YOUR ST. LOUIS HOME SALE Start to finish
St. Louis Realty, we know the fewer surprises which occur during a home sale, the better the experience of selling a home will be for our clients. For this reason, we have included this list of steps you can expect as you move through the process of selling your home.
LIST YOUR HOME-HIRING AN AGENT AND PREPARING YOUR HOME
- Interview several agents and decide who can provide the most for your money. Agents work for you!
- Complete all listing paperwork and get copies for your records.
- Get your home ready to show: cleaning, carpet shampooed, paintings, basic landscaping, remove clutter, etc.
- Anticipate showings of your home, especially evenings and weekends – have back-up plans.
TIME ON THE MARKET-STAYING INFORMED
- Expect to speak with your agent at least once each week regarding agent feedback and showing activity.
- If buyers are not making satisfactory offers in a reasonable timeframe, anticipate the probability of having to make changes: lower price, neutralize décor, paint, make obvious repairs, etc.
CONTRACT- DECISIONS AND NEGOTIATONS
- When a contract comes in, you will be notified and your agent will meet with you to review the offer.
- Every offer has numerous variables.
- Generally, you will have three options: accept the offer, make a counteroffer, or reject the offer.
- In a counteroffer, you will change whichever parts of the offer you wish ,this is now a new offer which will be accepted, rejected, or countered by the buyer.
MEETING CONTRACTUAL CONDITIONS
- Building Inspection: Most deals will require an inspection of the home by a professional also the inspector will make notes of code violations, potential concerns, insect damage, and other general observations.
- Inspection Resolution: This is usually a second negotiation in which you and the buyers agree on how the main items from the inspection will be satisfied.
- The buyers will usually have a date by which their lender can provide documentation that their financing is in place.This commitment is subject to an employment verification before closing.
- Be sure to fulfill any agreements you’ve made; replace guttering or water heater, paint, etc.
- As the seller, it is your responsibility to have a gas inspection (no more than 30 days prior to the closing) and any municipal inspections required in your area: occupancy, fire, etc.
- If the buyer has a home sale contingency, the conditions will need to be met or waived at some point.
PENDING-WAITING FOR CLOSING
- Your agent should set up your closing time with the title company. It is usually best if the sellers close after the buyers so the deal has time to fund.
- Be sure ALL those who need to sign papers are present at the closing because it could slow down the process.