Reasons to Sell!

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What’s the Next step?

Start by finding a realtor that you can trust and are comfortable with. If you are in my area I can assist you, or I can help you find a realtor in your area that can help. Set up a sellers consultation with a full service real estate agent.  Their job is to represent your best interest throughout the home selling process. Your Realtor will analyze comparable home sales and the current market and you will work together in determining a realistic asking price. Generally our goal is to get your home sold as quickly as possible, for the best price and best terms for you.

Setting the Stage!

Getting your home ready for market is a very important step. You want the buyers to have the best first impression possible. A good first step is to declutter. Show off your home not your stuff. It’s time to decide what you want to keep, donate or trash. Pack up items that you want to keep but might not need for a while, such as seasonal items and clothing. Take a walk through your home as if you were a prospective buyer, what do you notice?  What needs to be repaired?  What attracted you to this home when you were looking? 

Decluttering, rearranging and a fresh coat of paint can give your home a new look. Sometimes it may be beneficial to bring in a professional Stager or Organizer for a consultation to help stage the home before the photography. 

On the market…

Marketing! A staged home with great pictures can be the center of the marketing campaign. Your realtor will create a marketing plan specific to your home. Buyers often start their home search online and that is where your  your home also needs to be seen.  Some marketing opportunities:

• • Local Multiple Listing Service: available to all Realtors within your area / state

  • Realtor.com

  • Trulia / Zillow

  • Multiple other Real Estate Sources

  • Social Media

    • Facebook

    • Google

    • Instagram

    • Craigslist,

    • just to name a few.

  • Networking and dependant on the market, mailings.

  • And other marketing as determined to be beneficial by your Realtor.

Showings…

A showing is when a prospective buyer with their real estate agent preview your home.  Although they may be inconvenient, it is a necessary part of getting your home sold.  While your home is on the market you will need to keep it ready to be shown. Try to keep it clean and neat, most buyers do not expect it to be perfect but odors and big messes can make a potential buyer uncomfortable. It can be challenging especially with kids, but it can be done.  Many agents use an electronic lock box for the key to access your home.  This box can only be accessed by licensed real estate agents.  It also keeps track of who accesses it and when. We also have access to a scheduling service for showings, where you can be sent a text, email or a phone call with a request and you can reply yes or no to the time requested. Your realtor will also receive all communication from the system.  Or your realtor can call you directly to confirm showing times.  Many people find the text system convenient to them.

Offers through closing

Once you receive an offer you have 3 main options. You can accept the offer and its terms, you can reject or you can counter, with changes to the price and terms. Once you have an accepted offer, the buyer will likely have some contingencies to complete.  Such as a home, septic, pests or other inspections.  They will also need to work on the next part of their mortgage application if they are financing this purchase. 

Connecticut is an attorney state, meaning that they manage and review the legal aspects pertaining to the transaction.  They prepare and review legal documents, work to resolve any title or lien issues and other challenges that might occur with the transaction.  Several of our neighboring states are also attorney states such as New York and Massachusetts.  Other states might use a title company to manage the real estate closing but in some instances you might prefer to utilize an attorney for legal advice.  If you do not have one, we can refer you to several local attorneys, and you can compare services and rates.  They often have a set fee for typical closings.

Once everything is agreeable and all contingencies have been met, a closing date and time will be scheduled.  The buyers will complete a walk thru and you will need to have the home empty and in broom swept condition or however stipulated in the contract, prior to the closing.  The buyer typically receives the keys and can occupy as soon as the closing is completed.  You may also want to contact any utility companies or rented equipment and notify them of the pending change, but don’t cancel any main utilities, such as electric and gas before closing day.  The buyers should also be doing this to ensure a smooth transfer of utilities.  At or prior to the closing, you will review, complete and sign any appropriate paperwork. The buyers will also finalize their paperwork and funds will be transferred.  (This is just a general overview of the home selling process, it can vary based on individual circumstances)

Congratulations on your home sale!

There could be challenges along the way, but our goal is to make this move as smooth as possible for you.