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While it is my job to find a buyer for your home it is also my job to make the whole process easier for you.

Below is a flowchart of the actual home selling process (click it for a larger image):

There is much that goes into the process before we ever get to the point of accepting an offer.  This typically starts with some repairs to the home and a full-scale cleaning (reminiscent of the old "spring cleaning"), and packing up items that aren't needed on a regular basis.  Once you've done this you are ready to begin showing your home. 

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Of course, this means keeping it ready to show at a moments notice, taking calls and allowing strangers into your home on a regular basis.  This can be very stressful. Luckily, with me on your side you will know that I am doing everything in my power to ensure that each of those "strangers" who enters your home has already been screened in multiple ways, making sure that they are able to buy your home and also making sure that they are really interested in buying your home.

Once we find a buyer for your home, the buyer (or their agent) will present an offer. Which will examine together to help you determine what your best response is.  Should you accept it as is? Or should you counter their offer in hopes of getting a better deal?  This is something we will deal with on a offer by offer basis.

Once you have accepted the offer, the next step is the....
 1. Home Inspection. The buyer can choose to either do the home inspection themselves, or hire a licensed home inspector to thoroughly go through the house.  Once the inspector has done so, they will present the buyer with a home inspection report. If the home inspector discovers any major defects or health & safety issues  or other items that the buyer feels should be repaired prior to closing they will present us (you the seller and me as your agent) a copy of this home inspection and a form detailing which repairs they wish to be made.  You have the right to determine which repairs you will make.  Of course, health & safety issues should be repaired.

Once both you and the buyer have agreed on repairs to be made we will move forward and the buyer's mortgage company will order an...

 2. Appraisal. If you are living in the home the appraisal company will contact you to arrange entrance into the home so that they can do the appraisal.  This is to determine the value of the home for mortgage purposes.

Next we will need to ...
3. Order Wood Infestation Report (Termite Inspection). This should be done no more than 30 days prior to closing. This inspection is required for closing and will be billed to you at closing.  This is not just a termite inspection. While they do check for any signs of a current or previous infestation of termites they also check for several other wood destroying organisms including fungus and wood beetles.  It is very important in this part of the country that you keep a termite bond on your home at all times. It will save you a great bit of money in the long run, vs not having a bond and finding out at this inspection that you need to spend thousands having your home treated.

4. Contact Attorney. It is typically standard that whoever pays for the closing costs chooses the attorney. If the buyer is paying their own closing costs they will choose the attorney and schedule the closing.  If you choose to help the buyer by paying the closing costs then you will choose the attorney. If you have an attorney you want to use we will use them, if not I can make suggestions or make the choice for you.  As your agent, I will schedule the closing for you, so that you do not have to deal with this step of the process.  The attorney will be in contact within a week or so of closing to get required information from you regarding your SSN and mortgage information.

5. Contact Utilities. Don't forget to call the Utilities, Cable, Phone and other services that you use to either turn off those services (leave utilities on until the day of closing at which time they will transfer to the new owner), or transfer them to your new home if you are moving within the area.

Those are the main things that YOU have to do between finding your new home and the closing.  If you are purchasing a new home as well as selling your old home, then you may want to take a few moments and also familiarize yourself with the Home Buying Process.

More Tips to Help you Through the Home Selling Process

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