The sales process

The Offer
When a buyer decides they like your home, they will make you a written offer. After determining the buyer's qualifications, you and your agent will review the written contract, taking care to understand what is required of both parties to execute the transaction. The contract should protect the interests of all parties.

After you accept the offer, it may be too late to make any changes. The contract, though not limited to this list, should include the following:

• Legal description of the property
• Offer price
• Down payment
• Financing arrangements
• List of fees and who will pay them
• Earnest Money
• Inspection rights and possible repair allowances
• Method of conveying the title and who will handle the closing
• Appliances and furnishings that will stay with the home
• Settlement date
• Contingencies

Remember that the legalities of this phase are very important. If you have any questions or concerns, be certain to address them right away. Once an offer is made, if you intend to accept the offer, or make a counter-offer, do it as soon as possible. Remember that at any time prior to accepting or countering, a buyer can withdraw their offer. When you make changes to an offer, they require written approval of all parties for the contract to be enforceable. Know that even minor changes facilitate the opportunity for either the seller or buyer to change their mind.

Closing
The last part of the home selling process is closing. It is the time between signing the purchase contract (once an agreement on price and terms has been reached) - and the day the deed is actually recorded transferring title. "Closing" refers to the meeting where ownership of the property is legally transferred to the buyer. Once everything is signed, then money transfers and your home is sold. We will be present during the closing to help explain the process and forms to you and make sure everything goes as planned. Be sure to read all the documents and ask questions. It is important you understand every document you are signing.

As the seller, you will need to be prepared to hand over any necessary documentation regarding the property as well as the keys, garage door openers and any other items that belong with the property.

Moving On
The following are some tips you may find helpful when preparing to move.

• Notify the post office of a forwarding address.
• Cancel subscriptions that would not be forwarded.
• Arrange for new checking account if needed.
• Arrange for utilities and telephone at your new location.
• Plan for needs of children and pets during the move
• Are you packing/moving yourself or will a professional mover handle the move?
• Once you are reasonably sure you will be proceeding with the sale, begin weeding out your possessions.
• Pack one room at a time.
• Keep the weight of your boxes reasonable.
• Start packing and marking every box according to contents and room it will go in.
• If bubble wrap is not available, use towels and blankets to wrap fragile items.