Selling steps

To generate the most meaningful buyer activity as quickly as possible, a home must be priced accurately based on the home itself, it’s neighborhood AND current market conditions. I use the very latest local listings and sales data to price your home fairly and competitively based on your specific goals.

My objective when listing your home is to elicit an almost romantic daydream, so that potential buyers feel excited and hopeful about the prospect of living there. To help craft that feeling, I will likely encourage you to make some intentional changes to the home’s presentation to best prepare it to be marketed.

I want to get as many eyeballs on your home as quickly as possible to better the chances of an offer that is deemed “highest and best.”

Thinking about selling your home to buy elsewhere? Together we will assess a few different strategies and decide which course of action makes the most sense based on your goals, market conditions, your budget and your timeline.

  • We’ll kick things off with a casual, info-packed chat where I’ll ask you all the good stuff: your goals, your timeline, what you’ve loved about your home, and any updates you’ve made along the way. I’ll also walk you through exactly what it’s like to work together—spoiler alert: it’s organized, collaborative, and actually kind of fun.

    I’m big on education and white-glove service, which means you’ll always know what’s happening behind the scenes. From prep to pricing to going live, I’ll keep you in the loop on every detail so we can make smart, strategic decisions—together. The end goal? A smooth sale and a big win for you.

  • CMA, Punch List & Net Sheet
    Before we list, I’ll equip you with three essential tools so you feel clear, confident, and totally prepped for what’s ahead.

    CMA (Comparative Market Analysis)
    Think of this as your home’s report card—backed by real-time data. I’ll pull recently sold homes, active listings, and neighborhood trends to help us land on a strategic, market-savvy price that reflects your home’s value and stands out to buyers.

    Punch List
    This is your home’s glow-up checklist. From small repairs to light refreshes, I’ll point out easy, high-impact updates that can make your home shine. No need to overdo it—just thoughtful tweaks that help buyers fall in love at first sight.

    Net Sheet
    Let’s talk numbers (but keep it stress-free). Your net sheet outlines what you can expect to walk away with after paying off your mortgage, closing costs, and other expenses. It’s like your financial sneak peek—so you can plan your next move with confidence.

  • Review & Sign Listing Agreement
    Before we officially go live, we’ll sign a listing agreement—basically, it’s our mutual “let’s do this” moment. It’s a legal (and required!) step here in Oregon, and it lays the groundwork for how we’ll work together.

    Here’s what it does:

    Protects you – It outlines both of our responsibilities and ensures I’m working in your best interest at every step.
    Sets clear expectations – From pricing and timeline to commission, we’ll get it all in writing so there are no surprises down the road.
    Gives me the green light – Once signed, I can begin marketing your home, scheduling showings, and handling negotiations on your behalf.

    It’s the start of our official partnership—and one step closer to that “sold” sign in the yard.

  • My goal? To make buyers feel something the moment they see your home. I’m here to showcase your property in its absolute best light—creating that instant “I could see myself here” spark.

    I combine thoughtful prep with a strategic marketing mix designed to get your home in front of the right people—those qualified, motivated buyers who are ready to make a move.

    That means:
    ✨ Professional staging + prep guidance
    ✨ Scroll-stopping social media and digital marketing
    ✨ Targeted print pieces + local advertising
    ✨ Buzz-building Open Houses + private showings
    ✨ And a little bit of secret sauce I’ve refined over the years

    It’s part art, part strategy—and fully tailored to highlight what makes your home shine.

  • With the home professionally staged and ready for market, showings are where all that prep pays off. This is when buyers get to step inside and feel the story we’ve created—the light, the layout, the lifestyle.

    I’ll handle all showing coordination, giving agents access while keeping an eye on feedback and buyer interest. Our goal is to create a seamless, elevated experience that allows buyers to take their time, linger a little longer, and imagine what life could look like here.

    Everything is styled to spark connection—and I’ll make sure it stays that way throughout the showing period.

  • Before we even hit the market, we’ll strategize around timing—choosing the best day to list and deciding if an offer deadline makes sense for your situation. Once offers start rolling in (fingers crossed!), I’ll reach out right away.

    From there, we’ll go through each offer together, line by line, so you feel crystal clear on what buyers are proposing. If we’re lucky enough to have multiple offers, I’ll create a side-by-side breakdown—because yes, I’m that person who loves a good spreadsheet—and offer visual aids to help you compare and decide with confidence.

    Once we’ve reviewed the details, you’ll have three options:
    1️⃣ Accept the offer
    2️⃣ Send back a counteroffer
    3️⃣ Politely decline

    No pressure, no guesswork—just thoughtful, informed decision-making with me right by your side.

  • This is where things get real—and where having a strong team makes all the difference. From the moment we reach mutual acceptance, I’ll be in close communication with the buyer’s agent, lender, and our title and escrow team to ensure everything stays on track.

