Before Listing Your Home
You might think you're ready to list, but you probably have a few extra things to check off on your to-do list first!
2+ Months Out
Find an experienced local real estate agent
Before you even consider listing your home, it's crucial to link up with a good local agent. They can help you get the best possible price for your home in the least amount of time...and they can also guide you through every step of the process.
6 – 8 Weeks Out
Consider repairs and improvements
Before your listing hits the market, your agent will probably recommend some repairs and improvements to boost your home's value and attract more buyers. Remember—if you handle any problems now, they won't come up during a home inspection!
4 – 8 Weeks Out
Price it right
If you choose the right agent, they'll be able to analyze recently sold homes in your area to determine a competitive price for your listing. You'll want to price low enough to attract buyers, but high enough so that you won't sacrifice any hard-earned equity.
1 – 4 Weeks Out
Get your home ready
No buyer wants to walk into a house filled with clutter and grime. A few weeks before you list, deep clean your entire home and take some time to reorganize. Don't neglect your closets, garage, pantry, or attic, either—buyers will be inspecting every inch of your space! If you don't have time to do it all yourself, consider hiring a professional cleaning company.
Listing Your Home
Now that you're finally ready to list, here are a few things you should expect while your home is on the market.
Marketing Your Home
Reach the greatest number of buyers
The key to selling a home is finding the right buyer—but your agent will likely handle all the details. A seasoned real estate pro will use the MLS, social media, print advertising, word of mouth, and countless other techniques to generate buzz for your listing.
Showing Your Home
Let buyers take a tour
Most buyers are going to want to tour your home before they buy it...and some may even come back for second or third visit. Be sure to keep your home clean and ready for showings at all times—that means having no dishes in the sink, making sure all beds are made, and ensuring that every inch of your space is clean and tidy. Buyers may also feel uncomfortable if an owner is present during a tour, so be sure to leave before they arrive.
Dealing with Offers
Negotiate and accept an offer
If a buyer is interested in your home, they'll submit an offer detailing how much they'll pay, how much they'll put down for earnest money, when they want to close, and any contingencies. Common contingencies include home inspections and buyer financing. From here, you have a few options: you can reject their offer or submit a counter offer with any changes. Once you reach an agreement, you can move on to the closing process.
The Closing Process
Congrats—you've almost sold your home! Here are the final steps before you hand over your keys.
Home Inspections & Appraisals
Cooperate with the home inspection
After you've reached an agreement with your buyer, they'll likely request a home inspection. If you've taken care of any maintenance issues or repairs, you probably don't have anything to worry about—but if the inspector finds any problems, you have a few options. Your buyer may ask you to fix any problems, request a credit or a price reduction, or walk away from the sale entirely if there are major issues. The buyer may also need to have your home appraised to ensure that its value meets or exceeds the amount of their loan.
Waiting in Escrow
Wait a bit and complete some paperwork
When you enter escrow, you and your agent will work with an escrow company to complete any remaining paperwork and get your finances in order before the closing. The buyer will likely be doing the same thing—and they'll also be securing their loan.
Finally...the Closing!
Sign, collect & hand over your keys
Congrats—the big day is finally here! During the closing, you, your buyer, your agents, and your legal team will complete the last bit of paperwork. After signing on the dotted line, you'll pay off the remainder of your mortgage, as well as any closing costs. After it's all said and done, you're free to move onto your next great adventure...and maybe buy a new home.
Ready to Sell Your Home in Mount Pleasant?
If you're getting ready to sell a home in Mount Pleasant, I'd love to guide you through every step of the process. Just give me a call to learn how I'll put my expertise to work for you!