The first step to selling your home is evaluating its condition. It is important to tackle appropriate cosmetic and functional setbacks to ensure your home will show, inspect and appraise in the best manner possible. Your Maywright REALTOR^® will help identify areas of concern as well as areas for potential upgrades and improvements. We can connect you with contractors and vendors to help you implement repairs and changes to your home, while helping you assess the most important and/or profitable categories to invest your time and money. We can also advise you on potential repairs or defects that may need to be disclosed to potential Buyers. This proactive step is invaluable to helping you achieve your goals and executing the listing strategy developed for your property.

There are many important factors to consider when determining a competitive list price for your home, such as location, condition, amenities, age, unique factors, supply, demand and local market conditions. Your Maywright REALTOR^® will research comparable properties that are currently listed, under contract and those that have recently sold and expired in the area. This data will be compiled into a personalized Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) report, which showcases market trends and how your property compares. Your Maywright REALTOR^® will use this information along with of-the-moment knowledge about current market conditions to recommend a list price range. They will discuss the risks and potential advantages of listing your property at various price points to help you make an informed decision. You may also choose to have a professional appraisal of your home to help determine a list price. Understanding your personal goals and what the market is willing to pay are critical factors in establishing an appropriate list price strategy. This will ultimately lead to a successful sale.

Let us put our expertise to work and perform a customized and comprehensive market analysis for your property. It’s completely commitment-free and complimentary.

An often overlooked step in the selling process, preparing your home’s aesthetic, is critical to achieving quick interest and the best possible offer terms. In addition to addressing any necessary repairs, your Maywright REALTOR^® will work with you to ensure your home is photographing and showing in its best light. This may be done through decluttering, rearranging existing art or furnishings, professional staging or light upgrades like paint, lighting and landscaping. While purchasing a home is a huge financial commitment, it can also be emotional for many Buyers. Taking care to create emotional hooks will help Buyers see themselves in the property and ultimately be motivated to act. The focus of this process is to prepare your home to make a great first impression and ultimately attract the most competitive offer terms possible. Lean on your Maywright REALTOR^® for advice on what today's Buyers are looking for in their next home.

Once your home is ready for market, your Maywright REALTOR^® will arrange for professional photography. Your REALTOR^® may also recommend dusk-time images, drone photography, videography and/or 3D mapping virtual tours. With a signed Listing Contract, your Maywright REALTOR^® will put together a comprehensive listing on the local MLS (BLC in Central Indiana) to be syndicated to area brokerages and REALTORS^®, in addition to hundreds of other national websites. Additional advertising methods may be used to reach the widest audience possible within the target market. For instance, Maywright Property Co. consistently advertises in local print publications, online and through social media. Creating a personalized plan to market your home and its unique features will help attract the interest of the right Buyer.

Once your home has been listed, showings will begin. Typically, showings include potential Buyers and their licensed REALTORS^®, and the homeowner is not present. This allows Buyers to speak openly about their goals, likes and dislikes and allows them to assess whether your property may be a good fit. As the Seller, you will be notified whenever a private showing is requested and you will have the opportunity to accept, decline or reschedule these visits to accommodate your schedule. This will help you to feel prepared and ready to allow guests through your home. Your Maywright REALTOR^® will guide you through best practices to create an inviting and welcoming atmosphere for Buyers and REALTORS^® touring your home, such as making spaces feel bright and the home feeling as clean as possible. It may also be advantageous to hold a public open house or broker’s open to attract more activity. After your home is visited by guests, your Maywright REALTOR^® will work diligently to collect constructive feedback. This information is valuable to assessing your position in the market and to identifying changes that may allow your home to show its best.

An interested Buyer may make an offer on your property which you may accept, counter or reject. Sometimes, multiple offers are received and can be assessed simultaneously to determine the most attractive fit. Your Maywright REALTOR^® will present all offers as they are received, educate you on the terms, guide you on your options, and ultimately draft and present your response to the other party. Negotiations can involve many important factors like price, concessions, closing date, possession date and financing. Once all parties reach a written agreement, your property will officially be under contract and in pending status!

Once a written agreement is reached, the Buyer's lender will likely order a professional third party appraisal to evaluate the condition and value of your home, unless this is waived due to the strength of the buyer, or they're paying cash and declined an appraisal. The Buyer will also likely order appropriate inspections for the property which may include whole house, sewer scope, radon test, termite and chimney. Depending on the results of these visits and reports, you may enter into another round of negotiations, such as negotiating repairs and/or credits, until an agreement is reached. Your Maywright REALTOR^® will guide you through the process and inform you of your options each step of the way. Depending on the negotiation strategy you land on, you may choose to complete repairs requested by the Buyer prior to closing or you may agree to a specific credit to be supplied to the Buyer at the closing table. You may also mutually agree to change the sales price as a result of a low appraisal value or in lieu of making inspection related repairs. These negotiations are very specific to each transaction and can go in many different directions. You can rely on your Maywright REALTOR^® to educate and empower you to reach a reasonable and positive outcome.

The big day has finally arrived! It’s time to finalize the sale and collect any proceeds. Leading up to closing, the Buyer will provide proof of funds to close or their lender will provide final confirmation that they are cleared to close on their loan. Many times, Sellers and Buyers close together at a title company or in front of a notary. Arrangements may be made for separate closings or mobile closings to accommodate everyone’s schedules as needed. The closing typically lasts about one hour. Once all paperwork is signed by both parties, the title company will wire the net proceeds and your home will be officially sold! Oftentimes, keys and possession are delivered to the Buyer on closing day. However, alternate arrangements may be negotiated in the Purchase Agreement to accommodate your moving schedule. While your home is sold, your relationship with your Maywright REALTOR^® has just begun. It is our sincere wish our paths will cross again soon.