Preparing Your Paperwork

Prepping to sell your home begins with selecting your team of professionals. Interview a few realtors if you don’t already have one, and let your mortgage broker know you are making a move so they can be ready, too and likely lock in a rate. If you are moving out of town, ensure you have a realtor in that new area.

Arrange a market evaluation with prospective realtors. They will come and look at your home, ask questions about updates, and provide you with a listing price or range. Of course, you want to clean up this, but less than you would for buyers. Realtors have seen it all and can look past clutter.

Things your realtor and prospective buyers will want to know:

• Age of roof

• Age of hot water tank

• Age and type of heating/cooling system and service dates

• Plumbing type and age 

• Electrical type and age

• Septic system age and service, if applicable

• Well, age and service, if applicable

• Fire insurance coverage (distance from nearest hydrant)

• Irrigation, age and condition, if applicable

• Any extras, such as a pool or hot tub, outbuildings etc

• Any additions or significant upgrades done in and outside of the home 

Things to discuss with your mortgage broker: 

• How much time is left on your mortgage

• If you expect your new mortgage to be larger or smaller than the current one

• If you should lock in an interest rate hold

• If you plan on changing jobs during the move and how that could impact your mortgage

• How much do you anticipate selling your home for - a range likely provided by your realtor.

Once you are satisfied with the choice of representation for selling your home, list price and timing, you must prepare your home for photos and showings.  Stay tuned for ~ Preparing Your House.