Offer, Due Diligence & Closing

Receiving an Offer

Receiving an offer is exciting, but the price is only one part of the decision. We'll look at the entire offer, including financing, earnest money, due diligence, contingencies, concessions, closing date, and any other terms the buyer has included.

The highest offer isn't always the best offer. I'll help you look at the offer as a whole, understand the strengths and potential drawbacks, and decide whether you'd like to accept it, reject it, or make a counteroffer.

Once You're Under Contract

Once you and the buyer have agreed to the terms and everyone has signed, the Purchase and Sale Agreement becomes our roadmap to closing.

We'll keep track of the important dates and deadlines, stay in communication with the buyer's agent, and deal with questions or changes as they come up.

Due Diligence & Inspections

During due diligence, the buyer may inspect the home, research the property, and decide whether they want to continue with the purchase under the terms of the contract.

If the buyer raises questions or requests repairs or another resolution, we'll review what they're asking for, consider your options, and decide how you'd like to respond.

Financing & Appraisal

If the buyer is financing the purchase, their lender will continue working through underwriting and will usually order an appraisal.

Most of that process happens between the buyer and lender. I'll stay in communication with the buyer's agent and keep you informed about meaningful developments that affect the transaction.

Preparing for Closing

As closing approaches, you'll be preparing the home for the buyer, completing your move, gathering keys and remotes, and taking care of the final details.

The buyer will usually complete a final walk-through shortly before closing to confirm that the home is in the expected condition and that agreed-upon repairs, when applicable, have been completed.

You'll also receive a preliminary settlement statement showing the financial details of the sale and your anticipated proceeds. Review it carefully and ask about anything that doesn't look right or that you don't understand.

One important warning: wire fraud is real. Never rely on an unexpected email, text, or phone call telling you that wiring instructions have changed. If anything seems unusual, contact the closing attorney directly using contact information you already know is legitimate.

Closing Day

By closing day, most of the work is behind you. The closing attorney will go through the documents, explain what you're signing, and give you time to ask questions.

Once the transaction is completed, ownership transfers according to the terms of the agreement and you've officially sold your home.

Next: After Selling Your Home

There are still a few loose ends worth taking care of after closing, from property tax bills and address changes to wrapping up services and records.

Important: This information is intended as a general overview of the selling process. Your Purchase and Sale Agreement and other signed documents control the terms, dates, deadlines, and obligations of your transaction.