The 10 Commandments of Selling a Home

By Armando D. Liban
July 3, 2024

Selling a home can be a complex process, but following certain guidelines can significantly smooth the journey and increase your chances of a successful sale. Here are the Ten Commandments to follow when you’re in the process of selling a home.

The Ten Commandments of Selling a Home

  1. Thou Shalt Vacate the House for All Showings Give potential buyers space to explore and envision themselves in your home without feeling like intruders. Vacating the house during showings helps create a welcoming environment.
  2. Thou Shalt Assume Every Day is a Showing Day Keep your home clean, clutter-free, and presentable at all times. You never know when a potential buyer might request a showing, so staying prepared is key to making a good impression.
  3. Thou Shalt Not Turn Off Utilities Before Closing Keep essential utilities (electricity, water, gas) on until after closing. Buyers may want to inspect the property or perform additional assessments before finalizing the sale.
  4. Thou Shalt Fill Out Property Condition Disclosures Completely and Disclose All Known Defects Full disclosure is crucial. Complete all property condition disclosures thoroughly and honestly. This builds trust with buyers and prevents legal issues down the road.
  5. Thou Shalt Not Stop Paying the Mortgage Continue making mortgage payments until the sale is finalized and ownership has transferred to the buyer. Late payments or defaults can complicate the sale process.
  6. Thou Shalt Not Consult Zillow to Determine Your Sales Price (That’s What Your Agent Is For) Rely on your real estate agent’s expertise for pricing your home. Zillow estimates may not accurately reflect your home’s market value, potentially leading to underpricing or overpricing.
  7. Thou Shalt Make All Beds Before Showings (Which Also Means Not Being in Bed During Showings) Present bedrooms neatly by making all beds before each showing. Avoid being in bed during showings to maintain professionalism and respect potential buyers’ privacy.
  8. Thou Shalt Send All Inquiries About Your Property to Your Agent Direct all inquiries, including questions from potential buyers or other agents, to your real estate agent. They are best equipped to handle negotiations and provide accurate information.
  9. Thou Shalt Not Call Your Agent at 11 PM Respect your agent’s working hours. Avoid calling or texting late at night unless it’s an urgent matter. Good communication during reasonable hours fosters a positive working relationship.
  10. Thou Shalt Not Cook Broccoli Avoid strong cooking odors like broccoli or fish during showings. Opt for neutral scents or light, pleasant aromas to create a welcoming atmosphere for potential buyers.

Following these Ten Commandments can help streamline the selling process and maximize your chances of a successful and stress-free home sale. By maintaining professionalism, transparency, and readiness, you’ll be well on your way to closing the deal on your property.

Thinking of Selling Your Home?
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Or Contact me directly:
Armando D. Liban
Realtor®/Broker
EAGLEWINGS REALTY
(240) 812-2988
armando@eaglewingsrealty.com