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Seller's Guide

A Step-by-Step First Time Seller's Guide

Putting your home on the market can be a stressful process, especially when you don’t know what to expect. Fortunately, with the help of an experienced team of real estate agents and this easy to follow guide, you can smoothly complete the process. Following these steps will help you prepare so you can get organized and sell your home for the best price possible.​​​​​​​

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Step 1: Understand Why You're Selling

What do you want to accomplish with the sale of your home? Do you want to make a certain amount of money that you can put toward a larger or nicer home? Do you need to sell it as soon as possible to facilitate a move to a new city or area? Once you understand your needs, you can better craft your offer. For example, if you need to sell quickly, you might want to price your home lower than if your goal is to make a certain profit margin. Make sure you convey these needs to your team of real estate agents once you choose one so they can adjust your selling price accordingly.

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Step 2: Determine Selling Price

Knowing how to price your home is one of the most important parts of the selling process. When you set a fair price in the beginning, you’ll get the most interest from other real estate agents and prospective buyers. Overpricing your home could lead to reduced interest, and underpricing leads to receiving less than what your home is worth. Working with a team of real estate agents is the best way to determine the right selling price for your home. A team of real estate agents with experience can determine what other comparable homes are selling for, evaluate the current market, and may even suggest a home appraisal.

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Step 3: Start Preparations

If you’ve kept your home in showroom condition since you’ve lived in it, you’re in the minority of homeowners. Once you price your home, it’s time to start getting it ready to be shown to potential buyers. This includes getting rid of clutter, depersonalizing the space so that buyers can envision themselves in the space, making any small repairs, and doing a deep clean to make sure your home is in pristine condition.

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Step 4: Develop a Marketing Strategy

We will develop a marketing strategy that is perfect for advertising your home. This involves listing the home and then driving the right people to that listing through social media campaigns, agent-to-agent referrals, traditional media, or SEO advertising. Our team creates a marketing campaign that aims to get the most possible traffic to your listing in the first three weeks after becoming a client.

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Step 5: Evaluate Offers

Receiving an offer is an exciting part of the process, but it doesn’t mean the journey is over. We will evaluate each offer and make sure the party making the offer is prequalified or pre-approved by a mortgage lender and that their offer is acceptable to you. If the offer is too low, you can make a counter-offer or offer other ways to bridge the gap, such as covering some or all of the closing costs, making repairs, adjusting the move-in date, or leaving some appliances or fixtures for the new buyer.

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Step 6: Accept an Offer

Once we deem the offer is acceptable, we will review the proposed contract to make sure it’s all in order and includes the necessary components such as deposit amount, down payment, financing, inspection rights and repair allowances, contingencies, settlement date, and a list of fees and who will pay them. When both parties have agreed to the term, a final contract will be prepared by your team of real estate agents.

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Step 7: Get Ready to Close

You have accepted an offer and are now very close to the end of your selling journey. But first, you and the buyer must make a list of what needs to be done before closing. In some cases, your home may need to be formally inspected, surveyed, and appraised. In other cases, major or minor repairs will need to be made before the house can close. We will head up efforts to develop and execute this list, get each action item paid for by the correct party, and make sure everything is in order by the closing date. A few days before the closing date, we will call the company closing the transaction to make sure everything is ready to go. If you haven’t done so already, you also need to make arrangements to move out of the home so the new buyer can take possession.

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Step 8: Close

You’ve reached the last step in the seller’s process. When you close on a home you are selling, you are legally transferring ownership of the property to the new buyer. We will meet with the company closing the transaction to sign the final paperwork and go over any issues that have not yet been taken care of. During this time, you can also make plans with your team of real estate agents to handle final details such as canceling utilities, cable, and lawn or trash services, changing the name on accounts that the new owner is retaining and ensuring the new owner has instructions for all appliances that will remain in the home.

Congratulations!

Once you have sold your home, you’re free to take the next step on your journey. Whether this is relocating to a new city, moving into a larger home, or downsizing and enjoying your life as empty-nesters, knowing all your selling responsibilities have been taken care of will help you achieve peace of mind for your new path.

