Initial Preparations
Consultation: Schedule a meeting with your Realtor to outline your goals, ideal timeline, and expectations for the sale process.
Home Valuation: Your Realtor will conduct a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to establish an accurate listing price. This analysis is based on similar properties sold within the last six months, taking into account size, finishes, and location.
Sign Listing Agreements and Disclosures: Your Realtor will prepare a listing agreement, which includes details such as the listing start and end dates, agreed-upon price, commission to the brokerage, and the percentage offered to the buyer’s agent. Complete all required property disclosure forms with guidance from your Realtor.
Preparing Your Home
Declutter & Depersonalize: Remove personal belongings and excess items to create a neutral and inviting space for potential buyers.
Deep Clean: Ensure every part of the home is thoroughly cleaned, including floors, windows, and countertops.
Repairs & Maintenance: Take care of minor fixes, like dripping faucets or damaged tiles, and address any larger necessary repairs.
Curb Appeal: Improve the exterior of your property with fresh landscaping, tidy walkways, and a welcoming front door.
Staging: Collaborate with your Realtor to stage your home in a way that highlights its strengths and appeals to buyers.
Listing Your Home
Photography & Videography: Your Realtor will arrange for professional photography and, if desired, a video tour of your property.
Marketing Plan: Approve the marketing strategy created by your Realtor, which includes online listings, social media campaigns, and open houses.
Signage: Allow your Realtor to place a “For Sale” sign on your property to attract local buyers.
Showings & Open Houses
Showing Schedule: Set a schedule for showings that accommodates both your availability and the convenience of potential buyers.
Secure Valuables: Safeguard or remove valuable items and personal belongings before showings.
Lighting & Temperature: Make sure the home is well-lit and comfortably temperature-controlled during visits.
Feedback: Discuss feedback from showings with your Realtor and make any necessary adjustments to improve buyer interest.
Negotiation & Offers
Review Offers: Carefully evaluate all offers with your Realtor, considering factors like price, contingencies, and the proposed closing date.
Counteroffers: Work with your Realtor to negotiate terms that align with your goals. Consider metrics like Days on Market and average sale-to-list ratios for similar properties.
Contract Acceptance: Once terms are agreed upon, sign the purchase agreement and prepare for closing.
Preparing for Closing
Appraisal & Inspection: Facilitate access for the buyer’s inspection and appraisal processes.
Repair Requests: Address any repair requests agreed upon during negotiations.
Final Walkthrough: Ensure the home is in the condition agreed upon in the contract. All personal items should be removed, and the property should be clean and ready for the new owners.
Closing Documents: Review and sign all required documents ahead of closing day.
Closing Day
Attend Closing: Participate in the closing meeting, sign final documents, and hand over the keys. Be sure to bring a valid photo ID and a blank check if you prefer to have funds wired directly to your account.
Receive Funds: Confirm that the proceeds from the sale are transferred to your account as agreed.