Seller Resources

A Step-By-Step Guide to the Home Selling Process

Homeowners sell their properties for a variety of reasons; a new job, a growing family, downsizing, and other life changes are among the most popular. There are dozens of tiny, intricate steps that are involved in the home selling process, but we've broken it down into just the ones you need to focus on.

3 Parts to the Home Selling Process

Those basic elements of selling a home can help you figure out where you are in the process and how to take the next steps. Here's more information about the individual steps you will need to take when selling your Washington, DC home. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call us at (202) 256-0639.


Step 1: Get Ready to Sell Your Home

Do you have to move out of your home ASAP because of a job change? Do you want to put your home on the market before a certain date? Are you using the proceeds from your home sale for your new home? The very first step in the home selling process is identifying your selling goals.

After you figure out what you want from your home sale, it's time to get your home ready for showings. Buyers tend to scrutinize everything, so make sure that your home looks just like new. This article offers a few steps you can take to clean and declutter your home.


Step 2: Choose Your Realtor

Your home is an investment. If you don't choose the right person to help you sell it, you could lose your hard-earned equity. Our real estate professionals have more than 30 years of combined experience helping Washington, DC homeowners sell for top dollar. We will handle every aspect of the real estate transaction so you can focus on what matters.


Step 3: Get to Know the Market

As a homeowner, you've likely kept up with recent home sales in your neighborhood. You're off to a great start. The supply and demand for homes in your neighborhood can help you understand what to expect during your own home sale. Get the most up-to-date information about real estate activity in your community with our DC Neighborhood Sold Report.


Step 4: Price Your Home

Now that you know what your neighbors recently sold for, it's time to learn what you could sell your home for. Recent home improvements, current real estate trends, and home design trends all contribute to your home's value. Ask for a complimentary home evaluation to learn what your home is worth.


Step 5: Put Your Home on the Market

After you've cleaned and decluttered your home, chosen your real estate agent, and determined a price, it's time to list your home. We'll work with you to come up with an aggressive marketing plan to let buyers know about your home. This includes featuring your listing on our website and reaching out to our interested clients.


Step 6: Make Your Home Available

One of the biggest mistakes sellers make is restricting when their home can be available for showings, or worse, not leaving the home during a showing. Home buyers need privacy when viewing homes. They want to see themselves living in your home, and they can't freely discuss your home's price, location, or amenities if you're within earshot.

When your home is on the market, the more buyers who tour your home, the better. We'll handle all aspects of the showing and give you feedback afterwards.


Step 7: Negotiate the Best Price

Once you receive an offer, work with your Realtor to determine whether you need to negotiate. If you receive multiple offers on your home, you may not need to negotiate with the buyer to get the best price.

You can also have your real estate agent negotiate with the buyer about credits for repairs, the closing date, contingencies, and other aspects of the transaction. Your Realtor has your best interests in mind and will make sure that you get the best deal possible.


Step 8: Close and Move Out

On the day of closing, you'll officially transfer your home to the buyer, pay closing costs (including commission fees and attorney fees), and receive the money from your home sale. Depending on when you agreed to vacate your home, you'll finish packing your belongings and be able to move out. 


Ready to Get Started?

Selling a home in Washington, DC can be tough without the right guidance. We want to help you save time, money, and stress during your home sale. If you're ready to list your home, contact us at (202) 256-0639

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