Listing Your Home - Cindi Hastings Team

LISTING YOUR HOME WITH THE CINDI HASTINGS TEAM

SIMPLY THE BEST

Cottingham Chalk consistently outperforms the market. Our agents draw on the collective knowledge and experience of our company. No house or person is the same. We get that. As a boutique firm, we’re able to provide a customized and tailored experience. Simply put, we set the standard for real estate excellence in Charlotte.

MARKET LEADERS

Lower Average Days on Market

Higher Average Sales Price

Higher Sales Volume per Agent

Higher Sales Price to List Price Ratio

We Sell Across All Price Ranges

Higher Average Years of Experience

COTTINGHAM CHALK

Built on a foundation of integrity and trust, Cottingham Chalk has a long history of serving the Charlotte community.

From the beginning, our focus has been on people. Attracting the best brokers to build their careers under our roof and empowering them to provide excellent service to our community, and in turn, attracting the best clientele to trust us to shepherd them through the process of buying or selling a home.

We identify wonderful people and develop them into excellent real estate agents, not the other way around. Our focus on homegrown talent has created a collaborative environment where brokers work together, share ideas, and support each other — and our clients reap the benefits of working with agents who are their best selves. Our brokers start here, learn here, grow here, and flourish here. They are leaders in our community and our industry.

Now in our second generation of leadership, we are a family business more than ever. We help each other, we trust each other, we care about each other. When you work at Cottingham Chalk, you are part of the family. When you hire a Cottingham Chalk broker, you have the entire company in your corner.

As a local, independent company, we are free to focus on the big picture as opposed to next quarter’s numbers. We can stay the course when it is the right path, and we can adjust quickly when change is appropriate. As an exclusive member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, we are equipped with market leading resources to serve our clients both locally and around the globe.

INTRODUCING THE

CINDI HASTI NGS TEAM

The Cindi Hastings Team is consistently a top-producing team with over $300 Million in sales, over 500 transactions, and over 55 years of combined experience. With three agents plus a full-time licensed assistant, the team’s goal is to provide clients with the experience, accessibility, and service that the constantly evolving market requires. Cindi, Beth and Anna have combined their strengths to achieve just that on behalf of their clients.

Carol Witte, full-time assistant to the team, is additionally involved in each transaction from start to finish.

Cindi and Beth met in their training class and instantly became good friends and colleagues. With several years and many life experiences behind them, they decided to join forces to offer their clients the best service and experience possible. The addition of Anna, Cindi’s daughter, with her marketing background and commercial real estate experience, allowed the team to further focus their targeted and tailored approach.

Simply stated, The Cindi Hastings Team is committed to providing their clients the communication and resources they need to buy or sell their home. And, most importantly, the relationships created with clients don’t end at the closing table; the commitment to clients endures even after the transaction ends.

GET TO KNOW THE TEAM

CINDI HASTINGS

I’m lucky; I get to do what I love every day! My passion is helping my clients find their perfect new home and/or sell their existing home. I’m very detail-oriented and always go the extra mile to advocate for my clients. I have been with Cottingham Chalk for 19 years and am a consistent top producer. I have been voted Five Star “Best in Client Satisfaction” by my clients every year since 2008. One of my greatest rewards is that so much of my business comes from past clients or referrals from past clients. I have had the pleasure of working with some amazing individuals; I now count many of those as dear friends.

I strongly believe in giving back to the community which has so blessed me. Professionally, I have served on Canopy Realtor Association’s Board of Directors and also as treasurer. In addition, I have also been a Guardian Ad Litem for children through the court system, advocate for orphans in Africa through ZOE Empowers, Animal League board member, PTA president, Sunday school teacher and Junior Achievement teacher. In addition to being a Realtor, I am also a licensed NC attorney. In that capacity, I represent victims of domestic violence pro bono in civil court to obtain a Domestic Violence Protective Order.

FUN FACTS:

• I love being a grandmother! It’s everything you always hear about and more!

