The 7-Step Home Selling Process: From Consultation to Closing

The 7-Step Home Selling Process: From Consultation to Closing

Selling a home involves several distinct phases, each with its own crucial steps. We guide you through this journey with clear communication and expert strategy, ensuring a smooth path from our first meeting to closing day.

The 7-Step Home Selling Process: From Consultation to Closing

  • The process begins with a detailed assessment of your home and the current market.

    • Valuation: We tour your property to understand its features and condition. We then provide a comprehensive Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) of recently sold, pending, and active properties.

    • Target Price: We agree on a strategic listing price that balances your financial goals with current buyer demand to maximize interest.

    • Paperwork: We sign the listing agreement, officially beginning our partnership.

  • We implement our high-impact marketing plan to make your home stand out.

    • Home Prep: You complete the Showing Checklist (decluttering, deep cleaning, minor repairs). We advise on any high-ROI improvements.

    • Media Production: We coordinate professional photography, videography, $3\text{D}$ tours, and floor plans.

    • Listing Launch: Your home is syndicated across the MLS, major real estate portals (Zillow, Realtor.com, etc.), and our targeted social media campaigns.

  • Your home is actively marketed and shown to qualified buyers.

    • Scheduling: We manage all showing requests, providing you with notice and coordinating access through a secure lockbox.

    • Open Houses: We host broker and public open houses to generate excitement and urgency.

    • Feedback: We immediately gather feedback from agents and buyers after each showing and share actionable data with you.

  • This is where preparation pays off. We analyze every detail of incoming offers.

    • Offer Presentation: We review the price, closing date, financing terms (e.g., conventional, FHA, cash), and contingencies (inspection, appraisal, etc.) for each offer.

    • Negotiation: We strategically craft counter-offers to improve the price, terms, or conditions in your favor.

    • Mutual Acceptance: Once both parties agree to all terms, the contract is signed, and the buyer submits an earnest money deposit to escrow.

  • The contract is now "pending," and the buyer completes their final checks.

    • Home Inspection: The buyer hires an inspector. We help you respond to any repair requests, negotiating a fair outcome that keeps the sale on track.

    • Appraisal: The buyer's lender orders an appraisal to verify the home's value. We provide the appraiser with relevant comparables to support the sale price.

    • Contingency Removal: Once the buyer is satisfied with the inspection and appraisal (and their financing is confirmed), these contingencies are removed, and the sale is solid.

  • The time between contingency removal and closing is dedicated to final paperwork.

    • Loan Underwriting: The buyer's lender finalizes their loan documents.

    • Title Review: The title company conducts a search to ensure clear ownership and prepare closing documents (including the final settlement statement, or CD).

    • Final Walkthrough: Typically 24-48 hours before closing, the buyer conducts a final walkthrough to confirm the property is in the agreed-upon condition.

    • Utilities: You coordinate the shut-off or transfer of utilities effective on the closing date.

  • The final step—signing the paperwork and handing over the keys!

    • Signing: We meet at the title company or attorney's office. You sign the deed, the closing disclosure, and other necessary documents.

    • Funding: The buyer's funds are transferred to the title company, and the deed is recorded.

    • Payment: Your proceeds are wired to your account or issued via check, and the sale is officially complete!