Steps to Selling Your Home
1. MEET WITH A REALTOR®
There is no commitment on your part for the initial meeting. It will be educational and let you know next steps and help you decide whom you feel comfortable representing you in the transaction.
2. ESTABLISH PRICE & UNDERSTAND COMMISSIONS
Your REALTOR® will provide a market analysis, which evaluates comparable homes in your area to determine the best asking price. In the same regard, each real estate brokerage individually sets their own commission rates that they choose to charge their clients. Deciding whether you will or will not negotiate commission for the buyers’ agent should be a factor discussed with your REALTOR® when determining your selling price and strategy. Note that the rate of real estate commissions is not fixed by law or established by any membership organization with which a Broker is affiliated. Commission rates are negotiable between Seller and Broker.
3. PREPARE YOUR HOME
View your home through the eyes of a prospective buyer and ask yourself what you’d expect. Your REALTOR® will provide some useful ideas for decluttering, staging, or improvements. The next step is photographing the home, so you want to make it as attractive as possible.
4. LIST IT FOR SALE
Once the home is ready for sale, your REALTOR® will begin advertising the property and make it available in the multiple list service (MLS) so all real estate professionals can view and share with their buyers.
5. OFFER AND CONTRACT
Your REALTOR® will guide you through the buyers’ offers and negotiation process. Once an offer has been accepted and a signed contract is in place, the buyer will begin the process of getting an appraisal and property inspections.
6. CLOSING
This is the transfer of funds and ownership moves from you to the buyer, now the new owner. You will sign several documents and arrange to receive the sale proceeds. Typically, you will have emptied the house of your belongings for the new owner. Be sure to have keys to all doors (and sheds or garages) along with alarm codes or other necessary information for the new owner.
While sentimental value cannot be equated with dollars, knowing how to prepare for the home selling process can. Download our Home Selling Checklist:
Download the Home Seller Checklist
Contents
Is Selling Right for You?
Steps to Home Selling
Use a REALTOR®
Listing/Pricing Your Home to Sell
Evaluating Offers & Contingencies
Closing & Settlement
Checklist