The Complete Seller’s Journey
About Course
The Complete Sellers Journey
Master the Home Selling Process from Preparation to Closing
Course Overview
The Complete Sellers Journey is a comprehensive educational program designed to empower homeowners with the knowledge, strategies, and confidence needed to successfully sell their property—whether working with an agent or pursuing the For Sale By Owner (FSBO) path. Created by real estate expert Aleah Bennett of Something Different Real Estate Design and Consulting, this step-by-step course transforms the complex selling process into a manageable, profitable experience.
What This Course Offers
This practical, results-oriented program breaks down the entire home selling process into strategic phases, addressing each critical decision point sellers face. Through detailed video lessons, downloadable resources, and real-world case studies, you’ll gain insider knowledge that can maximize your property’s value while minimizing stress and time on market.
Who Should Enroll
- First-time home sellers seeking clarity and confidence throughout the selling process
- Experienced homeowners wanting updated strategies for today’s evolving market
- Property investors looking to optimize their exit strategies and returns
- FSBO sellers seeking professional guidance without traditional agent commissions
- Homeowners considering their selling options and weighing agent vs. FSBO approaches
Course Curriculum
Module 1: Strategic Preparation
- Property evaluation: identifying your home’s strengths and improvement opportunities
- Market timing considerations and seasonal selling advantages
- Pre-listing improvements with the highest ROI
- Setting realistic timelines and managing expectations
Module 2: Property Research & Documentation
- Accessing and interpreting county assessor data for accurate property information
- Understanding property characteristics that impact valuation
- Gathering essential documents: surveys, warranties, permits, and disclosures
- Creating a comprehensive property history and feature inventory
Module 3: Pricing Strategy Development
- Comparative market analysis techniques for accurate pricing
- Evaluating sold properties vs. active listings for realistic comparisons
- Adjusting for unique features and market conditions
- Strategic pricing approaches for different market conditions
Module 4: Property Presentation Excellence
- Professional photography principles and investment considerations
- Staging strategies that maximize buyer appeal and visualization
- Decluttering and depersonalization techniques with maximum impact
- Curb appeal optimization and first impression management
Module 5: Marketing & Maximum Exposure
- Creating compelling property descriptions and marketing materials
- Digital marketing platforms: MLS, FSBO sites, and social media strategies
- Leveraging flat-fee services and professional networks
- Open house planning and execution for maximum attendance
Module 6: Offer Evaluation & Negotiation
- Analyzing different offer types: financing vs. cash, contingencies vs. non-contingent
- Understanding and leveraging escalation clauses
- Evaluating buyer qualification and offer strength beyond price
- Negotiation strategies that protect your interests while facilitating agreement
Module 7: Contract to Closing Management
- Title company selection and coordination
- Inspection navigation and repair negotiation strategies
- Understanding closing costs and net proceeds calculations
- Final walk-through protocols and closing day preparation
Your Investment
The Complete Sellers Journey provides professional guidance that could add thousands of dollars to your final sale price while reducing stress and preventing costly mistakes. This course distills decades of real estate experience into accessible, actionable knowledge at a fraction of what these mistakes could cost you.
Enroll today and transform your home selling experience from overwhelming to empowering and profitable.
Created by Something Different Real Estate Design and Consulting
What Will You Learn?
- Strategic Preparation
- Property Research
- Pricing Strategy
- Property Presentation
- Marketing Mastery
- Offer Evaluation
- Closing Process
Course Content
An Alternative Way to Sell a House
Beyond Traditional Listings: Exploring All Your Options
This specialized course expands your understanding of home selling beyond the conventional market approach, revealing pathways many homeowners don't realize exist. Whether you're facing challenging circumstances or simply want to maximize your options, this comprehensive guide opens doors to creative selling solutions.
What You'll Discover
This course equips you with crucial knowledge about:
Alternative selling methods beyond traditional listings
How different loan types (VA, FHA, Conventional, Rural Development) impact your sale
Strategic decision-making for property repairs vs. selling as-is
Solutions for challenging situations including foreclosure, liens, divorce, or probate
Creative financing options including owner financing and rental strategies
Making informed choices about whether selling is truly your best option
Ideal For Homeowners Who:
Need to sell quickly due to life circumstances
Are facing foreclosure or financial hardship
Have properties requiring significant repairs
Want to understand all available options before making decisions
Are interested in creative financing solutions
Taught by real estate professionals Aleah Bennett and Katie Ocana, this course combines practical experience with compassionate guidance to help you navigate even the most challenging real estate situations with confidence and clarity.