• My favorite vacation spot is Islamorada, Florida. It’s halfway between Miami and Key West. It’s a tropical slice of heaven without leaving the US. My family and I have vacationed and spent holidays there for over 20 years.

• I am an avid fan of both college and pro football. I have season tickets to the Carolina Panthers and watch every University of South Carolina football game.

• I love to travel! My trips have taken me to Tanzania, Kenya, Italy, Australia, France, Germany, Bermuda, The Netherlands, New Orleans, Martha’s Vineyard and The Bahamas. The joke in my family is, “Don’t ask me to go unless you mean it!”

• Here is something that most people don’t know about me: I am certified in personality testing. The kind of tests that tell you what job you would be best suited for and what types of activities are really motivating to an individual. Clearly, I found the job for which I am most suited!

GET TO KNOW THE TEAM

BETH SHULL

I am so fortunate to do what I do for a living! I love helping clients find the perfect home for their family or sell their current home and move onto the next chapter of their lives. Many of my clients have become dear friends, and I’m thankful that so much of my business is from past clients or referrals.

Simply put, real estate is part of my family. Almost twenty years ago, after several years in the mortgage industry, I joined Cottingham Chalk and began working with my mother-in-law who had a successful real estate career that spanned decades. My husband is also involved in real estate on the commercial side of the business. So, real estate is a way of life for me.

After working alongside each other for over a decade, Cindi and I decided to combine our knowledge and expertise to offer our clients the best service possible and become a team. As consistent top producers, we are always striving to learn more and provide the best service to our clients.

I live in the SouthPark area with my husband and two sons. I love my neighborhood and feel fortunate to have such a wonderful environment for our boys. I want each of my clients to find the perfect neighborhood and home for them. I love volunteering in their schools, Alexander Graham Middle School and Myers Park High School, and serve on the executive board of the PTA. I also serve on my neighborhood’s homeowner’s association.

When not working, you’ll find me doing something creative. I love interior design and also painting; textured abstracts are my current favorite.

FUN FACTS:

• I don’t like the word “crafty,” but I guess I am. I love to paint and also love to make jewelry. When I couldn’t find a table that was just the right size, I bought the wood and built it myself. I love creating!

• People are surprised to hear that I was an economics and political science major in college. I even won the Breshear’s Prize in Economics as an undergrad my senior year in college at Appalachian State University. I used the prize money for the deposit on my first apartment in Charlotte.

GET TO KNOW THE TEAM

ANNA CASE

Real estate is my passion, and I enjoy helping my clients through the buying and selling process. As a native Charlottean and a second-generation broker, I know this city backwards and forward and enjoy showing my clients all there is to love about Charlotte. After graduating from Wofford College, where I met my husband, I couldn’t wait to move back to my hometown of Charlotte and begin my career. I spent several years in administration and marketing at Cottingham Chalk and then transitioned to marketing in commercial real estate. Needless to say, I have been on all sides of real estate transactions even before becoming a real estate broker.

I am extremely detail oriented and will always go the extra mile for my clients. I am also very lucky to have joined my mom’s team, The Cindi Hastings Team, where I am surrounded by years of knowledge and success. My mom is one of the hardest workers I know, and I have truly learned from the best.

When I am not working with clients, I am spending time with my husband, Perry, and our two children. We enjoy spending time outside, attending Panthers & Charlotte FC games, and visiting with friends and family.

Whether this is your first time buying a home, or your tenth, no real estate transaction is the same. The home buying & selling process can be overwhelming and stressful, but my job is to make the transaction as stress-free and seamless as possible.

FUN FACTS:

• I grew up riding horses competitively and hope to get back to that one day!

• I love to travel! Islamorada, FL will always hold a special place in my heart. My most memorable trip is scuba diving with my now husband in Bonaire!

• I am always outside. Walking with my children is one of my favorite things to do! We walk all over Charlotte with friends!

WHAT SETS THE CINDI HASTINGS TEAM APART?

