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Seller's Guide

Everything you need to know about putting your home on the market, accepting an offer, and closing on your home.

A Step-by-Step First Time Seller's Guide

Putting your home on the market can be a stressful process, especially when you don’t know what to expect. Fortunately, with the help of an experienced team of real estate agents and this easy to follow guide, you can smoothly complete the process. Following these steps will help you prepare so you can get organized and sell your home for the best price possible.​​​​​​​

Interior detail with a curved mirror, sheer curtains, and leafy plants.

Step 1: Understand Why You're Selling

What do you want to accomplish with the sale of your home? Do you want to make a certain amount of money that you can put toward a larger or nicer home? Do you need to sell it as soon as possible to facilitate a move to a new city or area? Once you understand your needs, you can better craft your offer. For example, if you need to sell quickly, you might want to price your home lower than if your goal is to make a certain profit margin. Make sure you convey these needs to your team of real estate agents once you choose one so they can adjust your selling price accordingly.

Interior detail with a curved mirror, sheer curtains, and leafy plants.

Step 2: Determine Selling Price

Knowing how to price your home is one of the most important parts of the selling process. When you set a fair price in the beginning, you’ll get the most interest from other real estate agents and prospective buyers. Overpricing your home could lead to reduced interest, and underpricing leads to receiving less than what your home is worth. Working with a team of real estate agents is the best way to determine the right selling price for your home. A team of real estate agents with experience can determine what other comparable homes are selling for, evaluate the current market, and may even suggest a home appraisal.

Interior detail with a curved mirror, sheer curtains, and leafy plants.

Step 3: Start Preparations

If you’ve kept your home in showroom condition since you’ve lived in it, you’re in the minority of homeowners. Once you price your home, it’s time to start getting it ready to be shown to potential buyers. This includes getting rid of clutter, depersonalizing the space so that buyers can envision themselves in the space, making any small repairs, and doing a deep clean to make sure your home is in pristine condition.

Interior detail with a curved mirror, sheer curtains, and leafy plants.

Step 4: Develop a Marketing Strategy

We will develop a marketing strategy that is perfect for advertising your home. This involves listing the home and then driving the right people to that listing through social media campaigns, agent-to-agent referrals, traditional media, or SEO advertising. Our team creates a marketing campaign that aims to get the most possible traffic to your listing in the first three weeks after becoming a client.

Interior detail with a curved mirror, sheer curtains, and leafy plants.

Step 5: Evaluate Offers

Receiving an offer is an exciting part of the process, but it doesn’t mean the journey is over. We will evaluate each offer and make sure the party making the offer is prequalified or pre-approved by a mortgage lender and that their offer is acceptable to you. If the offer is too low, you can make a counter-offer or offer other ways to bridge the gap, such as covering some or all of the closing costs, making repairs, adjusting the move-in date, or leaving some appliances or fixtures for the new buyer.

Interior detail with a curved mirror, sheer curtains, and leafy plants.

Step 6: Accept an Offer

Once we deem the offer is acceptable, we will review the proposed contract to make sure it’s all in order and includes the necessary components such as deposit amount, down payment, financing, inspection rights and repair allowances, contingencies, settlement date, and a list of fees and who will pay them. When both parties have agreed to the term, a final contract will be prepared by your team of real estate agents.

Interior detail with a curved mirror, sheer curtains, and leafy plants.

Step 7: Get Ready to Close

You have accepted an offer and are now very close to the end of your selling journey. But first, you and the buyer must make a list of what needs to be done before closing. In some cases, your home may need to be formally inspected, surveyed, and appraised. In other cases, major or minor repairs will need to be made before the house can close. We will head up efforts to develop and execute this list, get each action item paid for by the correct party, and make sure everything is in order by the closing date. A few days before the closing date, we will call the company closing the transaction to make sure everything is ready to go. If you haven’t done so already, you also need to make arrangements to move out of the home so the new buyer can take possession.

Interior detail with a curved mirror, sheer curtains, and leafy plants.

