Choose A Listing Broker This is potentially the most important part of the selling process, as the agent you choose is charged with advocating for your best interests and coordinating the entire sale process. Be sure to ask questions regarding the steps to come and the details of your listing agreement. Make sure you are completely comfortable with your choice of Broker before you commit to the process. Determine How Much Your Home Is Worth The right agent will be able to expertly guide you in determining your property's most accurate approximation of value, which will help you as you decide an optimally strategic listing price. Your agent will most likely provide a Comparative Market Analysis, which is a report on how your subject property compares to similar homes recently sold in close proximity. Prepare Your Home For Showing This is the time for a really critical once-over on your home. Deep cleaning, general decluttering and focus on improving curb appeal will help make your property as marketable as possible. Consider hiring a professional to stage your home. If this isn't feasible, options such as digital staging or strategically paring down existing furniture can accomplish much the same effect, allowing visitors to see the comfort and habitability of the home. Now is the time to make any necessary repairs. If possible, consider a pre-listing sales inspection. Remember: You only have one chance to make a first impression! Market Your Home Collaborate with your agent to identify the key selling points of your home, and participate in finding the language to articulate the strongest features that will appeal to your future buyers. Hire a professional photographer, and consider a virtual tour. As we progress technologically more and more decisions of home purchases are made via an online platform. Decide with your agent how your home will be shown. Whether it be by set appointments, or if you're leaving the home vacant with a lockbox for access, be prepared to be flexible and accommodating. Discuss with your agent the possibilities of Open Houses to further promote the home. Ask for feedback and adjust accordingly. Receive Purchase Offers and Negotiate Don't ignore any offers, you have negotiating capabilities in utilizing counter offers. Once you find an offer that suits your selling goals, and acceptance is communicated to the necessary parties, congratulations you're under contract! Open Escrow and Order Title Your agent or the appropriate Transaction Coordinator will communicate with the Title Company to open Escrow and order a Title Policy for you. Selection of a closing date will be negotiated within the purchase agreement. Assist with Home Inspections and Appraisals. Make your property open and available on the necessary dates. Assist the inspection and appraisal process by conducting a thorough cleaning the day before. Negotiate Requests for Repairs You do not necessarily have to make requested repairs, in some cases the buyer may accept a credit instead. Sign Title and Escrow Documents and Close! Attend your closing appointment to sign the final paperwork and hand over the keys. The property deed and other appropriate documents go into the public record, and possession follows what was dictated in the purchase agreement. Sale proceeds will usually be wired to your bank account minus appropriate commissions, repair credits, and other necessary fees all of which will be thoroughly noted in your closing documents.