SELLING A HOUSE
Getting Started
Moving can be an exciting new chapter in your life, or it may be a chapter that is coming to a close. Either way, I am here for you to make sure the process is seamless, and exceeds your highest expectations.
The first time we meet we will discuss your selling goals. This is a good time to ask questions, share your unique circumstances, and timeline. I will give you an idea of what to expect during the selling process and how to make it the most exponential to you.
Preparing Home/Property
Before putting your home on the market, I want to ensure it is most attractive to potential buyers. Knowing how to showcase and accentuate the best features of your home, without incurring unnecessary expense, is at the core of what I do.
As we walk through your property, we will discuss minor repairs, curb appeal tips, staging, and making your property feel welcoming to potential buyers.
Legacy Group is proud to offer Exclusive Services, including custom staging with Archer and Co., Concierge Repair and Remodel. We will look into the value proposition and ensure that you have the choice that makes you the most profit.
Should your property be the “unicorn"- well staged, in excellent repair, I will provide you with a detailed Home Preparation Consultation and a Selling Tips Sheet.
Determining List Price
Pricing your home competitively, at the start, will create more activity among brokers and buyers and lead to a more successful sale. Anna McClusky, is the ONLY Managing Broker who teaches and consults hundreds of agents throughout the Northwest “How Appraisers Price Homes”. She is considered the expert on pricing accurately and strategically.
Establishing the value and list price for your property involves researching and comparing similar properties and weighing factors including location, condition, amenities, and market conditions. We will arrive at a competitive price aimed at generating strong buyer activity.
You’re ready to Sell Your Home
Once you decide you are ready, we will discuss pricing strategy and review and sign all required listing documentation. There are over 192 tasks we start to prepare our team to perform on any given home sale, we take the guess work out of what to do.
Marketing Your Home
Understanding where buyers come from allows me to market your property competitively. Creating excitement in the marketplace through consistent and aggressive marketing efforts and integrating online and offline efforts is key to a successful sale.
Showing Your Home
Receiving Offers
In Escrow
A few more tasks will happen.
Earnest Money will be deposited with escrow by the buyer within the type assigned via your contract.
Inspection and Appraisal will be ordered.
If you have a septic you will need to order a pump and inspection at your cost.
If you have a well, likely the buyer will order an inspection and water test at their cost.
Helpful Broker Tip- See my list of professionals to order any tests you may need)
Inspection
The Buyer will arrange an inspection with their agent. If you trusted our advice we have taken care of most of the major items prior to listing if at all possible and there should be very little surprises! This contingency allows a buyer to walk away from your home based on their emotions or concerns after an inspection so it much better to eliminate those prior to listing at a price and contractor you aren’t rushed into choosing. There are limited options to negotiate in this state.
Helpful Broker Tip- We are selling your home 3x. To the Buyer, to the Inspector, and to the Appraiser. Plan on keeping it tip top for all!
In Escrow
Even though the final stage of the house sales process can let loose a lot of feelings, it is really all about checking off boxes.
You’ve made it to the final steps of selling your home! This home stretch is considered in escrow, or “closing”.
In your closing stage, your agent and the lender will be focused on verifying that everything is as it should be: making sure your buyers finances are in order, finishing any paperwork, and doing some final checks on the house. They will also confirm the home’s value and legal status with the lender, which includes a final title search inspection, appraisal, and a final check of their credit, work verification and finances.
It’s quieter for you... but that is okay you are packing, we are on top of it!
My team and I will keep you posted on how each is progressing, but unlike the previous hands-on stages of your home selling adventure, your work is pretty much done. At this point, you don’t have much to worry about other than getting everything organized to move!
Their agent may schedule one last walk through prior to closing, however we are surprised how often they don’t.
so you can move smoothly into your closing day – and into your new life as a homeowner.
Final Verifications for the Lender
Lending institutions take certain steps before finalizing a mortgage to make sure they are backing a sound investment.
These include the following:
- An appraisal to confirm the value of the property
- A title search to verify the ownership of the property
- Title insurance to protect against mistakes in the title search
Chances are good that these final steps – which, incidentally, you will split with the buyer as part of your closing costs – will go smoothly. The whole point of these pre-closing verifications is to look for problems that occasionally arise.
If you run into a patch of trouble, think of it this way: You’ll feel lucky if a title search or survey reveals a property’s questionable ownership or boundaries before closing, rather than after the house is already yours.
Countdown to Closing
Once the lender has cleared to close and sent the settlement numbers to escrow, you’ll receive your final loan settlement. Only then will the closing company schedule a time and place for the closing.
As the big day approaches, confirm with the appropriate parties that you have everything you need in order to close and transition smoothly into your new home.
* this will include wire instructions from your bank to appropriate funds
Close of Escrow
Congratulations, you have now sold your home! I will provide you with helpful moving hints and also be there to answer any questions. I am always available to help you should a question arise after the close of escrow and I want to ensure that you are 100% satisfied.
Helpful Broker Tip- in most cases you should be moved out the day of closing, not signing dates, by 5pm. Should you need additional days we need to note that in the listing and designate a specific date or time on initial contract details. The buyers are EXCITED if we have done our job right and want to move in ASAP!
