Selling your home may appear daunting when you don't know the process and all of the legalities involved, but that's why we are here! When you partner with us, you will be confident that we will guide you to make wise decisions that will result in helping you obtain the most amount of money in the shortest amount of time. Below you will uncover precisely how we will assist you in navigating your way to a SOLD sign!
Step 1 - The Two-Step Listing Appointment
Our "two-step" listing appointment will provide you with the most accurate pricing strategy to set you up for success. Our first meeting will include:
- Defining your real estate goals
- Touring the property
- Outlining current market conditions
- Discussing the updates & upgrades made to the home
- Sharing our proven marketing strategies
- Highlighting "honey-do" items to prepare your home for sale
Once we have gathered the information needed to accurately price your home we will then schedule another time to determine the best listing price! Patience is a virtue when it comes to pricing your property.
Step 2 - Complete the Listing Agreement
Once you have decided to move forward with listing your home, we will prepare the listing agreement - including all legal paperwork - and discuss the roles and responsibilities of each party. The duration of the listing agreement will depend on several factors, including average days on the market for the neighborhood, the unique characteristics of the home, and the comfortability of both parties.
Step 3 - Preparing the Home for Prime Time
You only get one shot at making a great first impression, and we want to show up to the party looking our best! During this phase, you will declutter, depersonalize, and improve the property. Then, we will order a staging consultation, engage our professional photographer, coordinate with a professional videographer when appropriate, install the secure lockbox, and place an attractive post sign in the yard.
Step 4 - Activate Listing
You've done the work, and now is the time for it to pay off in making your home listing active on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service)! During this time, we will begin marketing strategies to ensure the masses see your home online and network with colleagues to procure a buyer. In addition, you will receive access to our ShowingTime app, where you will be in control of approving or declining showings and receive feedback from buyer agents.
Step 5 - Receive, Evaluate and Negotiate Offer(s)
At this stage, we will receive an offer(s )for your property, help you evaluate the merits of the specific terms & structure of the deal, and we will negotiate with the buyer's agent on your behalf to create the most favorable outcome.
Step 6 - Transaction Coordination
Once you have a ratified contract, we will engage our Transaction Coordinators to ensure all paperwork is routed to the various parties in your transaction (lender, closing company, buyer's agent) and closely manage the important deadlines agreed upon in the contract.
Step 7 - Home Inspection Repair Negotiation
After the buyer has completed their home inspection, they will submit a request for repairs, or a credit request, to us along with a copy of the inspection report. We will then work together to outline what items are agreeable, and we will then negotiate with the buyer's agent to come to terms favorable to both parties.
Step 8 - Schedule Seller Responsible Inspections
In most contracts, the seller is responsible for conducting, when applicable, the following:
•Termite/Wood Destroying Pest Inspection
•Well Inspection
•Septic Inspection
These inspections require specific timing; thus, we will handle the scheduling of those inspections. In addition, we will ensure the buyer's agent receives a copy of those inspection reports and a copy of the receipts.
Step 9 - Appraisal
We will work with the buyer's lender to confirm that the bank-required appraisal has been ordered. If the appraisal does not meet the purchase price, we will discuss the implications and outline your options.
Step 10 - Lender Communication
A buyer has until the day of closing to secure a loan; therefore, communication with the buyer's lender is of utmost importance to make sure conditions of the loan are being met promptly.
Step 11 - Utility Reminder
The purchase contract states that a seller will have all utilities on throughout the home inspection period and through the final walk-through. We will remind you when it is time to order the utilities to be transferred out of your name.
Step 12 - Signing of the Deed
Typically, the seller will sign the transfer of the deed a week to a few days before the buyer has their closing. We will remind you and your closing company to schedule this critical signing. In addition, you will discuss how you would like to receive your proceeds directly with the closing company. Note: we will never ask you to transfer any funds. Wire fraud is a severe challenge in the real estate industry, and we ask that you third-party verify any instructions given to you when it involves money.
Step 13 - Preparing for the Final Walk-Through
The purchase agreement states that the buyer will have the right to a final walk-through to certify that the property is in the same condition - or better through repairs- as it was on the day they toured it. The final walk-through typically takes place a day before or the closing day. Best practices dictate it is best for you to have vacated the property before this time. In addition, we will remind you of what items are to convey (stay) with the home so you can coordinate with the movers not to remove said items.
Step 14 - Closing
The day is finally here for your property to change hands to the buyer! It is customary in our area to have split closings; therefore, you will not be present when the buyers sign their closing documents. Once the buyer has signed the deed, the closing company will record the new deed with the county, and your proceeds will be given to you once that recordation has taken place. CONGRATS!
Step 15 - Value Beyond the Sale
Just because you have closed on the property doesn't mean we are no longer in contact! If you have stayed local, you can expect invitations to client events and other little fun perks over time! If you have relocated, we will still be here to assist you in tieing up any loose ends. No matter where you are or where you go, we will still be available to help you with your real estate needs!
What's Your Home Worth? Contact us for your complimentary home evaluation!