SELLERS PROCESS There are very few times in life when you'll be involved in a transaction as large as selling your home. You've probably invested a lot in your residence, both financially and personally, giving a lot of yourself, over the years, so it's important to make sure the process of selling it goes as smoothly as possible. Whether you're upgrading to a larger home, or downsizing after the kids have grown up, the order of events in it's sale will be the same. However, each area has its own rules about specific additional steps that must occur, so it's a good idea to have a real estate agent oversee things from the beginning. Regardless, this guide can help you determine what should be happening when, and identify parts of the process that sometimes create little bumps along the way. Set The Asking PriceAlthough it's often part of the negotiations, the price you initially set affects the entire process. If you set it too low, you won't receive the home's full value. If you go too high, buyers won't show interest in your home. Even if the price is adjusted later, the home could carry a stigma for going unsold for a period of time, and fewer people will consider it. In the end his can result in you being forced to sell the home below market. There are several factors that go into determining the best price at which to list your home, and a real estate agent can help make sure you're on the right path. Your real estate agent will perform a comparative market analysis or broker price opinion that will take into consideration: The price of other similar homes in the neighborhood that have recently sold Improvements you have made to the home Unique features (like lot size or a swimming pool) The price per square foot of other homes on the market The type of market you are in based on the current market absorption rate (sellers, buyers, or balanced market) Determine If You Have To Disclose Anything To Prospective BuyersIt's better if you can fix major issues with the residence before you sell it. However, there are some issues you may not be able to correct, and others that you must legally disclose regardless. Although this is not an inclusive list, some of the most-common disclosures are detailed below: City development projects coming to the area, like freeways Hazards (like lead paint, asbestos, and structural defects) Pest issues (like ants, mice, etc.) Condition of all amenities in the property Anything that can affect the life and enjoy-ability of the property Perform Local Inspections And Required Work Order RepairsSome local cities and counties may require city inspections, often known as "Truth-in-Sale Housing Inspections" or "Time-of-Sale Inspections". Not all communities require these inspections be performed. In addition to those communities that do require city inspections, there are some that may require some repairs in order to sell your home to potential buyers. Failing a city's requirements can result in an additional cost with re-inspections. As a rule of thumb, it is always best to complete minor repairs to your home prior to putting it up for sale. Not only will repairs make your home look better, they will also prevent possible work orders. What is called into question can vary from city to city, but common items that get called in these city inspections include: Inoperable smoke detectors/carbon monoxide detectors Missing backflow preventers on outside waterlines and laundry tubs Improper plumbing fixtures (toilets, sinks without s-traps, etc.) Improper venting for dryers, water heaters, and furnaces Missing hand railings Market And Show Your Home To Prospective BuyersYour real estate agent has a wealth of market knowledge. He may make suggestions to you so that your home sells for top-dollar. When marketing your home for sale, consider how to best: Make your home presentable and possibly make slight improvements Stage the home so buyers feel welcomed by it List the home and advertise it (which your agent will do) Show the residence to interested parties Host open houses to encourage multiple offers Examine And Discuss OffersIf you have an open house, some buyers may work with your agent to submit an offer, though most buyers work with their own agent. In a perfect world, your buyer will agree to pay the full asking price and not make any special requests. In the real world, offers will have some differences worth comparing. Below is a list of things to compare when reviewing offers on your home. Requested price Financing pre-approvals Closing date Occupancy date Tax proration List of items the buyer wants left in the home Things the buyer wants done before signing (like a home inspection, pest inspection, or repair) Contingencies (such as the buyer's approval for financing or the sale of an existing home) Negotiate Or Accept An OfferIf an offer is reasonable to you, you may accept it and move on. However, you may wish to negotiate further with the help of your agent. Your REALTOR® will bring all of their experience and skills to the negotiating table to ensure that you sell your home for the highest value possible. Remove ContingenciesOnce the offer is accepted, the buyers will begin working to remove any contingencies that are held in the offer. These can include, but are not limited to: Financing Appraisals Inspections Repairing work orders The sale of another property The cancellation of a previous purchase agreement Close The DealThe closing process involves the title agent and title company. Sometimes real estate lawyers are involved as well, and your agent will help coordinate events and make sure things that need to be done are being done. At closing, you will: Sign the documents and transfer the title Accept the payment (minus the cost of document preparation and other transaction fees) Give the new owner the keys File the documents with the proper governmental offices Once the deal has been signed, you should prepare to move. Then, you can begin packing and contacting your service providers to establish a transfer to your new place or cancel them altogether. In any case, your home is sold, and you can move onto the next exciting chapter of your life.

