Randyl M. Walters
Step by step instructions to make selling your house simple
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Hire a Real Estate Agent
Find someone you trust and enjoy working with, they are going to be your representative and advocate.
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Price Your Home to Sell
Get a CMA (comparable market analysis). Talk to your agent about values and trends in the local market.
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Set Your timeline
Hire an agent / review listing presentations. Plan repairs and projects. Declutter.
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Home inspection / repairs
Consider a home inspection to identify potential issues if you are not handy. Do repairs or updates or hire a handyman for minor issues.
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set the stage / clean
Put your best foot forward with a clean house and neat landscaping.
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List your house
Begin marketing, add to MLS. Accept showings and be flexible.
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accept offer / close
Make your home available for inspections as needed. Pack and start moving before settlement. Call utility companies, but keep everything on and insurance current until settlement. Bring any documents, keys, alarm codes, garage door openers to settlement.
find the right real estate agent
Also, according to the National Association of Realtors, the average price of a home sold by a real estate professional was $330,000 compared to an average For-Sale-By-Owner price of just $225,000.(1)
That’s a difference of 46.7%.
Wait, that means you will actually make more money if you sell your house with a realtor. 40% more money on average. Weird.
That’s like 30,000 cups of coffee at Dunkin Donuts (or 120 cups if you like Starbucks).
If you think an agent is just the person who stands in your kitchen greeting buyers during an open house, then you’re missing 99% of what an agent does.
Find out all the things an agent can do for you here.
You do not need “a” real estate agent.
You need the “right” real estate agent.
Although the answer to this can differ slightly, the one thing you absolutely must have is an agent who is trustworthy, honest, knowledgeable and experienced. Find someone who is responsive and listens to you and with whom you enjoy spending time. Remember, you will be spending quite a lot of time with this person and they are going to help walk you through what is probably the largest purchase you will ever make.
If you are located in PA and need an agent, we know a few that we happen to think are pretty great.
Click the Contact Us link below to get in touch via phone, text, or e-mail.
price your home to sell
Contact us any time to chat.
set a timeline for listing your home
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Find an Agent
If you haven’t completed step 1, that is your first task. A great agent really does know what goes into selling a home and they will help you through the entire process, even before your home hits the market.
Don’t be afraid to interview several agents if you don’t feel warm and fuzzy with the first one you speak to. Ask agents to come to your home and do a listing presentation.
A great agent may ask to preview your house and come back later with a price. Faster is not always better, especially when it comes to getting top dollar for your largest investment. How much is that second appointment worth to you? $1000? $10,000? $50,000? Pricing your home right the first time can mean a difference of tens of thousands of dollars in sales price. -
Plan & Prepare
Once you have an agent, outline a plan. Talk about tasks and projects that you may want to complete before the home is listed.
Be realistic in evaluating both the condition of your home as well as the amount of time and money you are willing and able to spend. -
Declutter & STAGE
Now you can finally get to that closet. And while no one ever wants to do this, you will thank me when it comes time to pack.
Start decluttering ASAP, especially if this is going to take a while. Pack up whatever you don’t need and if you can, get it out of the house, or at least out of sight.
Staging your home before selling is a strategic move to enhance its appeal. It allows potential buyers to visualize themselves living there, highlighting your property's strengths and minimizing its flaws. Staged homes often sell faster and for higher prices, offering a return on your investment. Additionally, staging helps your home stand out in online listings, where most buyers begin their search. By creating a neutral and welcoming environment, it reduces distractions and encourages buyers to linger. Ask your agent for advice on how to do this successfully.
home inspection & repairs
Consider getting a home inspection, especially if you are not that handy. I know this goes against traditional wisdom and the buyer typically gets a home inspection after you’ve accepted an offer, but if you can provide not only a completed home inspection but also a list of completed repairs, your home becomes that much more desirable. Think of it like providing a “Carfax” for your home.
set the stage & clean
Pets and smoke are common odors, but food smells can be just as strong. Be conscious of what you cook, especially before a showing.
list your house and get ready to show
accept offer
Inspections
The buyer may have to meet other contingencies during this time period as well. They may have to apply for a mortgage and provide a commitment by a certain date. They will order title and ultimately will schedule settlement.
Get ready to Move
final walkthrough & settlement
Review your settlement costs on the day of closing for accuracy and voila!
Now all you have to do is find a new place to live…don’t worry, we’ve got instructions for that, too!