Step by Step to have your property listed
Once you have decided to sell your home the mission becomes very clear, maximize your return. To maximize your return there are several important things to consider. How will you sell your property? FSBO, a real estate agency, or directly to a company or person claiming to offer cash for any property. Statistically, hiring a professional real estate agent will net you the highest return on your sale. Follow the steps below to see how this is accomplished.
01
KNOW YOUR VALUE.
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Get a rough estimate of what your property is worth. For most people this means one thing, go on Zillow, find your home. This is great as an estimate, we will help you refine that number later. (Do you know how Zillow estimates a property value? We do. If you are interested in knowing, just ask!) Next, gather documents you will need later during the sale. Most commonly, a “mortgage payoff statement”. This document from your lender tells you exactly how much is owed on the day of the sale. Also consider, is any other portion of your home financed such as impact windows, an addition, or solar panels?
02
HIRE A PROFESSIONAL FULL TIME REAL ESTATE AGENT
A real estate agent performs several crucial tasks during the sale and will act as your guide you through the process. Your agent will help determine a course of action to get your property sold under favorable conditions. Perhaps one of their most important roles, they protect you from predatory individuals. A home listed as FSBO is often a target. There is an entire industry aimed towards this market. Many FSBO sellers have found themselves is a bad position because they signed something without fully understanding what is was. An agent ensures this does not happen.
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HAVE A PLAN, FOLLW THE PLAN
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Your agent will propose a recommended course of action to sell your property. This will include a recommended listing price, property improvements to consider, a specific date to list your property, how and where your property will be listed, a schedule establishing when your property will be available for viewings, and what to expect when receiving offers.
04
PROPERTY PREPARATION AND PICTURES
Fix immediate issues, such as a leaking faucet. And prepare your property to be photographed. A professional photographer is highly recommended, your agent will know several. A trained real estate photographer doesn’t just take pictures. They are experts in property staging, utilizing the things already inside your home.
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LISTING YOUR PROPERTY
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Advertising your property online, via the MLS and different social media platforms will let people know it is on the market. Your agent will propose a listing description which tells all prospective buyers about your property. Your agent will ensure all relevant data is included and available.
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SHOWING YOUR PROPERTY
It is vitally important for everyone living in the home to be on the same mission. All of us have a personal life which may include children, hobbies, pets, etc. all of these will be very evident inside your home. Your agent will help you navigate the complex issue of keeping your home presentable and livable at the same time. A prospective buyer must be able to view your home.
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RECEIVING AND EVALUATING OFFERS
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An agent will help you evaluate each offer you receive. When evaluating each contract every single line must be scrutinized. An agent does this everyday. Choosing the best offer will often require more than simply choosing the highest offer. An agent is able to review and explain to you in common terms what the contract is offering beyond purchase price. Such as contingencies where you or the buyer can legally cancel the contract or evaluating the offer based on the pre-approval letter included.
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ACCEPTING AN OFFER
This is commonly referred to as “under contract”. After accepting an offer you agent will ensure the buyers are meeting all necessary deadlines leading to closing. Such as inspection, appraisal, loan approval. During this stag the title company or companies will prepare all documents for closing.
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PRE CLOSING AND CLOSING
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3 days prior to the closing day the seller and buyer will receive a document from the title company called the closing disclosure. This document identifies the sale price and indicates the transfer of all monies involved in the sale. On the day of closing the buyer and seller will both sign documents making the sale official. It is no longer necessary to sign in person, some people elect to sign electronically.
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TRANSFER OWNERSHIP
Immediately after signing the closing documents the title companies initiate the transfer of money from the sale. Simultaneously the sale is recorded with the county government. When all funds have been deposited in the right place the sale is considered closed or “funded”. As the seller you will receive a direct deposit or check and the buyer will be recieve the keys to their new home.