For each of our sellers, we will…

• Discuss sellers’ goals

• Review and explain all clauses in listing contract and addenda

• Ascertain need for property disclosures

• Explain current market conditions

• Research all comparable currently listed properties

• Research average days on market for property type, price range and location

• Prepare market analysis to establish fair market value

• Confirm current public schools

• Explain impact of schools on market value

• Advise on repairs and updates

• Review curb appeal assessment & provide suggestions to improve saleability

• Provide home seller to-do checklist

• Verify home’s square footage

• Confirm lot size with county tax records

• Determine property inclusions and exclusions

• Schedule staging consultation and install

• Meet professional photographer at home

• Input property information into MLS system

• Create marketing material

• Place For Sale sign in front yard

• Install key access lockbox

• Set up showing service to coordinate buyer showings

• Gather feedback after each showing

• Discuss feedback to determine if changes are needed

• Update MLS information as needed

• Price changes conveyed promptly to all internet groups

• Present all offers to sellers

• Explain merits and weakness of each offer to sellers

• Obtain pre-approval letter from buyer’s agent

• Negotiate all offers

• Prepare and convey counteroffers, acceptance or amendments buyers

• Record acceptance of due diligence fee and earnest money deposits

• Change property status in MLS

• Coordinate inspections with buyers and sellers

• Explain buyer’s inspection objection to sellers

• Review home inspection report

• Determine seller’s inspection resolution

• Negotiate repairs and have get in writing

• Refer trustworthy contractors to sellers

• Ensure seller’s compliance with repair agreements

• Negotiate any unsatisfactory appraisals

• Confirm that buyer financing is finalized

• Coordinate closing times and location

• Resolve any title issues before closing

• Request final closing figures from closing agent

• Receive and review closing documents for accuracy

• Advise seller of additional offers submitted between contract and closing

• Coordinate closing with seller’s next purchase and resolve timing problems

MEET OUR

MARKETING TEAM

Successfully marketing a home requires industry know-how, skill and relationships. The award-winning Cottingham Chalk marketing team understands the complexities of marketing a home specific to each of Charlotte’s unique neighborhoods. Our team assists our agents with the following, making sure your home looks its best and gets in front of as many targeted potential buyers as possible:

• Cross reference our firm’s database of buyer clients and prospects with your home

• Collaborate with agents who have recently sold a home in your neighborhood

• Hire a professional photographer to capture your home

• Create a full-color marketing brochure and digital brochure

• Create a listing on LuxuryPortfolio.com, showing your home to international buyers

• Host a Realtor® event for Cottingham Chalk Realtors® and other Realtor® firms with potential clients interested in buying

• Target relocation clients

• Offer showing advice and provide staging recommendations

• Showcase listings in local online and print advertisements, like Charlotte Home Design and Decor Magazine, Scoop Charlotte, etc.

• Feature your home on Cottingham Chalk social media channels

• Provide up-to-date assessments of the market conditions

“Our team is constantly innovating and staying on top of industry best practices so that we can incorporate the most effective tools available when marketing our homes. Showcasing your home looking its best to the most targeted audience possible is our goal with each home that we are entrusted to help sell.”

“Matchmaking is the best part of our job! We take time to listen to and understand each client’s specific requirements so that we can connect them with the best Cottingham Chalk agent to fit their needs. Our goal is to eliminate stress and ensure our relocating clients are in excellent hands.”

MEET OUR

RELOCATION TEAM

This dynamite team has received numerous awards recognizing their excellence in service. Suzanne Lail brings over 30 years of real estate experience to her position as Relocation Director. She cultivates relationships with corporations relocating to our area and is often involved in the recruiting process, working closely with global relocation management companies and training our brokers on the process. She counsels transferees moving into and out of Charlotte, making sure to maximize their relocation benefits. Melissa Alatsis’ background in marketing, program development and client services makes her excel as our Relocation Coordinator. She fosters our affiliation with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® by growing our broker-to-broker referral business. With this elite, invitation-only affiliation, we are proud to give our sellers incredible global exposure.

