Getting Ready to Sell Your Home

Overview of the Buying & Selling Process Preparing Your Home Through The Eyes Of A Buyer Repair & Cleaning Checklist What To Do While Your House Is Being Shown Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Overview of the Buying & Selling Process

The Buyer... 1. Considers the purchase of a home. 2. Selects a real estate agent. 3. Determines needs and wants. 4. Discusses financial issues. 5. Views & researches target homes. 6. Makes an offer to buy. The Seller... 1. Decides to sell property. 2. Selects a real estate agent. 3. Determines needs. 4. Prepares home for marketing. 5. Agent markets the home. 6. Accepts, rejects or counters offer. 7. Offer Accepted 8. Loan Application 9. Inspections 10. Title Search 11. Appraisal 12. Loan Approval 13. Closing Papers Signed 14. Documents Recorded 15. Funds Available To Seller 16. Seller Moves Out 17. Buyer Moves In Back to Top

Preparing your home through the eyes of a buyer...

The effort put into repairing and cleaning your property is likely to be returned in a fast sale at an attractive price. As buyers approach your property the first time, impressions are formed quickly. Paint house - this can do more for sales appeal than any other factor. Yard - Remove all toys, garbage, garden tools and other items from view. Mow lawn and keep edged. Close garage doors. Put colorful flowers in front of house. Often, while waiting to be let in, the first thing a buyer looks at closely is the front door. Put new paint on the front door. Buy a new door mat. Buyers take a close look at the basement of a home. They will look for bad wiring, leaky pipes and signs of decay. Clean out basement and dispose of everything you are not going to move. Ensure that there is plenty of lighting. Sweep or vacuum floor. Stack items neatly against walls. The kitchen is often the most important room in the house. Make it bright and attractive. Put a vase of fresh flowers on the table. Replace curtains or clean existing ones. Remove appliances from counters. Create a pleasant fragrance in the kitchen (i.e. vanilla, cinnamon). It is important that bathrooms are clean, bright and smell fresh. Install a new shower curtain and replace worn throw rugs. Polish all fixtures. Open windows. Hang bright, fresh towels. Remove stains from toilets and bathtubs. Use air freshener. Display colorful soaps. The living room... Clean out the fireplace and place logs in it. Polish all woodwork. Put big furniture in storage so rooms are not cluttered or crowded. Back to Top

Repair & Cleaning Checklist

Front Door: Newly painted Doorbell operating Door brass polished Hinges oiled Exterior of House: House recently painted Gutters recently cleaned Exterior lights operating Missing shingles replaced Moss removed from roof Windows: Window trims painted Windows operating freely Cracked windowpanes replaced Windows washed Driveway: Resurfaced Potholes patched Recently sealed Patios: Wood stained or painted Fencing secure Lawn: Lawn in good condition Grass mowed Edges trimmed Trees/Shrubs: Dead branches pruned Dead shrubs replaced Overgrown shrubs pruned Entry: Entry lights operating Floors cleaned Closet cleaned Closet light operating  Living Room: Recently painted Cracks in ceiling/walls repaired Leaks repaired & watermarks covered Wallpaper secured Woodwork repainted Curtains/drapes/blinds cleaned Drapes/blinds opened Carpets cleaned Furniture positioned to show space Kitchen: Sink free of stains No dripping faucets Appliances in good working order Walls, cabinets free of stains Countertops cleared and cleaned Pantry neatly arranged Pantry hardware replaced Refrigerator defrosted Family Room: Cracks in ceiling/walls repaired Leaks repaired & watermarks covered Wallpaper secured Woodwork repainted Windows washed Curtains/drapes/blinds cleaned Windows operating freely Drapes/blinds opened Carpets cleaned Hobby supplies put away Bedrooms: Cracks in ceiling/walls repaired Leaks repaired & watermarks covered Wallpaper secured Woodwork repaired Windows washed Curtains/drapes/blinds cleaned Floor waxed/refinished Carpets cleaned Beds made Laundry put away Floor free from clutter Basement: Cracks in ceiling/walls repaired No evidence of water penetration Dampness removed Cold water pipes covered Dehumidifier installed Sump pump installed No musty odors Drains cleared Furnace cleaned Storage neatly arranged Excess storage removed Floor swept Light fixtures operating Handrail secure Stairway runner secure Dining Room: Cracks in ceiling/walls repaired Leaks repaired & watermarks covered Wallpaper secured Woodwork repaired Windows washed Drapes/blinds open to view Floor waxed/refinished Carpets cleaned Bathrooms: Sink stains removed Leaky faucets repaired Grouting stains removed All joints caulked Missing tiles replaced All fixtures operating Floors cleaned New shower curtain All supplies stored Guest towels Back to Top

While your house is being shown...

Before Your House Is Shown... Tag or remove items not included in sale (i.e. water conditioner, chandeliers, plants, drapes). Open shades and curtains to let in light. Turn on enough lights so home is well-lit during showing. At night, turn on porch light and outdoor lighting. Tidy all the rooms. Neatness makes a room easier to view. Clean dirty dishes in the sink and put away any dishes on counter. Keep toys in the children's rooms. Put away items in the yard such as bicycles, gardening tools and skateboards. If fall or winter, light a fire in the fireplace. While Your House Is Being Shown... When possible, leave while the property is shown. If not, remain in an area not being shown by the sales associate. Let the real estate expert show your house. Answer questions candidly when asked, but avoid questioning potential buyers. Refer inquiries about seeing your house to your Realtor to take advantage of the agent's professional skills in selling your home. Don't mention items you wish to dispose of unless asked. It is best to be away when your agent is holding an open house. Keep pets outdoors or in one area. Keep children quiet and in one area. Keep radio, stereo or TV on low volume. Keep money and other valuable items out of sight. Back to Top

Answers to frequently asked questions...

What are the hazards of lead-based paint? All buyers and sellers are required by law to receive and read a pamphlet outlining the hazards of lead-based paint for homes built before 1978. Be sure to ask your real estate agent for a copy. What is the difference between "pre-qualified" and "pre-approved"? If a buyer is "pre-qualified" it has been determined, with a loan officer, what price the buyer can afford based on the down payment, debts and the amount the mortgage company will approve for the mortgage. Being "pre-qualified" is only a determination of probable credit. If "pre-approved", credit, employment and funds have been approved by the lender. What pages are generally included in the Purchase and Sales Agreement? Agency Disclosure Financing Addendum/Clause Earnest Money Receipt Inspection/Clause Contingency Addendum Outlining Special Conditions Lead-Base Paint Notification Property Disclosure Form (completed by Sellers) Back to Top   .