One of the most important decisions you'll make when selling your home is choosing a trusted real estate agent. Your agent will:
Showings
Once your home is ready for buyers, it's time to showcase it.
What is a Showing?
Open House – A scheduled event where anyone can visit without an appointment.
Private Showing – A scheduled visit with a buyer and their agent.
Preparing for Showings
To make the best impression, follow these steps:
Deep clean every room.
Paint walls if needed.
Repair minor issues (caulking, leaks, fixtures).
Consider major upgrades if budget allows (new countertops, appliances).
Stage furniture to highlight space and functionality.
Remove personal items (family photos, keepsakes).
Declutter and organize storage spaces.
Eliminate odors and freshen up interiors.
Enhance curb appeal with landscaping and power-washing.
Upgrade lighting for a bright and inviting ambiance.
During Showings
Leave the house – Buyers feel more comfortable exploring freely.
Be flexible – Accommodate evening and weekend showings.
Gather feedback – Adjust your strategy based on buyer input.
Reviewing Offers
Once you receive an offer, it's time to evaluate and negotiate.
What is an Offer?
An offer includes:
Purchase price.
Buyer’s financing details (cash or mortgage pre-approval).
Terms (closing cost requests, contingencies, inspection conditions).
Target closing date.
And more!
Earnest money deposit.
Expiration date of the offer.
Reviewing Offers
With your agent, assess:
Offer amount and contingencies.
Strength of buyer’s financing.
Closing timeline and possession date.
Additional requests (inclusions, repairs, inspections).
Handling Multiple Offers
Accept the best offer – Prioritize price, financing, and conditions.
Counter all offers – Invite all buyers to submit their highest bids.
Negotiate a single offer – Work with a promising offer to improve terms.
Your agent will guide you through negotiations for the best outcome.
Preparing for Inspection
Most buyers request a home inspection, so preparation is key.
What Inspectors Check:
Roof condition.
HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems.
Appliances (if included in the sale).
Safety features (stairs, railings, mold, chimney maintenance).
What’s Not Included:
Septic systems and wells.
Underground pipes and sprinklers.
Pools, spas, and outdoor structures.
You may need to request a specialized inspector for these items.
How to Prepare:
Clean the house.
Ensure all lights and appliances work.
Provide access to attics, crawlspaces, and garages.
Leave maintenance records and repair documentation.
Remove pets and vacate the home.
Post-Inspection
The inspection report is a detailed document that outlines the condition of your home after a professional inspector has examined it. If any issues are found, the buyer may submit a repair request, asking you to fix certain problems or reduce the price to account for necessary repairs. During the due diligence period, the buyer has the opportunity to thoroughly assess the home, including scheduling inspections and reviewing disclosures. As the seller, you will need to decide whether to make repairs, offer closing costs, or negotiate with the buyer. How you handle these requests can impact the timeline and terms of the sale.
The Appraisal Process
An appraisal determines your home’s market value for the buyer’s lender.
Factors That Affect Appraisal Value
Comparable sales in your neighborhood.
Condition and age of home features.
Square footage and number of bedrooms/bathrooms.
Location and neighborhood trends.
How to Prepare
Provide a list of recent upgrades.
Offer documentation for permits and improvements.
Ensure full access to the home.
Clean and organize all rooms.
Vacate the property during the appraisal.
If the Appraisal is Low
Ask the buyer to pay the difference.
Renegotiate the price.
Split the shortfall with the buyer.
Cancel the contract (if permitted).
Your agent will help you navigate the best course of action.
Before finalizing the sale, there are a few last steps.
Pre-Closing Checklist
Complete any required repairs.
Gather appliance manuals and warranties.
Hire a moving company.
Cancel utilities (effective the day after move-out).
Change your address.
Review the settlement statement and property survey.
Ensure the home is clean and ready for the final walk-through.
What Happens at Closing?
Lot's of paperwork!
You may or may not need to attend in person.
Key expenses deducted from sale proceeds include mortgage balance, agent commissions, prorated taxes, utilities, HOA fees.
Check with the title company about what documentation you will need to bring.
Post-Closing
Receive sale proceeds via wire transfer.
Cancel homeowner’s insurance (after closing day).
Retain all closing documents for tax purposes.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully sold your home. Your agent will be there to help every step of the way.
Sign in with your email address
Enter your email address
Please wait...
You’re being redirected to the page with listing data.
