank ........................................................................................................................... Garbage disposal ...................................................................................................................... Appliances................................................................................................................................. Sump pump ............................................................................................................................... Heating and cooling systems .................................................................................................... Security system: Owned Leased.................................................................................... Other _____________________________________________________________________________________________ .................

DON’T KNOW

N/A 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162

Security System: _______________________________________________________________________________ .................. Tanks (type): ___________________________________________________________________________________ .................. Satellite dish: ___________________________________________________________________________________ .................. Other: ...................... *C. Are any of the following kinds of wood burning appliances present at the property? (1) Woodstove? .............................................................................................................................. (2) Fireplace insert? ....................................................................................................................... (3) Pellet stove? ............................................................................................................................. (4) Fireplace? ................................................................................................................................. If yes, are all of the (1) woodstoves or (2) fireplace inserts certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as clean burning appliances to improve air quality and public health? .....................

163 164 165 166 167

D. Is the property located within a city, county, or district or within a department of natural resources fire protection zone that provides fire protection services? ..............................................

174 175

E. Is the property equipped with carbon monoxide alarms? (Note: Pursuant to RCW 19.27.530, Seller must equip the residence with carbon monoxide alarms as required by the state building code.)...........

176 177

F. Is the property equipped with smoke alarms? ..................................................................................

178

6. HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION/COMMON INTERESTS A. Is there a Homeowners’ Association? ............................................................................................. Name of Association and contact information for an officer, director, employee, or other authorized agent, if any, who may provide the association's financial statements, minutes, bylaws, fining policy, and other information that is not publicly available: ______________________________

179

B. Are there regular periodic assessments? ........................................................................................ $ ______________ per month year Other: _______________________________________________________________

184 185

*C. Are there any pending special assessments? ................................................................................. *D. Are there any shared “common areas” or any joint maintenance agreements (facilities such as walls, fences, landscaping, pools, tennis courts, walkways, or other areas co-owned in undivided interest with others)? ...................................................................................

187

7. ENVIRONMENTAL *A. Have there been any flooding, standing water, or drainage problems on the property that affect the property or access to the property? ........................................................................... *B. Does any part of the property contain fill dirt, waste, or other fill material?....................................... *C. Is there any material damage to the property from fire, wind, floods, beach movements, earthquake, expansive soils, or landslides? .................................................................................... D. Are there any shorelines, wetlands, floodplains, or critical areas on the property? .......................... *E. Are there any substances, materials, or products in or on the property that may be environmental concerns, such as asbestos, formaldehyde, radon gas, lead-based paint, fuel or chemical storage tanks, or contaminated soil or water? .................................................................................. *F. Has the property been used for commercial or industrial purposes? ................................................

191

*B. If any of the following fixtures or property is included with the transfer, are they leased? (If yes, please attach copy of lease.)

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________ SELLER’S INITIALS

Date

________________________________ SELLER’S INITIALS

Date

168 169 170 171 172 173

180 181 182 183

186 188 189 190

192 193 194 195 196 197 198 199 200 201

Sommer Cronck, REALTOR® | 360-647-8049 | BESTBELLINGHAMHOMES.COM Form 17 Seller Disclosure Statement Rev. 7/15 Page 5 of 6

SELLER DISCLOSURE STATEMENT IMPROVED PROPERTY (Continued)

*G. Is there any soil or groundwater contamination? ..............................................................................

DON’T KNOW

N/A 202 203 204

*H. Are there transmission poles or other electrical utility equipment installed, maintained, or

205

buried on the property that do not provide utility service to the structures on the property? .............

206

*I. Has the property been used as a legal or illegal dumping site? ......................................................

207

*J. Has the property been used as an illegal drug manufacturing site? ................................................

208

*K. Are there any radio towers in the area that cause interference with cellular telephone reception? ..........

209

8. LEAD BASED PAINT (Applicable if the house was built before 1978). A. Presence of lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards (check one below): Known lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards are present in the housing (explain). ___________________________________________________________ Seller has no knowledge of lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards in the housing.

210

B. Records and reports available to the Seller (check one below): Seller has provided the purchaser with all available records and reports pertaining to lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards in the housing (list documents below).

215

211 212 213

214 216 217 218

Seller has no reports or records pertaining to lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards in the housing.

219

___________________________________________________________________

9. MANUFACTURED AND MOBILE HOMES If the property includes a manufactured or mobile home, *A. Did you make any alterations to the home? .................................................................................... If yes, please describe the alterations: ________________________________________ *B. Did any previous owner make any alterations to the home? ........................................................... *C. If alterations were made, were permits or variances for these alterations obtained? ......................

220

10. FULL DISCLOSURE BY SELLERS A. Other conditions or defects: *Are there any other existing material defects affecting the property that a prospective buyer should know about?................................................................................................................

