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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.

See What Our Clients Say

Testimonials

"Michele is an amazing real estate agent! She is extremely knowledgeable about Monmouth County real estate, architecture, and home design. Anyone would be lucky to have her as their real estate agent!"
"Michele is an amazing real estate agent! She is extremely knowledgeable about Monmouth County real estate, architecture, and home design. Anyone would be lucky to have her as their real estate agent!"
Elizabeth H.
"Michele is wonderful! She is so thoughtful, intentional, and dedicated to her work and helping her clients the absolute best she can. She goes above and beyond, and I would highly recommend her to anyone!"
"Michele is wonderful! She is so thoughtful, intentional, and dedicated to her work and helping her clients the absolute best she can. She goes above and beyond, and I would highly recommend her to anyone!"
Michelle P.
"Michele is an excellent realtor. Very knowledgeable and professional! You won’t be disappointed!"
"Michele is an excellent realtor. Very knowledgeable and professional! You won’t be disappointed!"
Barbara G.
"You are in great hands with Michele as your real estate advisor!"
"You are in great hands with Michele as your real estate advisor!"
Catherine N.
"Selling a home is a major life event, and we couldn't have asked for a better real estate agent than Michele Taylor to guide us through the process. From day one, Michele brought incredible professionalism, deep market knowledge, and a level of dedication that truly set her apart. She took the time to understand our goals, provided expert advice on pricing and staging, and developed a strategic approach to marketing our home. Michele was always available to answer questions, address concerns, and keep us informed every step of the way. Her negotiation skills were top-notch, ensuring we got the best possible outcome. Most importantly, Michele made what can be a stressful process feel smooth and manageable. Her warmth, integrity, and attention to detail gave us confidence from listing to closing. If you're looking for a real estate agent who genuinely cares and goes above and beyond, we wholeheartedly recommend Michele Taylor! Thank you, Michele, for everything you did to help us sell our home!"
"Selling a home is a major life event, and we couldn't have asked for a better real estate agent than Michele Taylor to guide us through the process. From day one, Michele brought incredible professionalism, deep market knowledge, and a level of dedication that truly set her apart. She took the time to understand our goals, provided expert advice on pricing and staging, and developed a strategic approach to marketing our home. Michele was always available to answer questions, address concerns, and keep us informed every step of the way. Her negotiation skills were top-notch, ensuring we got the best possible outcome. Most importantly, Michele made what can be a stressful process feel smooth and manageable. Her warmth, integrity, and attention to detail gave us confidence from listing to closing. If you're looking for a real estate agent who genuinely cares and goes above and beyond, we wholeheartedly recommend Michele Taylor! Thank you, Michele, for everything you did to help us sell our home!"
Thomas & Kathleen M.
"Michele is super helpful. I’m making suggestions on staging and marketing our home. She is very knowledgeable about the market and financing options. She is trustworthy and will fight for what is right. A true professional as a listing agent and assisting on purchases as well. She is the best of the best! I highly recommend her. She will represent you extremely well. Thanks again for everything you did for us, Michele."
"Michele is super helpful. I’m making suggestions on staging and marketing our home. She is very knowledgeable about the market and financing options. She is trustworthy and will fight for what is right. A true professional as a listing agent and assisting on purchases as well. She is the best of the best! I highly recommend her. She will represent you extremely well. Thanks again for everything you did for us, Michele."
Joe H.
"Michele was ultra-sensitive to all my needs and handled herself with extreme professionalism. She was available 24 hours a day to answer any questions or concerns I may have had. She was there for me from day one to the final closing day. Buying a house can be a very stressful situation, but her friendliness, knowledge, caring, integrity, and dedication went beyond the call of duty. I am grateful and thankful that I found her as my real estate agent, and highly and wholeheartedly recommend her."
"Michele was ultra-sensitive to all my needs and handled herself with extreme professionalism. She was available 24 hours a day to answer any questions or concerns I may have had. She was there for me from day one to the final closing day. Buying a house can be a very stressful situation, but her friendliness, knowledge, caring, integrity, and dedication went beyond the call of duty. I am grateful and thankful that I found her as my real estate agent, and highly and wholeheartedly recommend her."
Stuart G.
"We recently purchased a home in Ocean Grove, NJ, and Michele was our real estate agent. From the very beginning, she impressed us with her deep knowledge of both the village and the specific property we purchased. She knew when the house was built, the history of its development, and helped us understand the unique character of Ocean Grove — including the blend of full-time residents and seasonal homeowners that make the community so special. Michele was also exceptionally well-connected and guided us through every step of the process, recommending excellent local professionals — from our mortgage lender, real estate attorney, and inspector to the seller’s agent. She even helped us line up services after the closing, including utilities, internet, plumbers, electricians, contractors, painters, and flooring specialists. Throughout, Michele was approachable, responsive, and professional — demonstrating a high level of expertise and care. She not only supported us through every detail leading up to the closing, but continues to be an invaluable resource as we settle into our new home. We couldn’t have asked for a better agent and highly recommend Michele to anyone buying or selling in New Jersey."
