Timeline for Selling a Home in The Woodlands, TX
Thinking of selling your home in The Woodlands? Here's a timeline that covers what to expect before, during, and after you list your home for sale.
Before Listing Your Home in The Woodlands, TX
To successfully sell a home, you can't just stick a For Sale sign in the front yard; you need to put in a little pre-work first! Here's what needs to happen before you even list your home for sale.
2+ Months Out:
Meet with an Experienced Agent
This is a crucial first step! Enlisting the help of an experienced agent who not only understands your needs, but is able 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.
Find out more about our qualifications and experience!
6-8 Weeks Out:
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.
4-8 Weeks Out:
Set the Price Right
To help ensure the highest return when you sell your home 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.
1-4 Week(s) Out:
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!
The Selling Process Of Your Home in The Woodlands
All right! You've done all the prep work, and now for the actual process of showing and selling your home. Here's what to expect once your home actually hits the market, and that For Sale sign appears in the front yard.
Market Your Home:
One of the benefits of working with 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 the 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 hosting events such as private broker open houses.
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!
Negotiate and Accept Offer:
If a buyer wants to purchase 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 different terms.
With the Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE) designation, we are specifically 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 make 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.
Closing on the Sale Of Your Home in The Woodlands
You've negotiated with your buyer and accepted an offer. But it's not time to sit back and relax just yet - there are still a few more steps to go through to ensure everything is in order before you hand over your keys and get your check.
Sign a Purchase 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.
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.
Enter Escrow:
Next, you will enter escrow. 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.
Sign, Pay, and Close!
On a predetermined closing date, we will sit down with your buyer and their agent to sign all the paperwork and pay any agreed upon fees. You will hand over your keys and your 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!
Ready to Start Selling Your Home in The Woodlands?
Take the first step - contact us! From home staging and professional photographs to negotiations and closing paperwork, we're here to be your home selling guide, every step of the way. Call us today to learn more about how we can help you successfully list and sell your home!
Not sure if you're ready? That's okay. We have plenty of tools and resources to help you learn more about selling a home.