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Seller's Guide

A Step-by-Step Seller's Guide

Putting your home on the market can be a stressful process, especially when you don’t know what to expect. Fortunately, with the help of an experienced agent and this easy to follow guide, you can smoothly complete the process. Following these steps will help you prepare so you can get organized and sell your home for the best price possible.​​​​​​​

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Step 1: Find a Knowledgeable Agent

A good real estate agent does more than list your home—they help you price it right, prep it for market, and navigate all the moving parts from start to finish. Look for someone who knows your local market, communicates clearly, and has a solid plan for marketing your home. Ask questions, check reviews, and make sure you feel comfortable with their style and approach. Selling a home is a big deal, and the right agent can make the process smoother and less stressful.

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Step 2: Determine Selling Price

Your agent will run a comparative market analysis (CMA) using recent sales in your area to figure out a competitive price. The goal is to attract strong offers quickly—not scare off buyers with a price that's too high or leave money on the table by going too low. Pricing it right from the beginning is key. The market is always shifting, so local data and current trends matter more than what a home sold for a year ago or what a neighbor "thinks" it's worth.

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Step 3: Prepare Your Home

First impressions matter. Take time to clean, declutter, and make small repairs—think leaky faucets, chipped paint, or squeaky doors. Consider staging or rearranging furniture to show off your home's space and flow. Curb appeal also counts, so tidy up the yard, plant fresh flowers, or add a new welcome mat. Your agent may suggest professional photos and even video to make sure your home stands out online, where most buyers will see it first.

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Step 4: Market Your Property

Once your home is ready, your agent will list it on the MLS and share it across major platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, and social media. Quality photos, a compelling description, and targeted exposure help draw in serious buyers. Depending on your home and market, your agent might also use email marketing, open houses, or paid ads. The goal is to get as many eyes on your property as possible in the first couple of weeks—that's when it gets the most attention.

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Step 5: Show Your Home

Flexibility is important when it comes to showings. Try to keep the home clean and ready to go with short notice, especially in the first week or two. Turn on lights, open blinds, and take pets out if you can. The more welcoming and easy it is to view, the better the chances of getting a solid offer. Your agent will handle scheduling and feedback, so you’ll know what buyers are saying and can make adjustments if needed.

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Step 6: Review Offers & Negotiate

When offers start coming in, your agent will help you compare more than just the price. Look closely at financing terms, contingencies (like inspections or appraisal), and proposed closing dates. If there are multiple offers, you may be able to negotiate for better terms. Even with one offer, there’s usually room to negotiate repairs, timelines, or other details. The key is to stay open-minded and focused on your goals—not just the highest number.

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Step 7: Complete Inspections & Appraisal

Once you’ve accepted an offer, the buyer will likely schedule a home inspection and appraisal. The inspection could lead to repair requests or credits, and the appraisal must match the sale price for the buyer’s loan to go through. Be prepared to negotiate again if any big issues come up. Your agent will guide you through this and help you decide what’s worth fixing or pushing back on. It’s a normal part of the process and doesn’t have to be stressful.

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Step 8: Close

You’ve reached the last step in the seller’s process. When you close on a home you are selling, you are legally transferring ownership of the property to the new buyer. I will meet with the company closing the transaction to sign the final paperwork and go over any issues that have not yet been taken care of. During this time, you can also make plans with your real estate agent to handle final details such as canceling utilities, cable, and lawn or trash services, changing the name on accounts that the new owner is retaining and ensuring the new owner has instructions for all appliances that will remain in the home.

Congratulations!

Once you have sold your home, you’re free to take the next step on your journey. Whether this is relocating to a new city, moving into a larger home, or downsizing and enjoying your life as empty-nesters, knowing all your selling responsibilities have been taken care of will help you achieve peace of mind for your new path.

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Get assistance in determining current property value, crafting a competitive offer, writing and negotiating a contract, and much more. Let Raquel guide you through your home-buying journey.

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