The Home Selling Process
YOUR PART IN SUCCESS
- Determine the appropriate list price so you can sell the property quickly and at the best price.
- Complete all of the paperwork so that the property can be entered into the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).
- Call our staging professional to make an appointment to advise you on the best way to present your home in a positive light.
- Complete the changes necessary to bring the home to market.
- Notify the Listing Coordinator that you are ready to schedule photographs.
- Review and approve the information we send to you before the property goes live.
- Place graphics and other marketing materials on the kitchen counter for showings.
- Decide if you want an open house, and work with the Listing Coordinator to schedule.
- Be as flexible as you can with showings and leave the home during the showing appointment.
- Monitor your email for feedback from agents.
- Respond quickly when we contact you with questions or offers.
- Thoughtfully negotiate your offer, and remember time is of the essence.
- Expect the buyer to schedule an inspection, and leave home during the inspection.
- Consider the buyer’s request for changes to the property recommended by the inspector(s). Complete those changes as quickly as possible and provide documentation from contractors to the Listing Coordinator.
- Begin move planning as soon as the option period is over.
- Be as patient as possible while the loan and closing processes run their course.
- Expect a final buyer walk through before closing. Please be flexible in scheduling this final showing. The buyers understand that you may be packing, that the home may be chaotic, and that you might not be able to leave.
- Schedule closing and remember to bring your government issued picture identification with you to closing.
- Attend closing and move forward with your plans. Please remember to refer the Grove Team.
PREPARING FOR PICTURES
Research shows that 99% of buyer preview properties on the Internet before selecting homes to visit. Our shared goal is to make your home enticing to buyers.
GENERAL
- Think model home appearance: neat, clean, well decorated, and free of clutter
- Remove anything hanging from the back of doors or door knobs
- Move any pet beds, food bowls, and litter boxes to the utility room
- Turn off TVs, computer monitors, and ceiling fans
- Remove family photos from walls and table tops
- Clear furniture of items that are not decorative
- Pull back drapes or curtains
- Remove throw rugs
- Minimize seasonal decorations
- Secure personal paperwork, mail, prescriptions, and weapons
KITCHEN/DINING
- Empty the sink and remove hand soap, sponges, or dish cloths
- Store small electrical appliances out of sight
- Clear off countertops
- Clear the front, sides, and top of the refrigerator
- Remove towels hanging from handles of appliances or drawers
- Remove booster chairs or high chairs from the dining area
BEDROOMS
- Cover sheets, blankets, mattress, and bed frame completely with spreads, comforters, or bed skirts
- Make sure that nothing shows under the beds
- Put away phone chargers, remotes, personal items, and medical equipment
BATHROOMS
- Remove soiled towels and wash cloths, and replace with clean folded ones
- Remove toothbrushes, shavers, hand gel, and other personal items from vanity and shower
- Remove all toys and personal items from bath and shower including racks that hang on showerhead and bath scales – and put away the toilet plunger!
- Pull back shower curtain
OUTSIDE
- Neatly trim shrubs and tree limbs that obstruct the view or any entry to your home
- Remove hoses (unless hidden by shrubs), gardening tools, toys, and unsightly lawn furniture
- Replace dead plants and fill empty pots with colorful plants
PREPARING FOR BUYERS
PREPARE FOR SHOWINGS
- Expect short notice and maintain your home in ready-to-show condition as described in the previous page as a guide
- Increase the buyers’ comfort level by giving them privacy by leaving or stepping outside and maintaining your distance
- Showcase your home as if you were receiving guest: put out fresh flowers, guest towels, and remove any pet or cooking odors
- Secure medications, valuables, and weapons
- Turn off television programs, but create ambience by playing soft instrumental music.
MAXIMIZE CURB APPEAL
- Implement a seasonal grounds cleanup
- Create interest and add color by planting blooming flowers and shrubs
- Repaint any faded or peeling exterior wood or siding
- Trim shrubs or trees, especially those that touch the roof or extend over walkways and pools
- Keep exterior holiday decorations to a minimum
LIGHT SELLS HOUSES
- Clean light fixtures, remove any coil type light bulbs, install standard maximum wattage bulbs as recommended by the manufacturer
- Clean windows and open drapes and blinds
- Leave lights on as much as possible during the day: lamps, niche lighting, and spotlights give your home a cozy feel
SPRUCE UP THE INTERIOR
- Touch up interior paint or repaint entire rooms as necessary
- Clean carpets to remove stains and odors – repair and re-stretch if necessary
- Re-caulk bathroom tubs and showers
- Make sure all doors, including closet doors, open freely and latch securely
- Maximize kitchen and bathroom counter space by clearing countertops
- Keep interior holiday decorations to a minimum
CLOSING
The closing process finalizes the legal transfer of your home and completes the financial transaction.
ITEMS TO BRING TO CLOSING
- Government issued picture identification
- Black voided check or certified funds
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT?
The title company escrow officer has examined the closing documents and prepared the settlement statement (HUD-1). She or he will ensure that taxes, broker professional fees, and other closing costs are paid, that the buyer’s title is recorded, and that you receive any monies due you.
WHAT ARE YOUR COSTS?
Sellers commonly pay the following at closing:
- Mortgage balance and prepayment penalties, if applicable
- Other claims against your property, such as unpaid property taxes or HOA dues
- Real estate broker professional fees and title insurance premiums
- Title company, legal, and lender processing fees
AFTER THE CLOSING, MAKE SURE YOU KEEP THE FOLLOWING FOR TAX PURPOSES:
- Copies of all closing documents
- All home improvement receipts on the home you sold