Here are the steps for selling a home:

1) “Hiring” a Listing Agent

• In selecting an Agent think of them as a paid Professional working for YOU.
• A listing agent will be representing your needs and wants and should be communicating your best interests.
• 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.
• Design a plan to show your home.  Pets away, reschedule meal times and etc.

3) Calculate Home Value

• Finding the right price for you home and market.
• Have your real estate agent do a comparative Sold analysis.
• Understanding 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 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 offer is not what you desire.
• Always have a contingency plan, or kick out clause in every agreement.
• Never ignore and 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 appraisals are looking for.
• If your appraisal is lower than expected, ask your realtor for different options.
• Remember the seller is ordering the appraisal and 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 before 1950.

11) Seller Disclosures

• Every home must provide a lead-base paint disclosure.
• To not be held liable disclose all know 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.