Seller’s Guide: Steps to Listing Your Home
Below are the steps in the process to list your property. After you have signed the listing documentation required by our real estate brokerage. We will begin to proceed with listing your property.
Note: Please keep this link to reference to any questions during the process
Planning
Review your personalized Property Report & Pricing Strategy
Set up your Property Scorecard (includes local comps + pricing tiers)
Plan out the Marketing Strategy (photos, video, website, online reach) > Click here for more info: Marketing Campaigns
Collect details about the home and any standout features to promote
Write a compelling listing description that highlights why you bought it in the first place (this helps buyers connect emotionally)
Preparation
Identify any small updates or repairs that could boost appeal
Declutter and clean to get photo-ready
Decide what’s included in the sale (appliances, fixtures, etc.)
Set a weekly check-in schedule for updates and buyer feedback
Install a lockbox (if needed)
Photography and Videography: schedule for professional photos and/or videos to be taken
Prepare Marketing Plan
Activate Listing
Upload listing to MLS & property website and all online platforms
Showings begin and buyer activity is tracked
Marketing goes live across all platforms
Weekly Scheduled Call: to review interest, showing feedback, and next steps
Real estate advisor to handle all offers and negotiations: email to sellers- review together and discuss options
Under Contract
Final signatures collected and Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) received
Conduct Inspection: The buyer has the opportunity to conduct various inspections on the property to assess its condition. The purpose is to uncover any issues that could impact the sale or require repairs.
Post-Inspection Negotiations: Once the inspection period concludes, the buyer may request repairs, a price reduction, or other concessions based on the inspection report.
Buyer may choose to move forward or release contract based on inspection results.
Pending to Close
Appraisal Ordered: An appraisal is an assessment conducted by a licensed appraiser to determine the fair market value of the property. This is typically required by the buyer's lender to ensure the property's value is sufficient to support the loan amount. None required if a cash offer was accepted.
Open Escrow: Opening escrow occurs after the appraisal or EMD has been submitted. This marks the beginning of the transaction's formal process towards closing.
Final Underwriting Review: Loan approval is only needed if the buyer is using some type of lending to purchase the property. This indicates that the buyer qualifies for the loan pending the satisfaction of certain conditions, such as providing additional documents or explanations.
Title Search & Insurance: The title search ensures there are no legal issues or liens on the property that could affect ownership. Title insurance protects both parties from financial loss due to unforeseen title defects.
Schedule Closing Date: The title company will determine what opens they have and schedule to close for both parties.
Final Water Reading: A final water reading will be ordered by the title company or listing agent. $300 will be help by title company to cover any unpaid water bills, in which the title company will mail you the remaining amount owed in a form of a check after closing.
Closing
Final Walkthrough: Before closing, the buyer and their agent typically walk through the property to ensure it's in the agreed-upon condition and any negotiated terms, such as leaving items behind, are met. This ensures there are no unexpected damages and that everything is as expected for the final transfer of ownership.
Review Seller Settlement Statements: Outlines the financial details of your home sale, including the sales price, deductions for commissions, closing fees, prorated taxes, and mortgage payoffs. It shows your final net proceeds and is provided a few days before closing.
Meet at Title Company: Buyers and sellers will meet with their agents at the title company to sign closing documents and exchange keys.