Selling a house can be exciting—and stressful! Your satisfaction and peace of mind is very important to me. I understand how hectic it is to sell a house, and it can be difficult if it’s not handled properly. Here is a step-by-step guide to selling your home:

Step 1: Preparation

There are two important things to consider at this stage. The first is timing. The goal is always to get as much for your home as possible. Holding off selling during a ‘buyer’s market’ when there are too many homes for sale and not enough buyers is ideal. But even if that isn’t possible, choosing which season to sell your home can increase your closing price.

The other consideration is the appeal of your house. There are various ways to do this depending on the resources you have available. You can do everything from renovations to fresh paint to decluttering.

Even just keeping your front lawn tidy can make a big difference. Buyers love seeing green grass and flowers outside because it feels warm and inviting. 

You can also get a home inspection completed to prove the value of your home. Buyers usually ask for this during negotiations, so if you do it ahead of time it will definitely impress them. It also gives you a chance to prevent unpleasant surprises and make any major repairs.

Step 2: Hire an Agent

Your agent will act as your representative and negotiate on your behalf, so it’s essential to hire someone with experience and a proven track record. Here are some things to look for:

• Visit the local offices in your area. You want someone who knows your neighbourhood.
• Ask friends and family for recommendations
• Jot down the names and numbers on ‘For Sale’ signs nearby
• Ask for references from the agents you speak to
• An agent who has marketing savvy beyond putting up a sign and an MLS listing
• Only use a licenced Realtor

Step 3: List your Home

This is the step where the ‘For Sale’ sign shows up on your property! First, your agent will value your home and set a price. They will also compile a market data report comparing your home price to similar listings in the area.

Once they’ve listed your home, the agent will market it through various media outlets and listing sites to create strong buyer interest. They can post with MLS (Multiple Listing Service), social media, blogs, and websites.

There will be open house appointments as well to showcase the potential of your home to various individuals. Your agent may suggest staging your home to help potential buyers visualize themselves as the new owners.

Step 4: Receive an Offer

Not all offers are equal, and that’s where an experienced agent with strong negotiation skills comes in. They will help you understand the terms and conditions regarding the price the buyer wants to pay, financing conditions, and things like inclusions and exclusions the buyer is requesting. 

An offer often includes other details such as appliances, light fixtures, renovations, and shorter or longer closing dates. If there is something in the offer that isn’t suitable, your agent will conduct counter offers and negotiations on your behalf.

Step 5: Close the Sale

There will be closing costs associated with the sale that need to be paid by/on the closing date. These can include inspections and legal fees. Once they are taken care of, you can pass your old keys to the new owners. 

Congratulations! You’ve officially sold your house!