Sellers
Step by Step Checklist for Sellers
First things first:
- Do all selling parties agree that it is time to sell?
- Are you in a financial position to sell? (How much do you owe? Will market conditions allow you to sell the house for a gain/profit?)
- What is the current condition of the home? Does anything need to be fixed?
When ready to sell:
- Call your real estate agent (or decide to interview a few) and invite them over to walk through your home and provide a value opinion?
- Establish your timeline – when would you like to/do you have to move?
- Prepare your home to sell – consult a stager/de-clutter/finish any repairs or updates/ paint/dust
- Sign listing paperwork with real estate agent
- Establish sale price for the home
- Design a 30/60/90 day strategy for the home sale with price reductions built in
- Have photographs taken for marketing
- Decide who will be notified when a showing is requested
- Mark down Open House and Agent Tour dates to ensure that the home will be “show ready”
- Establish routines within your home to keep things tidy and organized
- Have plans in place for pets and kids in the event of last minute showing requests
You have an offer:
- Ask questions to your realtor to assist in making decisions.
- Be sure to have all paperwork signed and initialed.
- Prepare for the inspection period: how long does it last? What happens? Who pays?
- After the home inspection, there will be more negotiation. Get ready. Keep eyes on the prize!
- Be aware of when the appraisal is happening and make sure your realtor is present with comps.
Where are you going?:
- If you are simultaneously buying a new home, a good time to start looking is when your home is first listed and/or when there is significant interest.
- Coordinate your new home purchase/move out date with the requested closing date of current home.
- Be sure to arrange for movers, if you so desire.
- Within one week of closing, contact all utility companies to have the accounts changed out of your name. Also notify the post office, newspaper and neighbors.
- Collect any keys that you may have given to neighbors or friends to be handed over to new owners at closing.
- Within 48 hours of closing, you should see the HUD1/Settlement Statement from the title company handling the closing. Review the numbers to make sure they are accurate. If you do not understand, contact your agent.
- Plan to bring picture ID with you to closing and a certified check in the event you need to pay out any liens at the closing table.