Home selling is pretty straightforward but may vary from state to state, be sure to connect with a local professional for details on state-specific requirements.
Step 1: Choose a listing agent.
Your listing agent represents you and looks out for your best interest. Find an agent who will super-serve you and negotiate the best deal. An agent will have the experience and knowledge to help the process run smoothly.
Thinking of For Sale by Owner? In short, it’s recommended to have a listing agent, the minimal expense is worth the resources the agent will have. An experienced agent will give your home the much-needed online presence and expose it to thousands of potential buyers. In addition, having an agent will allow you to focus on your moving-out to-do list without the added stress of managing the public.
Step 2: Set a home-selling timeline
- ASAP: Find your listing agent. Declutter – decide what you can live without until the home sells then pack it up and get it out. (Less clutter makes the home feel more inviting to potential buyers).
- 2-3 months before listing: Hire a home inspector, identifying issues early on in the process lets you work in the cost of repairs so they don’t wreck your deal later. Tackle some of the repairs if you can, your agent will know where your fix-it dollar will do the most good.
- 1-2 months before listing: Create an inviting space for buyers to see your house as their home. Deep clean. Apply finishing touches, get your home picture-perfect so your photographer can capture it in the best possible condition.
Step 3: Price your home
Your home is only worth what buyers are willing to pay, think objectively. Your listing agent will run a comparative market analysis, which will compare your home to others like it in the current and recent market.
Step 4: List your home and let the showings commence.
Your agent will help you coordinate showings and all they encompass, from pets to kids, to all of the emotions, they’ll be able to guide you through the process.
Step 5: Negotiate
Negotiations kick off with the buyer's offer. Contracts work differently from state to state, your agent will be able to guide you through the process to get the best outcome for you.
Step 6: Closing Time
Congratulations, you did it. Once you’ve found a buyer and all negotiations have been completed, it’s time to close.
