ONE Deciding to Sell. Before you do anything else, it's a good idea to sit down and clarify your motivations for selling and define a reasonable timeline to begin the process. Here are a few others questions to consider: family implication, timing, and current market conditions.
TWO Choose a Listing Agent. The selling process involves working with an agent who will be your guide and partner during the transactional process. Other characteristics to consider include: experience, expertise, area knowledge, marketing plan, and technical skills. It will also be critical for the agent to be responsive and capable of helping you make prompt decisive decisions along the way.
THREE Preparing the Home. During the interview process, you will have undoubtedly discussed subjects such as market value, selling strategy, and the listing agreement. It would also be helpful to rely on your listing agent to recommend low-cost improvements to increase the appeal of your home to potential buyers. Click here for a list of common recommendations.
FOUR Showtime. Now that you've prepared your home for sale, it's time to let your listing agent market your property to a targeted broker and buyer population in the area. With an agent from our firm, your home will also be profiled on numerous websites across the internet, ensuring buyers see your home virtually along with everything it has to offer.
FIVE Accepting an Offer. Once you and the buyer have agreed on the terms and conditions of the sale (ratified contract), the timeline for all the contingencies will begin immediately. The listing agent will oversee the process by providing sufficient access to complete those contingencies, and managing all the necessary paperwork until closing.
SIX Settlement Week. Once all the contractual contingencies are completed and approved, you're just days away from selling your home. In this region, it's customary that the seller has vacated the property prior to settlement unless otherwise agreed upon in writing. The buyer's agent generally schedules a final walk-thru one day prior to settlement to ensure that the house is in proper order. During this time, it's recommended that the seller schedule the turn-off of utilities. The title company will provide a preliminary closing statement (HUD-1) to all parties which details the purchase transaction and associated costs. On the day of settlement, the title attorney will review the HUD-1 statement for clarity and accuracy with each party. Once approved, both parties will sign the official documents to consumate the sale along with the exchange of keys. The documents (deed of trust) are then recorded at the local government entity and then the buyer is the new legal owner.