New Listing- How It works.

Prime Time Real Estate Inc , Sarasota Florida REALTOR

Below, you will find a brief description of each phase from Listing to Sale. You do not need to read this; we will keep you updated on each step.

Listing Paperwork

I can take your signature in person or by email. I will send you the listing paperwork within 24 hours of signing. If you sign digitally, you can download it immediately. You don’t need to keep copies since you can request more anytime. You don’t have to be in town.

Preparing the Home

Many homes look good already. I can give you a checklist for getting the home ready. Sometimes, I will visit with you or take photos. I will list changes that can help sell the home better. Some homes sell as they are, while others sell faster with simple adjustments. If you’re away, I can install an air freshener and watch over the home. Always keep the utilities on and paid. If you are away and concerned about water issues, you can turn off the main water valve; just let me know how to turn it back on later. Also, please tape off the toilets to prevent use.

Advertising

I will provide quality signs, photos, and ads for your home. It will be advertised on major real estate websites, making it easy for buyers to find and contact me for showings. If buyers choose another agent, I will ensure those agents are eager to present offers. If allowed, I will place a sign in your yard to help attract buyers.

Scheduling Showings

Your spare key will be stored securely in a lockbox by your front door, which only I or my approved agents can access. If you live in the house, you’ll get a message to approve each showing—please don’t reschedule. If you don’t live there, I’ll manage the showings and keep you informed. Showings typically occur within a one-hour window, but sometimes there may be no-shows due to traffic or other issues. Never allow anyone into your home unexpectedly.

During a Showing

I or an authorized agent will show your home, highlighting its best features and understanding the buyer’s needs. Please avoid being seen by the buyer or agent. Remove signs of children and pets, close blinds on poor views, and open them on good ones. Ensure the home is comfortable, with lights on and fans off. Showing agents generally leave everything as they found it. Remember, your house is now a museum, and you are the caretaker. I will do my best to keep your home safe.

After the Showing

You can go home now. I will ask buyers and agents for feedback via a short survey. Most feedback may not be helpful since buyers forget details after viewing many homes. They might say things like “the buyer didn’t like the layout” or “they preferred something else.” Occasionally, I receive useful feedback, such as a burnt-out light or suggestions for updates. I will let you know when I get relevant feedback.

Offers

Different people may make offers on your home. Some offers will be serious, while others may be too low. I will reject the low offers. For reasonable offers, I will give you a summary of the details. At the end, I will estimate what you will earn. Once you understand and agree to the terms, I will email you the offer to sign. You don’t need to print or keep it, but you can ask me for a copy anytime. Your home will then be marked as pending sale, and showings will usually stop. Most agents and buyers do not want to see homes that are under contract, but I will still encourage backup offers. You need to keep the house in good condition and ensure the utilities are on.

Be careful of potential scammers contacting you directly. If someone reaches out about your home, just say, “My agent is Dan Novak with Prime Time,” and end the call. Avoid talking to other agents and buyers. I check and qualify each buyer to help prevent scams, fraud, and identity theft.

Accepted Contract

Most closings occur within 15 to 45 days after the contract is signed. Cash deals are faster but less frequent than loans. I will keep you updated on important dates. The title company will contact you to verify your personal details. It’s best to wait to share personal information with them until after the inspection period to ensure the sale is secure. Always check that you are working with the correct title company before sharing any details. Never pay anyone money; if you have questions, just ask me.

Inspections

Buyers inspect the home after signing the contract, usually within 14 days, and they pay for the inspector. The inspector checks areas like the roof, foundation, and plumbing. I will seek your approval for each inspection date and time. Inspections require your consent, and typically, only the buyer, their agent, and the inspector are present. After the inspection, the buyer can ask for discounts or repairs, but you are not required to provide them. Offering a discount is often better than making repairs. If negotiations fail, the buyer can leave and keep their deposit. Once we reach an agreement and the inspection period ends, the chances of closing increase significantly. The most common issue is finding wood-destroying organisms (WDO), and banks require a pest control guarantee to confirm no active termites. A recent guarantee is beneficial if there’s a history of termite damage.

Title Search

The title company or attorney will review your home’s background and inform us of any problems that may delay the buyer’s clear title. I will assist in quickly resolving these issues to prevent closing delays.

Appraisal

The appraisal happens after the inspection by a bank-appointed appraiser and usually needs to be done within 30 days of signing the sales contract. When the appraiser contacts me to schedule a visit, I’ll get your approval first. No one will enter your home without your consent unless it’s vacant and you’ve allowed it. It’s better if you’re not present, so make sure the home looks good and is in working order. The appraiser will assess if the home is worth the sale price; if not, the buyer may negotiate or walk away with their deposit. The same applies if repairs are needed as identified by the appraiser. Sellers aren’t required to offer discounts or make repairs, but being flexible can help. Appraisal issues are more common with government loans like FHA loans, but usually, everything goes smoothly.

Final Walkthrough

Right before closing, most buyers will want to walk through the home to ensure it is clean and in good condition. Make sure you are not there, and that the home is cleaned out with water and electricity on. Sweep the home and tidy the yard to avoid any issues at closing.

Closing

Post Closing

Usually, the buyer updates the utility companies. It’s wise to call them yourself to ensure the bills aren’t in your name anymore. Don’t schedule disconnection before closing. Congratulations, you are free from the responsibilities of the home. Use your proceeds wisely.