Sellers
Preparing Your Home for Sale
Here are a few things you can do to get your house ready to be shown:
- The home should be kept in top condition, thoroughly cleaned, and neat. This includes cleaning the blinds and windows and being sure all doors, molding, switch plates, and baseboards are also clean. Have all carpets steam cleaned and replace worn rugs.
- Clean up your entryway. Sweep the walkway, porch, and patio. Put a fresh coat of paint on the front door if it is needed.
- Repair any minor issues in your home that might make a bad impression. Torn screens, leaky faucets, and cracks in drywall are minor things that can turn your potential buyer away. You should also replace any burnt-out light bulbs.
- Declutter your home. Remove any unneeded items from countertops and bookshelves. Free up closet space by removing any unworn clothes.
- Clean up your yard. This includes- trimming bushes, cutting the grass, clearing weeds and adding a few pots of vivid flowers to make your house more inviting.
What Can I Expect to Receive After Selling My Home?
Most people focus on what it costs to sell their homes and overlook their gains. This “Net Profit” is one of the most important details in the sale of a home to a seller, but often it is not discussed.
When you receive an offer on your home, your Realtor will look to determine the “Net Profit” at the close of escrow. This is done by looking over the terms of the contract, and ownership information, such as your mortgage payoff, insurance, and/or tax proration. Once these are itemized, you need to add up your closing costs, then subtract that amount from the sale price of your house.
Potential closing costs you may incur as a Seller are:
- Mortgage Payoff
- Seller Contribution (if applicable)
- Prorations for Taxes
- Prorations for Association Dues / Utility Dues
- Title Policy Fees
- Home Warranty
- Septic / Well Certification
- HOA Transfer Fees
- Brokerage Fees
Your Realtor will go over these costs with you and give you an idea of what you can expect the “Net Profit” to be at closing.
The Home Inspection Process
Once the home goes under contract, the next step will be an inspection by the Buyer.
- A certified home inspector will do a general home inspection.
- If applicable, inspections of the septic system, well, and property survey.
- A termite inspection to determine the presence of wood-destroying organisms.
Items normally checked during a home inspection include:
- Structure
- Foundation
- Appliances
- Electrical
- Heating and cooling systems
- Plumbing
- Roof and attic.
If there is an issue, the buyer may ask the inspector to address concerns regarding indoor air quality, previous fire, pests and mold, and expansive soil conditions which may cause cracks and foundation problems.
A final “walk-through” is usually done by the Buyer prior to closing. This is to verify that any repairs agreed upon have been completed and that the home is in the same condition as when the offer was written.
Before Moving Checklist
- Contact your utility companies to have your services turned off one day after your move-out date, and have them turned on in at your new home
- Back up your computers before you move and determine a way to access your e-mail.
- Dispose of all flammable items that cannot be involved in the move (such as chemicals, aerosol cans, and paint).
- Have each family member pack a suitcase with their necessary belongings to get them through a week. Their bag should include all toiletries and comfortable attire needed for moving and unpacking.
- Now is the perfect time to donate, throw away, or sell any unused items. After more packing and sorting, you may have encountered additional items that you do not want and you should donate or discard these items. If needed, arrange a pickup by your chosen charity.
- Call and confirm arrangements made with your moving company. Make sure to verify the moving-day arrival time as well as cell phone numbers and any last-minute scheduling issues.
- Schedule a cleaning service to come in and clean after the movers leave. Or you should designate a day for you to return and make sure the house is in order and clean for the new owners’ arrival.
- Take a moment to fondly remember your times spent in this home while anticipating the memories to be made in your new home.
For more information, call and speak with a Sand Dunes Real Estate agent at (850) 460-3262 or contact us online.
We specialize in homes, condos, waterfront properties, golf course homes, foreclosures, commercial real estate, new home construction, and property developments. Our service areas encompass prestigious coastal communities in Northwest Florida. Learn more about Florida’s Emerald Coast.