1. Decide to Sell

• Evaluate your goals: Determine why you’re selling (e.g., downsizing, relocating).
• Understand the market: Research your local housing market to gauge timing and pricing trends.

2. Choose a Real Estate Agent

• Research Potential Agents:
  • Look at online reviews and agent profiles. Google and Zillow are very restricted on the reviews and
  • Choose an agent familiar with your neighborhood and property type.
• Interview Agents:
  • Ask about their experience, the years in the business, marketing strategies, and success rate.
  • Discuss their fees (typically 2.5% - 3% of the sale price.
• Check Credentials:
  • Ensure the agent is licensed and in good standing with the local real estate board.
• Sign a Listing Agreement:
  • This is a contract outlining the agent’s responsibilities, commission rate, and the listing duration.

3. Prepare Your Home for Sale

• Declutter and Depersonalize:
  • Remove personal items and excess belongings to make the space neutral and inviting.
• Clean and Stage:
  • Deep clean the house and hire a professional stager if needed to maximize its appeal.
• Make Repairs and Updates:
  • Fix minor issues like leaky faucets or chipped paint.
  • Consider affordable updates like painting walls in neutral colors or replacing outdated fixtures.
• Boost Curb Appeal:
  • Maintain landscaping, paint the front door, and ensure the exterior looks welcoming.

4. Set the Right Price

• Work with Your Agent:
  • Analyze comparable homes (comps) recently sold in your area.
  • Consider market conditions and your home’s unique features.
• Avoid Overpricing:
  • A well-priced home attracts more buyers and can sell faster, helps with receiving momentum for multiple offers which could ultimately get you a highest and best price.

5. Find and Agent Who Can Professionally Market Your Property

• Professional Photography:
  • High-quality photos make a strong first impression online.
• Online Listings:
  • Post your home on platforms like MLS, Zillow, and Realtor.com.
• Open Houses and Showings:
  • Schedule open houses and private showings to attract buyers.

6. Review Offers

• Understand the Offer:
  • Review the purchase price, contingencies, earnest money deposit, and proposed closing date.
• Negotiate:
  • Work with your agent to counteroffer if necessary to improve terms.
• Choose the Best Offer:
  • Consider not only price but also contingencies and the buyer’s financing strength.

7. Handle Inspections and Appraisals

• Buyer’s Home Inspection:
  • The buyer hires an inspector to assess the home’s condition. Be prepared to negotiate repairs or offer credits if issues are found.
• Appraisal:
  • The buyer’s lender orders an appraisal to confirm the home’s value. If the appraisal is low, renegotiate or the buyer may need to cover the difference.

8. Prepare for Closing

• Provide Required Documents:
  • Include the title deed, recent tax bills, and disclosures about the property’s condition.
• Clear the Title:
  • Resolve any liens or issues with the title.
• Move Out:
  • Clean the home and remove all personal belongings by the closing date.

9. Close the Sale

• Sign Final Documents:
  • These include the deed transfer and closing statements.
• Pay Closing Costs:
  • Sellers typically pay for the real estate agent commissions, transfer taxes, and prorated property taxes.
• Receive Payment:
  • After closing, the proceeds from the sale (minus costs) will be transferred to your account.

10. Post-Sale Tasks

• Keep Records:
  • Retain copies of the closing documents for tax purposes.
• Notify Utilities and Services:
  • Cancel or transfer utilities and inform relevant parties of your address change.

Pro Tips for Sellers

• Be Flexible: Accommodate buyer showings and remain open to negotiations.
• Stay Objective: Avoid emotional decisions and focus on market realities.
• Plan Ahead: Understand your financial obligations, such as paying off your mortgage, your leased items in your property, and prepare for your next move.