Selling a Home
The Home-Selling Process
The selling process, from preparing for market to receiving your proceeds check, generally lasts between 30 and 90 days. However, keep in mind that the process as outlined below is infinitely adaptable and will be tailored to meet your specific needs. Please feel free to contact us for a no-charge, no-obligation meeting to discuss your questions and needs.
Day 1
We sit down together for a relaxed and detailed conversation about how the whole process works.
We walk around the whole property, inside and out, and talk about what improvements and repairs, if any, you may want to make.
We talk about landscaping and whether you want to make any changes to increase your “curb appeal.”
We take detailed notes about your property so that I can research how it compares to other recently sold properties in the neighborhood.
We fill out some preliminary paperwork that allows us to begin work as your agent.
We talk about any mandatory local requirements, such as energy conservation or sewer lateral ordinances, and order any relevant inspections and estimates.
We go through your house room by room and decide which furniture and artwork you may want to leave in the house for showing, and which things you may want to put into temporary storage.
We leave a Selling Disclosure document for you to fill out.
Day 2
We meet to discuss the findings of my market research and decide on an approximate listing price.
We complete additional paperwork, including disclosure documents.
If part of the plan, you move any unneeded furniture and belongings into the garage or storage.
Repairs and improvements such as painting, landscaping, and handy work have begun.
Days 3-7
Repairs and improvements are completed.
Mandatory requirements are completed.
The house is cleared of extraneous possessions.
We complete additional paperwork, including local, county, state, and federal requirements.
The house should be thoroughly cleaned, including windows inside and out.
We photograph the interior and exterior of the home and begin to design marketing materials.
Day 8
Market debut! Open houses, private showings, and intensive marketing of your home all commence.
In general, our listings receive offers within the first 2 to 3 weeks of marketing.
Days 9-22
We receive offers. Once an offer is accepted and escrow is opened, you will not have to continue to show your home unless you choose to do so. However, you will have to grant your buyer access to your home with reasonable notice for inspection, measurements, etc.
We complete more paperwork, including a purchase contract and any additional paperwork needed.
A typical escrow lasts around 30 days, so if you are still living in the home you will need to start planning your next move.
Days 23-50
The buyers complete any of their own inspections.
The appraiser visits the property; the loan process continues.
A preliminary title report is generated and delivered for the buyer’s approval.
Buyers complete the loan process, approve all existing reports and disclosures, and commit to completing the purchase.
You make final moving plans.
Transfer or cancel all utilities.
Day 51
Time to move! The house must be free of all personal possessions and “broom clean.”
We sign your final transfer documents at the escrow office.
The buyer’s loan is funded; the buyer signs closing documents.
On the day escrow closes, you receive your proceeds check and hand over all keys.
