Selling your home not only requires the dedication and experience of a trusted, local agent but a seller that is also on the same page when it comes to listing and marketing.

While I can provide all the external tools necessary to market your home there is a level of expectation you should be aware to help you sell your own home.

Here are some simple steps to the selling process and items you can do to sell your home faster.

Find an agent or broker that Knows Your Neighborhood

I am proficient in Mercer Island neighborhoods, the Eastside and as far as Redmond. By knowing exactly how buyers view homes and offer prices I can know where to price your home and how to market.

Get a Cost Market Analysis (CMA) so You know How your Competition Stacks Up

I not only help price your home but offer local information on other homes in your area, if they have come down in price, what they sold for and any similarities between these and your home. All these factors help us determine the best price for your home but it is ultimately your decision as to where you want to price. We offer our suggestions based on years of experience and know-how in the Seattle and Mercer Island real estate market.

Related: Simple Things to Remember When Relocating

Stage and Prepare Your Home BEFORE Listing

Even though I provide you with marketing strategies and tips to set up your home, it is ultimately your responsibility to maintain your home before each showing. We walk through your home taking notes, giving suggestions and pointing out any issue that may deter a potential buyer. Having new eyes on your home may offer insights about issues that you may have overlooked for years.

I always recommend taking out extra furnishings and clutter. Many times homes have more actual furniture than needed and cutting this in half can allow for more space throughout the home, more consistent flow and allow buyers to easily see the structure of the home without being distracted by personal belongings. Keep wall color neutral and only use color to accent pieces such as a red pillow or tasteful art.

Setting the stage for the environment can appeal to Seattle-area buyers. For ideas consider touring a model home or showroom for what buyers are seeing. Check out open houses in your neighborhood to learn how what your prospective buyers are comparing your home with.

Read More: 5 Cheap Ways to Stage Your Home Like the Pros

Be sure and do any minor repairs that may have been neglected; Leaky faucets, sticky doors, missing screens or other standard items. You don’t want to give the impression to buyers that you couldn’t repair minor fixes because it may also lead them to believe there are large issues that need addressing when they move in.

Related: 5 Signs it’s Tim to Sell Your Rental Property

 Carefully Examine every offer – A Low Ball offer Maybe the Right Buyer

It is my job and duty to present every offer that comes in regardless of the terms or price. Don’t be offended if a less than perfect offer is submitted. You can always counter-offer back and forth until an agreement is made. We do our best to offer advice and negotiating strategies but again, the final decision is yours.

 An Inspection will take place by a Professional of the Buyer’s Choice

It is typically requested that a sell not be present for this inspection as it gives the buyer and inspector freedom to discuss any potential safety issues or hazards. Once the inspection is completed we will present the inspection report to you for approval, negotiations or rejection. Because every step of the transaction can be negotiated upon, don’t feel as if you are stuck with just any offer.

Between Inspection and Signing, there is a Quiet Time

As your real estate agent I will keep you informed of every step along the way and how the transaction is proceeding. This time is for buyers to finalize financing, obtain homeowners insurance and tie up any loose ends required by escrow. This is a great time for sellers to start packing and preparing for their next home. Related: Who should attend the inspection?

Both Parties Sign the Final Closing Documents and Await Closing

When the buyer and seller sign the closing documents you don’t have to hand over keys to the buyer right then. As your agent, I will do all this for you at the proper and legal time.

Deeds must be recorded and funds must be dispersed before keys can be handed to the buyer and this typically takes 1-3 days following the signing.

If you would like more information about selling your Mercer Island home or my real estate service please don’t hesitate to call me at 206-491-3227 or contact me below.