Understanding the Process of Selling a House
There are many reasons why someone might decide it’s time to sell their home. Perhaps you and your partner have plans to grow your family soon, and you’re interested in upgrading to a house with more space. Or, maybe you’ve recently changed jobs and need to relocate to a new city altogether. Regardless of the reason, you’re likely ready to embark on an exciting, new chapter in your life. Now, there’s just one thing standing in your way — selling your home, that is!
There’s no denying that the home selling process can seem cumbersome and intimidating, especially for first-time sellers. If you’re considering selling your first home, rest assured that you don’t have to do it alone. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process of selling a house so you can know what to expect. Keep reading to learn more!
A First-Timer’s Guide to the Process of Selling a House
From choosing the right listing agent to closing the sale — and everything in between — let’s take a closer look at what you need to know about selling your first home.
1. Find the Right Listing Agent
There are many benefits of hiring a REALTOR® when selling — and this is especially true when it comes to selling your first home. After all, this person will be your go-to resource throughout the entire process of selling a house. They’ll help you prepare your property for sale, set the right asking price, market your home once it goes live, negotiate offers with potential buyers, and much more.
Furthermore, a listing agent also brings years of valuable experience and knowledge to the table. In addition to knowing the real estate industry, they’ll also understand the market in your specific area — which will help you sell your home fast and for the best price. In fact, according to reports by the National Association of REALTORS®, For Sale by Owner (FSBO), homes tend to sell for approximately 26% less than agent-assisted properties.
It is best to start looking for a listing agent approximately three months before you want to put your house on the market, so don’t wait to start the process.
2. Make Sure You’re Financially Ready
Before you officially start the process of selling a house, you’ll need to get your affairs in order. In addition to making sure you’re emotionally ready, it is equally, if not more, important to be financially prepared, too. As you get ready to sell your home, it is imperative to speak with your lender to assess your current financial situation as soon as possible. They will look at your mortgage bill, line of credit, and other relevant documents to determine how much you owe on your home. This amount can then be subtracted from the overall value of your house to estimate your equity.
3. Give Your Home a Makeover
You should prepare your home for sale at least two months before you plan to put it on the market. Now is the time to start decluttering, deep cleaning, and staging your home to ensure it’s in tip-top shape for showings. Let’s take a closer look at what each of these processes entails below.
Make Necessary Repairs
It is important to consult with your agent before spending any of your hard-earned money on repairs or renovations. After all, you want to spend your time and money on renovations that will ultimately have the best resale value. For example, bathroom and kitchen remodels typically have a better chance of increasing your home’s value than other rooms. Meanwhile, a fresh coat of paint and sprucing up your curb appeal can also do wonders for your home.
Clean and Declutter Your Space
Before selling your first home, you need to make sure it’s clean, well-organized, and has plenty of storage space. While this may seem tedious, taking the extra time to declutter your home will help minimize distractions — giving your house a better chance of selling. Plus, deep cleaning your home now will make it that much easier to keep it in great shape for upcoming showings.
Check Out: How to Declutter Your Home to Sell
Stage Your Home Like a Pro
When it comes to selling your home, staging can make all the difference! For some, this can be as simple as cleaning your space, removing any personal belongings, strategically rearranging furniture, and getting some new decor. For others, this process may involve redecorating and renting furniture to give your home a brand-new look altogether. When you work with The Redbud Group, we’ll cover the cost of an initial staging consultation and provide you with a professional stager who can ensure your space is warm and inviting — speeding up the selling process!
4. Take High-Quality Photos
Nowadays, more buyers than ever before are starting their search for a new home online. Therefore, it is crucial to have professional photos before putting your house on the market. A professional photographer will know exactly how to utilize the best angles and lighting to make your home stand out. These photos are typically a potential buyer’s first impression of your home — so make sure they are high quality and enticing! This is yet another aspect of the selling process that your Redbud Group REALTORS® will take care of for you.
5. Put Your House on the Market
It’s finally time to put your house on the market! Luckily, this is part of the home selling process where you can truly step back and let your real estate agent take care of the work for you. First, they will upload your property description and photos to the multiple listing service (MLS). Once your listing is officially active, your agent will utilize their extensive network, as well as social media, to ensure your home is gaining attention from potential buyers. They will also host open houses and showings, making this one less thing that you have to worry about.
6. Review and Negotiate Offers
An offer could happen as soon as your home hits the market, or it might take weeks of hard work and showings. Whatever the case, you’ll rejoice the moment your agent calls to tell you that someone put an offer on your home. If you’re lucky, you’ll even have multiple offers, triggering a bidding war. To ensure you’re making the best choice, your real estate agent will help you review offers, as well as negotiate with potential buyers on your behalf.
7. Complete the Closing Process
Once you’ve finally accepted an offer, the process of selling a house isn’t done quite yet! First, the escrow or title company will act as a third party to gather documents and payments between you and the buyer. Then, you’ll need to complete the other steps of the closing process, such as passing the home inspection, preparing for the home appraisal, clearing your house title, and completing any necessary repairs. After completing all of these milestones and agreeing on a closing date, you can officially hand over the keys and mark your home as “Sold!”
Learn More: The Closing Process Explained
Selling Your First Home With The Redbud Group
While the home selling process is no easy feat, you don’t have to do it alone. The key to selling your home fast and for the best price is hiring an experienced real estate agent who can guide you through the entire process. And when it comes to selling your home in the Carolinas, no one knows the market better than us!
Here at The Redbud Group, we don’t just want to help you sell your home — we want to make it a great experience from start to finish. If you’re ready to start the process of selling a home, then click the button below to get in touch with one of our real estate agents and schedule a complimentary consultation.
