Welcome to the Contra Costa County CA Real Estate Guide to Selling a Home!

With all the changes going on in the world, selling a house may seem more stressful than ever.  Let me guide you through the process to reduce some of the confusion that comes along with this major life event. Below is a brief overview of the process.  Let’s talk if you’d like to discuss the process as it applies to you.

STEP 1 – Meet with a Real Estate Professional

*There is no obligation on your part for our initial meeting.  It will be educational and should help you identify your next steps, whether you choose to work with me or not.   

We will discuss ways to prepare your home for sale based on your needs and budget during our initial meeting. We’ll discuss pricing your home appropriately and how to market it to the most buyers possible. 

I recognize that the home selling process is sometimes more nerve-wracking than buying one. As your Realtor®, I commit to sharing my knowledge of the local real estate market with you.  I will also be available to you to answer your questions and advise you so that you can feel as in control and confident as possible throughout the process.

STEP 2 – Establish a Price

Once you decide to work with me, I will guide you through a deeper analysis to arrive at a competitive list price.

Studies show that a home must be appropriately priced from the outset if you wish to sell quickly and for a higher price.  Overpriced homes are known to take longer to sell and usually sell at a lower price.   The majority of viewings will occur in the first week your home is on the market, so it’s crucial that your initial list price is in line with buyer expectations.

At this time, I’ll also walk you through all the upcoming activities you can expect. Finally, we will discuss a marketing plan and timeline to reach your ideal buyer.  As your Realtor®, my goal is to sell your home quickly and at the highest price possible.

STEP 3 – Prepare Your Home

To get top dollar for your home, it has to look its best.  View your home through the eyes of the buyer and ask yourself what you’d expect.  Together, we will pinpoint and prioritize – according to your budget – any changes, repairs, or improvements that will result in the best return on your investment.  Regardless of your budget, we must do our best to highlight all the features of your home that add value and address areas of concern before we put your home on the market.

STEP 4 – List Your Home For Sale

When everything is in place, we will place your home on the open market.  A ‘For Sale’ sign and lockbox will be installed at your home. Viewings of your home will be carefully coordinated to comply with any health and safety procedures related to the Coronavirus pandemic.  Every effort will be made to keep your home properly sanitized, with your family’s health being a top priority.

As your Realtor®, I’m committed to keeping you informed and in control at all times. I will regularly be in touch with you to share the status of all prospects, feedback from showings, completed and upcoming marketing activities, as well as any recommended adjustments to our plan. In addition, to help you keep track of the competition, I’ll set you up to receive notification of any similar homes in your neighborhood that come on the market, go under contract, or sell.

STEP 5 – Offers and Negotiation

I will help you to evaluate each offer you receive. Then, when you decide to negotiate a contract, I will work diligently to ensure you get the best possible terms and price.

Successfully negotiating a real estate contract is more than a natural ability. I’ve taken courses to strengthen my negotiating skills to best help you get the highest price a potential buyer is willing to pay. As your Realtor®, I will focus on your top priorities and keep emotions out of the process.

STEP 6 – Under Contract

Once you and the buyers have come to an agreement, you are now under contract.  I will closely monitor the transaction to ensure the buyers and their agent follow through with their contractual obligations on time. As with the marketing phase, I will regularly inform you of all completed and upcoming activities. 

STEP 7 – Final Details

At this point, the buyer has completed their due diligence, and their lender should be finalizing the loan. However, I will continue to stay in close contact with all parties to ensure timely completion of the contract and that you are continually aware of the status.

STEP 8 – Closing

Once you and the buyer sign closing documents, you’ll close out your utility accounts and hand over the keys. 

Congratulations – You’ve successfully sold your home!

FINAL STEPS

As your Realtor®, I will continue to check in with you after you’ve sold your home.  Never hesitate to contact me if you have a random question or need a recommendation. I’d also love an introduction to any friends or family members you think I can help.

I’ll always be here for you!