Because knowing all your options is the first step to making the right choice.
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Alternative Ways to Sell
09:37
General Laws
Essential Legal Knowledge for FSBO Transactions
In this informative video, Aleah Bennett provides a practical overview of the varying real estate laws that can significantly impact your For Sale By Owner journey. Understanding these legal distinctions is crucial for anyone buying or selling property without agent representation.
What You'll Learn:
Disclosure vs. Non-Disclosure States
*How access to comparable sales data varies by location
*The critical differences between full disclosure, limited disclosure, and non-disclosure states
*Real-world examples comparing Idaho and Wyoming's contrasting requirements
*How disclosure laws affect your research capabilities and pricing strategy
Attorney States
*Which states legally require attorney involvement in real estate closings
*Understanding the varying levels of attorney participation across "lawyer states"
*When to seek legal counsel regardless of state requirements
Fair Housing Act
*Overview of federal protections against discrimination
*How these regulations apply to independent sellers and buyers
*Legal obligations you must understand to remain compliant
Finding State-Specific Information
*Practical guidance for researching your local real estate laws
*How to identify reliable governmental information sources
*Resources for continued legal education
While not providing legal advice, this video equips you with the knowledge to ask the right questions and seek appropriate professional guidance. Understanding the legal framework of real estate transactions in your specific location provides a foundation for confident, compliant property transactions.
Part of the "Something Different Real Estate Design and Consulting" educational series
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Navigating Real Estate Laws Across States
08:20 -
Summary and Checklist
Gathering Information for Home Pricing
This comprehensive guide walks you through the essential process of researching your property and determining an optimal listing price for your For Sale By Owner (FSBO) transaction. Proper pricing is crucial for attracting potential buyers and maximizing your chances of a successful sale.
What You'll Learn:
Finding Accurate Property Information
*How to utilize your County Assessor's website as a primary information source
*Navigating property search tools to find complete details about your home
*Understanding property characteristics that impact value (zoning, size, age)
*How to interpret property tax assessments versus actual market value
Key Property Data Points
*Accessing official records for square footage, lot size, and property features
*Determining what constitutes conforming versus non-conforming bedrooms
*Identifying permitted renovations and their impact on property value
*Reading property sketches to understand layout and dimensions
Comparable Property Analysis
*How to select appropriate comparable properties within your area
*The importance of comparing recently SOLD homes versus active listings
*Key factors that determine comparability (square footage, bedrooms/bathrooms, condition)
*Why renovations and home age significantly impact pricing strategy
Pricing Resources and Strategies
*When and how to hire a real estate agent for a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)
*Alternative data sources including PropStream, Zillow, and professional appraisals
*The advantages of competitive pricing for FSBO properties
*Understanding different pricing strategies and their market implications
This video provides the foundation for making informed pricing decisions—a critical step that balances attracting buyers while maximizing your property's value. Remember that pricing is not an exact science but rather an educated assessment of what buyers are willing to pay in your specific market.
Part of the "Something Different Real Estate Design and Consulting" educational series
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Gathering Information – Property Research and Pricing Strategy
14:01 -
In-Depth Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)
10:59 -
Summary and Checklist
How to Market
Effective Strategies to Attract Qualified Buyers to Your For Sale By Owner Listing
In this strategic marketing session, real estate expert Aleah Bennett guides you through proven techniques to effectively present and promote your FSBO property. After determining your optimal listing price, marketing becomes the crucial next step in attracting potential buyers and generating competitive offers.
What You'll Learn:
Professional Photography
* When to invest in professional photography (recommended for properties $300k+)
* Cost considerations for professional services (typically $150+ depending on location)
* DIY photography tips for capturing your property's best features
* Essential photo guidelines: capturing 15-25 high-quality interior and exterior images
Home Staging Essentials
* Strategic decluttering and depersonalization techniques
* The proven impact of staging on buyer perception and offer amounts
* How minimizing personal items helps buyers visualize themselves in the space
* Creating the right first impression through cleanliness and presentation
Compelling Property Descriptions
* Creating detailed listing content that highlights key property features
* Essential elements to include: bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage, garage size
* How to showcase recent upgrades, systems, and included appliances
* Balancing comprehensive information with engaging promotional language
Maximizing Listing Visibility
* FSBO platform options and their comparative costs and benefits
* Flat-fee MLS listing services to expand property exposure
* Leveraging Facebook groups and Marketplace for targeted local promotion
* Strategic signage placement for neighborhood visibility and open houses
Networking and Word-of-Mouth Marketing
* The underestimated power of personal connections in property sales
* How to effectively communicate your listing to your extended network
* Maximizing everyday conversations for potential buyer connections
* Creating multiple touchpoints across various marketing channels
This video provides practical guidance on marketing your property as a For Sale By Owner seller. By implementing these professional marketing strategies, you'll significantly increase your property's visibility, attract qualified buyers, and position yourself for a successful sale.