Step 8: Close

You’ve reached the last step in the seller’s process. When you close on a home you are selling, you are legally transferring ownership of the property to the new buyer. We will meet with the company closing the transaction to sign the final paperwork and go over any issues that have not yet been taken care of. During this time, you can also make plans with your team of real estate agents to handle final details such as canceling utilities, cable, and lawn or trash services, changing the name on accounts that the new owner is retaining and ensuring the new owner has instructions for all appliances that will remain in the home.

Congratulations!

Once you have sold your home, you’re free to take the next step on your journey. Whether this is relocating to a new city, moving into a larger home, or downsizing and enjoying your life as empty-nesters, knowing all your selling responsibilities have been taken care of will help you achieve peace of mind for your new path.

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Success Stories

Testimonials

Read what our clients have to say about working with us.

I'm not even sure where to start with how great it was to work with Mark. As a first-time seller, I was looking for someone who could truly help guide me and my family through the process and what a complex process it ended up being. For some quick context, we were selling a property within a trust and Mark navigated many difficult situations and personalities with the highest of ethics. Mark went above and beyond for us. In the beginning, he laid out three different remodel pricing options and listed the pros and cons of each option. Once we came to a discussion on the remodel, he completely managed the entire process from end to end. I'm talking about selecting contractors and vendors to go to home depot and buying lighting fixtures on a Sunday! He was on top of the entire project without us even having to ask! When it came time to price the home, Mark again outlined and walked us through all of our options. He took the time to share market research, trends, and intrinsic data with us making us feel very comfortable with the strategies outlined. In real estate, you never know what can happen. A seemingly easy sell could have huge hiccups. If Mark had not been so involved and invested in our success we might be sitting in a world of a mess today. Bottom line, you want Mark in your corner if things go sideways (or if they don't!). Do not go with anyone other than Mark Leddy, period.
I'm not even sure where to start with how great it was to work with Mark. As a first-time seller, I was looking for someone who could truly help guide me and my family through the process and what a complex process it ended up being. For some quick context, we were selling a property within a trust and Mark navigated many difficult situations and personalities with the highest of ethics. Mark went above and beyond for us. In the beginning, he laid out three different remodel pricing options and listed the pros and cons of each option. Once we came to a discussion on the remodel, he completely managed the entire process from end to end. I'm talking about selecting contractors and vendors to go to home depot and buying lighting fixtures on a Sunday! He was on top of the entire project without us even having to ask! When it came time to price the home, Mark again outlined and walked us through all of our options. He took the time to share market research, trends, and intrinsic data with us making us feel very comfortable with the strategies outlined. In real estate, you never know what can happen. A seemingly easy sell could have huge hiccups. If Mark had not been so involved and invested in our success we might be sitting in a world of a mess today. Bottom line, you want Mark in your corner if things go sideways (or if they don't!). Do not go with anyone other than Mark Leddy, period.
Samantha P.
We adored working with Mary. She gave excellent advice in navigating the very stressful process of putting in our initial bids her strategy allowed us to get the first house we set our sights on (we were up against five other candidates)! She immediately built a strong relationship of trust with the seller's agent, which allowed for a steady flow of communication throughout the entire process and significant flexibility in scheduling visits to the house during escrow. Mary did a lot of the work for us during escrow scheduling appointments, working through the inspections, doing follow-ups, and reading through and responding to important documents. Her process was very streamlined and she balanced the ease of digital communication with the intimacy of in-person and telephone communication really well. As first-time home buyers, we needed someone with the soft skills to guide us through and the hard skills to advise and execute. Mary delivered in both categories. I'm writing this review from our beautiful new home, which wouldn't have been possible without her. Thank you, Mary!