"We recently purchased a home in Ocean Grove, NJ, and Michele was our real estate agent. From the very beginning, she impressed us with her deep knowledge of both the village and the specific property we purchased. She knew when the house was built, the history of its development, and helped us understand the unique character of Ocean Grove — including the blend of full-time residents and seasonal homeowners that make the community so special. Michele was also exceptionally well-connected and guided us through every step of the process, recommending excellent local professionals — from our mortgage lender, real estate attorney, and inspector to the seller’s agent. She even helped us line up services after the closing, including utilities, internet, plumbers, electricians, contractors, painters, and flooring specialists. Throughout, Michele was approachable, responsive, and professional — demonstrating a high level of expertise and care. She not only supported us through every detail leading up to the closing, but continues to be an invaluable resource as we settle into our new home. We couldn’t have asked for a better agent and highly recommend Michele to anyone buying or selling in New Jersey."
Jesse E.
"I am in the process of looking for a property – Michele has had unlimited patience with me and has gone above and beyond with all my odd requests. She is eager to help and very responsive. We haven’t found the ideal property as of yet, but I know that with Michele’s help and persistence, it will happen. Her dedication and expertise are making the search enjoyable and, yes, even fun. I highly recommend her to anyone in need of an agent."
"I am in the process of looking for a property – Michele has had unlimited patience with me and has gone above and beyond with all my odd requests. She is eager to help and very responsive. We haven’t found the ideal property as of yet, but I know that with Michele’s help and persistence, it will happen. Her dedication and expertise are making the search enjoyable and, yes, even fun. I highly recommend her to anyone in need of an agent."
Dennis L.
"Michele is an extremely kind, reliable, supportive, and determined realtor. My wife and I had a great experience working with her and would recommend her to anyone searching for a home in Monmouth County. She made a very difficult and stressful process smooth and organized."
"Michele is an extremely kind, reliable, supportive, and determined realtor. My wife and I had a great experience working with her and would recommend her to anyone searching for a home in Monmouth County. She made a very difficult and stressful process smooth and organized."
Matthew R.
"Michele is hands down the best realtor my husband and I have ever had the pleasure of working with. She provides thoughtful, generous service that's truly unique as both a realtor who understands the area so well and an interior designer who can help you transform any space. Not to mention her incredible style! Working with her is like hitting the jackpot – two exceptional services in one. We feel incredibly fortunate to have had Michele's guidance to get us into our new home. Thank you for making our shore dreams a reality!"
"Michele is hands down the best realtor my husband and I have ever had the pleasure of working with. She provides thoughtful, generous service that's truly unique as both a realtor who understands the area so well and an interior designer who can help you transform any space. Not to mention her incredible style! Working with her is like hitting the jackpot – two exceptional services in one. We feel incredibly fortunate to have had Michele's guidance to get us into our new home. Thank you for making our shore dreams a reality!"
Mary P.
"My wife and I had an exceptional experience with Michele as our realtor for our first home purchase. After searching for about a year and feeling discouraged by the market, Michele revitalized our hopes. We initially aimed to buy in Monmouth County, but had considered northern counties for more inventory. Despite many failed attempts and being outbid, Michele encouraged us to revisit Monmouth. On our first tour with her, she reignited our excitement and confidence in achieving our dream. Michele's concierge-level service impressed us greatly. She drove us around, shared local knowledge, and provided refreshments. Her detail-oriented and design-focused approach was a refreshing change from our past realtor experiences. When she showed us a beautiful house in Red Bank near Shadow Lake, we knew it could be the one. Michele made the offer process effortless and was always responsive, even during our business trips. Her exceptional service continued through to our closing date and beyond. She assembled a great team, including lenders, lawyers, and inspectors, and helped us find skilled local contractors for essential work on the house. Michele's interior design services were invaluable, guiding us on floor renovations and paint colors. We couldn't be happier in our first home and are incredibly grateful to Michele. We highly recommend her to anyone seeking a home in Monmouth County."
"My wife and I had an exceptional experience with Michele as our realtor for our first home purchase. After searching for about a year and feeling discouraged by the market, Michele revitalized our hopes. We initially aimed to buy in Monmouth County, but had considered northern counties for more inventory. Despite many failed attempts and being outbid, Michele encouraged us to revisit Monmouth. On our first tour with her, she reignited our excitement and confidence in achieving our dream. Michele's concierge-level service impressed us greatly. She drove us around, shared local knowledge, and provided refreshments. Her detail-oriented and design-focused approach was a refreshing change from our past realtor experiences. When she showed us a beautiful house in Red Bank near Shadow Lake, we knew it could be the one. Michele made the offer process effortless and was always responsive, even during our business trips. Her exceptional service continued through to our closing date and beyond. She assembled a great team, including lenders, lawyers, and inspectors, and helped us find skilled local contractors for essential work on the house. Michele's interior design services were invaluable, guiding us on floor renovations and paint colors. We couldn't be happier in our first home and are incredibly grateful to Michele. We highly recommend her to anyone seeking a home in Monmouth County."
Mannis O.

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