The Home Selling Process

 The first step in selling your home is selecting the right REALTOR® to guide you through the process. Your agent will help with pricing, marketing, negotiations, and all the details to ensure a smooth transaction. It’s important to choose someone with experience in your local market and someone you feel comfortable working with. 

 Next, you'll work with your REALTOR® to determine the right asking price for your home. A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) will be conducted, taking into account similar homes in your area that have recently sold, as well as homes that are currently on the market. Your REALTOR® will help you understand the current market conditions and suggest a price that is competitive but fair. 

To maximize your home’s value and appeal, consider staging and making necessary repairs. In North Carolina, homes that are well-maintained and clean tend to sell faster and at a higher price. Your REALTOR® may also recommend a pre-listing inspection to identify and address potential issues before buyers see them.

Once your home is ready, it’s time to list it on the market. Your REALTOR® will create a listing with high-quality photos, a compelling description, and details about the property. They’ll also ensure your home is featured on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which is accessible to all agents and buyers in the area. They may also help with marketing on various platforms like social media and real estate websites.

When you start receiving offers, your REALTOR® will help you evaluate each one based on the price, contingencies, and the buyer’s ability to follow through. Earnest Money Deposits (EMD) are typically included in offers and are a sign of a serious buyer. Your REALTOR® will guide you through negotiations to get the best possible deal.

Once you accept an offer, you’ll sign a purchase agreement. In North Carolina, this contract will include important terms like the sale price, closing date, contingencies (such as financing or inspection), and the earnest money deposit. Once the contract is signed by both parties, the property is “under contract,” and the closing process begins.

After the contract is signed, the buyer will likely request a home inspection to check the property for issues. In North Carolina, the buyer may negotiate repairs or ask for a price reduction based on the findings. Additionally, the buyer’s lender will order an appraisal to ensure the property’s value matches the loan amount.

If any issues arise from the inspection or appraisal, your REALTOR® will help negotiate with the buyer to reach an agreement.

At closing, the final paperwork is signed, and ownership of the home is transferred to the buyer. In North Carolina, the closing process is handled by a closing attorney, who will ensure all legal aspects are in order. At this time, you’ll pay any closing costs, settle your mortgage (if applicable), and receive the net proceeds from the sale.

Once you’ve signed the closing documents and received your payment, it’s time to move out! Make sure to leave the home clean and in the condition agreed upon in the contract. You'll hand over the keys to the new owner, and the home is officially theirs.