Spanaway Sellers’ Checklist

Step 1: Preparing Your Home for Sale

• Declutter and Depersonalize: Begin by decluttering your home and removing personal items to remove any clutter or unneeded distractions. The goal is to set up a neutral, inviting space that connects with prospective buyers. After all, buyers should be able to envision themselves living in the home.
  
  
• Home Staging: Consider professional home staging to maximize your property's appeal and value on the market. Staged homes often sell faster and for higher prices. Your real estate agent can help you find a reputable stager to manipulate furniture, decor, and lighting techniques to showcase all your home’s most alluring features. With expert staging, you can set up a truly luxurious space that’s sure to impress buyers and lead to a swifter sale.
  
  
• Curb Appeal: Enhance your home's curb appeal by maintaining the landscaping and making any necessary repairs. Clear off the driveway, clean the windows until they shine, and ensure that all trees and hedges are pristinely trimmed. A well-maintained exterior creates a positive first impression for listing images and tours, inviting buyers to take a closer look at the rest of the property.
  
  
• A Pre-Listing Inspection: Some sellers choose to have their home professionally inspected before listing it on the market to ensure there are no unexpected concerns or repairs they should take care of. This step enables you to get ahead of any issues and ensures your home is in excellent condition.
  
  
• Set the Right Price: Determine the appropriate listing price for your home. Your real estate agent will perform a comparative market analysis (CMA) to assess the fluctuations of the local market and recommend a competitive price to attract potential buyers. The goal is to find a price point that generates plenty of interest.
  
  
• Gather Necessary Documentation: Collect all the relevant documents, including property records, title deeds, permits, renovation records, warranties, and disclosure statements. Having these documents readily available streamlines the selling process.

With your home expertly prepared, it’s ready to make its grand entrance on the Spanaway real estate stage.

Step 2: Marketing Your Property

• Professional Photography: Invest in professional photography to capture high-quality images of your home, both inside and out. These visuals are essential for creating intriguing online listings and marketing materials that are sure to capture the attention of prospective buyers.
  
  
• Online Listings: Your real estate agent will create appealing online listings on multiple real estate websites, showcasing your property's best features and benefits. They'll use effective search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to increase your listing's visibility as well.
  
  
• Traditional Marketing: In addition to online efforts, your agent will leverage conventional marketing methods, such as print advertising, open houses, and networking within the Spanaway real estate community.
  
  
• Social Media Promotion: Your agent will also use social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to promote your property to a broader audience and connect with potential buyers on a grander scale.

Step 3: Showings and Negotiations

• Tours and Open Houses: To improve the outreach of your listing, your agent will coordinate and host open houses and tours with potential buyers, ensuring that your property is presented in the best light during each visit. They will professionally represent your best interests and answer buyers’ questions, highlighting key features of the home.
  
  
• Negotiations: When the offers start rolling in, your agent will leverage their excellent negotiation skills to secure the best possible deal for your goals. They will handle counteroffers, communicate professionally with the buyers’ agent, and provide guidance on accepting or declining offers based on your selling goals. Your agent will also help you navigate the inspection and contingency process, ensuring that you understand your rights and responsibilities as a seller. If the buyer requests repairs or concessions based on the inspection report, your agent will help you negotiate further and reach a mutually beneficial agreement with the other party.

Step 4: Closing the Deal

• Escrow and Title Services: Your agent will work with escrow and title companies to ensure a smooth and roadblock-free closing process. They'll verify that all necessary documents are signed and funds are transferred securely.
  
  
• Coordinate with Other Professionals: Your agent will collaborate with other professionals, such as appraisers, inspectors, and attorneys, to address any outstanding issues and facilitate the closing process.
  
  
• Handing Over the Keys: On closing day, your agent will assist in the transfer of keys and the final walkthrough, ensuring that everything is in order before the new owners take possession.
  
  
• Post-Sale Support: Even after the sale is complete, a reliable real estate agent can provide assistance with any post-sale concerns or questions that may arise.

Sell with THE | AGENTS Real Estate Group by your side