WHY SELL WITH A REALTOR® Previous generations used to purchase a home and stay in it for life. Nowadays, the average person moves more than 11 times over their lifetime, which helps build up a fair amount of knowledge about the home-selling process. With all that experience, it's certainly understandable for a person to wonder if it's still really necessary to hire a real estate agent to oversee the process. Although it's not required, almost 90% of people who sell their homes today hire an agent to help them, from which they benefit in a lot of ways. Below are several reasons to work with a REALTOR®. Your Real Estate Agent Has First-Hand Knowledge Of The Present Market.This way, you have assistance in choosing a selling price that will help you move fast, while still getting the most you can for your home. Pricing a home accurately from the start is imperative, as one that's too low may sell quickly, but will short the owner cash. One that's overpriced will likely sit on the market for quite some time, which sends the signal to later buyers that there's something wrong with the home. Sadly, even if you adjust the price later, the stigma may still stick, and potential buyers will continue to overlook the home. Your Agent Is A Marketing Pro.The biggest thing that will lead to a sale is getting the word out. An agent knows where buyers are looking, so the home gets listed in the right places. Contacts are also important, and having an ear directly in the industry means that your agent can make sure your home is the one people hear about when it meets a buyer's guidelines. There are many ways to market your home for sale. Multiple listing service Yard sign Flyers Open houses Website marketing/IDX E-mail campaign Social media Print marketing Word of mouth If Your Home Needs A Little Extra Selling Power, Your Agent Knows How To Get It.Some people jump in headfirst making renovations in preparation for a sale, though a lot of them are unnecessary and will not warrant you the return that you expect. Your agent can give you tips on what to tweak around the home to help ensure you get the best possible return on your investment. Your Agent Will Help You Negotiate.When the offers start rolling in, it's helpful to have someone familiar with current market trends to evaluate each offer. It can really take the pressure off you to have an expert give advice that can help you make the most informed decisions possible and determine which offers you can feel confident about passing up. Moreover, your agent can propose a counteroffer when appropriate, to make the process as stress-free as possible. After An Agreement Is Reached, Your Real Estate Agent Can Help You Close The Deal.Whether last-minute negotiations are necessary or there's just a mound of paperwork to process, your agent will make sure things go as close to plan as possible.  They will introduce you to many different entities who can help guarantee a successful sale.  Last But Not Least, You Gain Representation.The real estate professional you hire owes you fiduciary responsibilities that protect you allowing you to be able to judge offers with confidence and security. These are their responsibilities: Loyalty: Your REALTOR® must be loyal to you and work in your best interests only, even if that is above their own best interests. You are their #1 highest priority during a real estate transaction Confidentiality: Your REALTOR® must keep anything you tell them private and confidential. In other words, your price, terms, motivation, and personal information will be kept under a tight lip Disclosure: Your real estate professional is a vast wealth of knowledge about the real estate transaction process. They will share anything they've learned from their years of experience to help set you up for success. This allows you to know you are always making the most informed decisions Obedience: Your REALTOR® must obey all of your lawful instructions. You are in the driver seat Reasonable Care: As a client of your REALTOR®, you are the most important person to the transaction. They will always attempt to be available when needed and work to the best of their ability to successfully sell your home Accounting: The real estate transaction is a challenging process. Your REALTOR® is accountable for ensuring that the transaction runs smoothly, all the pieces fall into place as expected, the numbers match the offer, and the financing approval and closing docs are taken care of Sometimes people forego bringing in a pro, thinking it will save them money. Unfortunately, without knowledge of the present market and regulations, it ends up costing them more in the end. Your agent is your advocate who works exclusively for you, so the process will be as stress-free and lucrative as possible for you. This is why you want to work with a REALTOR®.

INCREASE YOUR HOME'S VALUE Your home is probably your greatest asset, and you deserve to get top-dollar for it when you're ready to sell. While certain renovations can excite potential buyers, they don't always increase what a shopper is willing to pay for a house. It's important to keep this in mind as you prepare your home for the market, so you can make small changes that provide the best return on investment. It's a good idea to consult with a real estate agent to get tips that pertain to your residence and local market, though certain methods are universal. Begin With A Deep Clean And De-clutterHome-buyers want to imagine what life will be like in the house, so the less you have there, the better. If need be, rent off-site storage to stash away holiday decor and other things you aren't using. If your kids have a mountain of toys, try to pare it down for the duration of the sale. You may also benefit from hiring professional cleaners to come in and give the place a shine. Have The Home InspectedIf you're handy, this is a do-it-yourself project. However, you can also hire a home inspector to come out and give the house a once-over. At some point during the process, you'll have to have the home formally inspected, but it's a good idea to catch any issues and correct them before this step. This way, you're sure potential buyers aren't going to find any surprises while they examine the home, and they have less wiggle room to request a lower rate later. Make Sure There Is Plenty Of Lighting And Go Natural Whenever PossibleA well-lit house with modernized fixtures feels warm and inviting, though your best bet