Guide to Selling a Home

Step 1: Meet with an Experienced Agent

This is a crucial first step! Enlisting the help of an experienced agent who understands your needs to guide you through the process will save you time and a lot of headache - and will of course get your home sold more quickly and for more money than trying to list your home on your own.

Review these steps, then contact us to set up your listing appointment!

Step 2: Consider Repairs and Improvements

Once your listing paperwork is complete, we will do a thorough walk-through of your home and will discuss recommendations on both minor and major repairs or improvements you should consider. Additionally, be prepared to proactively address any known home maintenance issues, as these will likely surface during an inspection.

Value-boosting home improvements can include projects such as:

• painting your home (inside or outside),
• refinishing hardwood floors,
• fixing or replacing your roof or siding,
• installing a new garage door or front door,
• doing some gardening or landscaping,
• updating or repairing your HVAC system,
• or even performing minor kitchen and bathroom updates, such as installing new flooring, hardware or fixtures; resurfacing cabinets; or replacing counter tops.

Step 3: Set the Price Right

To help ensure the highest return on your valuable investment in the shortest amount of time is determining a competitive price. You will want to consider the price of nearby homes that have recently sold, the prices of nearby homes currently on the market, and the condition and location of your own home. Contact us to request your neighborhood sold report and we will work together to find the best listing price point to attract the right buyer for your home.

Step 4: Prep Your Home

We will work together to stage your home so that it is neat, welcoming, and depersonalized (allowing your buyers to picture their own personal touches in their potential new home) and discuss professional photography options to highlight your home's best features. This will give buyers a great first impression of your home right from their computer, tablet or phone and help secure showings. Each showing is one step closer to selling your home!

Step 5: Market Your Home

One of the benefits of working with a real estate agent with extensive knowledge of The Woodlands is their ability to create and execute a tailored marketing plan to find the right buyer for your home. We will create to most effective marketing approach for your property which may include tapping into our local agent network, utilizing online listing services and social media channels, creating and distributing print and email communication campaigns, and events such as private broker open houses. 

Step 6: Show Your Home

In addition to scheduled open houses, your home can be shown at any time, so be prepared. Keep it neat, clean, organized, and staged at all times so you can be ready to clear out of the house quickly - increasing your chances of selling your home as soon as possible!

Step 7: Negotiate and Accept Offer

If a buyer wants to buy your home, they will make you a written offer, which usually states how much they'll pay, their mortgage amount, closing and occupancy dates, and any contingencies. Upon review, we will provide you with insight to make an informed decision to either accept the offer or negotiate for different terms.

With the Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE) designation, we are specially trained to help you work with potential buyers to get you the best terms possible and in your best interest. Negotiations may include creating your own contingencies, such as making the sale contingent upon your purchase of a new home, adjusting closing and/or occupancy dates, and first right of refusal if your buyer's offer is contingent upon selling their existing home.

Step 8: Sign a Purchase and Sale Agreement

Once you and the buyer have reached an agreement, you will both sign a legal contract called a Purchase and Sale Agreement. This outlines the specific terms, conditions, and contingencies of the home sale.

Step 9: Cooperate with Inspections

Next, the buyer will hire an inspector to ensure that no major repairs will be needed after they buy the house. The inspector will go through every inch of the house, paying particular attention to the roof, heating and cooling systems, structure, plumbing, and electrical system. In the event the inspector determines repairs are needed, the buyer may request that you have the items corrected or negotiate a new sale price.

Step 10: Enter Escrow

Next, you will enter escrow, which is a sort of limbo period between selling your home and receiving the money. You may remember this step from buying your home, though rather than putting money down, your role is now to hold up your end of the agreement. During this time, we will work with an escrow company to complete paperwork and ensure that all parts of the contract are executed to help ensure a smooth closing.

Step 11: Sign, Pay, and Close!

On a predetermined closing date, we will sit down with your buyer and their agent to sign paperwork and pay any agreed upon fees. You will hand over your keys and property title in exchange for a check in the amount of the remaining balance after your existing home mortgage has been paid to your bank. Then it is time to celebrate - you have just sold your home and can begin your new adventure!