When you've made the decision to sell your house, the questions start to pour in. How much is my home worth? Who should I use as my Realtor? How does a Realtor sell my home? What is the selling process like?

It can be hard to know what to expcet, especially if this is your first time selling a house. That's why I am going to give you a general overview of the process along with a specific look at how I serve my clients to make their selling experinece ideal.

Preparing to Sell

First, I will prepare a comparative and competitive market analysis for your home (known as the CMA). This means I compare your home to similar properties that both have closed and are currently on the market. This allows me to prepare a listing price range. Once I see the house in person, I can narrow down the range to the right price. Keep in mind that the right price will depend on both market conditions and your unique needs.

Going over the CMA with you is part of an agent’s listing presentation. In my listing presentation, I also review the listing process including my marketing plan, suggestions for the property, and commission breakdown. 

If you feel that I will be a good fit for you and your goals, then we can complete the paperwork, and the home sale process can begin. Now I am not just an agent; I am your agent!

From touring your home, I may have some suggestions on how to spruce up your property. Remember that you only get one chance for a first impression. Spend a few hours deep cleaning your home — it is well worth your time. 

We’ll nail down when you will be ready to put your home on the market. From there we’ll schedule a date for professional, high-quality photos to bring out the best qualities of your property.

Your Home on the Market

Before you know it, that exciting day arrives: your house hits the market. With my thorough, multi-channel marketing plan, your home will gain maximum exposure. I typically delay any showings until the first open house, as it builds anticipation and competition amongst buyers, who may bump into each other while viewing your house. I launch in-person, phone, email, and social media campaigns to make sure your home listing is seen by all area Realtors, relevant buyers, and my personal sphere of influence. The goal is maximum exposure, maximum interest, maximum offers, and maximum sale price.

Depending on the market and initial volume of interest in the property, I may set a deadline for offers. Upon that deadline, I will review the offers with you, explaining the pros and cons of accepting each. If the market is slower, or if your home is very unique, it may take more time to go under contract with a buyer. No matter the market conditions, I will not stop actively marketing your home until it is sold. I have a core procedure for marketing properties, but I also understand that some properties will need additional marketing channels.

Having sold a home before, I know how exciting it can be when your agent calls and says “I just got an offer in.” Next, you can reject, accept, or counter the offer by asking the buyer to change one or more of the terms. Once both parties have come to mutually acceptable terms, everyone signs on the dotted line, and the closing process can begin.

What do I do during the closing process?

Your next steps will depend on where you are moving next. If you have a suitable housing clause in your contract that buys you more time to secure your next house, you will need to act fast, especially if your buyer has given you a firm deadline. Securing your next residence needs to be your top priority so that your deal does not fall apart.

If you are already under contract to buy, keep an eye on your deadlines as a buyer. Don't make any big purchases or change jobs until you have closed on your new house.

If you have already fully secured your next home, you mainly need to be focused on logistics: moving, transfering utilities, and making sure to leave the house in the condition agreed upon in your contract.

Throughout closing, you should be monitoring your email for important information from your agent and your title company. Responding to requests in a timely manner will help ensure a smooth closing.

Conclusion

The most important thing to remember about the home selling process is that you have a whole team of people dedicated to doing all they can to get you to the closing table: agents, the lender, the title company. As the head of your team, I strive to make the selling process smooth, successful, and maybe even a little fun.

If you are curious about the value of your home, how to market your home, or any other questions about selling, I would love to have a conversation with you - no obligation. Please contact me here.