We adored working with Mary. She gave excellent advice in navigating the very stressful process of putting in our initial bids her strategy allowed us to get the first house we set our sights on (we were up against five other candidates)! She immediately built a strong relationship of trust with the seller's agent, which allowed for a steady flow of communication throughout the entire process and significant flexibility in scheduling visits to the house during escrow. Mary did a lot of the work for us during escrow scheduling appointments, working through the inspections, doing follow-ups, and reading through and responding to important documents. Her process was very streamlined and she balanced the ease of digital communication with the intimacy of in-person and telephone communication really well. As first-time home buyers, we needed someone with the soft skills to guide us through and the hard skills to advise and execute. Mary delivered in both categories. I'm writing this review from our beautiful new home, which wouldn't have been possible without her. Thank you, Mary!
Amanda R.
My wife and I recently purchased a home in Huntington Beach. It was our very first home, so we were unfamiliar with the whole process. We decided to ask Schneider Properties to help us find the perfect house. Nick and Mary were fantastic. I could not have asked for a better Team to guide us through the home-buying process. They supported us from start to finish, and they were always available to answer our questions and concerns. Professional, friendly, knowledgeable, organized, honest, and diligent are a few words I would use to describe Nick and Mary. We are incredibly grateful for their entire Team. I would recommend Schneider Properties to anyone and everyone.
My wife and I recently purchased a home in Huntington Beach. It was our very first home, so we were unfamiliar with the whole process. We decided to ask Schneider Properties to help us find the perfect house. Nick and Mary were fantastic. I could not have asked for a better Team to guide us through the home-buying process. They supported us from start to finish, and they were always available to answer our questions and concerns. Professional, friendly, knowledgeable, organized, honest, and diligent are a few words I would use to describe Nick and Mary. We are incredibly grateful for their entire Team. I would recommend Schneider Properties to anyone and everyone.
Buyer
Mark sold a house two blocks from us with the highest price per square foot paid in our locale and he also obtained that contract quickly so I had confidence in his listing and negotiating skills. I learned through our sales experience with him that he is also a wonderful person to help with real estate transactions. He has been unfailingly patient, kind and helpful throughout our preparations for listing, listing, sale and escrow process. He chose our stager, and provided professional photographer and videographer as well as beautiful color flyers for open houses. You will not go wrong choosing Mark to represent your interests.
Mark sold a house two blocks from us with the highest price per square foot paid in our locale and he also obtained that contract quickly so I had confidence in his listing and negotiating skills. I learned through our sales experience with him that he is also a wonderful person to help with real estate transactions. He has been unfailingly patient, kind and helpful throughout our preparations for listing, listing, sale and escrow process. He chose our stager, and provided professional photographer and videographer as well as beautiful color flyers for open houses. You will not go wrong choosing Mark to represent your interests.
Seller
Mary landed on our lap while we were trying to find a home. I'm glad we called asking about one of her listings that day. Since then she has helped us sell our home and buy a new one as well. But it's all the little things that Mary does that make her stand out and on top of other agents. You will not find anyone more caring, more knowledgeable, and have more attention to detail. After the sale Mary still kept in touch to see if we were ok, she even took care of little issues that were no longer her responsibilities. Where can you find better?
Mary landed on our lap while we were trying to find a home. I'm glad we called asking about one of her listings that day. Since then she has helped us sell our home and buy a new one as well. But it's all the little things that Mary does that make her stand out and on top of other agents. You will not find anyone more caring, more knowledgeable, and have more attention to detail. After the sale Mary still kept in touch to see if we were ok, she even took care of little issues that were no longer her responsibilities. Where can you find better?
Bryan J.
Mark was amazing to work with. This was our second time purchasing a home and the process was a lot better than our first time with a previous agent. Mark kept us in the loop with every detail. He knew exactly what we wanted and helped us find our perfect home. Mark has so much knowledge in this industry and knows the correct people to contact to get anything worked on immediately. We never felt pressured or rushed into anything. He made us feel at ease and guided us into the best options that would work and benefit us. Thanks Mark!
