Putting your home on the market can be a stressful process, especially when you don’t know what to expect. Fortunately, with the help of an experienced agent and this easy to follow guide, you can smoothly complete the process. Following these steps will help you prepare so you can get organized and sell your home for the best price possible.​​​​​​​
A good real estate agent is a local market expert who can support you throughout the whole process of selling your home. I will create a marketing strategy and plan, provide you with detailed market analysis to help determine listing price, promote your house on multiple online platforms, conduct open houses both for the brokerage community and for the public, negotiate with potential buyers, present and review all offers with you as the seller.
In order to achieve the highest level of interest, and the highest price, you will want your house to look its best for potential buyers. Make any necessary repairs and improvements and consider decluttering, painting, landscaping and staging.
Once your house is in show ready condition, your agent will list it on the Multiple Listing Service and promote it throughout multiple channels. This will ensure exposure to the broadest potential buyer pool.
As your agent, I will typically hold an introductory open house for the brokerage and agent community before the first public open house. This will ensure that all agents who have buyers potentially interested in your house learn about the property in detail. Buyers who are working with an agent are most often qualified and ready to make offers if interested so sometimes you can get offers quickly. During the showing period of the home, you will need to keep your home clean and tidy to make the best possible impression.
You will be free to accept, reject, or counter-offer any offers you receive. As a licensed real estate professional, I am obligated to present you with any and all offers received. You are the final decision maker, but I will be there to provide advice and negotiate on your behalf. When you accept an offer, it is a binding contract once both parties have signed the contract and any earnest money has been received.
A buyer will likely include an inspection contingency, and as the seller you will need to accommodate this within the first few days of accepting an offer. Any issues arising from the inspection may need to be re-negotiated with the buyer.
Likewise, the buyer’s lending institution will conduct an appraisal. In order for the bank to mortgage a property, the appraisal needs to align with the sale price.
In Massachusetts, most often buyers and sellers use their own attorneys to negotiate the more detailed purchase and sale agreement which is completed after any contingencies in the offer contract have been resolved. Seller’s attorney typically drafts the first version of the purchase and sale agreement and both parties’ attorneys negotiate any issues before the final version is signed.
Complete all paperwork and sign all remaining documents, transfer title of property, and receive proceeds from sale.
Once you have sold your home, you’re free to take the next step on your journey. Whether this is relocating to a new city, moving into a larger home, or downsizing and enjoying your life as empty-nesters, knowing all your selling responsibilities have been taken care of will help you achieve peace of mind for your new path.
Ingvild made the entire house hunt seamless. She helped us narrow our search criteria by visiting many different types of homes and taking the time to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each one. She listened to us when we w...
Whether buying or selling, I will work relentlessly on your behalf to achieve your real estate goals. Contact me today to find out how I can be of assistance to you!
