Hiring a Listing Agent is the first step of a “Successful Sale”. I suggest that you find an agent that is affiliated with a solid company such as Carolina One Real Estate. Consider the Listing Agent someone who is partnering with you to get your home sold. Marketing plan, staging, pre-qualifying the buyer, and being there from contract to closing is what you can expect out of an experienced Listing Agent.
Hiring a Listing Agent
Consider this a job interview. Professionalism, marketing strategy, knowledge of the market and experience are just a few pre-requisites for the job. A good relationship with your Listing Agent is extremely important. Good communication skills is a must!
Paperwork
This is a legal binding contract between you and the Listing Agent. A Listing Agreement is a SC document that will be completed at the time of the listing. Be prepared to initial and sign multiple pages. A Property Disclosure form is required as well as a Lenders verification.
Staging your Property
After the paperwork is complete, your Listing Agent will assist you in staging your home. At this time your home actually becomes a “product” that you Listing Agent will prepare to appeal to the masses. Don’t be insulted at the suggestions that will be made. Remember, their goal is the same as yours, “Get your home SOLD”! Click here for useful tips on staging your home.
Showing your Home
After the paperwork is complete and the property is staged your home is ready to show to buyers. A lockbox will be placed on your home, a sign in the yard and the marketing plan will be implemented. Our company utilizes the Centralized Showing Service, (CSS) to schedule appointments. They will have showing instructions that you gave at the listing appointment, and your phone number to call you when a showing is requested.
A Showing is Scheduled…now what?
When a showing is scheduled it is best to plan on NOT being in the home. Turn on all of the lights and have soft music playing if possible. Remember this is a time that you want your product to SHINE! After the showing a feedback response will be sent to your Listing Agent, and they will forward this report to you.
An Offer is Made
Your Listing Agent will meet with you and discuss the offer. A Net Sheet will be provided that will show you what your Net Proceeds will be, and they will discuss with you the terms of the sale. You have three choices at this point; Reject the offer, Counter the offer, or Accept the offer.
The Contract is Ratified
We call this a “Meeting of the Minds”. The Seller and Buyer have agreed on the terms of the offer and it now becomes a legally binding contract. Your Listing Agents job isn’t finished yet! They will follow the terms of the contract and be on top of any deadlines for inspections and loan approval of the perspective buyers.
CL-100, Termite Inspection
One of the requirements of the Seller is to provide the Buyer prior to closing with a letter, or CL-100, from a professional pest inspector that their home is free of termites. I recommend Palmetto Exterminators,LLC. This is sent to the closing attorney to become part of the closing documents.
Home Inspection
The Buyers have the opportunity to have a professional inspect the home of any structural, electrical, or plumbing problems. Your only responsibility is to allow their agent access to your home to facilitate the inspection.
Closing – Transferring the Deed from Seller to Buyer
A Real Estate Attorney will facilitate the closing. Generally, the attorney is the Buyers Choice. Your Listing Agent will give you the name, location and number of the closing attorney. The day of closing the Buyer will schedule a “Walk Through”. They will walk through the property and be sure it is clean and everything is in working order. Bring all keys to the closing. You will turn over the property to the Buyer after all of the closing documents are signed. An attorney will have a check for you with the proceeds of the sale. Congratulations, you just SOLD your home!
