The Selling Process

1) Preliminary Work – Even before you talk with a Realtor, you should be rolling up your sleeves and tackling projects to do all you can to get your home ready to sell. This process includes making needed repairs and completing all cosmetic work to, wherever possible, make your home clean, open and neutral as it relates to walls, floors and window coverings. Get rid of any clutter by having a garage sale, giving items to friends or family or donating things to local organizations. It is rare to find sellers who commit enough time to this phase, but doing so could prove very rewarding

2) Survey the Home Selling Marketplace – Research properties for sale in The Pilot and go on-line to view properties and compare pricing, as well as the condition and location of similar properties. Create a list of your expectations related to the selling price of your home and the things that are critical to you in working with a professional real estate agent.

3) Interview at least two Realtors – Three is probably optimal, but do make sure to sit down with a minimum of two local Realtors. Sellers need to focus on evaluating each agent’s approach to marketing, as well as the personality and work style.

4) Negotiate Terms and Hire Your Realtor – Commission rates and services are totally negotiable. Make your Realtor sell you on the value of his/her services. This is also a very good time for each party to be crystal clear regarding responsibilities and expectations. Make sure you are comfortable with their method and frequency of communication. How often, and in what form, will they provide you with buyers agents and prospective sellers’ feedback.

5) The Listing Period – Your Realtor should spend a great deal of time and effort to make sure your property is noticed by on-line buyer prospects and local buyer’s agents. During the listing period, he/she should be in contact with you frequently to share feedback on showings, discuss changes in the market and, in general, assess the effectiveness of his/her marketing plan.

6) Reviewing and Negotiating Offers – Your Realtor will inform you of any offer(s) and review the terms with you by phone or in person. It is quite common for there to be one or more counter-offers between the parties before reaching a final contract.

7) Contract to Closing – Shortly after the contract is signed your buyer will probably hire one or more professionals to perform inspections. The buyer’s lender will also arrange for an appraisal. After selecting an attorney to make sure everything goes smoothly through closing, you’ll likely be spending some time and money on agreed upon repairs and all of the other fun stuff related to vacating your home.

8) Closing – Your attorney will make sure all monies are accounted for on the closing statement and that all necessary documents are signed and recorded. Time to move on to your next property!