Seller's Checklist

Selling a home might be one of the hardest things you do. A lot of work is needed to sell a home: careful planning, preparation, and attention to detail. Do it wrong, and it could cost you thousands, …. Or more.

This is why you need a real estate agent on your side. You need an expert to help you through the process and pitfalls of selling your home.

To help guide you through the seller’s process, the following is a typical checklist for selling your home.

HIRE A REAL ESTATE AGENT

The Su Casa Team's agents are well-versed in the Phoenix real estate landscape, distinguishing themselves with a remarkable ability to promptly appraise homes and connect with interested buyers. Their expertise in cutting-edge marketing strategies elevates the visibility of your property, ensuring it reaches a wide audience of potential purchasers.

Relying on a seasoned Su Casa agent introduces you to a streamlined selling process, safeguarded against the usual legal and financial hurdles. They efficiently coordinate with top-tier inspectors, legal counsel, and industry experts on your behalf. This concerted effort not only expedites your sale but also amplifies the overall effectiveness of selling your home.

PREPARE YOUR PROPERTY FOR SALE

Start by enhancing your home's curb appeal to make a solid first impression. This includes landscaping, painting the exterior, and ensuring the front entry is welcoming. Inside, declutter and depersonalize the space, allowing potential buyers to envision themselves living there. Consider minor repairs and touch-ups to address visible issues and to make the property more attractive.

Proper staging, using neutral colors, and arranging furniture thoughtfully can help showcase the home's potential. Hiring a professional photographer is crucial in creating visually appealing online listings that attract a broader audience. In addition to the visual appeal, gather all necessary documentation, including title deeds, survey reports, and any relevant permits or renovations.

Being transparent about your property's condition by providing comprehensive disclosures builds trust with potential buyers. Anticipate a buyer's home inspection and address any issues beforehand. Investing time upfront increases the likelihood of a smooth and successful home sale.

SET THE RIGHT PRICE TO SELL YOUR HOME

Setting the right price for your home involves a comprehensive analysis of the local real estate market, recent comparable sales, and the unique features of your property. It also means working with your real estate agent to ensure they have all the information they need to determine a good price.

Your real estate agent will conduct a comparative market analysis (CMA) and consider the property’s location, size, condition, and amenities. They’ll also evaluate current market trends and demand to gauge the appropriate pricing strategy.

Striking a balance between competitiveness and profitability is crucial; an accurately priced home attracts serious buyers and increases the likelihood of a timely and successful sale. While marketing the property, regularly reassess the market conditions and be open to adjusting the price based on feedback and changes in the real estate landscape.

TO MARKET EFFECTIVELY IS TO MARKET ONLINE

Marketing a home in today’s environment is complex, which is another reason you need an experienced real estate agent.

First, you’ll need to develop a comprehensive marketing strategy. In today’s world, this means utilizing a mix of online platforms, social media, and traditional marketing channels to reach a broad audience. Selling online is technical and complex, so it’s critical that your real estate agent has technical and sales expertise.

You’ll want to leverage social media channels like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram during a sale. You’ll also want your sales to display correctly in Zillow and Redfin, especially since many buyers search those online directories exclusively. You’ll finally want to ensure you print collateral and email templates ready to respond immediately to buyers.

NEGOTIATE HOME BUYER OFFERS

Review and negotiate offers with the guidance of your real estate agent. Consider the purchase price and other terms, such as closing dates and contingencies. Be prepared to counteroffer and work towards a mutually agreeable contract.

Lean on your selling agent, especially if you’re uncomfortable with a negotiation. Your Su Casa agent will have been through the selling process hundreds of times and know from experience when an offer is good or bad. Your agent will always defer to you for a final decision but know that your agent is your representative throughout the selling process. It's in their best interest to get the best price.

HIRE YOUR OWN HOME INSPECTION

For sellers, transparency is the keyword in selling a home. There’s nothing worse after negotiating a home sale than for the buyer’s inspector to find an unexpected problem in a home. If you know you have an issue, do your best to either address the issue before inspection or outline the issue to the prospective buyer and offer remedies.

Here are some other tips to prepare your home for inspection:

Ensure that the inspector has easy access to all areas of your property, including the attic, basement, and crawl spaces. Clear away clutter and make sure keys are available for locked areas.
On the day of the inspection, be prepared for the inspector's visit. It's advisable to vacate the premises during the inspection to allow the buyer and inspector to focus on the evaluation without distraction.
Once the inspection report is complete, carefully review the findings with your real estate agent. If there are significant issues, be prepared to negotiate with the buyer. Consider obtaining repair estimates to provide a clearer picture of the potential costs involved. Be open to compromise and find solutions that are fair to both parties.

ENSURE YOU PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR CLOSING

Work closely with your real estate agent to ensure a smooth closing process. Coordinate with the buyer's representatives, provide necessary documentation, and address outstanding concerns. Be prepared to sign the necessary legal documents and facilitate a seamless transfer of ownership.

You should also ensure that you’re ready to move. Coordinate the timing of your move with the closing date to ensure a smooth transition for both parties. Once the property is closed and the keys are in the buyer’s hands, they’ll want to move in immediately.

If you can’t move by the closing date, ask your agent to negotiate a short-term rental agreement. Without such an agreement, you could face severe legal and financial problems after the closing.

Finally, notify all utilities and other relevant services about the impending sale. Arrange for the transfer or cancellation of services in your name to avoid any issues for you or the new homeowners.

FINAL HOME WALKTHROUGH

When conducting a walkthrough in a sold home, begin by carefully reviewing the terms of the purchase agreement and any negotiated repairs or improvements. Coordinate with the buyer's agent to schedule a convenient time for the walkthrough, typically conducted a day or a few days before the closing.

As the seller, ensure that the property is in the agreed-upon condition, with any repairs or agreed-upon changes completed satisfactorily. Systematically go through each room, checking for any unexpected issues, ensuring all appliances are in working order, and verifying that the property is clean and free of personal belongings. The walkthrough provides an opportunity to address last-minute concerns, confirm the property's condition, and foster a positive closing experience for both parties.