The Home Selling Process

Once you have made the decision to sell your home, your Atlanta Residential Brokerage Realtor will work to highlight the unique selling points of your home and neighborhood.

The initial meeting with your Realtor should be to discuss your current and future goals, the maximum price of your home and the marketing strategy your Realtor plans to proceed with in the selling of your home

Maximum Price Analysis: It is often difficult as a homeowner to remain unbiased when putting a price on your home. Your Realtor will analyze the location, competition, condition, upgrades and comparables in the neighborhood. In addition, your Realtor will take into consideration the appraisal process, amenities, supply and demand and market conditions in the local and national markets.

Preparing Your Home: When visiting your home, your Realtor will make recommendations on items to either repair or replace in order to maximize your competitive position in the market. Of course, the choice is always yours to make the suggested improvements or not. Your Realtor will give you a current value of your home, as well as the maximum price you can expect with the suggested improvements. You will also be asked to complete a property disclosure statement to disclose any pertinent information about your home to potential buyers. Read more about preparing your home for sale.

Market Strategy: Your Realtor will actively market your home to provide your home the maximum market exposure and capture potential buyers. During the listing presentation, your agent will have explained in detail the marketing strategy specific to your home.

The Offer: When an offer is received, your Realtor will present the offer to you and advise you pricing, terms, standard contracts and procedures and possible transaction issues. Initially, it is crucial to make sure the buyer's financing is secured and a preapproval letter is attached. Terms of the offer includes such items as:

• Price and closing costs
• Mortgage terms
• Closing and occupancy dates
• Contingencies, such as, mortgage commitment, inspection, termite inspection, survey, etc.
• Personal property included or excluded

After consulting with you, your Realtor will use his negotiation skills to counter the offer to reach an acceptable offer.

Contract to Closing: The process continues after an acceptable offer is negotiated. The buyer typically conducts a home inspection and termite inspection on the property. Repair issues are then negotiated. Other contingencies and deadlines may need to be completed. The buyer's loan officer will conduct an appraisal on the property. Title search is completed on the property.

Your Realtor will closely monitor the process to make sure all deadlines are met. Prior to the closing, the buyer will have a final walkthrough on the property to ensure the condition and that all repairs were completed.

Closing: Both parties meet at a closing attorney's office to sign the necessary paperwork to complete the transaction and transfer legal ownership from the seller to the buyer. Utilities are transferred in the buyer's name. The buyer receives the house keys, garage door openers and any necessary paperwork such as home warranty.

The HUD will provide a credit to you on the buyer's behalf and a check will be issued to you with the profits from the sale of your home. Deeds, loan papers and other documents are prepared, signed and eventually filed with the local county recorder's office. Your Realtor continues to be available after the closing with assistance with items such as utilities, concierge services or the purchase of your next home.