Everything you need to know – and do – to find the right buyer

Step 1: Define your needs

The first step to selling your home is knowing your needs. A significant move that will make the home selling process a little less stressful is to realize why you want to sell your home and where you want to go next.

Step 2: Determine the price of your property

Determine your home's best price - a price that will allow you to walk away with.

Step 3: Get your home ready

Not many people keep their home in perfect shape, but your home needs to be decluttered and cleaned up, so that your house makes a better first impression. Take the time to clean your home thoroughly and remove any unwanted large pieces of furniture and clutter, so that the very best version of your home can be seen by prospective buyers.

Step 4: Spread the word

Before your home is listed on the market, go to a successful realtor who will present a marketing plan to you. You pay them to find a buyer for you, so they can do their best to get your home in front of as many buyers as possible. You want to use an agent not only familiar with the local market but also well-prepared and familiar with selling homes, placing them in front of as many individuals as possible.

Step 5: Get a Deal

While the joy of getting the offer could probably mark the end of having to keep your home show-ready 24/7, it also marks the beginning of a whole new process, one full of documentation and negotiations. Your realtor will search immediately to ensure that prospective buyers can buy a home at the price you ask.

Step 6: Negotiate for Selling

To come to a win-win agreement, most offers need some amount of negotiation. As well as knowing the real estate contract inside and out, the real estate agent should be well-versed in negotiating strategies.

Step 7: Prepare for Closure

Once an offer is accepted, create a list of the people who need to be called and the things you need to do, so you can make sure everything is taken care of. Your next move will eventually be decided by the conditions in the contract. Until closing, ensure that you meet all the commitments you agreed to in the final contract.

Step 8: Close the Deal

At this point, paperwork is signed to legally pass the ownership of the home being sold to the contracted buyers. To answer any remaining questions and to walk you through the paperwork, your realtor will be available. Ownership legally changes hands after the buyer's financing goes through.