Deciding to Sell
This can be a difficult decision.  Many decisions to sell are based on personal reasons – relocating, downsizing, upsizing, etc.   In today’s culture many families don’t buy one house and remain in the same home their entire lives.   Things that may also be considered in deciding to sell is whether making a home change lines up with retirement goals.  Would a better located home be a better long term investment?   Would a new home be better for your possible commute?    Would a new area be a better environment for a family?  

Seller Prepares the Home For Marketing
There are many things that need to be done to prepare the typical home for marketing.   If you are like many homeowners, things such as closet cleaning, touch up paint, sprucing up curb appeal are required.  Please read articles on Staging Your Home.   To summarize the key concept – make your home look like a model.   Cleanliness is a must. 

Agent Markets the Home
Agents have varying methods of marketing.   Besides the sign outfront the agent should prepare a professional flyer.   Many agents now will post your listing on their own websites as well as realtor.com and other listing sites.  Many will do direct email to their contacts.
 
Showing Results in an Offer Through the Listing Agent
Once an offer is on the table, the agent will meet with you face to face to discuss the offer and point out the offer’s positives and negatives.    The agent is there to provide guidance and make recommendations, however the decision about whether you accept, decline or counter is yours.   Remember, the listing agent works for you!!!

Offer Accepted
Celebrate!!!    But realize the sales transaction is not over…..

Arrange for Inspections
Your listing agent will work with the buyers agent to line up a home inspection.    There may be inspections required, however this will all be discussed with you when the offer is presented. 

Arrange and Negotiate Repairs
After the inspection, there may be (and always will be) items that need to be repaired.   These items may be small to larger, more extensive repairs.   You will work with your listing agent to negotiate which of the items you are willing to repair and which you are not.   Please note that until these items are agreed upon and completed, the buyer can back out of the contract.    Once the inspection items are resolved, then the contract is solid – pending buyer financing.

Repairs are Completed
Typically, sellers are eager to close the deal.    The more timely any repair items are addressed the better.