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Seller's Guide

A Step-by-Step Seller's Guide

Putting your home on the market can be a stressful process, especially when you don’t know what to expect. Fortunately, with the help of an experienced team of real estate agents and this easy to follow guide, you can smoothly complete the process. Following these steps will help you prepare so you can get organized and sell your home for the best price possible.​​​​​​​

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Step 1: Understand Why You're Selling

What do you want to accomplish with the sale of your home? Do you want to make a certain amount of money that you can put toward a larger or nicer home? Do you need to sell it as soon as possible to facilitate a move to a new city or area? Once you understand your needs, you can better craft your offer. For example, if you need to sell quickly, you might want to price your home lower than if your goal is to make a certain profit margin. Make sure you convey these needs to your team of real estate agents once you choose one so they can adjust your selling price accordingly.

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Step 2: Determine Selling Price

Knowing how to price your home is one of the most important parts of the selling process. When you set a fair price in the beginning, you’ll get the most interest from other real estate agents and prospective buyers. Overpricing your home could lead to reduced interest, and underpricing leads to receiving less than what your home is worth. Working with a team of real estate agents is the best way to determine the right selling price for your home. A team of real estate agents with experience can determine what other comparable homes are selling for, evaluate the current market, and may even suggest a home appraisal.

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Step 3: Start Preparations

If you’ve kept your home in showroom condition since you’ve lived in it, you’re in the minority of homeowners. Once you price your home, it’s time to start getting it ready to be shown to potential buyers. This includes getting rid of clutter, depersonalizing the space so that buyers can envision themselves in the space, making any small repairs, and doing a deep clean to make sure your home is in pristine condition.

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Step 4: Develop a Marketing Strategy

We will develop a marketing strategy that is perfect for advertising your home. This involves listing the home and then driving the right people to that listing through social media campaigns, agent-to-agent referrals, traditional media, or SEO advertising. Our team creates a marketing campaign that aims to get the most possible traffic to your listing in the first three weeks after becoming a client.

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Step 5: Evaluate Offers

Receiving an offer is an exciting part of the process, but it doesn’t mean the journey is over. We will evaluate each offer and make sure the party making the offer is prequalified or pre-approved by a mortgage lender and that their offer is acceptable to you. If the offer is too low, you can make a counter-offer or offer other ways to bridge the gap, such as covering some or all of the closing costs, making repairs, adjusting the move-in date, or leaving some appliances or fixtures for the new buyer.

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Step 6: Accept an Offer

Once we deem the offer is acceptable, we will review the proposed contract to make sure it’s all in order and includes the necessary components such as deposit amount, down payment, financing, inspection rights and repair allowances, contingencies, settlement date, and a list of fees and who will pay them. When both parties have agreed to the term, a final contract will be prepared by your team of real estate agents.

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Step 7: Get Ready to Close

You have accepted an offer and are now very close to the end of your selling journey. But first, you and the buyer must make a list of what needs to be done before closing. In some cases, your home may need to be formally inspected, surveyed, and appraised. In other cases, major or minor repairs will need to be made before the house can close. We will head up efforts to develop and execute this list, get each action item paid for by the correct party, and make sure everything is in order by the closing date. A few days before the closing date, we will call the company closing the transaction to make sure everything is ready to go. If you haven’t done so already, you also need to make arrangements to move out of the home so the new buyer can take possession.

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Step 8: Close

You’ve reached the last step in the seller’s process. When you close on a home you are selling, you are legally transferring ownership of the property to the new buyer. We will meet with the company closing the transaction to sign the final paperwork and go over any issues that have not yet been taken care of. During this time, you can also make plans with your team of real estate agents to handle final details such as canceling utilities, cable, and lawn or trash services, changing the name on accounts that the new owner is retaining and ensuring the new owner has instructions for all appliances that will remain in the home.

Congratulations!

Once you have sold your home, you’re free to take the next step on your journey. Whether this is relocating to a new city, moving into a larger home, or downsizing and enjoying your life as empty-nesters, knowing all your selling responsibilities have been taken care of will help you achieve peace of mind for your new path.