226

221 222 223 224

225

227 228 229

B. Verification The foregoing answers and attached explanations (if any) are complete and correct to the best of Seller’s knowledge and Seller has received a copy hereof. Seller agrees to defend, indemnify and hold real estate licensees harmless from and against any and all claims that the above information is inaccurate. Seller authorizes real estate licensees, if any, to deliver a copy of this disclosure statement to other real estate licensees and all prospective buyers of the property. _________________________________________________ Seller

Date

____________________________________________________ Seller

Date

230 231 232 233 234 235 236

If the answer is “Yes” to any asterisked (*) items, please explain below (use additional sheets if necessary). Please refer to the line 237 238 number(s) of the question(s). 239 240 241 242 243 244 245 246 247 248 249 250 251

44 Preparing for a Successful Home Sale

Form 17 Seller Disclosure Statement Rev. 7/15 Page 6 of 6

SELLER DISCLOSURE STATEMENT IMPROVED PROPERTY (Continued)

II. NOTICES TO THE BUYER

252

1. SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION INFORMATION REGARDING REGISTERED SEX OFFENDERS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES. THIS NOTICE IS INTENDED ONLY TO INFORM YOU OF WHERE TO OBTAIN THIS INFORMATION AND IS NOT AN INDICATION OF THE PRESENCE OF REGISTERED SEX OFFENDERS.

253 254 255 256

2. PROXIMITY TO FARMING THIS NOTICE IS TO INFORM YOU THAT THE REAL PROPERTY YOU ARE CONSIDERING FOR PURCHASE MAY LIE IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO A FARM. THE OPERATION OF A FARM INVOLVES USUAL AND CUSTOMARY AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES, WHICH ARE PROTECTED UNDER RCW 7.48.305, THE WASHINGTON RIGHT TO FARM ACT.

257

III. BUYER’S ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

258 259 260

261 262

1. BUYER HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGES THAT:

Buyer has a duty to pay diligent attention to any material defects that are known to Buyer or can be known to Buyer by utilizing diligent attention and observation.

263 264

The disclosures set forth in this statement and in any amendments to this statement are made only by the Seller and not by any real estate licensee or other party.

265 266

Buyer acknowledges that, pursuant to RCW 64.06.050(2), real estate licensees are not liable for inaccurate information provided by Seller, except to the extent that real estate licensees know of such inaccurate information.

267 268

This information is for disclosure only and is not intended to be a part of the written agreement between the Buyer and Seller.

269

Buyer (which term includes all persons signing the “Buyer’s acceptance” portion of this disclosure statement below) has received a copy of this Disclosure Statement (including attachments, if any) bearing Seller’s signature(s).

270 271

If the house was built prior to 1978, Buyer acknowledges receipt of the pamphlet Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home.

272 273

DISCLOSURES CONTAINED IN THIS DISCLOSURE STATEMENT ARE PROVIDED BY SELLER BASED ON SELLER’S ACTUAL KNOWLEDGE OF THE PROPERTY AT THE TIME SELLER COMPLETES THIS DISCLOSURE. UNLESS BUYER AND SELLER OTHERWISE AGREE IN WRITING, BUYER SHALL HAVE THREE (3) BUSINESS DAYS FROM THE DAY SELLER OR SELLER’S AGENT DELIVERS THIS DISCLOSURE STATEMENT TO RESCIND THE AGREEMENT BY DELIVERING A SEPARATELY SIGNED WRITTEN STATEMENT OF RESCISSION TO SELLER OR SELLER’S AGENT. YOU MAY WAIVE THE RIGHT TO RESCIND PRIOR TO OR AFTER THE TIME YOU ENTER INTO A SALE AGREEMENT.

274 275 276 277 278 279

BUYER HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGES RECEIPT OF A COPY OF THIS DISCLOSURE STATEMENT AND ACKNOWLEDGES 280 THAT THE DISCLOSURES MADE HEREIN ARE THOSE OF THE SELLER ONLY, AND NOT OF ANY REAL ESTATE 281 282 LICENSEE OR OTHER PARTY. ___________________________________________________

283 284

2. BUYER’S WAIVER OF RIGHT TO REVOKE OFFER Buyer has read and reviewed the Seller’s responses to this Seller Disclosure Statement. Buyer approves this statement and waives Buyer’s right to revoke Buyer’s offer based on this disclosure.

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3. BUYER’S WAIVER OF RIGHT TO RECEIVE COMPLETED SELLER DISCLOSURE STATEMENT Buyer has been advised of Buyer's right to receive a completed Seller Disclosure Statement. Buyer waives that right. However, if the answer to any of the questions in the section entitled “Environmental” would be “yes,” Buyer may not waive the receipt of the “Environmental” section of the Seller Disclosure Statement. _____________________________________________________ Buyer

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Sommer Cronck, REALTORÂŽ | 360-647-8049 | BESTBELLINGHAMHOMES.COM

Easy-Exit Agreement I have the utmost faith in my ability to market, contract negotiate, and sell your home and I want you to have faith in me, too. As such, I want you to know that when you sign a listing agreement with me, if you should find that you are not satisifed with my services, you may cancel your listing. Likewise, should your circumstances change as sometimes happens, you may also cancel your listing agreement. I appreciate the opportunity to be considered as your listing agent and look forward to working with you.

Sommer Cronck, REALTORÂŽ

sommerc@remax.net Office (360) 647-8049 Cell (360) 389-1671 BestBellinghamHomes.com