Mark was amazing to work with. This was our second time purchasing a home and the process was a lot better than our first time with a previous agent. Mark kept us in the loop with every detail. He knew exactly what we wanted and helped us find our perfect home. Mark has so much knowledge in this industry and knows the correct people to contact to get anything worked on immediately. We never felt pressured or rushed into anything. He made us feel at ease and guided us into the best options that would work and benefit us. Thanks Mark!
Steph
Nick and his Team did an outstanding job for us! They went above and beyond making sure we were comfortable during the buying process and made sure to get detailed answers to all of the questions we had about the properties. Nick listened to our needs and wants and presented us with many great options before we decided on our perfect house! I would recommend Nick and his crew to anyone that is looking for an honest and trustworthy Realtor®. We will definitely use him on our next buy!
Nick and his Team did an outstanding job for us! They went above and beyond making sure we were comfortable during the buying process and made sure to get detailed answers to all of the questions we had about the properties. Nick listened to our needs and wants and presented us with many great options before we decided on our perfect house! I would recommend Nick and his crew to anyone that is looking for an honest and trustworthy Realtor®. We will definitely use him on our next buy!
Jennifer
My husband and I just purchased our very first home. We worked with the Team at Schneider Properties to find a home in Huntington Beach. From start to finish, Mary was superb. She was incredibly knowledgeable and organized, plus friendly and professional. We are so grateful for her expertise. The home-buying process can be stressful, but Mary and Nick at Schneider Properties made the whole experience fun and stress-free!
My husband and I just purchased our very first home. We worked with the Team at Schneider Properties to find a home in Huntington Beach. From start to finish, Mary was superb. She was incredibly knowledgeable and organized, plus friendly and professional. We are so grateful for her expertise. The home-buying process can be stressful, but Mary and Nick at Schneider Properties made the whole experience fun and stress-free!
Nikki N.
Such a great experience, again. This is the second time Eric has been our Realtor®. He makes everything run smoothly and has great communication. Eric was always available to show us listings whenever I called. He is very easygoing and doesn’t have a hard sales persona. Eric also went above and beyond by helping us move out of our house. Overall, Eric made our experience 5 stars.
Such a great experience, again. This is the second time Eric has been our Realtor®. He makes everything run smoothly and has great communication. Eric was always available to show us listings whenever I called. He is very easygoing and doesn’t have a hard sales persona. Eric also went above and beyond by helping us move out of our house. Overall, Eric made our experience 5 stars.
Buyer & Seller
Chelsea and her Team were amazing to work with! Chelsea really took the time to understand what my wife and I were looking for, and was tireless in her efforts to get it for us. Her proactive approach, honesty, and knowledge of the area completely removed the stress we were feeling. I can't recommend Chelsea enough if you are looking for a home in the South Bay!
Chelsea and her Team were amazing to work with! Chelsea really took the time to understand what my wife and I were looking for, and was tireless in her efforts to get it for us. Her proactive approach, honesty, and knowledge of the area completely removed the stress we were feeling. I can't recommend Chelsea enough if you are looking for a home in the South Bay!
Buyer & Seller
Nick and his Team are great! During the whole selling process, they were professional, available and answered any questions we had promptly and clearly. Their expertise and advice on prepping the house, marketing and negotiating helped sell our house quickly and for top dollar. We highly recommend using Schneider Properties for any of your real estate needs!
Nick and his Team are great! During the whole selling process, they were professional, available and answered any questions we had promptly and clearly. Their expertise and advice on prepping the house, marketing and negotiating helped sell our house quickly and for top dollar. We highly recommend using Schneider Properties for any of your real estate needs!
Cindy D.
Working with Eric was an absolute joy. This was not the first time I’ve worked with Eric as my Real Estate Agent and it will not be the last. Eric is not only knowable, experienced and responsive he was able to negotiate an exceptional price on my last property. I would recommend Eric to anyone that is looking to buy or sell their property. He is a class act.
