Before you can move to a new house, you might need to sell the home you currently own. If so, you will need to find the right real estate agent to use for the sale, and you must start preparing. If you are selling a house for the first time, you might not know what to expect from the process. Here is a list of the things you should expect when selling a house. Knowing these things can help you prepare for the sale and for moving.

Meet with a Real Estate Agent

The first step in selling a home is hiring a real estate agent. You can hire one over the phone or by meeting with one. You might know a real estate agent you want to hire, or you might want to interview a few before selecting one. You should pick the one that will offer the best services to you, and it might take a little bit of work finding one. Once you find the one you want, ask them to come to your home.

Complete the Necessary Tasks

When the real estate agent arrives at your home, you can discuss the details of the property. Additionally, you can show the real estate agent around your home. When doing this, keep an open mind. The agent might see some changes you need to make in your house, and they will tell you what these are. If you need to complete any steps, you should do these before listing the house.

List the Home

When you are ready to list the home, the agent will return to your home with the paperwork. You will have to sign a listing agreement and other documents. You will also have to fill out a disclosure form, which tells buyers more details about your house and its condition. Once listed, the agent will schedule an appointment to take photos of your home. They will also install a lockbox on your door and complete any other necessary steps required for listing a home.

Offer Home Viewings

Within days of your listing going live, you will probably begin receiving requests for showings. People will see your listing and want to visit your home in person. These individuals will let their agents know that they are interested in your home, and their agents will contact your real estate agent. Your real estate agent lines up the viewings at times convenient for the buyers.

Wait for an Offer

As people begin viewing your home, you will probably receive an offer on it. An offer might take a couple of days, weeks, or months, but you will likely get one at some point. When you receive the offer, you can accept it or negotiate. It is your choice, and your real estate agent can provide more details about your options. Once you reach an agreement with the seller, you will begin working towards the closing appointment.

Complete the Closing Work

From the time you receive the offer to the date you close, you can expect around 41 days to pass. It takes this long because closing on a house requires many steps. During this time, you will have responsibilities, such as packing your things and fixing things around your home. The buyer will also have responsibilities, including getting a home inspection and appraisal. A lot must occur before your lender completes the loan work for the deal. Once this occurs, though, you can proceed to closing to transfer the ownership of your house to the new owners.

While you might have other steps along the way, these are the main ones to expect. If you are ready to sell and need a real estate agent to help you, contact a real estate firm today for assistance.

To learn more, contact a resource like Salishan Homes.