The Process of Selling a House:
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The Process of Selling a House

Along with purchasing a home, selling your house is most likely the biggest financial transaction you will ever undertake. The process of selling involves numerous dynamic parts. These include:

• Evaluate your finances, your timeframe for selling, and understand your local market. Research local property taxes and other seller expenses you’ll need to pay.
• Collect documents including title, mortgage, and insurance papers.
• Choose a Realtor – if you are planning to hire a realtor, do this now. Choose one with a good reputation, experience, and local to you.
• Determine your Home’s Value – be wary of overpricing your home. Assess recent sale prices for comparable homes in your area, the nature of the current market, and seek a comparative market analysis.
• Prepare for Sale – clean, declutter, and undertake necessary repairs. Consider hiring a home stager or stylist. Remember that first impressions count.
• List and Market your Home – advertise with signage, listing online and in print, and use top quality photographs and videos. If possible sell in spring rather than winter and not during major holidays.
• Show your Home – allow the agent access and if you’re selling yourself, be open to showing your home at a potential buyers’ convenience.
• Negotiate Offers – negotiate with reasonable counter-offers and respond to every single offer.
• Open Escrow – if you have a realtor, they will do this for you. You need to ensure you have a receipt for the buyer’s deposit.
• Have your Home Appraised and Inspected – clean the house prior to appraisal and cooperate with home inspections arranged by the buyer, including roof and sewer certifications.
• Deliver Disclosures – including the presence of lead-based paint – this is a legal requirement in the US. Sign Title and Escrow Documents.
• Close Escrow – you will most likely need to vacate the property by the close of escrow.