🏡 Your St. Louis Home Sale: Start to Finish
At St. Louis Realty, we believe that the fewer surprises in a real estate transaction, the smoother—and more successful—the experience will be. That’s why we’ve outlined the key steps you can expect during the home selling process.
Whether you’re selling your first home or your fifth, here’s a full breakdown of what to anticipate, from listing day to closing day.
📝 Step 1: Listing Your Home — Hiring an Agent & Preparing to Sell
Interview multiple agents and choose someone who offers the best value and market expertise—remember, agents work for you.
Sign your listing agreement and keep copies for your records.
Prepare your home to shine:
Deep clean and declutter
Shampoo carpets
Touch up paint
Freshen landscaping and curb appeal
Be prepared for frequent showings, especially in the evenings and weekends—have flexible plans to accommodate visitors.
📊 Step 2: Time on the Market — Staying Informed & Adapting
Expect weekly communication with your agent about showing activity and buyer feedback.
If your home isn’t getting serious offers in a reasonable timeframe, be open to adjustments like:
Reducing the price
Neutralizing bold décor
Making necessary repairs or updates
📄 Step 3: Receiving an Offer — Decisions & Negotiation
When a buyer makes an offer, your agent will review the contract in detail with you.
You typically have three options:
Accept the offer as-is
Submit a counteroffer
Reject the offer outright
In a counteroffer, you can adjust any part of the offer—price, timeline, included items, etc. The buyer can then accept, reject, or counter again.
🔍 Step 4: Meeting Contractual Conditions — Inspections & Approvals
Home Inspection: Most buyers will schedule a professional home inspection. Expect the inspector to assess everything from safety concerns to general maintenance.
Inspection Resolution: You and the buyer will negotiate how to handle key issues that come up. This might include repair credits or fixes before closing.
Financing Contingency: Buyers typically have a deadline to secure a loan commitment from their lender.
Your Responsibilities as the seller:
Complete any agreed-upon repairs
Schedule required gas, fire, or occupancy inspections
Ensure municipal inspections are completed within the required time (usually 30 days before closing)
If the buyer’s offer is contingent on selling their current home, they’ll need to fulfill that condition before proceeding.
⏳ Step 5: Pending — Preparing for Closing Day
Your agent will schedule the closing appointment with the title company.
It’s ideal for buyers to close before sellers, so funds are available on time.
Make sure all required parties are present to sign closing documents—delays in signatures can hold up funding.
🔑 Final Thoughts
Selling a home in St. Louis doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right agent, a clear understanding of the process, and thoughtful preparation, you’ll move from “For Sale” to “Sold” with confidence. At St. Louis Realty, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
