5 Steps to Selling Your Home
So you’re ready to sell your home. Congratulations!
Selling your home may seem like a daunting task, especially if you’ve never done it before. But it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We’ve broken it down to five simple steps.
Find an Agent
Yes, it’s possible to list and sell your home yourself, but it’s wiser to work with an agent. Your agent will understand the real estate market where you’re selling and will be able to help you prepare your home for a successful sale. And, because your agent works for you, they’ll be committed to maximizing the price you can get for your home.
Agree on an Asking Price
Before you list your home for sale, you’ll need to decide on an asking price. Your agent will look at market data–like current real estate trends and how much other homes in your area have sold for–and work with you to decide how much to ask.
Prepare & List Your Home
Next, you’ll get your home ready for listing. Preparation may include minor repairs, maintenance, and staging. Once your home is ready for market, your agent will list it on MLS and start marketing it for sale.
Accept an Offer
When a buyer–or buyers–make an offer on your home, you may want to accept outright or negotiate. Your agent will best advise you how to handle these conversations with the buyer’s agent until you agree on a sale price. There are many more steps from here to closing, but having an agent who keeps you aware of what’s coming next or what to expect is important.
Close
The closing is the final stage in selling your home. During closing, your agent will assist with the final walkthrough, closing items, and paperwork review with you and your attorney. Then, you’ll transfer ownership of your home to the buyer, after the buyer transfers payment to your attorney. Then your attorney will transfer the funds to your account. Then, you celebrate the successful sale of your home!
