Here are the steps for selling a home:

1) “Hiring” a Listing Agent

• In selecting an Agent, think of he or she as a paid Professional working for YOU.
• A listing agent will be representing your wants and needs; and should be communicating in your best interest.
• Hold interviews with different agents from multiple agencies.
• Discuss their listing agreements and negotiate your terms.

2) Prepare your home for selling.

• Clean, de-clutter, wash, and prepare your home for maximum curb appeal.
• Ask your real estate agent for staging advice for targeted market.
• Finish repairs and remodeling projects before listing.
• Remove all personal items, i.e. checkbooks, photo’s, heirloom items, etc.
• Design a plan to show your home – such as taking pets away, rescheduling meal times, etc.

3) Calculate Home Value

• Find the right price for your home within your desired market.
• Have your real estate agent do a “comparative sold” analysis.
• Understand how robust your market is performing.

4) Marketing your home.

• What are the key features of your home and WOW factor?
• Discuss marketing strategy with Realtor. How can you help to market your home?
• Try to provide photos and videos for home buyers.
• Review marketing strategies throughout selling process.
• Use the power of the Internet to list and advertise your home.

5) Showing your home

• Use a lockbox for ease of access with realtors.
• Plan for seasonal changes and how to better list your property during the different seasons.
• Remember – First impression is the ONLY impression.
• Schedule an open house.
• Ask for feedback from realtors and potential buyers.

6) Receive Purchase Offers

• Understand the Purchase Offer agreements
• When you receive an offer, negotiate if the offer is not what you desire.
• Always have a contingency plan or “kick out clause” in every agreement.
• Never ignore an offer, counter offer.

7) Escrow / Title search

• Keep apprised of selling process.
• Maintain contact with all parties involved.
• Be realistic in selling timeline.
• Ask for a receipt for the buyer’s earnest money deposit.

Schedule Appraisal

• Prepare your home for the appraisal. Research what Appraisers are looking for.
• If your appraisal is lower than expected, ask your realtor for different options.
• Remember that the seller is ordering the appraisal; they will receive all of the documents.
• If the appraisal is the cause of the seller backing out, ask realtor about your rights.

9) Cooperate with Home Inspection

• Prepare for a lengthy home inspection (2-5 hours)
• Ask your agent to provide you with a home inspection checklist so you will know which items an inspector will want to see.
• Prepare all areas of your property for inspection – Attic, basement, garages and etc.
• Arrange and schedule for a final walk through.

10) Required Inspections

• If your contract calls for a roof inspection, hire a reputable company to conduct the inspection.
• Some states will require a termite/pest inspection.
• All inspections costs are negotiable.
• Some homes will be required to have a sewer inspection if built before 1950.

11) Seller Disclosures

• Every home must provide a lead-base paint disclosure.
• To not be held liable…disclose all known problems.
• Your title company should provide CC&Rs, but if you belong to a homeowner association, additional documentation will be required.

12) Contingencies

• If you do not request a release, buyers are not obligated to provide it.
• If you do not receive a release, you may be able to cancel the contract.

13) Close Escrow

• Your property deed, reconveyance and deed of trust will record in the public records.
• Title will notify you and your agent when it records.
• Prepare for moving day.

Phoenix Realtor – West Valley Pros: 20832 W Werner Place, Buckeye, AZ 85396
Phoenix Realtor – West Valley Pros: 4324 E. Hamblin Dr, Phoenix AZ 85050