Testimonials

"I was given their name by a friend who had used them. We hit it off right away. They got a feel for what I was looking for and were more than willing to check on properties. They actually found my place when I was out of state! Because of this, I had to rely on them heavily and they came through each and every time. They stayed in constant contact, even when there wasn't anything to report but just for reassurance. This is my 5th home purchase in over 30+ years and the smoothest by far. You will be happy you chose them!"
"I was given their name by a friend who had used them. We hit it off right away. They got a feel for what I was looking for and were more than willing to check on properties. They actually found my place when I was out of state! Because of this, I had to rely on them heavily and they came through each and every time. They stayed in constant contact, even when there wasn't anything to report but just for reassurance. This is my 5th home purchase in over 30+ years and the smoothest by far. You will be happy you chose them!"
Buyer
"I was referred to Josh Higgins almost 2 years ago by a co-worker. From the first interaction, there was no pressure,or rush sale and I got a great first impression that he valued his client's needs and I wanted to hire him as my realtor. My first request was if he could link me up with a mortgage broker. I needed help determining what price range I would qualify for and avoid falling in love with a home we could not afford. Fast forward over a year later, I called Josh and asked for the moon not to mention we were not on a "Balla" budget. He explained his company's philosophy on how they conduct business and gave me the game plan for moving forward. We were mimicking the Property Brother's TV show, Buying and Selling on HGTV. Many moving parts; Trying to sell a home in a transitional neighborhood and trying to purchase the dream home. Josh and Jamie are an awesome duo and I can see how they have been very successful in what they do. They were very flexible in shifting the focus every time I changed my mind. They helped me keep focused of what my newly blended family needed to live comfortably and easily picked up on our design style. They were awesome with dealing with me as a client cause I don't think I paid extra for them to deal with my nervous calls and lengthy emails to counsel and ease my nerves during the process, playing what this would cost if you were general contractor, interior design advice and even project management. Everything was seamless! Josh and Jamie previewed, made the recommendations and we went into pending sight unseen! We had complete trust and hit the nail on the head! We finally showed the kids the home and they are super excited! Thank you Josh and Jamie for your professionalism, thoughtfulness and really caring about what was going to be best for our family! We are excited to start our new journey! Can't wait to start again in a few years and you'll be my first call as should yours!"
"I was referred to Josh Higgins almost 2 years ago by a co-worker. From the first interaction, there was no pressure,or rush sale and I got a great first impression that he valued his client's needs and I wanted to hire him as my realtor. My first request was if he could link me up with a mortgage broker. I needed help determining what price range I would qualify for and avoid falling in love with a home we could not afford. Fast forward over a year later, I called Josh and asked for the moon not to mention we were not on a "Balla" budget. He explained his company's philosophy on how they conduct business and gave me the game plan for moving forward. We were mimicking the Property Brother's TV show, Buying and Selling on HGTV. Many moving parts; Trying to sell a home in a transitional neighborhood and trying to purchase the dream home. Josh and Jamie are an awesome duo and I can see how they have been very successful in what they do. They were very flexible in shifting the focus every time I changed my mind. They helped me keep focused of what my newly blended family needed to live comfortably and easily picked up on our design style. They were awesome with dealing with me as a client cause I don't think I paid extra for them to deal with my nervous calls and lengthy emails to counsel and ease my nerves during the process, playing what this would cost if you were general contractor, interior design advice and even project management. Everything was seamless! Josh and Jamie previewed, made the recommendations and we went into pending sight unseen! We had complete trust and hit the nail on the head! We finally showed the kids the home and they are super excited! Thank you Josh and Jamie for your professionalism, thoughtfulness and really caring about what was going to be best for our family! We are excited to start our new journey! Can't wait to start again in a few years and you'll be my first call as should yours!"
Rashaunda H.
"If I had to do it over again I would pick them. Very professional, very friendly, and could answer all my questions and offer advice. I even pushed them to speed up the house-buying process and they jumped through hoops to make sure I could move in by an earlier than agreed-upon date."
"If I had to do it over again I would pick them. Very professional, very friendly, and could answer all my questions and offer advice. I even pushed them to speed up the house-buying process and they jumped through hoops to make sure I could move in by an earlier than agreed-upon date."
Buyer