is to utilize natural lighting whenever possible. Sun domes, a more modest approach than skylights, also resonate well with today's Eco-conscious buyer. Create Curb Appeal By Cleaning Up The Front Lawn And Staging A Welcoming EntrywayBecause the exterior of your home is the first thing people see and sets the expectations for what they'll find inside, your front yard and facade should look tidy and well-kept. Common Repairs To ConsiderDepending on your budget, you may wish to tackle other projects that can help your home command a higher sales price. Consider: Staging your home Landscaping the backyard Shampooing or replacing carpets Repairing any damaged flooring Painting interior walls Updating the kitchen Painting the home's exterior Updating the bathrooms Fixing any loose doors or cabinets Be Ready For ShowingsShowings can happen at any moment with little notice. Always having your home ready to show is very important. Consider marketing to all five of your customer's senses: Smell: Always keep your home smelling fresh and clean Sight: Do your best to always have the dishes done, laundry put away, and your home kept clean. (Consider having a grab bag that you can quickly grab loose items and debris with and place in a corner, so that you can quickly keep your home clean-looking.) Sound: Playing nice, soft, inviting music can help place a potential buyer at ease and help them feel comfortable in your home Taste: Consider always having a fresh batch of cookies available for potential buyers. Be sure to leave a sign that they are welcome to have some. Not only will this make them feel invited and at home, but it smells great too Touch: Make sure that your doors don't squeak, your cabinets are not loose, and your home is in the best condition possible. Some people get caught up in trying to make a home unique by adding specialty rooms or performing a total remodel, when buyers usually prefer a home that's move-in ready. It's easy to become lost in projects, hoping to make your home really stand out, but you also have to be careful that you aren't making your home too overpriced for the neighborhood. This is another reason why it's a great idea to bring a real estate agent on board early, even if it's only for a consultation. That way, you can be sure you're directing your attention to the things that matter most to your potential buyers.

SELLER'S CHECKLIST There's a lot involved in selling a home, and the process can seem overwhelming at first. Your first step should be to contact a real estate agent who can walk you through the process and help you along the way. However, if you're not ready to take that plunge just yet, you can use this checklist to get you started and give you an idea of what's to come. Get Professional Advice From A REALTOR®Seeking the advice and guidance of a real estate professional will set you up for success along the way. Generate a Plan To De-clutter Your HomeThrow away things of little or no value that you don't use. Host a garage sale. Give away, sell, or donate other items you no longer have a need for. Use offsite storage for anything you won't use before your home is sold. Keeping your home looking clean and de-cluttering makes potential buyers feel more welcome in your home, which allows them to easily imagine themselves calling your property home. Inspect Your Home And Make RepairsIt's better to make repairs in advance, as you'll be legally required to disclose certain issues to prospective buyers. A few things to pay close attention to are listed below. Electrical issues Plumbing problems Structural defects Asbestos Dry rot Mold Infestations Roof leaks Decide Which Appliances And Fixtures You KeepGenerally speaking, buyers expect to receive appliances and anything that's a fixture to the home, so if you plan to take certain things, it's important to let buyers know what is included in the sale of your home: Appliances Laundry machine Oven Dishwasher Refrigerator Microwave Oven Light fixtures (you should always replace any light fixtures you wish to take with you, like a chandelier) Custom window coverings Built-in furniture Hardware (cabinet knobs, etc.) Playground equipment Landscape features like statues or birdbaths Clean The Home So It Feels InvitingKeeping your home clean at all times is important when marketing it. Sometimes it's much easier to hire someone to help with the cleaning of your home. Consider cleaning: Appliances Windows (window treatments, glass, ledges) The entryway Carpets/ flooring Cabinets Trash bins Dust furniture Closets Shower curtains Polished woodwork Perform Interior Repairs And MaintenanceAlthough you can update certain rooms, like the kitchen and bathrooms, to help make your home ready for the real estate market, the most important point is to ensure everything is tidy and in proper working order. Consider taking the following measures: Oiling door hinges Contacting pest control Painting Fixing any drips or clogs Repairing/replacing carpets and flooring Perform Exterior Repairs And MaintenanceThere's no need to redo an entire lawn to prepare for a sale, but the yard and exterior of the home should be orderly and functioning well. Consider taking care of: Pest control issues Oiling and cleaning the garage door Painting Lawn mowing Maintaining snow removal of sidewalks and driveways Sweeping sidewalks Pruning trees, gardens, and bushes Weeding gardens and flower beds Cleaning/repairing gutters Replacing any missing or damaged shingles Stage The HomeBuyers tend to buy emotionally. To get the greatest effect when motivating potential buyers to write an offer, try to: Focus on creating inviting spaces Remove counter-top appliances Add flowers near the entryway Bake cookies or bread De-clutter the refrigerator Replace all soaps and towels Replace or clean floor mats Keep your home at a comfortable temperature Get A Market ValuationYour REALTOR® can perform a comparative market analysis to help you determine what a fair market value is. Pricing is important to be sure you avoid the pitfalls of over- or under-pricing your home by working with a professional real estate agent. Your agent can give you more tips specific to your home and neighborhood, and walk you through what prospective buyers are looking for. They will also handle most of the "heavy lifting" in regard to marketing, negotiating, and closing the sale of your home, so once you've given them a clean plate to work with, you can sit back and relax.