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Your Part in a Successful Sale

  • 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.

Prepare For Showing

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
  • 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

Prepare For Buyers

Preparing 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
  • 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

Maximize Curb Appeal

  • 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

Light Sells Houses

  • 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

Spruce up the Interior

  • 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

Closing

The closing process finalizes the legal transfer of your home and completes the financial transaction.

Items to bring to Closing

  • 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

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?

  • 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

After the Closing, Make Sure You Keep the Following for Tax Purposes:

  • 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