The Steps of Selling a Home
Listing Appointment
Home tour & upgrades
Comparative Market Analysis
Discuss selling features and marketing plan
MLS listing
Fill out “Seller’s Property Information”
Fill out “Seller’s Disclosure”
Discuss & sign Listing Agreement
Discuss timeline
Prepare home for sale (if needed)
Declutter & organize
Hire cleaning company
Paint exterior and/or interior
Pressure-wash driveway and/or home
Spruce up landscaping
Miscellaneous cosmetic repairs
Marketing Prep
Staging (if needed)
Photography
3D Tour
Coming soon listing
Showings
Appointments confirmed by you
Leave 15 minutes before appointment window
Appointment window is for arrival time
Feedback requested and forwarded to you
Offer
Buyer’s agent presents an offer stipulating conditions of sale
Buyer presents proof of funds or pre-qualification letter
Negotiation
Purchase price & deposit
Dates
Miscellaneous Terms (Home warranty, appliances, etc.)
Acceptance
When all parties sign contract
Time periods begin based on date signed
Earnest money is deposited by buyers into escrow account
Escrow money is held by neutral third party
Inspection
Buyers may hire various inspectors to inspect the home
Buyers may submit a repair request to you
Inspection Report is shared with the you if repairs are requested
Buyers may cancel contract for any reason based on inspection
Repairs
Negotiate which repairs will be done
Buyer can cancel contract if terms cannot be agreed upon within one week
You hire a licensed contractor to repair items agreed to be repaired
Provide buyer receipts for items repaired
Cosmetic items may be repaired by you, if explicitly agreed upon
Survey
Provide a survey if no structural changes have been made
Order a new survey if structural changes have been made
Appraisal
Bank hires an appraiser to appraise property
Buyers may cancel contract if appraisal is for less than purchase price
Loan aproval
Buyers may cancel contract if loan is not approved
Closing date may be extended if loan aproval needs more time
Loan typically given days before closing
Final Walk-through
Buyers may inspect the property before closing
Buyer ensures repairs have been made and property is in good condition
Typically scheduled as close to closing as possible
Closing
Conducted at a title company with a closing agent and/or attorney
You may sign documents ahead of time
Closing is complete when funds have been delivered to the seller and keys have been delivered to the buyer