The Home Seller's Guide
A step-by-step plan for selling your home, from The Realize Team at Key Realty.
Who This Guide Is For
This home seller's guide is for anyone thinking about selling, whether you're ready now or a year out. It walks through the whole process the way we run it, so you know what to expect before you decide anything. We're The Realize Team at Key Realty, three sisters, and every deal gets all of us.
Request my Home Value Report
Step 1: Know Your Number
It starts with a Home Value Report at your home. We look at the condition, the layout, and the updates, compare your home to recent sales that actually match it, and leave you with a suggested value for today and an estimated seller net sheet. Pricing it right the first time widens the window of buyers who come to see it. More: our Home Value Report.
Step 2: Get Your Home Ready
Our 10-step prep list:
- Declutter and clean. Clear countertops, deep clean every surface, and clean the carpets.
- Fix minor repairs. Leaky faucets, scuffed walls, sticking doors, and fresh neutral paint.
- Curb appeal. Mow, trim, mulch, clean the gutters, and freshen the front door.
- Stage. Light staging is included at no additional cost; full staging is available for an additional cost.
- Organize storage. Neat closets and a cleared-out garage.
- Depersonalize. Take down family photos and highly personal décor.
- Update where it pays. Small upgrades like hardware and light fixtures.
- Prepare for showings. Be flexible and keep it show-ready.
- Make it smell good. Eliminate odors and let in fresh air.
- Gather documents. Inspection reports and maintenance and repair records.
Need help? We'll connect you with people from our trusted vendor list.
Step 3: How We Market Your Home
Professional photography, video, drone, a virtual walkthrough, and floor plans; a website for your home and a four-page brochure; a Coming Soon campaign; neighborhood-focused ads; your tour on our YouTube channel; e-flyers to other agents and MLS reverse prospecting; open houses; and Just Listed postcards to your neighborhood. You get a full report every Monday and an update every Friday. The full system: E.P.I.C.
Step 4: When Offers Come In
We review every offer with you and explain the pros and cons. We call the lender and buyer's agent to confirm the buyer's qualifications, make sure the financing works for your home, check proof of funds, and make sure the closing date fits your plans.
Step 5: Under Contract to Closing
Our sister Lauren takes over the paperwork and deadlines, with reminders about inspections, the appraisal, the final walkthrough, and closing documents. If the inspection leads to agreed repairs, we recommend contractors. Then you close.
Your Next Step
Ready to talk? Request your Home Value Report or give us a call at (234) 200-6477. Our Easy Exit Listing Agreement means you can cancel before we've found a buyer, with no cancellation fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often will I hear from you?
A full marketing report every Monday and an update every Friday.
Do I have to stage my home?
No. Light staging is included at no additional cost, and full staging is available for an additional cost if your home needs it.
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Ready to make your move with The Realize Team?