By 
During Summer, some people take this opportunity to travel. Whether it is in a different city, a different time zone, or a different country, traveling is a great way to relax, recharge, and have some fun! Six months ago, you decided that you wanted to go on a week-long cruise in June. You got the bags packed, passports ready to go. But then, life happens. Two months before the boat leaves the port, you have decided to sell your home! Depending on where we are in the contract, here are some things to keep in mind:
Want to put it on a week before your vacation? Before you leave for vacation…
- home needs to be camera ready, declutter, depersonalize
- determine to show instructions
- make sure all listing paperwork is signed (and/or notarized) before you leave
- communicate with your cellphone provider about data usage
- will you have access to WIFI?
When you receive an offer…
- Keep me informed of when you be available and when you are unavailable to go over the offer that was submitted.
If your vacation is scheduled around the closing date…
- Talk to the title company and discuss if you need a mobile notary or Power of Attorney. This needs to be done in advance!
Apps That Can Be Helpful:
While you are on vacation and are in a different time zone, I have found that Marco Polo has been helpful. This will allow you to send and receive video messages, that you can actually watch in real time. Another REALTOR® in my office was in Europe for three weeks, and she had a lot of success with WhatsApp. With WhatsApp, you'll get fast, simple, secure messaging and calling for free*, available on phones all over the world. * Data charges may apply. Contact your provider for details.
Electronic Signing Assistance:
For signing documents electronically, I highly recommend DocuSign. This is a top-rated mobile app for most devices means customers can do business 24/7, from practically anywhere in the world.
Tips For Your Home Protection That Cost $0.00
1. Don’t publicly announce that you are traveling. This includes social media, voicemail, and auto reply email. If you chose to post your vacation photos on social media, then it is safest to post after you return from vacation.
2. Remove the spare keys that you have under the doormat. If you have a family member, friend, or neighbor that you trust to check your mail, water plants, etc., then give them the key ahead of time.
3. Unplug electronics that you are not using. I actually used to do this while I would visit my parents during holiday breaks. Unplugging electronics you’re not going to be using-lamps, fans, radio, television, alarm clocks- not only will help you save money but can help in preventing electrical fires.
4. Keep valuables out of sight. If you need help with this, go outside your home and peak through the window, then evaluate what is in sight. Video game systems, laptops, iPads, jewelry, electronics, are all some examples.
These are just a few suggestions in order to facilitate travel while your home is on the market. I hope you have a wonderful trip, and I look forward to hearing your stories when you come back to East Texas!
Kelly Raulston
“Reliable and Ready” REALTOR® since 2016. I was born in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, but was raised in Texas since 1997. When I found out we were moving to Plano, Texas, I remember looking forward to riding a horse to school and a brand-new pair of cowboy boots! Growing up in Plano prepared me to be competitive, quick, and to have a strong work ethic.
I graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. Axe’em Jacks! That is where my love for East Texas began. The nature, warm smiles, football games, and community values can't be beat! I graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. I was a middle school math teacher in Tyler, Texas. I met my husband, Travis, in Sunday school, and we have been married since September 2016.
I love being a REALTOR® in East Texas! Relationships are genuine, the area is beautiful, and the market is rockin’! I am an involved REALTOR® to better the community. Some of the organizations I am involved with are: The Professional Development Committee, Texas Real Estate Political Action Committee, and Tyler Educational Networking Group. Some awards I have won were “The Hustle Award” in 2016, and “Rookie of the Year” in 2017.
When I am not working with my clients, I like to spend quality time with my friends and family doing the following: running, target practice, read and participate in book club, and playing with my dachshund Greta.
