Thanks for scanning. Here’s a short, plain-English look at how selling works, what it costs, and what you can do now to get top dollar. Whenever you’re ready, I’d love to talk it through with you.
From first chat to closing day
Most sales close 30 to 45 days after you accept an offer. Here’s the whole path.
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1
Let’s talk
We sit down, walk your home, and talk about your goals and timing. Once we agree to work together, I represent you as your fiduciary: your interests become my interests.
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2
Price it right
I study recent comparable sales to find your home’s true market value, including the updates and features online estimates can’t see. Homes priced right from day one sell fastest and for the most.
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3
Get it ready
Small fixes, a deep clean and less clutter help buyers picture themselves living there. Use the prep checklist below to get a head start.
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4
List & show
Your home goes live with professional marketing. Showings can come with short notice, so keep it tidy, and plan for your pets and valuables.
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5
Review offers
We compare price and terms together. With multiple offers, buyers may use an escalation clause, or we may ask for “highest and best,” and some will pay well over list price.
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6
Inspections & appraisal
Buyer paysMost buyers get a whole-home inspection (about $450), which includes pest and dry rot. Older homes may get a sewer scope. Nearly anything found can be repaired, and we negotiate fixes together. The lender’s appraisal confirms value; about 9 times out of 10 a home appraises, and if it doesn’t, there are solutions.
Seller paysIf your home has a well, Oregon law requires a well water test.
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7
Sign at escrow
A few days before closing, you sign your paperwork with the escrow company. It takes about an hour.
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8
Close & hand over keys
Keys go to the buyer once their loan documents are signed, funds arrive, and the deed is recorded with the county. We’ll agree on your move-out timing up front.
Your closing costs
Before you list, I’ll give you a Net Sheet that estimates what you’ll walk away with.
What today’s buyers want
Show off these features if your home has them. They’re what buyers are searching for right now.
Room to spread out
Extra rooms for a home office, gym or hobby space. Stage a spare room for a clear purpose.
Outdoor living
Patios, decks and usable yards rank high. A tidy, furnished patio sells the lifestyle.
Light & wellness
Natural light, fresh air and better air filtration. Open the blinds and swap dim bulbs.
Smart home features
Smart thermostats, lighting and security. Make sure they work and leave the manuals.
Long-term value
Energy efficiency and durable updates matter to cost-conscious buyers. Gather receipts for recent work.
Flexible living
Some buyers combine households to afford a home. Flexible layouts and extra suites stand out.
Get it market-ready
Look at your home through a buyer’s eyes. Tidy up, clean up, patch up, then add a finishing touch. Check items off as you go.
Exterior6 items
Kitchen5 items
Bathrooms5 items
Living areas5 items
Bedrooms4 items
Garage & storage4 items
Before each showing5 items
Remember: a can of paint costs about $20, but on the wall it can be worth $1,000 to a buyer.
Before you list
- Homes priced right sell quickly. The longer a home sits, the lower it tends to sell.
- Multiple offers happen, and some buyers pay $25,000 or more over list price.
- Almost anything found in an inspection can be repaired or replaced.
- Buyer’s agents may call to show your home while parked out front.
- Showings mean open doors and foot traffic. Secure pets and put away valuables.
- Sometimes closings slip a few days. We’ll build in a plan for that.
- Most people sell every 7 to 10 years, so well-meaning advice from friends may not reflect today’s market.
FAQ
What do title and escrow do?
Escrow is a neutral third party that holds funds and carries out what the buyer and seller agreed. Title confirms the property is free of liens, judgments and other claims, and issues the title insurance policy you provide to the buyer.
Is my Zestimate accurate?
Zillow is a great search tool, but its Zestimate is built from tax records and public data. It can miss square footage and can’t account for your lot, special features or recent updates. A comparative market analysis gives a much truer number.
What if the home doesn’t appraise?
It’s uncommon. When it happens, we have options, such as renegotiating price, the buyer covering the gap, or challenging the appraisal with better comparables.
What about lead, radon, mold or other hazards?
Oregon REALTORS® publishes a Home Seller Advisory that covers these topics: oregonrealtors.org advisories. I’ll walk you through your disclosure form too.
When do I need to move out?
That’s part of the deal we negotiate. Most sellers move by closing, but options like a short rent-back can sometimes be arranged.
Let’s talk about your home
No pressure, no obligation. I’ll share what homes like yours are selling for and what I’d suggest doing first.
Costs, timelines and inspection prices are typical estimates and vary by property.