"We just closed, and I have to say — we were incredibly enthused about this process! Josh and his team are an incredibly savvy set of real estate experts who really took the time to get to know us. They focused on what we’d like in particular neighborhoods, even down to the culture and locale, and made the right recommendations. That already exceeded our expectations, but to top it off — their extremely deep construction knowledge and ability to determine which homes had the best value based on minimal costs to improvement made finding homes in this climate enjoyable! They ensured the confidence of certain homes and let us know when to walk away from hidden costs as we looked for our diamond in the rough! Many thanks, Josh and Kathleen for helping us find our perfect starter home! Cheers!"
"We just closed, and I have to say — we were incredibly enthused about this process! Josh and his team are an incredibly savvy set of real estate experts who really took the time to get to know us. They focused on what we’d like in particular neighborhoods, even down to the culture and locale, and made the right recommendations. That already exceeded our expectations, but to top it off — their extremely deep construction knowledge and ability to determine which homes had the best value based on minimal costs to improvement made finding homes in this climate enjoyable! They ensured the confidence of certain homes and let us know when to walk away from hidden costs as we looked for our diamond in the rough! Many thanks, Josh and Kathleen for helping us find our perfect starter home! Cheers!"
King M.
"I had to work and deal with 3 other real estate agents before I was introduced to Josh and there is no comparison. He really listened and cared about what we wanted. He also is truly an expert so when it came down to breaking down the numbers or consulting a potential renovation he was able to make it simple. Most agents just are not that good. They say 10% to 90% of the deals and now I understand why. I can't say enough good things about this guy! I'll just end with, if you're looking to buy in San Diego then Josh is the best you'll find."
"I had to work and deal with 3 other real estate agents before I was introduced to Josh and there is no comparison. He really listened and cared about what we wanted. He also is truly an expert so when it came down to breaking down the numbers or consulting a potential renovation he was able to make it simple. Most agents just are not that good. They say 10% to 90% of the deals and now I understand why. I can't say enough good things about this guy! I'll just end with, if you're looking to buy in San Diego then Josh is the best you'll find."
Eric B.
"Josh was absolutely wonderful to work with. He went above and beyond in helping me and my kids find our dream home. He listens and genuinely cares for his clients. He is patient, responsive, smart, honest and knowledgeable. His rolodex is extensive and he can connect you in minutes with any service provider you could possibly need and they are all truly quality introductions. His assistant Kathleen is a superstar as well! Added bonus - his wife, Kathryn (and partner Donna) are wonderful if you need some help after your purchase with home reno projects and interior design. I could not be happier with the service I received and I am forever grateful!"
"Josh was absolutely wonderful to work with. He went above and beyond in helping me and my kids find our dream home. He listens and genuinely cares for his clients. He is patient, responsive, smart, honest and knowledgeable. His rolodex is extensive and he can connect you in minutes with any service provider you could possibly need and they are all truly quality introductions. His assistant Kathleen is a superstar as well! Added bonus - his wife, Kathryn (and partner Donna) are wonderful if you need some help after your purchase with home reno projects and interior design. I could not be happier with the service I received and I am forever grateful!"
Farha C.
"I cannot say enough about how Josh and his team made my home purchase process so easy. From day one they were very professional, always responsive and just easy to work with! Josh explained every step of the process along the way. Josh and Kathleen are extremely knowledgeable from the home buying process to the neighborhood to remodeling. Really made this so easy for me and started to finish in less than 30 days in this market. Unbelievable! Thank you for making this so easy for me. I wouldn't be in my new home without you! Cannot wait to start making memories in our new home!"
"I cannot say enough about how Josh and his team made my home purchase process so easy. From day one they were very professional, always responsive and just easy to work with! Josh explained every step of the process along the way. Josh and Kathleen are extremely knowledgeable from the home buying process to the neighborhood to remodeling. Really made this so easy for me and started to finish in less than 30 days in this market. Unbelievable! Thank you for making this so easy for me. I wouldn't be in my new home without you! Cannot wait to start making memories in our new home!"
Cyndy M.
"He is amazing and so easy to work with!"
"He is amazing and so easy to work with!"
Maria K.
"As a new buyer to California, I shopped the market for an agent and interviewed a few people, until calling Josh. We found our guy, Josh had the expertise, network, and turnkey service we were looking for to buy, upgrade, and sell a house! It was a pleasure working with Josh! I would, and have, recommend him to friends and family!"
