239-848-5646
josh@mcwilliamsbuckley.com
8971 Daniels Center Dr, Suite 303, Fort Myers, FL 33912
10 STEPS BEFORE SELLING
1. Get Pre-Approved for a Home Loan
Market conditions change rapidly and you do not want to get caught off guard with any unexpected issues
involving your credit, so be sure to get pre-approved before you get into the home buying or selling process.
Find a lender you trust and research the housing market in the area where you wish to live so that you have
a good idea how much it will take to buy a replacement.
How To Start Researching
Hint: I can show you any property (regardless who the listing agent is) and you can use my website to search to search the entire MLS and find any property in the area!
Start looking for two types of real estate:
2. Check Your Mortgage Payoff
Call your lender to find out the payoff for your current home mortgage. You’ll need the figure to complete Step 6.
3. Determine How Much the House Is Worth
Determine your home’s fair market value. Your realtor can help you by doing an initial Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) report to see what recent home sales have been in your area and then arrange for an appraisal
of a property you are interested in.
4. Estimate Your Costs to Sell Your Existing Home
As your real estate agent, I deal with transactions every day and can give you a very close estimate of seller closing costs including the following factors:
5. Determine Your Costs to Acquire a New Home
Total all expenses related to buying a new home including:
Moving expenses, loan costs, down payment, home inspections, title work and policy, new hazard insurance policy, etc.
Your lender should give you a disclosure of estimated costs when you apply for pre-approval.
6. Calculate Your Estimated Proceeds
Will your closing proceeds cover your costs to acquire a new home?
Will you have cash or other funding to make up the difference?
Calculate your proceeds by:
Deduct your mortgage payoff from your home’s fair market value.
Deduct your costs to sell from the remainder to get an estimate of the proceeds you will be paid at closing.
7. Make Necessary Repairs
Make all major priority repairs (low to high priority items identified on Home Seller’s Tips page) unless you
want the house to be regarded as a fixer-upper. I’m not referring to cosmetic updates, but to items in need
of repair. Anything that’s out of line gives potential buyers a reason to submit a lower offer.
8. Get the House Ready to Show
Most houses need at least a little spiffing up before they are shown to potential buyers. Great curb appeal, fresh paint indoors (and sometimes out), organized closets and cabinets, clean windows and appliances, and a clutter-free atmosphere are essential if you want the house to appeal to buyers.
9. Make Your Home Accessible and Comfortable
That means it’s always ready to show. Many agents won’t bother showing a house that takes requires lengthy advance appointments. Don’t crowd home buyers when they are viewing your home and make every effort possible to make them feel comfortable while in your home. Ideally, buyers can be shown your home when you are not there. If circumstances dictate you must be present, do your best to minimize your contact with the showing agent and customers.
10. How to Find a Real Estate Listing Agent
Basically, there are many agents who all adhere to the same professional standards or code of ethics established by the National Association of Realtors, but here are some reasons of what you should look for in an agent and why you should do business with me: