As you prepare to sell your home, we appreciate the opportunity to assist you. Most real estate firms offer one level of service. We believe you should expect more.

Coldwell Banker’s exclusive Full Service Marketing System represents our reliability, professionalism, and commitment to comprehensive service that exceeds expectations – a commitment backed by our Seller Services Guarantee.

Our goal is not simply to sell your house, but to help you realize the best possible price. Once you list with Coldwell Banker and select an agent, he or she will begin managing the sale of your home, implementing our Full Service Home Marketing System.

The relationship between you and your agent is key to the successful sale of your home. Because your home and your needs are unique, your agent will not use a predesigned plan. Rather, he or she will listen to your goals, address your concerns, and use his or her knowledge and experience to create a customized plan.

Your agent will explain every aspect of the home selling process to you. Following are some of the key milestones:

You’re ready to sell your home!

Your first step is to have your Coldwell Banker agent assist you in preparing your home for sale. If you are not already working with one of our agents, you can find one here. By partnering with a Coldwell Banker agent, you will have a professionally trained, experienced agent to offer you representation options and full service.

At this stage, we suggest reviewing our Home Selling Checklist. In addition, you will find a number of helpful suggestions in the Selling a Home section of this website.

This is also a good time to gather all of the paperwork that you will need to expedite the closing once you have an acceptable offer. Your agent can provide you with a list. In addition, you may want to begin the process of selecting a real estate attorney to represent you once you have an accepted offer. If needed, your agent can provide you with a list of local attorneys who specialize in real estate.

Deciding on an asking price

There are many factors that affect the list price of a home: location, condition, amenities, supply and demand, as well as local and global market conditions. Your agent can provide a thorough market analysis of your home so you will be able to come up with a realistic, competitive pricing strategy.

Read more about pricing your home.

A buyer is ready to make an offer

When an offer is presented, your agent will help you negotiate the best possible price and terms. The offer procedure and paperwork vary within regions – and understanding the forms and various transactional issues is key. It is also essential to make sure the buyer is pre-qualified. Your agent will promote your interests and assist in developing a clear and binding transaction.

Typically, an offer is initiated by the buyer through their agent and includes the following information:

• The amount the buyer is willing to pay
• Mortgage amount, if any
• Closing and occupancy dates
• Contingencies, such as mortgage commitment, building and pest inspections to include where appropriate (but not limited to): termite, pest, radon, water portability, well, lead, septic, oil tank
• Any personal property specifically included or excluded

If the offer is not acceptable to you, further negotiations may be necessary to reach terms that are agreeable to you and the buyer. Because counter-offers are common (any change in the offer can be considered a counter-offer) it is important that you remain in close contact with your agent during the negotiation process so that proposed changes can be reviewed and responded to quickly.

You have an acceptable offer

The contract writing procedure, down payments required, building inspection contingency dates and other aspects of the transaction vary within regions, so you will want to rely on the expertise of your agent. They can inform you of the immediate action steps. Timing is critical at this stage!

Between contract and closing

Throughout the transaction, you will need to closely monitor the progress of all contingencies to make certain all deadlines are met. On the day of closing, the buyer will have a final walkthrough to make certain that the house is in good condition, with all required repairs made.

What to expect at the closing

Closing is a formal process where all parties sign the necessary paperwork needed to complete the sale. Title to the property is transferred from you to the buyer. The buyer receives the house keys and you receive payment for the house! From the amount credited to you, the title representative subtracts the funds to pay off the existing mortgage and other transaction costs. Deeds, loan papers and other documents are prepared, signed and ultimately filed with the local property record office. More information on closing.

After the closing

Our exclusive Concierge program is designed to assist you with the services you need before, during, and after your move. Please visit the Concierge Services section within this web site for further details.

*PLEASE NOTE: The home selling process varies by state and state region. Ask your Coldwell Banker agent about any details specific to your area.