Part of the "Something Different Real Estate Design and Consulting" educational series
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Marketing – Showcasing and Promoting Your FSBO Property
10:00 -
Summary and Checklist
Receiving Offers
How to Analyze, Compare, and Respond to Purchase Offers on Your Property
In this crucial decision-making session, real estate expert Aleah Bennett provides detailed guidance on handling one of the most important aspects of the FSBO process: evaluating and responding to purchase offers. With practical examples and comparative analysis, you'll gain the confidence to select the offer that best aligns with your specific needs and circumstances.
What You'll Learn:
Contract Review Fundamentals
*The critical importance of thoroughly reading every aspect of purchase agreements
*Common pitfalls when verbal discussions differ from written terms
*State-to-state variations in purchase and sales agreements
*Key sections to scrutinize in every offer document
Comparing Multiple Offers
*How to establish a fair timeframe for collecting competing offers
*Strategic communication with potential buyers during the offer period
*Side-by-side analysis techniques for evaluating different proposals
*Identifying the true financial impact beyond just the purchase price
Critical Offer Components
*Purchase price versus actual net proceeds analysis
*Earnest money considerations: what amounts indicate serious buyers
*Financing methods: conventional loans versus cash offers
*Contingency clauses and their impact on closing probability
*Closing date flexibility and negotiation strategies
Advanced Negotiation Tactics
*How to effectively counter offers without alienating buyers
*Understanding and leveraging escalation clauses
*When to prioritize non-price factors in your decision-making
*Finding middle ground that serves both buyer and seller needs
Legal and Practical Considerations
*The binding nature of signed purchase agreements
*When to seek legal counsel during the offer evaluation process
*Balancing emotional and practical factors in your final decision
*Communication strategies throughout the negotiation process
This video provides the critical knowledge needed to confidently evaluate purchase offers on your FSBO property. By understanding these key concepts and strategies, you'll be better positioned to select the offer that best meets your financial goals and personal circumstances.
Part of the "Something Different Real Estate Design and Consulting" educational series
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Receiving Offers – Evaluating and Negotiating FSBO Proposals
17:13 -
Summary and Checklist
After the Contract is Signed
Navigate the Critical Period Between Accepted Offer and Closing Day
In this final installment of the series, real estate investor Aleah Bennett guides you through the crucial post-contract period—a time when attention to detail and proper communication are essential for a successful closing. Whether you're a buyer or seller, this comprehensive overview ensures you're prepared for every step leading to property transfer.
What You'll Learn:
Title Company Essentials
*How to select a reputable title company for your transaction
*Understanding the title search process and common title issues
*The importance of establishing relationships with escrow officers early
*Communication protocols for efficient document processing
Critical Property Protection Options
*Title insurance explained: Why it's a crucial safeguard against hidden claims
*How title insurance protects new owners from previous owner's debts
*Home warranty options and strategic negotiation approaches
*When warranties provide value for both buyers and sellers
Contract Management
*Tracking and meeting all contractual deadlines
*Creating proper amendments when circumstances change
*Documentation requirements for timeline adjustments
*Examples of properly executed amendment forms
Preparing for Closing Day
*Location logistics: Planning for in-person vs. remote closings
*Working with mobile notaries for out-of-state transactions
*Timeline considerations for smooth document processing
*Communication strategies to prevent last-minute delays
This video provides the guidance needed to navigate the final and often most challenging phase of the real estate transaction. With proper preparation and attention to detail, you'll be equipped to handle unexpected developments and achieve a successful closing.
The final video in the "Something Different Real Estate Design and Consulting" educational series
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From Contract to Closing- Managing the Final Steps
09:12 -
Title and Escrow-Kauri Richards
06:40 -
Summary and Checklist