See Why Our Clients Love Us

Testimonials

"If you are looking for a realtor, I highly recommend Erin. She is so knowledgeable, hard working, kind, thoughtful, patient, and honest. Erin always has her client's best interest at heart and is so easy to work with. Erin likes to attend home inspections so she can learn what inspectors look for when assessing homes. During our showings, she would point out water damage and lots of other things that I wouldn't have known to look for during an initial walk-through. Erin is so kind, honest, and trustworthy as well, which are characteristics I very much appreciate in a realtor. Erin is not just trying to sell you a home, she wants to help you find your perfect home. I recommend Erin to friends and family all the time. She's the best!"
"If you are looking for a realtor, I highly recommend Erin. She is so knowledgeable, hard working, kind, thoughtful, patient, and honest. Erin always has her client's best interest at heart and is so easy to work with. Erin likes to attend home inspections so she can learn what inspectors look for when assessing homes. During our showings, she would point out water damage and lots of other things that I wouldn't have known to look for during an initial walk-through. Erin is so kind, honest, and trustworthy as well, which are characteristics I very much appreciate in a realtor. Erin is not just trying to sell you a home, she wants to help you find your perfect home. I recommend Erin to friends and family all the time. She's the best!"
Stephanie S.
"I’ve known Erin since 2018, and we began working together in January 2024 to find our dream home! After an 8-month search, my husband and I found our gem of a home in our desired neighborhood! Erin is very kind and thoughtful—she provided helpful information and tools to aid us as we began touring homes. She was flexible and willing to work with our erratic schedules and was always early and on time. She was a great communicator and provided us with sound advice when we were ready to put in a strong offer. She quickly learned what it is we were looking for and had a good feel for our style. Erin is very personable and professional—she represented us positively and interacted well with other realtors and during this process, she met my parents as well as my in-laws. We’d work with Erin again and again and would recommend her to anyone in search of a home! Erin, thank you so much!"
"I’ve known Erin since 2018, and we began working together in January 2024 to find our dream home! After an 8-month search, my husband and I found our gem of a home in our desired neighborhood! Erin is very kind and thoughtful—she provided helpful information and tools to aid us as we began touring homes. She was flexible and willing to work with our erratic schedules and was always early and on time. She was a great communicator and provided us with sound advice when we were ready to put in a strong offer. She quickly learned what it is we were looking for and had a good feel for our style. Erin is very personable and professional—she represented us positively and interacted well with other realtors and during this process, she met my parents as well as my in-laws. We’d work with Erin again and again and would recommend her to anyone in search of a home! Erin, thank you so much!"
Vanessa
"Steve, Seth, and the rest of the team at Avenues and Acres Home Team were nothing short of phenomenal. It was only our second home buying process, and it was miles above our first go around - this is how it should be!. Steve was so relaxed and calm, allowing us to view multiple properties in different areas of the TCs metro until we narrowed in on the neighborhood we knew we wanted, with his great guidance. When a house did become available, he moved quickly to get us a viewing and put in a successful offer before the open house. Following the home inspection (a 100-year-old house, with some undisclosed issues), Steve worked seamlessly with the listing agent to recoup some value of the offer to settle some needed repairs to make the closing a success. He not only got us the perfect house but also made the process smooth and easy, especially considering some hurdles from the older house itself. Do yourself s favor and choose Steve and his team at ReMax and Avenues and Acres - you will not be disappointed!"
"Steve, Seth, and the rest of the team at Avenues and Acres Home Team were nothing short of phenomenal. It was only our second home buying process, and it was miles above our first go around - this is how it should be!. Steve was so relaxed and calm, allowing us to view multiple properties in different areas of the TCs metro until we narrowed in on the neighborhood we knew we wanted, with his great guidance. When a house did become available, he moved quickly to get us a viewing and put in a successful offer before the open house. Following the home inspection (a 100-year-old house, with some undisclosed issues), Steve worked seamlessly with the listing agent to recoup some value of the offer to settle some needed repairs to make the closing a success. He not only got us the perfect house but also made the process smooth and easy, especially considering some hurdles from the older house itself. Do yourself s favor and choose Steve and his team at ReMax and Avenues and Acres - you will not be disappointed!"
Tyler S.
"Our experience with Steve was wonderful. He was professional, kind, and efficient. He made the experience even fun, it was an emotional time for us because we were selling our father's house, and he was terrific along with his staff."
"Our experience with Steve was wonderful. He was professional, kind, and efficient. He made the experience even fun, it was an emotional time for us because we were selling our father's house, and he was terrific along with his staff."
Seller