    Behind the scenes, I’ve got a powerhouse Transaction Coordinator who help keep all the moving parts (and paperwork!) running smoothly. Together, we manage timelines, monitor milestones, and make sure nothing slips through the cracks.

    You can count on me to navigate inspections, appraisals, and any curveballs that come our way with clarity and care. My job is to keep the process moving—and keep you informed and educated—so you can breathe a little easier on the way to the finish line.

  • This is the home stretch—literally. Whether you’re already packed or just starting to box things up, this part of the process can feel like the last leg of a marathon (with the finish line in sight!).

    Final Repairs
    If there were any repairs negotiated during the sale, now’s the time to check them off the list. I’ll help coordinate vendors and make sure everything’s completed as agreed—so the home is buttoned up and buyer-ready.

    Moving Out
    Time to lovingly part ways with your space. The home should be left clean, clear, and in great shape for the new owners. Yes, it can be bittersweet, but it’s also a beautiful chance to close one chapter and step confidently into the next.

    And remember: I’ll be by your side through it all—answering questions, sharing checklists, and helping everything flow as smoothly as possible.

  • We’re nearly there! As the seller, your signing appointment typically happens a few days before closing—sometimes even the morning of. I’ll keep close tabs on the buyer’s lender to make sure all loan documents arrive at escrow on time so there are zero surprises.

    On closing day, everything becomes official:
    ✨ The sale is recorded with the County
    ✨ Your proceeds are disbursed
    ✨ And I’ll coordinate the smooth handoff of keys to the new owners

    It’s a big day—and I’ll be right there making sure every detail is handled so you can exhale, celebrate, and start looking ahead to what’s next.

  • Recording the deed is like making it official that you've sold your house.

    Here's what happens:

    When you sell your home, you sign a bunch of paperwork, including a deed. This deed is a legal document that transfers ownership of the house to the buyer. Recording the deed means taking that document to the county recorder's office where they officially register it. It's like putting your name on the map as the new owner.

    Recording the deed is super important because it makes the sale of your house public record. It protects both you and the buyer by making sure everyone knows who legally owns the property. So, once it's recorded, you can rest easy knowing that your part in the home-selling journey is complete!

  • Cue the confetti. This is the moment we’ve been working toward—and yes, it’s just as exciting as it sounds.

    Money Moves
    The buyer brings the funds (hello, wire transfer!), your lender gets paid off if there’s a mortgage, and the rest? That’s your well-earned proceeds hitting your account. Cha-ching!

    Passing the Keys
    Once everything’s signed, sealed, and recorded, it’s time to hand over the keys and officially welcome the new homeowners. It’s a beautiful, full-circle moment—passing the torch and closing this chapter with gratitude.

    And just like that, you did it. You sold your home!

    But here's the thing: I don’t disappear after closing. Once your Realtor, always your Realtor. Whether you need vendor recommendations, have questions down the road, or just want to daydream about your next move—I’m only ever a text away.

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MARKETING your home

Every home has a story—and my job is to tell yours in a way that captures attention and creates connection.

I use a thoughtful mix of tools to maximize your home’s exposure and reach the right buyers, including:

  • Professional photography and high-quality video

  • Creative, strategic social media campaigns

  • Beautiful printed materials and targeted email marketing

  • Open Houses and exclusive broker networking events

This is where I get to bring my background in marketing to life—using strategy and creativity to build buzz and generate serious interest. The result? More eyes on your home, more opportunities, and ideally, the right offer at the right time.

Alison Derse, Realtor Portland Oregon - Modern entryway

Comparative market analysis

A CMA is a detailed report I put together using data from recently sold homes in your area—aka “comps”—that are similar in size, condition, and location to yours.

This gives us a realistic, data-backed view of what your home could sell for. From there, we’ll have an open, strategic conversation about pricing—one that allows for an “if this, then that” approach, so we stay flexible and smart in today’s market.

Alison Derse, Realtor Portland Oregon - Light and modern sitting area showcasing kids art on the wall

Getting Ready To lisT

Let’s set the stage for the strongest offer and best possible terms. Before we go live, I may recommend a few repairs or cosmetic updates to help your home shine.

Even small, strategic improvements can make a big impact on a buyer’s first impression—and ultimately, on your bottom line. My goal is to help you invest wisely, so your home stands out from the moment it hits the market.

Alison Derse, Realtor Portland Oregon - Mid-century modern cabinet with coffee table books and a lamp surrounded by a map of the PNW and a window

understanding your bottom line

The net sheet is your financial snapshot. It outlines the costs of selling—like commissions, closing fees, and taxes—and subtracts them from your expected sale price.

We’ll also factor in any outstanding mortgage balance or other expenses to give you a clear, realistic view of what you can expect to walk away with. It’s all about helping you plan your next move with confidence and clarity.

Alison Derse, Realtor Portland Oregon - Intimate eating area with wine and flowers surrounded by a gallery wall