Homeselling Process

Select an Agent or FSBO

Decide if you’re going to be represented by a Realtor (and select a Realtor to represent you) or do ‘For Sale By Owner’ (FSBO). There are many legal issues involved in selling a home, so if you decide to sell it yourself make sure you understand all that is legally required for selling in your community.

Fixups

Spend time preparing your home to make a good impression. In any market, a  home that is in good condition and priced well will sell. It’s time to fix those things you have learned to live with, often things you were going to fix when you bought but never got around to doing. Consider both inside and outside items, including: paint, carpets and flooring, kitchen and baths, windows, mechanicals (furnace, A/C, electrical, plumbing, etc), doors, roof, landscaping.

City Inspection

Some metro area cities require an inspection prior to selling your home. Check City Inspections to see if your city has any inspection requirements prior to selling a property.

Staging

Home staging has become more important in a market where buyers have so many choices... it helps them more easily picture themselves living in your home. Staging involves getting your home in top shape, removing clutter and excess personal items, and using decor to make your home look spacious and inviting.

Pricing and Listing Your Home

In deciding on a price for your home you compare your home to homes currently for sale, those recently sold, as well as those that did not sell in your neighborhood. Keep in mind that to be competitive your home should look better and be priced better than others currently offered for sale. Listing your home on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) is vitally important to get the exposure you need in today’s marketplace.

Showing Your Home

This may be one of the most difficult stages of the whole selling process. It’s hard work getting your home into tip-top showing condition, but it can just a hard keeping it that way while you continue to live in it! You should be ready for showings at any time... it only takes one person to buy, and you never know when that one person is going to come through your door.

Negotiating a Purchase Agreement

Negotiations include such things as price, financing, closing date, possession, and personal property inclusions. Most purchase agreements also include a private inspection paid for by the buyer shortly after coming to an agreement. After the inspection your potential buyer has the option of proceeding as is, asking for items to be corrected or canceling the transaction.

Preparing for Closing

Many steps take place from purchase agreement to closing, including: the property is appraised, all conditions for final loan approval must be met, and abstract and title work are completed. While these steps are taking place, you will be planning and preparing your move in preparation for closing, including final payment and transfer of utilities and authorization for payoff of any existing mortgages and liens on your property. Your buyers will do a final walk-through of your home just before closing, then papers are signed to transfer title at the closing and turn over the keys to the new owner!