Home selling checklist

1. Decide If You’re Ready to Sell

Before you put your home on the market, it’s crucial to assess whether you’re truly ready. Consider these factors:

• Market Conditions: Check if it’s a seller’s market where you could get top dollar for your property

• Financial Readiness: Are you prepared for the financial aspects of selling, such as closing costs or paying off your mortgage balance?

2. Find a Real Estate Agent

While it’s possible to sell your home without an agent, having an experienced professional on your side can make the process much smoother. Look for an agent who:

• Knows your local market

• Has a solid track record of selling homes

• Offers great communication and customer service

3. Set the Right Price

Pricing your home correctly is crucial. Too high, and you risk scaring off potential buyers; too low, and you might leave money on the table. Your real estate agent will help you determine the right price by analyzing comparable homes in your neighborhood, considering the home’s condition, and factoring in market trends

4. Prepare Your Home for Sale

The first impression is everything! Here’s what to do to ensure your home shines:

• Declutter and Deep Clean: Remove excess items, and clean every corner. A clean, tidy home will appear larger and more inviting

• Minor Repairs: Take care of any small fixes, like leaky faucets, chipped paint, or broken tiles. These details can make a significant difference

• Home Staging: Staging can help potential buyers visualize themselves in your space. You can either hire a professional or stage it yourself with your own furniture

• Curb Appeal: The exterior of your home is the first thing buyers will see, so make sure the yard is well-maintained. Consider adding plants, mowing the lawn, or even painting the front door

5. Take Professional Photos

In the digital age, most buyers start their home search online. High-quality photos are essential for attracting interest. Professional photographers know how to capture your home’s best features and make it stand out in listings

6. Market Your Home

Your real estate agent will help create a marketing plan for your property. In addition to listing your home on major real estate websites, they may use:

• Social media

• Virtual tours or video walkthroughs

• Email campaigns

• Open houses

7. Review Offers and Negotiate

Once your home is listed, you’ll start receiving offers. Your agent will help you review each offer carefully, considering:

• Offer Price: Is it close to or above your asking price?

• Contingencies: Common contingencies include financing, inspections, or the buyer selling their current home

• Closing Timeline: If you need to move quickly, the timing might be an essential factor

8. Accept an Offer and Enter Contract

After selecting the best offer, you’ll enter into a contract with the buyer. During this stage:

• Disclosure Requirements: You may need to provide certain disclosures about the home’s condition and any past issues

• Inspections and Appraisal: The buyer will typically schedule an inspection, and an appraisal may be required by their lender

9. Prepare for Closing

Once all contingencies have been met, it’s time to prepare for closing:

• Hire a Real Estate Attorney (if necessary): In some states, having a lawyer at closing is required

• Review the Closing Disclosure: This document outlines the final terms of the sale, including fees, closing costs, and the final sale price

• Gather Documentation: Prepare to hand over documents related to your home, such as warranties, manuals, and title documents

10. Close the Deal

At closing, you’ll sign all necessary documents, and the buyer will transfer funds. The property title will be transferred, and you’ll hand over the keys. From there, you’re officially done!

11. Post-Sale Considerations

After the sale, make sure to:

• Cancel utilities, insurance, and other services tied to your old home

• Keep records of the sale for tax purposes

• Relocate to your new home and enjoy your next adventure!