Listing day is an exciting day for a home seller. This is the day your property goes live on the MLS (the #1 online source for selling homes) and over 750+ syndicated websites! There is a lot to do to prepare for this day, but thankfully at Blackstone & Co. we have an entire team dedicated to making this go smoothly.
Scroll to the bottom for a free printable checklist!
FIRST STEPS
If you’re just starting the process of selling your home, then welcome! You’re in the right spot.
The first, most important step is to find a qualified agent. Did you know that the typical for-sale-by-owner home sold for $200,000 compared to $280,000 for agent-assisted home sales? Finding the right agent will often save you more money in the end. And if you choose Blackstone & Co., you get the services of a full-time team dedicated to helping you sell your home for more money with the least amount of repairs – at no additional cost!
We’d love to interview for the job of selling your home – reach out to us at (479) 227-2030 or at realtorblackstone@gmail.com to get in touch with an agent right away!
MEETING WITH AN AGENT
Once you have selected an agent you trust, the next step is to meet with them. Our agents are motivated by your goals. You will be asked about your motivations for selling, your financial goals, your timeline for wanting to sell, and many other questions so that we can tailor the search for the best qualified buyer for your needs.
After meeting with an agent, you will need to sign the Exclusive Right to Sell Agreement. This is the contract that states that this agent will be the sole agent for your property.
Next, you will need to complete the Seller’s Property Disclosure and the Lead Based Paint Disclosure.
You will also be contacted by our Listing Coordinator to start gathering details on your home as well as coordinating the staging consult, professional photography, and videography. Now is a good time to look ahead at your calendar so you can schedule those appointments at a time that works best for you.
At this point, it’s also good to make 2 copies of your keys.
You will also want to find which title company you closed with when you bought your current home. If you’re not sure where to find this information, check your closing documents and look for something called the “Owner’s Title Insurance” or “Owner’s Policy.” It typically has sections entitled “Schedule A” and “Schedule B.” You can either scan and email this document to us or we’ll take care of it for you by contacting the title company directly and obtaining an electronic copy. By having the original Title Insurance Policy on hand, you can save $150-$200 on closing costs when you go to sell your home.
Next, gather any contact information about your Property Owners Association (POA) or Homeowners Association (HOA) and any information regarding fees. Don’t forget to include estimated costs for monthly utilities.
GETTING READY FOR LISTING DAY
A few more things to expect leading up to this exciting day:
You will receive a call from our Listing Coordinator who will run through what to expect on listing day.
We will arrange a professional stager to go to your home and stage it for maximum appeal. This will take about an hour and a half.
We will also arrange for a photographer and videographer to take pictures and videos of your home (it takes about an hour total). Remember to put toilet seats down, turn on all lights, and open all the blinds.
NOTE: You do not need to be in the house for the photographer and videographer, but you should be home for the stager. Please make sure for all these appointments that any pets are secured. We do not take pictures of the garage, so feel free to use that space to temporarily store any clutter or personal items.
WHAT TO EXPECT ON LISTING DAY
It’s the big day! This is when your property goes live on the MLS and hundreds of other syndicated websites. Here’s what you can expect:
A runner will go to your home and set up the “for sale” sign in the yard. They will also put up the lock box (if needed) and drop off all related marketing materials. These materials include fliers and a binder with all the information that makes your home unique. Buyers will be taking these fliers with them after visiting your home, so they are intended to make a lasting impression!
You will get a text from the Listing Coordinator in the afternoon as soon as your listing is posted online. Feel free to check it out and share with your network!
Moving forward, you will receive text, email, or call alerts (whichever is easiest for you) notifying you of any showings.
Following each showing, someone from our team will follow up with the buyer’s agent and ask for any feedback. We will provide this feedback directly to you so that you can make any changes as needed. Our job is to keep you informed as much as possible so you can make educated adjustments throughout the process.
WHEN AN OFFER IS SUBMITTED
This is the exciting part – once the offers start rolling in!
When buyers make an offer on your home, your agent will notify you as soon as possible. Then, they will arrange a call to discuss the offer in all of its particularities.
In a multiple offer situation, your agent will create a comparative excel sheet to highlight the differences and similarities in offers. This will help you easily identify which offer is best suited for your needs.
STAY ENCOURAGED!
The last thing to do is to stay encouraged. Offers will come and go, so it is up to you and your agent to make the best, most informed decisions to meet your goals.
CONCLUSION
And that’s it! It’s a great time to sell, so if you’re on the fence about selling your home, reach out to us below and we’d love to learn more about your situation and any questions or concerns you have!