Selling Off-Market, Step by Step
From signing the purchase agreement to getting paid at closing, here's every stage of your private sale and what happens in each one. You'll always know where we are and what comes next.
We go from the Agreement straight to Clear to Close, then Closed.
01 Agreement 05 Clear to Close 06 Closed
I share your home with investors in my network, and we follow all six stages.
01 to 06 All stages
Either way, your price and terms stay the same, and you don't pay me a commission.
Agreement
You've chosen to sell privately. Here's what happens after you sign.
Starts whenyou sign the purchase agreement
- Sign the purchase agreement, including the written disclosure
- Lockbox placed so we can access the home
- Photos and details from our appointment prepared for buyersPrivate buyer
- Funding confirmed and a contractor walkthrough to plan the workIf I'm buying
Your partSign the agreement and let me know the best times to access the home.
Who is buying my home?
Your agreement is with AJR Property Investments LLC, my company. I may buy your home myself, or assign the contract to a buyer from my private network. You'll get this in writing before you sign.
Do I pay a commission?
No. You don't pay me a commission. If a buyer from my network closes on your home, my commission is paid by the buyer, not you. You only pay your own normal closing costs, as written in your agreement.
Are you acting as my agent?
No. In a private sale, my company is the buyer, so I'm not representing you as your agent. I'm a licensed real estate agent, and your agreement says so in writing.
How was my price determined?
It's based on the home's condition, recent sales nearby, repair costs, holding costs, and the convenience of a private sale. Your Property Analysis Report shows the numbers.
Do I need to make repairs or clean?
No. Your home is sold as-is, with no repairs, inspection, or appraisal needed. There's no staging or deep cleaning.
Is this kept private?
Yes. Your home isn't listed on the MLS or public websites. If I share it, it's only with my private buyer network.
Marketing to Buyers
If I'm not buying your home myself, I share it privately with investors in my network.
Starts whenyour home's details are ready to share
- Email to my VIP buyers first
- Then an email to my full buyers list
- Interested buyers tracked
Your partNothing yet. I'll keep you updated.
Why share my home with other buyers?
Sometimes another investor in my network is the best fit for your home. Your agreement allows me to assign the contract to them.
Does my price change?
No. Your price and terms stay as written in your agreement.
Showing to Buyers
Interested buyers see the home in person.
Starts whena showing is scheduled
- Showing time confirmed with you first
- Reminders to you and the buyers
- I walk buyers through the home
- Final offer due date set
Your partConfirm showing times and keep the home accessible.
Do I need to be home for showings?
No. I'll walk buyers through the home. You're welcome to be there if you'd like.
Will buyers inspect my home?
They'll look at the condition during the showing. Your agreement is as-is, with no inspection period or repair requests.
Buyer Selected
A buyer from my network is chosen to close on your home.
Starts whena buyer's offer is accepted
- Offers reviewed and the best buyer chosen
- I let you know which buyer was chosen
- Assignment of contract signed by the buyer
- Buyer's earnest money deposit confirmed
- Agreement, assignment, and deposit sent to the title company
Your partNo action needed. I'll let you know who the buyer is.
What is an assignment?
The buyer from my network steps into our agreement and closes on the same terms you signed.
Clear to Close
The title company clears the way for closing. There's no inspection or loan approval to wait on.
Starts whenthe title company opens the file
- "Title is open" text to you
- Title items cleared: payoffs, liens, and back taxes
- Buyer's funds confirmed with the title company
- Closing date and time scheduled with you
Your partKeep paying your mortgage and utilities, answer any title company questions, and start moving out.
What does the title company do?
They confirm who owns the home, order payoffs for your mortgage and any liens or back taxes, and handle the closing and your payment.
What if I have liens or back taxes?
They're usually paid from your sale proceeds at closing. The title company orders the payoffs.
Should I keep paying my mortgage and utilities?
Yes. Keep making your normal payments and keep the utilities on until closing, unless you're told otherwise.
Can the sale still fall apart?
It's uncommon, but yes. Your agreement lets the buyer extend the closing date or cancel if their cash funding falls through. I'll keep you updated at every stage.
Closed
You sign, hand over the keys, and get paid.
Starts whenit's closing day
- Settlement statement reviewed with you before you sign
- Final water reading and final walkthrough
- Sign at the title company and hand over the keys
- I pick up the lockbox
- You're paid by the title company
- Short video testimonial, if you're up for it
- A quick review, if you were happy with how it went
- No social posts about your sale without your OK
Your partBring your photo ID and all your keys, and remove your belongings and any debris.
How do I get paid?
By wire transfer or check from the title company once closing is complete.
What comes out of my proceeds?
Your mortgage payoff, any liens or back taxes, prorated taxes, and your normal closing costs. No commission comes out of your proceeds. You'll see every line on your settlement statement.
Do I need to attend closing?
Usually you'll sign with the title company or a notary. We'll set up what works best for you.
What if I can't remove everything?
Your agreement asks that belongings and debris be removed before closing. If that's hard for you, tell me early and we'll work out a plan.
Questions Along the Way?
I'm your one point of contact from agreement to closing. If your question isn't answered here, call or text (586) 238-3693 or email aj@ajrittner.com anytime.