Home Selling Checklist | 9 Steps to Selling Your Home
Selling your home can be overwhelming and sometimes sellers aren’t sure what to do and when to do it. This can certainly create a lot of unnecessary stress. In our latest article, we provide sellers with a “Home Selling Checklist.” This list provides a step-by-step guide on exactly what to do and when to do it. We also provide some great tips and advice throughout our home selling checklist.
Home Selling Checklist | 9 Steps to Selling Your Home
1. Can You Sell Your Home?
First and foremost you need to determine if you’re in a position to sell your home. What’s your home worth? How much do you owe? What’s your estimated net, including any tax implications? After doing all the math if you determine you’re in the financial position to sell the next step is to decide if it’s the right time to sell. Is it a seller’s market, a stable market, or a buyer’s market? Where are you going? Can you afford to move?
2. Hire a Realtor
Once you have determined you’re in a position to move and want to move the next step on the home selling checklist is to hire a Realtor who specializes in your area. If you don’t already know or have a trusted real estate advisor our simple guide to finding an Agent and our list of questions to ask a Realtor will help you hire the best Realtor. We’ve also put together a list of 5 things sellers should expect from their listing agent and this is a minimum “must-do” list.
3. Prepare Your Home
First impressions are everything and you’ll only get one opportunity to impress home buyers, so it’s imperative your home is “show-ready.” In addition to staging your home, you’ll also want to make sure it smells good, all repairs are made and it has curb appeal because if it doesn’t buyers may keep driving. Now you can certainly prepare your home prior to hiring a Realtor. However, by hiring a Realtor first they will be able to advise you on what changes and repairs are a must and which ones won’t pay off so you aren’t wasting money preparing your home for sale.
4. Time to List
Now that your home is “show ready” the next item on the home selling checklist is to set the price and list it! From here your Realtor will enter your home in the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) with professional photographs, start marketing it, and schedule showing appointments.
5. Pack It Up
Congratulations you’ve accepted an offer and it’s time to pack! Depending on where you are in the home selling process will dictate what you should pack. Does the buyer still have contingencies? If so you may only want to start packing items you don’t use. However, if all of the buyer’s home contingencies are met or you’re less than 2 weeks away from closing you’ll want to start packing your entire home.
Home Selling Checklist (Continued)
6. Move Out
Closing day is just around the corner and it’s time to move! Make sure to leave everything agreed to listed in the sales contract. You should also leave any documentation you have for the property, such as appliance manuals and warranties. Some sellers will hire professionals to move them out while others will do it themselves. Either way, make sure to confirm everything well in advance so there are no surprises. Also, don’t forget to clean the property once it’s vacated.
7. Stop Services
Scheduling to stop services is the next step on the home selling checklist. You’ll want to make sure all utilities stay on through the day of closing, so the buyers can do a final walkthrough. However, you certainly don’t want to pay for services you’re not using and leave them turned on past closing. Services you’ll want to schedule to stop or turn off include electric, water, cable, phone, internet, landscapers, pest control, and maids, just to name a few.
8. Notify Everyone of Your Move
Notify friends, family, and service providers that you moved. You’ll also want to change your mailing address at the post office and obtain a new drivers license with your correct address.
9. Closing Day
The last step on the home selling checklist is closing on your home! You’ll want to verify with the closing company what documents and/or proof of identification you’ll need to bring to closing. Also, don’t forget to gather and bring all keys, remotes, and/or access cards for the property.
Final Thoughts
Selling your home doesn’t have to be confusing, stressful or overwhelming. Following this checklist for selling your home will alleviate a lot of confusion, but more than anything if you hire a top Realtor to guide you through the selling process it will be as stress-free as possible.
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Ready to sell your home, but aren't sure what to do and when to do it? If so check out our home selling checklist with 9 steps to selling your home. #realestate #homesellingPopular Home Selling Questions
What are considered personal items when selling a house? When selling a house, personal items typically refer to belongings that are not considered part of the property itself and are expected to be removed by the seller before the new owner takes possession. Here are a few examples of personal items commonly encountered in the home-selling process; furniture, electronics, artwork, decor, personal collections, clothing, and area rugs to name a few.
It’s important to note that the specifics regarding what is considered a personal item can vary depending on the local real estate market, customs, and individual negotiations between the buyer and seller. It’s always advisable to clarify such details in the contract to avoid any misunderstandings.
What are the most important selling points of a house? The most important selling points of a house will ultimately depend on the buyer and their preferences. However, the most common selling points are the lot location and layout of the home along with the price and value for that price.
Additionally, buyers tend to focus on the neighborhood, surrounding area, and schools. Upgrades and the overall condition and maintenance of the property are a factor as well in addition to the age of major items, like the roof, AC, water heater, and appliances.
How long does it take to sell a home? The length of time it takes to sell a home depends on several factors. These factors include the local real estate market conditions, the desirability of the property, its location, the listing price, and the marketing strategy employed. On average, however, it typically takes around 65 to 93 days to sell a home in the United States.
It’s important to note that this is an average estimate, and the actual time can differ significantly. In a strong seller’s market with high demand and limited inventory, homes may sell relatively quickly, sometimes within a few days or weeks. In a slower buyer’s market or for properties that have unique features or a higher price point, it may take several months or longer to find a buyer.
What are the most important things to do before selling your home? The most important things to do before listing your home for sale is the overall appearance. You’ll want to focus on decluttering, depersonalizing, and cleaning your entire home from top to bottom. Additionally, make necessary repairs and improvements to enhance the overall appeal and value of the property. Deferred maintenance can easily scare buyers away, so make sure all of this is done prior to listing your home for sale. Creating a home selling checklist will help you stay focused and on track.
About the Author
Top Wellington Realtor, Michelle Gibson, wrote: “Home Selling Checklist | 9 Steps to Selling Your Home”
Michelle has been specializing in residential real estate since 2001 throughout Wellington Florida and the surrounding area. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell or rent she will guide you through the entire real estate transaction. If you’re ready to put Michelle’s knowledge and expertise to work for you call or e-mail her today.
Areas of service include Wellington, Lake Worth, Royal Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, West Palm Beach, Loxahatchee, Greenacres, and more.
Michelle Gibson of the Hansen Real Estate Group Inc is a full-time REALTOR who has been specializing in Wellington Florida real estate since 2001. This veteran of the real estate industry has expertise in technology, marketing, and social media.
Great list. Thanks for sharing
Amazing blog. It is definitely important to know and understand the process of selling a house. Thanks for sharing this checklist!
Thank you for such a well written, informative blog.