Seller’s Guide
We will help you prepare, price, and market your property. We work hard for our clients and guarantee quality service and professionalism. You can count with us to be transparent and honest every step of the process. We will show your space to qualified buyers and skillfully negotiate on your behalf to secure the best price and the quickest closing.
Sell your house for the right price. Your best option is selected by you with the help of an expert.
List your property at a price that appeals to buyers and at the same time leave room for negotiations. That may be a strategy.
Do you want to see more strategies? Call now or request an interview.
Selling Your Home by Keller Williams
You're ready to sell your property. And, while you're looking forward to seeing the word "SOLD" posted from the curb, you know there's a lot to consider along the way. One of your first decisions is to select a real estate company and real estate agent who'll join you in the process.
4 Prepare for Appraisal
As you near the end of your home sale journey, you will need to pass one more test: an appraisal. Your KW agent can help you gather materials and prepare for the appraiser’s visit.
What is an appraisal?
An appraisal is an objective valuation of your property that serves as a safeguard for the buyer and the buyer’s lender. While the buyer pays for an appraisal, the appraiser actually works for the lender. While an appraiser may look at some of the same things as a home inspector, the result is an appraised value of your property rather than a condition report.
How is my house appraised?
Appraisers use as many measurable pieces of data available to provide an accurate value of your property, including:
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Comparable properties in your area that are of similar size, age and condition
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The condition of your home’s systems and structure
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The square feet of your property
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The number of bedrooms and bathrooms
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Your location
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The quality of your flooring, plumbing and electrical systems
Appraisers include research about other properties and neighborhood values, as well as an in-person visit for their evaluation of your home.
How should I prepare for an appraisal?
Preparing for an appraisal is similar to prepping for an inspection. You should:
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Provide a list of all major improvements to the home and the age and condition of your roof, heating and air conditioning system, and appliances.
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Provide any permits required for home improvements.
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Clean your house.
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Provide full access to all rooms and spaces, including the garage, sheds, attic and crawlspace
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Remove or crate your pets.
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Leave the house, or at least stay out of the appraiser’s way.
How can an appraisal affect my home sale?
An appraisal could require a renegotiation if the property value comes in lower than the sales price. The appraised value dictates the maximum amount the lender will allow the buyers to borrow, minus their down payment. Depending on how the contract was written, if the appraisal is low, you can:
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Ask the buyer to come up with extra cash to make up the difference between the loan amount and the purchase price.
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Reduce your price to the appraised value.
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Split the difference with the buyer.
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Cancel the contract.
Your Keller Williams agent can advise you on your options in the context of the contract and market conditions.
5 Close
While it’s tempting to focus on your next move, your Keller Williams agent is likely to remind you that until the closing is over, you have some final responsibilities as a seller.
What should I do before the closing?
Before the closing day, you’ll need to:
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Take care of repairs required by the contract.
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Keep all receipts and invoices and before-and-after photos of repairs.
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Gather all appliance manuals and warranties for your buyers.
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Hire a mover.
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Cancel all utilities for the day after you move.
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Cancel all utilities for the day after you move.
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Change your address.
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Review all settlement documents, especially the settlement statement.
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Check the property survey to be sure it’s correct.
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Clean the house.
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Prepare for the buyers’ final walk-through.
What can I expect when closing?
Sellers may or may not attend the closing, so you should consult your KW agent and the settlement company to decide what’s best. You can sign all documents before the official closing. Sellers’ expenses, which are deducted from the proceeds of the sale, include:
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Final balance on your mortgage
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Real estate commissions
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Prorated property taxes, utility bills, homeowner’s insurance, and homeowners association dues
If you can’t move before the closing, you’ll need to arrange a rentback from the buyers. Your Keller Williams agent can help you complete appropriate paperwork for a rentback. If you are moving, the buyers will do a walk-through of your home within 24 hours before the closing to check that the property is in good condition. If the buyers find something that needs to be fixed, your agent can help you decide how to handle it. Whether or not you attend the closing, you’ll need to provide house keys to your buyers, along with all alarm codes, remote controls for the garage, and mailbox or gate keys.
What’s next?
After the closing, you’ll:
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Receive the proceeds from the sale, usually by wire transfer.
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Cancel your homeowner’s insurance “post-close” – to make sure you’re covered on that day.
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Save your closing documents and home improvement records for taxes.
Congratulations! You can shake hands with your Keller Williams agent: you’ve successfully sold your home.