Seller’s Guide
What to expect when selling your Atlanta real estate.
What to expect when selling your Atlanta real estate.
Selling a home is a complex process that requires a thorough plan of action and assistance from a fantastic real estate agent. While selling a property can be stressful, learning about the steps involved will put your mind at ease. Keep reading for a brief introduction to the home selling process.
Your listing agent will be your closest confidant during the selling process, so take the time to research and interview several agents to find the right one. They will guide you throughout the selling process and advocate on your behalf, helping you prepare to sell, price appropriately, market your home, and get it sold swiftly.
Once you’ve found a terrific listing agent, they will use their local market knowledge and comparable homes that recently sold in your neighborhood to price your home appropriately.
Your agent will use their real estate market savvy to help your listing stand out among the rest. Marketing will typically be done via Multiple Listing Services (MLS), additional listing websites, and your agent’s networks. In addition, your agent will plan open houses and showings and follow up on inquiries from prospective buyers.
Your home might need to be spruced up to give potential buyers an excellent first impression of your property. The home interior and exterior will be cleaned, the paint will be touched up, and personal items and clutter will be cleared out to give buyers the chance to picture their family living on the property. Your agent will give you a detailed list of elements to address to help your property appear liveable and sellable.
You’re welcome to make yourself scarce while your agent shows your home. They are the experts and want you to feel that your home is in good hands. Leaving viewings to your agent ensures that your property’s best features will be presented.
If you’re genuinely ready to sell, you’ll need to be prepared to make compromises, counteroffers, and even entertain low-ball offers. Your agent will consult with both parties to come up with an agreeable price.
Once the seller has agreed to a price, the purchase agreement will be signed and your agent will open escrow and order a title report. You will work with the buyer to pick a closing and move-out date. This is your chance to go over any contingencies in the purchase contract with your agent.
Heading into a home appraisal with a pristine home is vitally important. The buyer can back out of the home sale if negative appraisal results don’t meet the agreed-upon standards. Be sure to talk with your agent about your rights and alternatives if the appraisal doesn’t go as planned.
The buyer will schedule a home inspection to ensure they are completely satisfied with the property and there are no last-minute repairs or issues that need handling before they move in. Ask your agent for a home inspection checklist and be prepared to address any issues that come up. Once all contingencies are met, ask the buyer to approve and lift any conditions in writing.
The buyer will schedule a home inspection to ensure they are completely satisfied with the property and there are no last-minute repairs or issues that need handling before they move in. Ask your agent for a home inspection checklist and be prepared to address any issues that come up. Once all contingencies are met, ask the buyer to approve and lift any conditions in writing.