A Seller’s Guide

• This is a general guide but one of our agents in your local area will customize the plan to fit your exact needs!

• Fill out the form below to get connected to an agent in your area, or visit the “Agents” page to choose an agent in your area.

• Declutter and Clean: Start by decluttering and organizing your home. Remove personal items, excess furniture, and any clutter that can make your house look smaller or less appealing. Deep clean every room to make your house look fresh and inviting. You have to move all your stuff out anyway so you might as well get a head start!

• Repairs and Maintenance: Take care of any necessary repairs, such as leaky faucets, broken windows, or damaged flooring. Addressing these issues before listing your house will make it more attractive to potential buyers and could increase its value. Consider getting a home inspection. A clean report looks good to potential buyers.

• Enhance Curb Appeal: First impressions matter, so invest time in improving your home's curb appeal. Ensure the exterior is well-maintained by mowing the lawn, trimming bushes, planting flowers, and painting the front door if needed.

• Stage the House: Consider staging your home to showcase its potential, your agent can assist you with this. Arrange furniture, add tasteful decorations, and create a welcoming atmosphere that allows potential buyers to visualize themselves living in the space.

• Research the Market: Research recent home sales in your area to gain insights into the local real estate market. Consider factors such as the size, condition, and location of your home, as well as comparable properties that have sold nearby.

• CMA: Your agent will provide a comparative market analysis (CMA) to help determine an appropriate listing price for your home.

• Price Strategically: It's essential to price your house competitively. Overpricing can discourage buyers, while underpricing might lead to leaving money on the table. Work with your agent to find the sweet spot that attracts potential buyers and ensures a fair value for your home.

• Professional Photography: Your agent will hire a professional photographer to capture high-quality images of your home. Photos are vital marketing tools that can make a significant difference in attracting potential buyers online.

• Online Listings: Your agent will create compelling online listings that highlight the best features of your home, using engaging descriptions and the professional photos.

• Offline Marketing: Your agent will supplement online efforts with offline marketing strategies, including but not limited to: Placing “For Sale" signs in your yard, creating brochures, flyers, direct mailers, and advertising in targeted publications.

• Flexible Availability: Be prepared for showings and open houses at various times. Accommodate potential buyers' schedules to ensure they have an opportunity to view your home.

• Presentation: Prior to showings, make sure your house is clean, well-lit, and free of personal items. Create a welcoming ambiance with soft music, pleasant scents, and open curtains or blinds.

• Secure Valuables: Remove or lock away any valuable or sensitive items before each showing to ensure the safety of your belongings.

• Review Offers: Your agent will work with you to evaluate offers received from potential buyers. There is a lot more to consider than just price. Factors such as financing terms, contingencies, and proposed closing dates are also important to consider.

• Counteroffers: If you receive an offer that does not meet your expectations, you can make a counteroffer to negotiate terms that better suit your needs. Your agent can guide you through this process.

• Home Inspection and Appraisal: Once you've accepted an offer, the buyer may request a home inspection and appraisal. Cooperate with these processes and be prepared to negotiate repairs or adjust the price if necessary.

• Title Work: Make sure to complete the tasks and documentation the title company asks of you in a timely manner, otherwise closing can be delayed.

• Closing Appointment: The closing agent will contact you before closing to set a date and time to sign. If you will not be local during closing be sure to let the closing agent know in advance so they can set up a mobile notary or e-sign session.

• Utilities & Electric: Be sure to contact the providers of your utilities, electric, cable, internet, etc, to arrange the cancellation of them on the day of closing.

• Walk Through: The buyer will usually request a walk through the day of or before closing. Be sure that the home is in acceptable and agreed upon condition to prevent issues and delays in closing.

Congratulations, you closed on your home! Now it is time for your next chapter!