1- Why are you selling?
Your first step should be to write down the reasons that are motivating you to sell your home. Are you under pressure because of a new job opportunity? Do you just need more space because there’s a little one on the way?
It’s a good idea to think about what your goals are overall then decide how selling your home will affect your goals either in a positive or negative way. After you’ve determined these things on your own, your Orlando real estate agent will have the knowledge to set a realistic time frame to get your home sold according to your specific needs. This will help you to plan your move accordingly.
2- Set the selling price
After you’ve determined why you’re selling and how much time you need before making the big move, it’s time to decide on a selling price. This is where your Orlando realtor will prepare a CMA [comparative market analysis] on your home which determines a home’s value based on recent sales in the same neighborhood for homes that are similar to yours. After reviewing this report with your agent, he or she will then guide you to getting the highest price that will get your home sold within the time frame you’ve chosen.
Many times it’s a challenge for homeowners to remain objective when it comes to setting a price for their home so try to keep your emotions out of it. It’s always better to price your home correctly from the start rather than setting it high and then lowering it. If your house stays on the market too long because of it being overpriced then you run the risk of potential buyers thinking that there’s something wrong with it causing you to lose even more money.
3- Get your home ready
Time to get your home looking showroom ready! Let’s face it, most of us don’t keep our homes in the condition that it needs to be in to fetch the highest price when selling. Because we live there, many things get overlooked or put on the back burner like that stain on the carpet you’ve been meaning to clean or the caulking in the bathroom that needs replacing. Well, the time has arrived to knock out that long overdue to-do list. Believe it or not, the way your home looks will have a huge impact on how fast and how much it will sell for.
You’ll never get a second opportunity to make a first impression, so make it count. Consult with your Orlando realtor on what should be changed, repaired, removed, or painted before listing the home for sale. The better you’ve maintained your home over the years, the less you will have to do to get it ready.
Be sure that your home is as clean and clutter-free as possible so that it looks as spacious as possible allowing potential buyers to move freely throughout your house. Also, remember to open up those blinds and curtains and let in as much light as possible.
4- Ask your Orlando Realtor about the marketing plan
OK, your home is looking sharp, you know how much time you need to sell it and you’ve established a listing price. It’s now time to list it and start marketing it. Ask your Orlando realtor how they plan to market your home. It’s your realtor’s job to expose your home to as many qualified buyers as possible.
These days realtors have many different effective ways to market a property to get it sold for the highest price in addition to listing it on the MLS. Some of these ways include social media, videos, flyers, email blasts, open houses, etc.
5- Receiving offers
After a buyer decides they would like to buy your home, they will present a written offer. Before you even see this offer, however, your Orlando real estate agent will have to determine whether or not this buyer is pre-qualified to buy a home. Don’t waste your time if the buyer isn’t qualified.
After receiving a legitimate offer on your home, your agent must review the contract to ensure that it protects your best interest. Make sure to thoroughly review the fine print because once you accept it, it may be too late to make changes to it. The legalities of the contract are very important so don’t hesitate to ask your agent about any concerns you might have before signing.
6- Negotiating the offer
Seldom will you get a buyer to agree to your price without there being some negotiating involved? Your Orlando realtor should have the experience and expertise to negotiate on your behalf. Your agent should review the written offer with you in detail so that you fully understand what the buyers are offering as well as what they are asking for in return.
Here are some items that are typically negotiated on the sale of a home
- Listing Price
- Closing Costs
- Repairs
- Fixtures And Appliances
- Time Frame for Occupancy
7- Preparing for the closing
Once negotiations are over and all necessary inspections have been completed, etc. It’s time to begin closing procedures. Your Orlando realtor should be in constant contact with the Title company to make sure that everything is going smoothly as well as quickly address any issues that may arise. Your agent should also take the initiative to reach out to all parties involved ensuring that all parties are on the same page.
8- The Closing
This is where the ownership of the property officially transfers to the buyer. Your Orlando real estate agent should be present at the closing to help you understand the entire process including the forms that you will have to sign. Be sure to ask as many questions as you need to at the closing table. They are no stupid questions, especially for such an important transaction.
9- After the closing
Your home has officially been sold and you can start initiating the plan to move out. Your realtor should prepare a list of things that need to happen to turn the property over to the new owners. Make sure to cancel all your utilities and services on the home or switch them to the names of the new owners. Turn over all your keys, and garage door openers, and be sure to give them any access codes to the entrance and amenities. Not only will the new owners appreciate this, but it will save you from having to answer a few phone calls when you’re busy moving into your new home.