Working with Eric was an absolute joy. This was not the first time I’ve worked with Eric as my Real Estate Agent and it will not be the last. Eric is not only knowable, experienced and responsive he was able to negotiate an exceptional price on my last property. I would recommend Eric to anyone that is looking to buy or sell their property. He is a class act.
Buyer & Seller
We were so lucky to have met Tina, she really made our experience buying our dream house a dream, even with so much paperwork to go through. Tina is always quick to reply and on time. Through the use of technology, even our remote location to the house we purchased, was a non-issue. I would definitely recommend her services to my friends and family.
We were so lucky to have met Tina, she really made our experience buying our dream house a dream, even with so much paperwork to go through. Tina is always quick to reply and on time. Through the use of technology, even our remote location to the house we purchased, was a non-issue. I would definitely recommend her services to my friends and family.
Buyer
Nick and his Team were a such a pleasure to work with. They helped us sell our home at list price and got us into our dream home at a reduced price all within two weeks! Nick and Mary were so kind, patient and helpful through the whole process and they even hooked us up with a wonderful crew to help renovate our new home. Five stars all the way!
Nick and his Team were a such a pleasure to work with. They helped us sell our home at list price and got us into our dream home at a reduced price all within two weeks! Nick and Mary were so kind, patient and helpful through the whole process and they even hooked us up with a wonderful crew to help renovate our new home. Five stars all the way!
Camila R.
Mary is by far the best real estate agent you can get! She is incredibly knowledgeable of the market and knows exactly when and how to act. Through her expertise and guidance every step of the way, Mary got me into my dream home and removed a ton of stress I was expecting to feel as a first time home buyer. Highly highly recommend!
Mary is by far the best real estate agent you can get! She is incredibly knowledgeable of the market and knows exactly when and how to act. Through her expertise and guidance every step of the way, Mary got me into my dream home and removed a ton of stress I was expecting to feel as a first time home buyer. Highly highly recommend!
Laura
Mark was very knowledgeable of the market and very efficient in preparing my parent's house for sale. Every dime spent had 4 times the return. With Marks's guidance, we were able to get 100,000.00 over the asking price before the first open house. All during the sales process, Mark was always one step ahead making this sale stress-free.
Mark was very knowledgeable of the market and very efficient in preparing my parent's house for sale. Every dime spent had 4 times the return. With Marks's guidance, we were able to get 100,000.00 over the asking price before the first open house. All during the sales process, Mark was always one step ahead making this sale stress-free.
Seller
Mary did an unbelievable job for my wife and I are our recent sell and buy. Her knowledge of the area, passion for what she does, and drive to do what's best for her clients are unmatched. We spoke with many different Realtors® before we chose Mary and we couldn't be happier. We found our forever home and our forever agent.
Mary did an unbelievable job for my wife and I are our recent sell and buy. Her knowledge of the area, passion for what she does, and drive to do what's best for her clients are unmatched. We spoke with many different Realtors® before we chose Mary and we couldn't be happier. We found our forever home and our forever agent.
Seller
Nick and Mary were absolutely amazing from start to finish they went over and above on every possible metric. I totally agreed with Nick’s pricing strategy and it paid off! Everything went smooth even when there were issues! I 100% recommend this team for your Real Estate needs!
Nick and Mary were absolutely amazing from start to finish they went over and above on every possible metric. I totally agreed with Nick’s pricing strategy and it paid off! Everything went smooth even when there were issues! I 100% recommend this team for your Real Estate needs!
Michael F.
Mary is an amazing Real Estate agent in the South Bay. Super knowledgeable on the market and expert in getting properties leased up to A+ tenants. It’s been a pleasure working with Mary and looking forward to many more years! Thanks again Mary you rock.
Mary is an amazing Real Estate agent in the South Bay. Super knowledgeable on the market and expert in getting properties leased up to A+ tenants. It’s been a pleasure working with Mary and looking forward to many more years! Thanks again Mary you rock.
Buyer
Eric represented us in the purchase of a home. He understood exactly what our needs were and kept us informed of properties that met those requirements. It was a pleasure working with him.
Eric represented us in the purchase of a home. He understood exactly what our needs were and kept us informed of properties that met those requirements. It was a pleasure working with him.
Barbara S.

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