Consistent nominees, leaders & winners of the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® annual conference awards

LEADING REAL ESTATE COMPANIES OF THE WORLD®

As a member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® (LeadingRE) and Luxury Portfolio International®, Cottingham Chalk can advertise your luxury listing around the globe. Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® (LeadingRE) is the home of the world’s market-leading independent residental brokerages in 70 countries, with 550 firms and 150,000 sales associates producing 1.3 million global transactions. Our by-invitation-only network is based on the unparalled performance and trusted relationships that result in exceptional client experiences.

550 FIRMS OFFICES

4,600

150,000

SALES ASSOCIATES

70

COUNTRIES

Today, we lead the industry in reputation and a long list of metrics related to sales, market coverage and more. LeadingRE’s mantra is “Making the Best Brokerages Better,” by providing these leading local brands with world-class business resources and national and global connections.

Additional Highlights

• More #1 market share companies in top markets than any other network

• 10 of the top 25 real estate companies in the U.S.

• Top-rated luxury real estate program

• Award-winning learning platform, Institute, recognized by Training Magazine

1.3 MILLION

$296

BILLION IN HOME SALES VOLUME IN 2020 AMONG THE TOP 500 U.S. FIRMS

40%

OF TOP 125 U.S. MARKETS WHERE A LEADINGRE AFFILIATE RANKS NUMBER 1

GLOBAL TRANSACTIONS ANNUALY

120

CLIENT INTRODUCTIONS

MADE DAILY WORLDWIDE

ANALYZE

YOUR HOME

Effectively pricing your home is critical. As experts in the Charlotte market, we take a targeted and tailored approach to prepare a top notch pricing strategy and game plan. To do this, we will:

• Preview active competition and recent sales

• Complete a comparative market analysis (CMA)

• Analyze factors affecting saleability:

Location Condition Marketing Price

YOUR HOME

We’ll help you prepare your home from the inside out, making sure to highlight all its best features. Showing condition is critical to obtain the highest possible offer. We will help you by providing recommendations and facilitating any necessary updates to maximize your home’s value, such as:

• Professional staging

• Painting

• Landscaping

• Minor repairs

• Professional cleaning

• Decluttering

STAGING FOR ALL FIVE SENSES

As you prepare your home for sale, keep in mind that there is more to the process than meets the eye. While we rely almost solely on sight in our daily lives and particularly as we shop for homes, sometimes it’s the subtle engagement of our other senses that make the biggest difference.

• Appeal to smell with fresh, subtle scents like flowers, plants, mild cleaning products, and candles that do not overpower. Smells from animals, damp spaces, or excessive cooking can be a major turnoff.

• Silence is uncomfortable, especially in an unfamiliar house. Make sure there is some form of white noise – the fan on the HVAC system, light music, or even some open windows if it’s nice out.

• Be sure the temperature is comfortable so people want to stay for a while, especially in summer and winter. Also, an inviting, relaxing place to sit can allow buyers time to take a load off and bond with a home.

• Having small snacks available can be a welcomed pick-me-up for people, especially when they are touring many homes. And you can never go wrong with chocolate.

• People’s eyes draw them to a house before anything else, so a neutral, decluttered, beautifully staged home is a must. Personal photos are generally a no-no, but a few that showcase a desirable lifestyle can help buyers connect with a home.

INTERIOR

Walls should be freshly painted (neutral color), free of nail holes, scuff marks and free of any unframed pictures, posters, etc.

Floors should be clean and in good condition

Carpets should be vacuumed; clean them if needed

Clean HVAC registers and grates

Clean all windows and doors; Ensure that all open and close easily

Make certain there are no food or pet odors

Have an aroma that will make a prospective buyer feel at home: fresh bread, cookies, cinnamon on the stove, etc.

