The Selling Process

The first step to selling your home is to evaluate the home's condition. It will be important to address any cosmetic or functional problems and discuss potential upgrades or improvements that may bring additional value to your sale. Note that some problems may require disclosure to potential buyers. We will discuss the findings and available options to help ensure your home is in the best condition possible for attracting buyers.

There are many important factors to consider in determining a competitive list price for your home, such as location, condition, age, supply and demand, as well as local market conditions. It will also be valuable to conduct a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) of similar homes that have recently sold in your area. You may also choose to have a professional appraisal of your home conducted in advance. Understanding what the market will pay is a critical part of achieving a successful sale, and all of these factors will help guide your decision to establish a list price.

Preparing your home to sell can make a big difference in what a buyer is willing to pay for it. Depending on the condition of the home, there are three key considerations: maintenance and repairs, renovations and upgrades, and staging. Getting market-ready may include a variety of tasks, from reducing clutter and fixing maintenance concerns to updating paint colors and addressing landscaping needs. It may also be advantageous to have the home professionally staged. The focus of this process is to prepare your home to make a great impression and invite the most attractive offers possible.

When the home is ready for market, our professional media team will capture beautiful photos and videos to showcase your home. Then your home will be listed on the local MLS and syndicated to area brokerages and agents. Additional advertising methods may also be used to reach the widest audience possible within the target market. Creating a personalized plan to market your home will help attract the interest of the right buyer.

Once your home has been listed, home showings will begin. It may also be advantageous to hold an open house. Typically, the homeowner is not present for home showings, but you will be notified in advance of any appointments, and showings can be scheduled during specific times to avoid inconvenience. This creates an inviting and welcoming atmosphere for buyers touring the home.

An offer, or multiple offers, will be made by a buyer, which you may accept, counter, or reject. If a counter is made, we will enter a period of negotiation until an agreement is reached by all parties, or you choose to reject the latest counter. Negotiations can involve many factors, including settling on a sale price, concessions, financing, closing date, possession date. Once all parties reach an agreement, you will officially be under contract! Next buyers will deliver their earnest money deposit to the title company.

Once an agreement is reached, the buyer may order a professional inspection and appraisal to evaluate the condition and value of the home. Depending on the results of these reports, we may enter another round of negotiations until an agreement is again reached by all parties. This is when Your Astute Agent adds significant value by sharing negotiation strategies, informing you of potential outcomes or risks, providing recommendations to come to a reasonable agreement, and connected you with trusted service providers if needed.

Closing Day! If financed, the buyer’s lender will provide final loan approval, also known has "clear-to-close" prior to your closing day. Once received we'll review your final settlement statements for accuracy and to ensure everything is good to go for your closing. On closing day you will sign the paperwork required to complete the sale. This process typically takes about an hour.

Once the paperwork is signed by all parties, the buyer's lender will approve documents and your title company will wire the net proceeds of the sale to your bank account, and your home will officially be sold, closed, and funded!