"We started a conversation with Steve about selling our home back in April 2023. He was very helpful and had a no-pressure approach while we were deciding between selling or renting our home. We live out of state, and Steve & Seth were so helpful in touring our home and making suggestions for updates and sale prep before we returned to Minnesota. The team made the sometimes stressful process more bearable and was always available to answer questions and provide insight. We received an incredible offer the day the home was listed, in early July 2023. We couldn’t have asked for a better process, partnership, or outcome!"
"We started a conversation with Steve about selling our home back in April 2023. He was very helpful and had a no-pressure approach while we were deciding between selling or renting our home. We live out of state, and Steve & Seth were so helpful in touring our home and making suggestions for updates and sale prep before we returned to Minnesota. The team made the sometimes stressful process more bearable and was always available to answer questions and provide insight. We received an incredible offer the day the home was listed, in early July 2023. We couldn’t have asked for a better process, partnership, or outcome!"
Sabin Family
"Couldn't recommend Erin more. She truly looks out for her clients, always ensuring that their needs and wants guide her throughout the entire transaction. Erin is thoroughly knowledgeable in all aspects of real estate transactions. The best!"
"Couldn't recommend Erin more. She truly looks out for her clients, always ensuring that their needs and wants guide her throughout the entire transaction. Erin is thoroughly knowledgeable in all aspects of real estate transactions. The best!"
Emily E.
"Erin was such a delight to work with! Especially as first-time home buyers, she made us feel very comfortable throughout the process! She was very helpful on home tours, always pointing out things to look for and be aware of. We really loved her honesty and transparency. We would recommend her expertise to anyone!"
"Erin was such a delight to work with! Especially as first-time home buyers, she made us feel very comfortable throughout the process! She was very helpful on home tours, always pointing out things to look for and be aware of. We really loved her honesty and transparency. We would recommend her expertise to anyone!"
Hannah M.
"We had an amazing experience working with Erin! She made selling and then buying our dream home a breeze! She’s incredibly friendly, fun, and professional. She walked us through every step of the way and made this process way less intimidating. After this experience, I wouldn’t trust anyone else. Thanks a ton, Erin!"
"We had an amazing experience working with Erin! She made selling and then buying our dream home a breeze! She’s incredibly friendly, fun, and professional. She walked us through every step of the way and made this process way less intimidating. After this experience, I wouldn’t trust anyone else. Thanks a ton, Erin!"
Katie B.
"We have had an excellent experience with Erin! She helped us purchase our first house and was extremely knowledgeable, teaching us about things to look for and what to avoid. She was someone we always went to with questions during the process and when anything house-related came about. When we bought our second house, she was instrumental in buying a new house and selling the previous house. Again, Erin was always available and had a wealth of knowledge on the buying and selling of our house. Erin is always quick to respond to a message and willing to go the extra mile for us. Couldn’t say enough good things!"
"We have had an excellent experience with Erin! She helped us purchase our first house and was extremely knowledgeable, teaching us about things to look for and what to avoid. She was someone we always went to with questions during the process and when anything house-related came about. When we bought our second house, she was instrumental in buying a new house and selling the previous house. Again, Erin was always available and had a wealth of knowledge on the buying and selling of our house. Erin is always quick to respond to a message and willing to go the extra mile for us. Couldn’t say enough good things!"
Joe H.
"Steve Albers and his entire team are wonderful to work with. I have personally used them and have connected my entire extended family with him and his team. Steve, Erin, and Seth are professional, kind, and they listen to their clients’ needs and are truly there for you! Thank you for all that you do!"
"Steve Albers and his entire team are wonderful to work with. I have personally used them and have connected my entire extended family with him and his team. Steve, Erin, and Seth are professional, kind, and they listen to their clients’ needs and are truly there for you! Thank you for all that you do!"
Sutton M.

Preparing Your Home For Professional Photos

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Below are some general homeowner tips and guidelines (if applicable) to help you prepare your home for the photographer.

  • Have the home clean and ready to photograph.
  • Store/move garbage cans out of sight.
  • Organize the office and put away excessive phone/computer cords, or move them so that they are not visible.
  • Use the highest-watt light bulbs that are safe in all lighting fixtures. Buy some extras, too!
  • Counter space is king. Pay attention to this in the kitchen and baths.
  • Clean all mirrors.
  • Clean all floors (last)
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If there are any items that you would not like in the photos, please make certain these items are put away and not visible. These might include:

  • Magnets on the fridge
  • Clutter on bathroom & kitchen counters
  • Robes or towels hanging on doors
  • Turn on all lights and open all blinds in rooms to photograph.
  • Light dust will not appear in pictures.
  • Please have cars removed from driveways and garage doors closed.
  • Ensure the yard is picked up.
  • Once the professional photographs are complete, we will use these to develop brochures and enhance your web presence on AvenuesandAcres.com, Zillow, RE/MAX, social media platforms, and the other 2000+ real estate websites we syndicate to.

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