Make your house as light, airy and spacious as possible

For every showing, open drapes, turn on lights, remove pets from home, and set the heat/air at a comfortable temperature

Make certain all cabinetry doors and drawers open easily

Ensure all kitchen cabinets, countertops & appliances are clean (inside and out)

Bedrooms should be straight, clean and free of clutter

Remove all clutter from rooms and closets. Clutter will always make a room or even an entire house appear smaller!

Repair or replace faulty wall switches, outlets and light fixtures; make certain all light bulbs work!

Tighten or repair leaky faucets and/or noisy toilets

Bathrooms should be sparkling clean, including tile and grout. Faucets should be polished; bathtubs and showers should be caulked as needed

EXTERIOR

Remove all debris from yard (rotting lumber, sticks, leaves, and trash)

Lawn should be cut and trimmed

Spray or remove weeds from driveway, natural areas, patio and sidewalk

Trim/prune shrubbery. If you have older shrubs/trees, trim them for a fresher look

Apply a fresh layer of mulch/pine needles in natural areas and around trees

If you have heavy tree cover, trim to allow additional light

Plant flowers, seasonal bulbs; place “welcome” flowerpots at your entrance

Power wash exterior, patio, sidewalk and stoop

Gutters should be cleaned out; downspouts should be routed away from the house, allowing for proper drainage

Put a new door mat at the front door

Clean screens, windows and storm windows

If necessary, paint exterior. No exposed wood or peeling paint should be visible

Replace any deteriorated exterior siding, etc.

Repair any loose bricks at porches, stoops, etc.

Caulk or mortar any area where there is a gap (brick siding, patio, steps, siding, around chimney, etc.).

Remove any wood debris from the crawl space or basement

Straighten garage and/or basement

CAPTURE

YOUR HOME

Cottingham Chalk knows that professional photography is essential to capturing the charm and character of your home, while highlighting architectural details and showing it in the best lighting possible. A well-photographed listing can lead to more showings and online viewings, as research tells us that that 98% of homebuyers who searched for a home on the internet found photos to be among the most useful features. In this digital age, buyers will see your home online first, so capturing it with quality professional photos is paramount. With our in-house marketing team and long-standing relationships with local real estate photographers, we make sure your home stays at the forefront of buyers’ minds by offering the following services:

• Professional photography

• Matterport Virtual Reality Tour

• Professionally drawn floor plan with measurements

• Customized property brochure

• Digital property brochure via Issuu.com

HOME TOUR

• For Sale Sign — We are highly regarded as real estate experts in the Charlotte community. Our sign in your yard signals you’re working with the best.

• CMLS “Matrix” Database — Our listings are included on the MLS where Realtors can easily access important information to share with their clients.

• Company Tour — Your home will be featured on our new listing Tour. Each Thursday, we invite brokers with potential buyers to preview our new listings.

• Broker Event — Host a coffee, luncheon or wine and cheese to invite our network of brokers to view your property and spread the word.

• Open House — Effective way to showcase your home to potential buyers.

Direct Mail — Neighbors love to spread the word. We deliver “Just Listed” postcards within your neighborhood and nearby spots targeting potential buyers when appropriate.

Print Advertising — Our marketing team has relationships with select local magazines. You’ll find us in SouthPark Magazine, Charlotte Home Design and Decor Magazine, Myers Park Life, SouthPark Life, QC Exclusive Magazine, and more. We have demographics and reach data to determine where best to publish your home when appropriate.

Digital & Social Media —

• Highlighted on Cottingham Chalk’s social media channels

• Featured on select outside social media channels

• Search Engine Optimization

• Paid Social Campaigns

• Email Marketing Campaigns

Website Syndication — In today’s marketplace, over 93% of homebuyers begin their home search online. In order to increase visibility of your home, we ensure that it is listed on a multitude of the most popular real estate websites, giving it both national and international exposure. In addition to the websites listed below, your home will also be featured on all IDX affiliated third-party websites.

The following are a few of the websites where we feature properties:

COTTINGHAMCHALK.COM

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