Your second step is to decide whether you wish to sell your home by yourself (For Sale By Owner), engage the services of a listing Realtor, or a combination of both.
FSBO can be navigated if you have the know how. But as a Realtor I have some advantages that may not be available to you.
- First is the access to all the other Realtors representing their Buyers.
- Second is access and utilization of the MLS system. Every time a new property becomes available in the MLS, over a thousand plus realtors and their clients have access through the power of this exposure.
- Third, this is what I do. I have a plan so you don't have to reinvent the wheel of home selling.
- Lastly this is my job. The time I spend to list, market and show your home is what my time is supposed to be spent on. What is your time worth? Would you rather take time away from your job or family, to show the fairly interested drive by, or would you rather have buyers brought to you.
The following steps will assume you wish to engage the services of a Realtor.
Your third step is Realtor selection. The main issue as I see it is trust. If it doesn't feel right, walk away.
I offer my services to come walk through your home and evaluate the market on your behalf. I and any Realtor you choose will need to explain and keep a signed copy of the Agency Disclosure form.
Most Realtors will require an Exclusive Right to Sell Listing Agreement contract, some may not. But all are required by law to provide you a Customer Information Pamphlet of Agency Disclosure. This form is required for us to keep as evidence that we fulfilled our duties to you about explaining what the law says about agency (the act of representing you).
Realtors are also required to disclose to you whether they intend to represent both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction. Representing both is known as Dual Agency. We must receive your consent via your signature on this Dual Agency form before we can act in this way.
I personally will have your home professionally photographed and have a state of the art virtual tour provided. I will use internet marketing as my primary means to advertise your home.
Please ensure your home is ready for photographing and showing since this is the most important part of marketing your home. This article will show you how to prepare.
Your fourth step is filling out the paperwork I'm required by law to explain and have you sign. These usually deal with Lead Based Paint, Termites, and other property information you are aware of that MUST be disclosed.
Your fifth step is the offer. Do you accept or counter offer. (Keep in mind when you counter offer it kills the buyers offer).
Your sixth step is any repairs that come back from the buyers appraisal inspection that may be required for their financing. You may also need to provide proof of a Termite inspection/treatment contract.
Final step is the closing. Your Realtor will walk you through this process. This usually takes place at the title agency, but can be located elsewhere. Typically as the seller you will be responsible for your share of the this years taxes, and any other part of the closing costs that may have been negotiated. Usually the buyer's Realtor fee or commission will be handled by the sellers Broker.
Usually the home will need to be empty, cleaned and move in ready by this time, since the keys change hands at closing.
If I can help you in any way I would love to offer my services.
Gary
