- Preparation Phase
- Home Evaluation
- Determine the home’s market value through a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA).
- Decide on needed repairs, upgrades, or staging for maximum appeal.
- Hire a Real Estate Professional
- Select an experienced agent or broker to guide pricing, marketing, negotiation, and compliance.
- Documentation
- Gather important documents (deed, mortgage info, tax records, utility costs, warranties, etc.).
- Listing the Property
- Pricing Strategy
- Set a competitive and strategic list price based on market data and timing.
- Marketing Plan
- Professional photos, videos, virtual tours
- MLS listing and syndication to top websites
- Social media, email campaigns, open houses, and signage
- Staging & Showing
- Stage the home (physically or virtually)
- Schedule and manage private showings or open houses
- Offers and Negotiations
- Receiving Offers
- Review terms: price, contingencies, financing, closing timeline
- Counteroffers & Negotiation
- Accept, reject, or counter the offer
- Negotiate terms to align with seller goals
- Contract Acceptance
- Finalize terms and execute the purchase agreement
- Under Contract (Escrow Period)
- Home Inspection
- Buyer hires inspector; seller may need to respond to repair requests
- Appraisal
- Required by buyer’s lender; must match or exceed purchase price
- Contingency Resolution
- Clear inspection, appraisal, financing, and title contingencies
- Disclosures
- Provide required property disclosures (lead paint, material defects, etc.)
- Closing Preparation
- Title Work & Escrow
- Title company prepares closing documents, ensures clear title, and manages escrow
- Repairs & Final Walkthrough
- Complete any agreed-upon repairs
- Buyer conducts final walkthrough to confirm condition
- Utilities and Move-Out
- Schedule disconnection/transfer of utilities and plan move-out timeline
- Closing Day
- Sign Closing Documents
- Sign deed, settlement statement, and other legal documents
- Funds Transfer
- Buyer’s lender transfers funds; seller receives net proceeds
- Hand Over Keys
- Possession is transferred as agreed (at closing or post-occupancy)
- After the Sale
- Cancel Insurance and Accounts
- Homeowners insurance, utilities, subscriptions
- Tax Considerations
- Consult with a tax professional on capital gains, deductions, and reporting.