Selling Your Home

Listing with a Real Estate professional is the first step in the home selling process. Choosing an agent that meets your standards is an essential part of a smooth transition when selling your home. Knowing exactly how the process works, when things need to be taken care of, and what to do when things go wrong is what we're here for. We are prepared to assist you from beginning to end, helping you through all of the steps below.

Contact us for a Home Evaluation and to learn more about how we partner with our clients.

To begin the process we will:

• Do a walk-through and suggesting specific improvements that will enhance your home’s value and curb appeal. Together we develop a plan and timeline for going on the market.
• Review Agency Relationships and other important documents and information relevant to your representation needs.
• Create a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), which helps determine the best listing price and likely sales price.

To see a detailed description of our approach, go to Marketing Your Home.

At this stage we:

• Make sure your home is styled and photographed to present it in the best possible light and then made visible to potential buyers in several ways. Contacting buyers, alerting agents in the area, planning open houses, are all part of the marketing plan.
• Once listed, your home will be entered into the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), and several local and national websites. Social media also helps put your home out to the public more than ever before.  Having a solid marketing plan will make your home stand out in the market.
• Use market data and the custom CMA to recommend an appropriate price range. You want to market your home at a price that is not too low or high based on the analysis. For context on the current market see Seller's Market Data.

When preparing your home to show, the goal is that potential buyers can envision themselves living there. We will assist by:

• Making suggestions and providing a checklist to make this process easy. Here are a few tasks we typically recommend:
  • Painting: Freshly painted walls in neutral shades can enhance the overall appearance of your home.
  • Cleaning: A clean home and yard impress buyers.
  • Clutter: Remove all clutter and unneeded items that take away from your home’s features.
  • Curb Appeal: Take a look at your home’s curb appeal and make adjustments as needed. Prioritize your list of projects for the most impact.
• Styling your home and hiring professionals to photograph the property looking its best.

During showings, its best to leave home. When owners are out of the house potential buyers are more comfortable touring the property, envisioning as their own, and talk about features they like and dislike.

It’s also important to make sure the home is welcoming with lighting and temperature. We assist in this stage by providing suggestions for keeping your home looking its best as well as securing your belongings and other important considerations when the home is being shown.

Once you have a written offer on your home, it’s time to negotiate. We represent you by:

• Guiding you through the process and arriving at a price you and the buyer agree on. There could be several counteroffers between you and the buyers. It’s best to try and remove any emotions you have while negotiating. Also, remember that you as the seller have the final say moving any offer forward.
• Once you accept the offer, working on your behalf during the inspection period. An inspection is typically done by the buyers to detect any defects or necessary repairs. Most contracts are contingent on the outcome of the inspection results.
• Negotiating on your behalf if any health, safety, structural, or major unforeseen issues are revealed during the inspection(s).

Included in a typical home inspection:

• Roof
• Appliances
• Plumbing
• Electrical
• Foundation
• Structure
• Doors & Windows
• Air Condition & Heating

Buyers may also request sewer scoping, radon testing, or chimney inspection, among others.

Closing day is the final step when money will be taken from the buyer to pay the seller. This step typically takes place at the real estate or title company office.

• We will work with the closer at the title company to ensure the transaction closes smoothly and on time.
• Before closing, you should be prepared, boxed up, and ready for moving day. We provide referrals for a variety of services including home cleaners, estate sales, and movers who can also assist in your transition.
• Leading up to your move, create a checklist and schedule. The more prepared you are, the less stress and surprises await you on moving day. A list might include:
  • Hire Movers
  • Find storage if needed or schedule a POD delivery
  • Safeguard valuables
  • Transfer utilities
  • Notify post office and handle the change of address