The Process – Selling a Home

Has it been a while since you sold a home? Or maybe you purchased your first home and have yet to sell one. For those who are new to selling, have been in their current home for many years, the process can be intimidating. Selling a home may be something you do only a few times in your life. I have had the opportunity to sell and move a couple of times in the last few years. As a Realtor®, selling my own home is a welcome reminder of how stressful and daunting this process can be. Here is a quick overview of the home-selling process:

Have a plan for where you will move once your home sells. This may include purchasing your next home, renting, moving into assisted living, or moving in with family.
Find a good Realtor®. If you are new to selling or it has been a while, a Realtor’s® expertise can be invaluable. They will help you determine your home’s value and list price, and they can offer advice on preparing your home for the market.

Once your listing goes live, you will need to manage keeping your home “show ready” and remain flexible about leaving the home for showings. This can be especially challenging with kids and pets.
When offers are received, your Realtor® will help you analyze each one, estimate your proceeds, negotiate favorable terms, and ultimately select the offer that best meets your goals.

After accepting an offer, there will most likely be contingencies and possibly additional negotiations before the sale can close. These may include a home inspection, well or septic tests, a survey, a title search, appraisal, etc.  Some of these may cost you money out of pocket, and occasionally a deal may fall through, requiring you to start over with a new buyer.

As you near the closing date, you will need to sign closing documents. This is typically done in person at the closing company’s office, but it can also be completed with a mobile notary if needed.

The buyer will usually complete a final walkthrough of the home before the closing documents are recorded at the county auditor’s office. Once the documents are recorded, the buyer takes possession of the home according to the purchase contract.

Moving out can be one of the most stressful parts of selling your home, especially if you have lived there for a long time and accumulated a lot of “stuff.” Unless negotiated otherwise, you are typically required to be completely moved out and have the home cleaned by the day of closing. Being proactive with packing and preparation throughout the selling process can make moving day much easier. Walking out the door for the final time, you may pause and shed a tear as memories flash through your mind, closing one chapter of your life and moving on to your next adventure.