"As a new buyer to California, I shopped the market for an agent and interviewed a few people, until calling Josh. We found our guy, Josh had the expertise, network, and turnkey service we were looking for to buy, upgrade, and sell a house! It was a pleasure working with Josh! I would, and have, recommend him to friends and family!"
Cory R.
"Josh was absolutely wonderful to work with. He went above and beyond in helping me and my kids find our dream home. He listens and genuinely cares for his clients. He is patient, responsive, smart, honest and knowledgeable. His rolodex is extensive and he can connect you in minutes with any service provider you could possibly need and they are all truly quality introductions. His assistant Kathleen is a super star as well! Added bonus - his wife, Kathryn (and partner Donna) are wonderful if you need some help after your purchase with home reno projects and interior design. I could not be happier with the service I received and I am forever grateful!!"
"Josh was absolutely wonderful to work with. He went above and beyond in helping me and my kids find our dream home. He listens and genuinely cares for his clients. He is patient, responsive, smart, honest and knowledgeable. His rolodex is extensive and he can connect you in minutes with any service provider you could possibly need and they are all truly quality introductions. His assistant Kathleen is a super star as well! Added bonus - his wife, Kathryn (and partner Donna) are wonderful if you need some help after your purchase with home reno projects and interior design. I could not be happier with the service I received and I am forever grateful!!"
Farha Chowdry
"My husband and I were reluctant to work with an agent while buying our first home. I figured I had ample experience as an attorney to handle the process solo. Then we met Josh and Jamie. They “redefined” our perception of agents in a very positive way. They are an exceptional team. Both Josh and Jamie are down-to-earth, responsive, genuine, experienced and smart. I highly recommend them to anyone looking to buy or sell their home."
"My husband and I were reluctant to work with an agent while buying our first home. I figured I had ample experience as an attorney to handle the process solo. Then we met Josh and Jamie. They “redefined” our perception of agents in a very positive way. They are an exceptional team. Both Josh and Jamie are down-to-earth, responsive, genuine, experienced and smart. I highly recommend them to anyone looking to buy or sell their home."
Amie & Kevin S.
"I had to work/deal with 3 other real estate agents before I was introduced to Josh and there is no comparison. He REALLY listened and cared about what we wanted. He also is truly an expert so when it came down to breaking down the numbers or consulting a potential renovation he was able to make it simple. Most agents just are not that good. They say 10% do 90% of the deals and now I understand why. I can't say enough good things about this guy! I'll just end with, if you're looking to buy in San Diego then Josh is the best you'll find."
"I had to work/deal with 3 other real estate agents before I was introduced to Josh and there is no comparison. He REALLY listened and cared about what we wanted. He also is truly an expert so when it came down to breaking down the numbers or consulting a potential renovation he was able to make it simple. Most agents just are not that good. They say 10% do 90% of the deals and now I understand why. I can't say enough good things about this guy! I'll just end with, if you're looking to buy in San Diego then Josh is the best you'll find."
Eric Broida
"As a new buyer to California, I shopped the market for an agent and interviewed a few people, until calling Josh. We found our guy, Josh had the expertise, network, and turnkey service we were looking for to buy, upgrade, and sell a house! It was a pleasure working with Josh!! I would, and have, recommend him to friends and family!!!"
"As a new buyer to California, I shopped the market for an agent and interviewed a few people, until calling Josh. We found our guy, Josh had the expertise, network, and turnkey service we were looking for to buy, upgrade, and sell a house! It was a pleasure working with Josh!! I would, and have, recommend him to friends and family!!!"
Cory Rogge
"I cannot say enough about how Josh and his team made my home purchase process so easy. From day one they were very professional, always responsive and just easy to work with! Josh explained every step of the process along the way. Josh and Kathleen are extremely knowledgeable from the home buying process to the neighborhood to remodeling. Really made this so easy for me and start to finish in less than 30 days in this market... Unbelievable! Thank you for making this so easy for me .I wouldn't be in my new home without you! Cannot wait to start making memories in our new home!"
"I cannot say enough about how Josh and his team made my home purchase process so easy. From day one they were very professional, always responsive and just easy to work with! Josh explained every step of the process along the way. Josh and Kathleen are extremely knowledgeable from the home buying process to the neighborhood to remodeling. Really made this so easy for me and start to finish in less than 30 days in this market... Unbelievable! Thank you for making this so easy for me .I wouldn't be in my new home without you! Cannot wait to start making memories in our new home!"
Cyndy Marin

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