Schedule a meeting with your Real Estate Professional to view your property

Once a “general understanding” of your home value is discussed it is time to have your Real Estate Professional view your home. This will allow them to gain a better understanding any features that may increase or decrease the value of your property. There is only so much that can be done using hard numbers, much of what a property can sell for comes from an agents market knowledge. Viewing your property will allow your Real Estate Professional to finalize the value of your property.Finalize a Listing Price for your home

You only get one chance for a first impression. This is also true when bringing a home to market. All homes when initially placed into MLS (Multiple Listing Service) are promoted as “new listings”. All “new listings” typically get more traffic by other agents who are working with active buyers. It is imperative to list your home at a price that is both marketable and nets you the money necessary for you to finalize your sale. Listing it high and agreeing to lower the price later, if there is not any traffic, could jeopardize any “new listing” marketing benefits you may have.

Sign all the required listing paperwork

Now that you have an agreed upon listing price for your home and understand the net money you will receive from the sale, your Real Estate Professional will provide you with all the necessary listing documentation. One of the forms required is a “sellers disclosure” in which you will have a chance to disclose any issues you know about the house to potential buyers.

Prepare your property for showings

It is important to make your home available to “show” to interested buyers. It is imperative that the home is made available to show the same day the buyer requests the showing. Any delay in allowing a showing and you will risk the buyer looking and buying another similar property. It is also important to make sure and keep the home clean and free of clutter for all showings. Cleaner less cluttered homes generally sell faster.

Review all offers with your Real Estate Professional

Now that your Real Estate Professional is actively marketing your property you can expect potential buyers to submit offers. Your Real Estate Professional will submit any and all offers for your consideration. It is important to review each offer with your Real Estate Professional so that they can explain all the details included. Some considerations you may encounter are cash offers vs. those with financing contingencies. Some offers may have a longer than normal inspection period. Escrow amounts are also a large consideration for most sellers. Your Real Estate Professional will take the time necessary to discuss each offer with you so that you understand any challenges or benefits to each.

Accept an offer; allow access for any buyer’s inspections

Now that you have reviewed all offers and accepted the best one, you will now need to make yourself and your home available for the buyer to perform their inspections. Most all contracts will have an “inspection period” typical inspection periods are 5-15 days. The home will need to be made available to the buyer within the inspection period so that they may make a determination on the state of the home. If the contract you accepted requires financing you will also need to make the home available for an appraiser to visit the home. They will take pictures and provide documentation to the bank who is lending on the property that should support the sales price. Your Real Estate Professional will be able to make themselves available to meet inspectors and appraisers at your home so that they can perform their duties.

Schedule your closing

Once all inspections are complete and any contractual contingencies are cleared you will be able to schedule your closing. Your Real Estate Professional will assist you in connecting with the appropriate entities to schedule the closing.