Are you thinking about selling your home in Washington State and want a step-by-step guide on what goes into the process? Then stay tuned It’s Katrina Halterman, your trusted local Washington state broker/realtor. Today we’re going to dive into the home selling process in the beautiful state of Washington. I’ve also written a book that goes into detail on how to get top dollar on your home which is available in a virtual book version free to you in the link in the description below.
Now keep in mind that when we give specific examples, we might be focusing on the housing market around JBLM and all surrounding areas because that is where we live and conduct most of our business. However, these steps generally apply throughout the entire state of Washington. So let’s walk through these essential steps. Step one is preparing your home for the listing. I’ve also made a video on how to prepare your home to get top dollar so make sure to take a look at that. Preparing your home includes tasks like entering into a listing agreement with your broker.listing agreement with your broker, decluttering or moving out, and taking care of details such as pumping your septic tank and obtaining necessary approvals from the city or county health department.
It’s important to know that preparing your home for the market is crucial. Your agent should guide you on how to make your home shine. If you’re considering remodeling or making improvements, consult your agent beforehand to ensure it pays off in the end. They can also provide insights on paint colors and finishes that appeal to buyers. Additionally, you’ll want to consider completing repairs and ensuring your home looks its best for photos, videos, or 3D virtual tours. Oh, and don’t forget about filling out your seller disclosure form, HOA documents, knowledge of mortgage utility costs, flood zone status, and spare keys for the lockbox. You’ll also need to fill out the property disclosure form, which will ask for septic and well information if applicable. It’s essential to have all the necessary paperwork ready to go.
For my listing clients, I also offer a complimentary staging service, and that is either to have a complimentary staging service and that is either to have a detailed staging consultation or to have their home virtually staged. With my background in interior design, these offers set me apart from other agents. What would normally cost a seller several hundreds of dollars I offer as part of my listing package. Before we move on to step two, we have to ensure that your home is priced accurately. Pricing your home accurately is crucial for a successful sale. While websites like Redfin and Zillow can give you an idea, a human touch is necessary to understand the nuances of your home and neighborhood. Your agent will conduct a comparative market analysis to determine the right price based on local guidelines.
If you would like a complimentary home valuation, go ahead and reach out to me and I’d be more than happy to help you out with that. Once your home is prepared, we move on to step two. Your listing is active on the market. After your agent creates a compelling listing with professional photos, drone shots, video tour, and more, these marketing strategies will attract potential buyers and create healthy competition. These marketing strategies will attract potential buyers and create healthy competition. Your broker will activate your listing and it will make it visible on third-party platforms like Trulia, Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com.
It’s ideal if your home is vacant during this stage, but we understand that it may not always be possible. If you can, it’s a good idea to stay with a family member or a friend or even go on vacation for the first weekend your home is on the market. This allows potential buyers to view your home at their convenience, increasing the chances of receiving more offers. If leaving the home vacant is not an option for you, you’ll need to accommodate showings, keep your home clean, and vacate during appointments. Taking valuable items and personal belongings with you. Your agent will notify you when showings are scheduled and they’ll follow up with feedback from potential buyers.
Now step 3 is all about negotiating your purchase and sale agreement. Buyers may negotiate before or after submitting their offer and your broker is there to guide you through the process. It’s important to address all expectations and terms in the contract to protect your broker is there to guide you through the process. It’s important to address all expectations and terms in the contract to protect your interests. Pricing and condition are key factors in receiving offers. If your home isn’t receiving offers, there may be an issue with this condition. If there are no showings, the price might need adjustment. Your agent should be able to guide you to ensure your home is priced competitively and attractively.
When offers come in, your agent will help you review and negotiate the terms. They’ll ensure all necessary documents are in order and guide you through the closing process. Remember, having an experienced agent reduces stress and increases the likelihood of a successful sale.
Open houses can be beneficial, but keep in mind security measures. Consider a go-to box to secure valuable items during showings. It’s crucial to lock all doors and windows after each show for peace of mind. Once you receive an offer, your agent will communicate with the buyer’s agent and lender to ensure everything goes smoothly. They’ll verify the pre-approval letter and closing date feasibility. Your agent will also explain any closing costs and fees you may incur. Once you’ve negotiated and accepted an offer, approval letter, and closing date feasibility. Your agent will also explain any closing costs and fees you may incur.
Once you’ve negotiated and accepted an offer, you’ll move on to Step 4. You’re now under contract. Unless the buyer waives their inspection, they will have a specified time to conduct their inspection and potentially request renegotiation based on their findings. It’s crucial to keep your home in good condition during this stage as an appraiser will also visit to confirm its value for the lender. Step 5 involves the final steps before closing. You will need to ensure you’re moved out by 9 pm on the closing date, so it’s wise to start packing ahead of time. Completing any negotiated repairs and having your home in impeccable condition is essential for the final walkthrough. escrow will gather all necessary documents for closing, and there may be some communication between the lender, underwriter, and escrow during this process.
Before we dive into the next steps in the selling process, I’d like to ask you for a quick favor. If you find any value in this video, please give it a thumbs up and be sure to subscribe to this channel. These actions help the YouTube algorithm and assist me in my goal of educating more home sellers. Finally, we’ve reached the end of this video. Finally, we’ve reached the last step which is Closing Day! This is when the sale of your home is recorded by the county and you’ll receive the recording numbers from escrow. Your funds should arrive within 1-14 days depending on your chosen method of transfer. Make sure to be fully moved out by 9 pm, although it’s recommended to complete your move earlier in the day. Keys will be transferred to the new owner and voila! Your home selling journey comes to a successful close.
Selling your home can be a complex process, but with a knowledgeable and trustworthy agent by your side, it becomes much easier. Remember, a professional agent offers valuable services such as staging, professional photography, virtual walkthroughs, and more. If you’re considering selling on your own, known as For Sale by Owner or FSBO, be aware that studies show agent-assisted sales generally yield higher profits.
Additionally, working with an agent eliminates the stress of paperwork, pricing, negotiations, and marketing. Remember, these are financing, negotiations, and marketing. Remember, these steps provide a general overview of the home-selling process in Washington State. So when you’re ready to sell your home, find an agent you trust, someone who understands the local market and has your best interests at heart.
Their expertise should ensure a successful and profitable sale. If you have any specific questions or need personalized guidance, feel free to reach out to me at 253-271-9545 or take a look at my virtual book on selling your home in the description below. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to this channel. It truly helps my channel so much and lets me understand what content I should create more of. Thank you so much for watching. Happy selling, friends!