Now is a great time to sell your home! The level of inventory is very low and many buyers are looking for homes. The following are the basic 8 steps to sell your home.
Step 1 Initial Consultation
To sell or not to sell…If you are wondering, contact me and request a no-obligation, free initial consultation. You may have many questions about selling your home. How much will I net from the transaction? Can I afford to buy a home I love after selling my current home? Can I buy my new home before selling my current home? I will try answering all your questions and walk you through your options.
Step 2 Set the List Price of Your Home
It’s important that your home is priced properly from the start. You’re always better off setting a fair market value price than setting your price too high. Many factors, including market conditions, will determine how much you can get for your home. Pricing is part art, part science. I will provide you with a complimentary CMA (comparative market analysis) report to assist you in pricing your home.
Step 3 Prepare Your Home
The condition of your home will affect how quickly it sells and the price the buyer is willing to offer. First impressions are the most important. I can help you take a fresh look at your home and suggest ways to make it more appealing to buyers. Focusing on simple repairs and getting rid of clutter are the most cost effective. Staging – decorating your home to attract buyers – is usually well worth the effort. If you wish, the cost of home improvement services can get fronted using Compass Concierge program with no interest.
Step 4 Market Your Home for Maximum Exposure
Your listing will get maximum exposure from day one. As a Compass agent, I have access to an in-house marketing and creative studio, comprised of accomplished designers. Marketing activities include; a beautiful property website, featuring your property on Compass.com with 800+ syndication prater websites, open houses, direct mails, mass email campaigns, networking with active local agents and more. Professional photos are an absolute must.
Step 5 Accept an Offer
Most offers to purchase your home will require negotiations to come to a win-win agreement. This is where having a real estate professional can be a big advantage. Once both parties agree on terms and have signed a written offer, the document becomes legally binding. Escrow allows the buyer and the seller to have an outside party ensure all parts of the contact are complete. I will help coordinate the completion of all necessary forms to the escrow company and monitor the escrow process until the transaction is complete.
Step 6 Buyer’s Inspections and Removal of Contingencies
Contingencies are clauses that, if not met, will render the contract null and void. The most common contingencies include home inspection contingency, appraisal contingency, and loan contingency. A professional inspector will inspect your home during the contingency period (Usually 10-21 days from the acceptance of the offer.) I will serve as your advocate in communicating with the buyer’s agent about the buyer’s concerns. After a home inspection, the buyer may request repairs.
Step 7 The Move
Once the buyer removes all contingencies, the transaction is usually a done-deal. Unless special arrangements have been made, you will need to move out of the house before closing day. I can recommend moving companies and guide you through the transfer or the cancellation of your utilities.
Step 8 The Big Close
At the closing, the escrow company requests a recording of the deed and wires the net proceeds of sale to you. Following the recording, the buyer becomes the owner of the property and takes possession.