Seller Info

Putting your home on the market is a lot like putting up a profile on an online dating service. You want to put your best face forward, minimize flaws, and set the stage for an appealing and harmonious match. 

Send clutter packing
Systematically address each room and living area, and pare down with vigor. Rid your home of clutter, extraneous objects, and mess. Aim for an attractive, well-organized environment free from untidiness and confusion. 

Allow homebuyers to picture themselves living in the space by getting rid of personal items such as framed photos, your kids’ drawings on the fridge, or your collection of ceramic frogs. 

But don’t just stuff those things in the closet. 

Potential buyers will definitely be checking out the closet space, and you don’t want it crammed with ceramic frogs. Instead, find a place for it all and store neatly in the attic, basement, a friend’s place, or a storage facility. 

Boost your curb appeal 

Finally, it is time to take a hard look at the outside of your house. After all, that’s the first thing buyers will see when they pull up, so you’ve got to work that curb appeal hard. 

Check the condition of exterior paint, your lawn and landscaping, your front door (check the hardware and doorknob), the driveway, a pool if you have one, and even the mailbox. If any of it appears neglected, damaged, dingy, or in disarray, do something about it or you’ll drive would-be buyers away before they even park their car. 

Tips For Showing Your Home 

If you’ve painted in neutral tones, add touches of color with accessories 

Place fresh flowers where they’ll stand out 

Open all doors and windows beforehand to circulate fresh air 

Pick up toys, remove all clutter, ensure beds are made, put clothes away 

Floors should be clean, carpets and rugs vacuumed 

Trash and recycling bins should be tidy and odor-free 

The kitchen and bathrooms should sparkle 

If possible, bake cookies or put a pan of cinnamon in the oven to create a warm and inviting aroma 

Ideally, pets should be unseen. Pet areas should be clean and odor-free. Not everyone may share your love of animals, and some may be allergic to them 

Remove all cash, jewelry and small valuables from view

If you and your buyer have both efficiently taken care of your respective contractual obligations associated with finalizing the sale, the process of completing the transaction will go smoothly with no surprises. 

A pending sales agreement generally includes contingencies and special conditions that must be fulfilled by the buyer and seller by the closing date, which usually falls 30 to 60 days after both have signed the agreement. 

Common contingencies and conditions: 

The buyer’s securing of financing 

A Title Search – a historical review of all legal documents relating to ownership of the property to ensure that there are no claims against the title of the property 

The purchasing of Title Insurance in case the records contain errors or there are mistakes in the review process 

A professional appraisal of the home, requested by the lender to ensure that the home’s actual value justifies the loan amount 

Any additional contractual promises you have made in connection with buyer incentives, home improvements, etc. 

An independent inspection of the home’s structural and functional condition (foundation, roof, electrical, heating, plumbing, etc.) 

An independent termite inspection 

A final walk-through by the buyer to verify that the home is in the same condition as when the sale agreement was signed 

Carefully review the sales agreement with your agent to have a clear understanding of your obligations. Any shortfalls or mistakes at this point can be costly. 

Completing the transaction 

While different areas handle the final settlement in slightly different ways, generally the closing agent – a third-party professional, often a lawyer, who conducts the proceedings – reviews the sales agreement and does the following: 

Determines the total amount due from the buyer and collects the check 

Determines all the adjustments (e.g. seller prepayment of taxes, utilities, etc.) and ensures that they’re factored into the transaction 

Assures that the transaction costs (closing, legal fees, etc.) are paid 

Determines the seller’s payments, credits and adjusted net proceeds 

Witnesses the seller’s signing of the property title and all other documentation associated with the transaction 

Collects the keys and any other necessary items from the seller 

Provides the seller with the net proceeds as well as copies of the documentation pertaining to the sale 

Ensures that buyer’s title is properly recorded in the local records office along with any mortgage liens 

In most cases, the buyer’s possession date will fall within a couple days of the closing date, at which point your former home will have a new occupant and your home selling journey will be complete. 

You did it! Congratulations! 

This information was obtained from realtor.com but modified by Lyle and Grace. It is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and is not intended to constitute professional advice. For such advice, please consult Lyle and Grace Caddell.