Question:
What are the steps involved in the process of selling a home ?
Answer:
Securing the services of a reputable, licensed REALTOR® is very wise and should be one of the very first things you do. It is important for you to have a professional help you make the decisions that are inherent in the home sale process. An experienced realty sales agent will work for you and handle all of the marketing, sales negotiations and closing details.
Each home selling endeavor is unique, however there are certain basic steps that remain the same and/or are required in each transaction. The major steps that you and your REALTOR® will have to address are:
· Establish the initial listing sale price. Overpricing your home is generally not productive and may extend the amount of time that it takes to sell your home and/or cause your home not to sell at all. Under pricing your home, costs you profit. Your REALTOR® can help you develop the best pricing plan for your needs.
· Develop and agree upon a “Marketing Plan” for your home. Determine what strategy and tactics will be used to get qualified, potential buyers to become aware of your home.
· Assess the “salability” of your property. Are there things that need to be fixed, repaired or cleaned up, which would enhance your properties perceived appearance and thus make your home more desirable to a potential buyer? If so these items need to be addressed.
· Make the home available to be viewed by potential buyers. Nobody will buy your home unless they can see inside it. You need to be as flexible as possible to permit viewings.
· Consider any purchase offer received. When you receive an offer to buy your home, it will be presented to you by your REALTOR® on a “Purchase Agreement” form. You will have the option to accept the offer, reject the offer, or make a counter offer. Your realtor will help you make these decisions. You will not have to deal directly with the buyer or the buyer’s agent. Your REALTOR® will handle this for you.
· Once an agreement is reached with the buyer, you will need to contact a title company in order to begin the title transfer work, your agent will normally handle this for you.
· As specified in the purchase agreement, the buyer will normally have the home inspected. As a result of the inspection, and to the limits specified in the purchase agreement, the buyer may request you to correct any problems which were an issue in the inspection.
· Closing - The closing meeting is held by the title company and the actual transfer of ownership of the property is its result. You and the buyer and your realty agents will attend this meeting.
Again, each selling endeavor is different. The above listing is intended to outline the major issues that will be involved the majority of the time. There are many other potential issues that you may have to deal with. Your REALTOR® is trained and experienced in these transactions and will help you make the decisions that are in your best interest.
If you would like more information about the process of selling your home, please feel free to send me your questions via the form below. I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.