In today’s market selling your home can be extremely lucrative. If you move forward with the decision to sell there are certain things you should do in order to ensure that you are going to receive top dollar for your home. This checklist can serve as a guide when planning to list your house for sale.
The reason I use the term hire is because you have a choice when it comes to the agent you choose to represent you. It’s important to connect with the agent you have chosen so that they fully understand your needs. Also, choosing an agent is important as it offers a level of protection to you. Attempting to sell your home without representation, while completely legal in Arizona, can present several issues. Make sure to ask questions of the listing agent you choose. Questions such as “what are the average days homes sit on the market in this climate?” and “Do I get to choose when the home is available show?” are helpful details to know when planning to market your home.
Many sellers make the mistake of overpricing their homes. It’s important that the agent you choose provides you with a Comparable Market Analysis so that you are fully aware of what the homes in your area have sold and are currently listed for. This will allow you to make the best decision regarding list price. Your agent should also help you understand the current status of the market so that the home is priced competitively.
When it is time to list your home and you have signed on with your real estate agent the first step towards the most effective marketing is to have professional photos taken of the home. As a seller’s agent this is a cost that I absorb for all of my clients. It is a must to declutter and clean the home prior to the photos being done. Clearing all counters, removing items from the refrigerator doors, having the front and backyard landscaping done, ensuring the pool is sparkling, making all beds, etc. are ways to guarantee that your home stands out in all of the online marketing. As an agent, I tend to spend less time looking at homes online that have low quality pictures or that have rooms filled with clutter. The reason for this is because buyers count on the photos for their first initial impression of the home.
If your home is vacant the option to tastefully stage is great as it gives the home a clean and modern look that will be appealing to buyers when they view online or visit. There are many staging companies local that offer great deals for this service.
Your agent will list your home in the Multiple listing service which is an exclusive site for licensed agents. This site will have all of the specifics about the home’s square footage, lot size, number of bedrooms, flooring styles, amenities and much more. There is also a link on the site for agents to review taxes and builder information on the home. Your agent will also have the ability to market the home on several internet listing sites if you choose to do so. Sites like Zillow, Trulia and the agent’s personal website are great ways to drive traffic to the home. Agent’s also often market their listings on all of their personal social media. “In 2018 50% of homebuyers in the country found their home online.”
Another important marketing plan is for your agent to plan an Open House. With proper marketing of the event several potential buyers will visit the home. One of the best things about an open house is that it allows many people to view all at one time thus allowing for less need for you to vacate the home for showings that are scheduled sporadically.
Now that we have received an offer (or multiple offers) your agent is going to meet with you and go over the offers in hand. This will give you the opportunity to clarify all offers from the amount offered, concessions requested, close of escrow date etc. You will also have the opportunity to make a counteroffer on any of the contracts that come in. Your agent should always do their very best to get you the best price for your home.
Once an offer is accepted it’s time for your agent to open escrow with the Title Company. Most agents have a preferred title company that they work with and we can ask that the buyers agree to use them for the transaction. It’s always good to work with a company that you trust or the agent has a history with so that you know the process will be handled in the best way possible.
During the first 10 days of the escrow period buyers have what is referred to as their “Due Diligence” period. During these 10 days they will schedule a home inspection and often a termite and pool inspection. It is important that you cooperate with these vendors so that the process can get done in a timely manner. Once completed the buyer’s agent is likely to send over a form requesting repairs to things found by the inspectors. Upon receipt your agent will review this with you and provide professional guidance and advice on what to do.
After the inspection period has ended the buyer’s lender will schedule an appraisal of the home. This will also require your cooperation so that the appraiser can come out and complete their walk through.
As a Seller you will need to provide your agent with documents such as the Seller’s disclosure form, homeowners insurance claims report history and others. Your agent will go over all of this with you at your listing meeting.
On the day of signing you will attend a closing appointment with a representative from the title company to sign the documents. The buyers of the home will do the same. Once all parties have signed title will work to ensure that all deeds are recorded and that the deal funds properly. Your funds will be wired into your account, minus commissions, title fees, and other fees noted on your settlement statement.
Please note that there are many more specifics to the process however this article can serve as a guideline about what to expect when you plan to sell your home.
I would love the opportunity to speak with you further about selling your home! Please contact me if you would like more information on any of the processes involved with buying or selling a home
