Steps to Closing

• Pre-Approval with Mortgage Lender
• View Homes
• Home under Contract
  • Buyer must provide earnest money funds at the time of the contract
• Meet with lender, make loan application (Pre-approval is not application)
• Inspections –
  • Either a whole house inspection or systems only.

You will need to pay for this at the time of service.

($100-$300)

• Determine if you want a survey
• Negotiate repairs
• Appraisals
• Secure Homeowners Insurance
• Transfer utilities into your name for closing day
• Wire funds to closing attorney in time for closing
• Go over closing statements
• Final Walk through / re-inspection
• At closing you will need a Drivers License

Exterior

• Touch up trim paint on doors, window frames, fascia, etc.
• Overgrown shrubbery should be cut back to show as much of the exterior as possible.
• Replace missing shutters, gutters, downspouts and remove any debris.
• Inspect the roof for necessary repairs and any visible broken shingles or tiles.
• Fences should be mended and painted.
• Wash all windows inside and outside.
• All of these suggestions may also apply to your back yard or child’s play area.

Interior

Living area

• Clean your home from top to bottom.
• Put all valuables in a safe place.
• Repair any cracks or holes in walls and touch-up paint.
• Doors should be cleaned and touched-up as well.
• Avoid repainting the entire house unless current colors are very loud or offbeat.
• Carpeting should be vacuumed throughout the house the day your home is being shown.
• Store out-of-season clothes so closets do not look cluttered.
• Pre-pack items, which may clutter your home and make rooms appear smaller.

Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house.

• Keep the counters clean and clear of appliances.
• All appliances should be clean and neatly organized.
• Never leave dirty dishes in the sink.
• Clean fans and vent hoods.

Bathroom

• All bathroom appliances should be thoroughly cleaned.
• Remove stains from sinks, toilets, and bathtubs.
• Repair or replace leaky faucets.
• Clean all mirrors.
• Keep all toilet seat lids closed.
• Fresh towels should be in the bathrooms at all times.

Showing Your Home

Home Staging Tips (Before Showing)

• Dust and vacuum the whole house thoroughly.
• Lightly clean and straighten up living areas.
• Open all drapes and blinds to let in as much light as possible. Turn on lamps and other lights as necessary to brighten each room.
• If you’re planning to move around the same time you’re selling your home, try to arrange showings while the furniture is still in the house.
• Any household or children’s items should be stored away. This includes toys, bikes, skateboards, etc.
• Turn television sets off. Turn on a radio with soft music at low volume.
• While your home is being held open, arrange to spend the time away from the house, especially if you have small children. If this is not possible, go for a walk, visit a neighbor, or keep children quiet when your home is being shown to prospects.
• Keep pets away from potential buyers and keep pet areas clean.
• Try baking chocolate chip cookies or brownies just before the open house. A pleasant aroma means home to many people.

During (And After) The Open House

• Once the open house begins, let your agent do the job.  Do not try to assist unless asked by the agent showing your home.
• If you’re trying to sell any household items, do not bring this up, unless you are asked.
• Remember to keep your valuables in a safe place.
• Should a buyer stop by when you’re not having an open house, refer all inquires to your agent.
• Feel free to answer questions the buyer might have, but again, refer as much as possible to your agent, as he/she will be able to answer in the most positive manner.
• Save visiting agents’ business cards for your agent.
• Write down the date on the back of the visiting agent’s business card and indicate if the agent had buyers with them.
• Notify your agent if you’ll be out of town and how to contact you.