THE HOME sELLING PROCESS

Sellers

Attracting the highest possible value for your home requires proper preparation. You need effective marketing and an expert knowledge of local market conditions. We can help you navigate the process and ensure your experience is as positive as it is successful.

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Explore The Home Selling Process

Discover the art of selling your home with our comprehensive approach. The process begins with a thorough assessment of your home’s condition, value potential, and positioning in the market. As part of getting your home market-ready, we use a phased marketing strategy to gather valuable feedback and data around asking price, buyer interest, and any conditions or improvements that should be addressed to maximize value. From there, we prepare your property to shine with professional staging and photography, strategically launch it to the market, and expertly manage offers and negotiations to achieve the strongest possible outcome.

01

Evaluating Your Home

The first step to selling your home is to evaluate the home's condition. It will be important to address any cosmetic or functional problems and discuss potential upgrades or improvements that may bring additional value to your sale. Note that some problems may require disclosure to potential buyers. We will discuss the findings and available options to help ensure your home is in the best condition possible for attracting buyers.

02

Choosing An Asking Price

There are many important factors to consider in determining a competitive list price for your home, such as location, condition, age, supply and demand, as well as local market conditions. It will also be valuable to conduct a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) of similar homes that have recently sold in your area. You may also choose to have a professional appraisal of your home conducted in advance. Understanding what the market will pay is a critical part of achieving a successful sale, and all of these factors will help guide your decision to establish a list price.

03

Getting Market Ready

Preparing your home to sell can make a big difference in what a buyer is willing to pay for it. Depending on the condition of the home, there are three key considerations: maintenance and repairs, renovations and upgrades, and staging. Getting market-ready may include a variety of tasks, from reducing clutter and fixing maintenance concerns to updating paint colors and addressing landscaping needs. It may also be advantageous to have the home professionally staged. The focus of this process is to prepare your home to make a great impression and invite the most attractive offers possible.

04

Listing Your Home

When the home is ready for market, we will have professional photography taken. Then, depending on the sale strategy, your home will be listed on the local MLS and syndicated to area brokerages and agents, or we may offer the home as a private exclusive. Additional advertising methods may also be used to reach the widest audience possible within the target market. Creating a personalized plan to market your home will help attract the interest of the right buyer.

05

Home Showings

Once your home has been listed, home showings will begin. It may also be advantageous to hold an open house. Typically, the homeowner is not present for home showings, but you will be notified in advance of any appointments, and showings can be scheduled during specific times to avoid inconvenience. This creates an inviting and welcoming atmosphere for buyers touring the home.

06

Receiving Offers

An offer, or multiple offers, will be made by a buyer, which you may accept, counter, or reject. If a counter is made, we will enter a period of negotiation until an agreement is reached by all parties, or you choose to reject the latest counter. Negotiations can involve many factors, including settling on a sale price, concessions and financing. Once all parties reach an agreement, you will officially be under contract.

07

Appraisal & Inspection

Once an agreement is reached, the buyer may order a professional inspection and appraisal to evaluate the condition and value of the home. Depending on the results of these reports, we may enter another round of negotiations until an agreement is reached by all parties. Depending on the negotiation strategy, you may choose to complete repairs requested by the buyer in order to optimize other negotiation factors.

08

Closing

Closing day! The buyer's lender will provide final confirmation that they are approved to close, and you will sign the paperwork required to complete the sale. This process typically takes an hour or two. Once the paperwork is signed by all parties, your title company will wire the net proceeds of the sale to your bank account, and your home will officially be sold!

Staging Checklist

Elevate your home's appeal with our comprehensive Staging Checklist, your guide to maximizing the appeal of your home. From decluttering and cleaning to aesthetic touches like lighting and decor, this room-by-room guide is designed to help attract the highest offers and optimize your home's selling potential.

01

The Basics

  • Organize and declutter every room. Keep decorations to a minimum.
  • Empty the garage, attic & closets as much as possible to maximize the appearance of storage space.
  • Clean everything. Consider hiring a professional service to conduct a deep clean of the entire home.
  • Remove personal items and memorabilia, including family photos, trophies and collectables.
  • Replace dead light bulbs.
  • Open draperies and blinds to increase natural light.
  • Ensure all doors, cabinets & windows open and close properly.

02

Living Areas

  • Remove unnecessary furniture to create as much walkable area as possible.
  • Use lamps to increase brightness.
  • Thoroughly clean the fireplace and replace old screens.
  • Use coordinated accessories to create coherence.

03

The Kitchen

  • Clear countertops except for a few thoughtful, decorative items.
  • Empty cabinets and drawers and remove dishes, flatware and cookware that don't match.
  • Clean all appliances, including the inside of the oven, microwave and refrigerator.
  • Clean and organize the pantry to maximize space.
  • Empty trash cans and move them out of sight.
  • Remove coupons, magnets and photographs from the refrigerator.

04

Bathrooms

  • Scrub every surface, including hard-to-reach areas behind the sink and toilet.
  • Remove personal products like medicine & hygiene supplies.
  • Replace old shower curtains and bath mats.
  • Use vinegar to remove hard water stains and clean shower heads.
  • Use neutral-colored towels and washcloths.
  • Check the condition of caulk and grout and repair as needed.
  • Deodorize with baking soda and avoid overpowering chemicals like bleach.

05

Bedrooms

  • Remove clothing and coat hangers from closets to maximize space.
  • Store jewelry and other valuables in a safe location.
  • Depersonalize by removing unneeded decorations.
  • Remove video game consoles and standing electronics, especially those with exposed cords.
  • Replace floral prints and other feminine or masculine items with gender-neutral alternatives.

06

Walls, Windows & Doors

  • Remove personal items like family portraits.
  • Patch any holes and consider a fresh coat of paint where needed.
  • Replace missing or damaged outlet covers.
  • Wash windows inside and out.
  • Repair or replace damaged screens.
  • Consider repainting bold and gender-specific colors with bright, neutral alternatives.

07

Exterior

  • Power-wash the home exterior, driveway, and porch areas.
  • Clean the mailbox or replace it if necessary.
  • Weed beds and trim back trees and shrubs. Consider fresh mulch.
  • Store lawn equipment and children’s toys out of sight.
  • Replace any bulbs around the exterior of the home.

08

Pets

  • Remove pet hair from furniture and all surfaces.
  • Consider special cleaning products to remove pet stains.
  • Remove beds, toys, food bowls and other pet items.
  • Be sure pets are not present for showings.

09

Pro Tips

  • Consider a fresh coat of paint on older cabinets.
  • Use high-adhesion primer and an epoxy based paint to freshen up dated tile.
  • Open windows and use candles to create an inviting aroma.
  • Use mirrors to increase the appearance of space and brighten dark areas.
  • Avoid cooking odorous foods on showing days.
Discover Your Home's Value

What's My Home Worth?

Thinking of Selling? The first step is to understand the value potential of your home.  Fill out the form below to request an expert home valuation from

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A more elevated real estate experience for buyers and sellers across Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania with local expertise, sharper marketing, and trusted guidance at every step.

(302) 743-9582herman.ross@compass.com

3701 Kennett Pike · Suites 200, 300, 400 Greenville, DE 19807

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