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Brookes, Garrison and Parents

SELLER'S GUIDE

NAVIGATE HOME SELLING WITH CLARITY & CONFIDENCE

Selling your home is a major milestone, and we’re here to guide you through every step. From showings and offers to inspections, appraisals, and the final closing day, our Seller’s Guide contains expert tips and practical advice to make your experience as smooth and successful as possible.

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A COMPLETE HOME SELLER'S GUIDE

01

SHOWING YOUR HOME

Once your home is priced and listed, it’s time to open the doors to potential buyers. A showing can be either:

  • An open house, where anyone can stop by without an appointment

  • A private tour, scheduled in advance with us

How to Prepare for a Showing:

We’ll guide you through the process and connect you with pros like stagers, decorators, or contractors, if needed.

Before any photos and showings:

  • Deep clean every room

  • Paint (touch-ups or full refresh)

  • Make necessary repairs (minor & major if budget allows)

  • Declutter and depersonalize

  • Rearrange furniture to highlight space

  • Refresh landscaping and exterior

  • Eliminate odors and brighten rooms with updated lighting

  • Organize closets and storage spaces

Before each showing (last-minute prep):

  • Turn on lights, open blinds

  • Remove trash, tidy surfaces

  • Take pets with you

  • Put away valuables and personal items

  • Set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature

  • Add finishing touches like fresh towels

Showing Tips

  • Leave the house: Buyers need space to explore

  • Be flexible: More availability means more exposure

  • Welcome feedback: We’ll review buyer comments to refine your strategy

02

REVIEWING OFFERS

When offers come in, we’ll help you break them down and choose the best path forward.

What’s in an Offer?
An offer is a signed agreement from a potential buyer, typically including these elements:

  • Price

  • Financing method (cash, mortgage, pre-approval)

  • Terms and contingencies (inspection, appraisal, etc.)

  • Closing timeline

  • Earnest money

  • Offer expiration

How to Evaluate Offers
Consider the terms of the offer against your goals for selling your house. We’ll weigh:

  • The offer amount

  • Contingencies (or lack thereof)

  • Buyer’s financing source

  • Closing and possession dates

  • Special conditions (e.g., included appliances)

If You Receive Multiple Offers
You have a few options. You can:

  • Accept the best outright

  • Counter all and ask for highest and best

  • Negotiate with one that’s close to your terms

We’ll guide you through every scenario to get the best deal.

Image by Ronnie George

03

INSPECTION PROCESS

Most offers include a home inspection contingency. The prep you’ve already done will help, and we’ll provide additional guidance.

What is a Home Inspection?
A licensed inspector assesses your home’s condition. The results help buyers make decisions about moving forward or requesting repairs.

What Inspectors Evaluate

  • Foundation, roof, and structural integrity

  • HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems

  • Appliances (mostly built-in)

  • Safety issues (e.g., mold, stairs, handrails)

What’s Not Inspected

  • Septic tanks, wells, or pools

  • Sprinklers and underground systems

  • Play equipment

How to Prepare

  • Clean thoroughly

  • Ensure all systems are working

  • Provide access to the attic, basement, garage, etc.

  • Share receipts or documents for repairs/maintenance

  • Leave the house during the inspection

Next Steps
We’ll discuss any issues that arise and negotiate fixes or credits accordingly.

04

APPRAISAL

An appraisal helps confirm the home’s value for the buyer’s lender.

What is an Appraisal?
A licensed appraiser evaluates your home based on condition, location, and comparable sales. While the buyer pays for it, the appraiser works for the lender.

What Affects Value?

  • Square footage, layout, and features

  • Recent upgrades and improvements

  • Comparable homes in your neighborhood

  • Quality of materials and systems

How to Prepare

  • Clean and declutter

  • Make your home fully accessible

  • List improvements with dates and permits (if applicable)

  • Crate pets and give the appraiser space

If the Appraisal is Low
We’ll explore options:

  • Ask the buyer to cover the difference

  • Adjust the price

  • Split the difference with the buyer

  • Cancel the contract (if permitted)

We’ll handle negotiations based on your contract and the current market.

05

PREPARE TO CLOSE

You’re almost there! Here’s what to expect as you approach the finish line.

Before Closing Day

  • Complete all contractually required repairs

  • Keep records of work done

  • Organize appliance manuals and warranties

  • Schedule movers

  • Cancel utilities, subscriptions, and update your address

  • Review closing documents and survey

  • Clean and prep for final walk-through

Staying After Closing?
If you need to stay post-closing, we’ll help arrange a rent-back agreement with the buyer.​

Final Walk-Through

Buyers will check the property 24 hours before closing to ensure it's in good condition. If any issues arise, we’ll work together on a solution.

Closing Day Details
You may sign documents in advance or attend the official closing. Costs deducted from your proceeds may include:

  • Mortgage payoff

  • Agent commissions

  • Prorated taxes, insurance, HOA dues, etc.

After Closing

  • Transfer keys, remotes, and security codes to the buyer

  • Cancel homeowner’s insurance after the official transfer

  • Save your closing documents for tax purposes

  • Celebrate-you’ve successfully sold your home!

At Brookes & Company Realty Group, we’re always here for your next chapter, whether it’s buying, selling, or just answering questions.

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