Sellers Timeline

New home sellers are often surprised at how complex the process is: legal documents, home inspections, open houses, closing costs. In Laguna Beach real estate, the sale can take anywhere from two weeks to several months, depending on the market. But like any other transaction, it's nothing you can't face with a bit of planning. Here's a quick timeline you can follow to help you stay on track.

1. Work out your own move.
Most sellers are also on the lookout for homes to move into. Since you'll probably need the proceeds to start your home search, it's not unusual for the buying and selling processes to overlap. Plan out a separate timeline for both, and keep them around to make sure you're always on schedule.

2. Find an agent.
Some people choose to sell on their own, but most find it more practical to work with an agent. Laguna Beach homes for sale by the owner (FSBO) usually entail more paperwork and are limited to the seller's own network. With a Laguna Beach real estate agent, you can better market your home, negotiate better and get in touch with more buyers.

3. Set a selling price.
Your home's market value depends largely on the conditions of the market itself. Part of your agent's job is to draw up a comparative market analysis (CMA), a document showing the recent sales for similar homes in your area. This can give you a good idea of how much buyers are willing to pay for a home like your own.

4. Get your documents in order.
Most agents will require you to present your real estate documents before working with you. Make sure that all the paperwork, such as the title, survey and deed, are on hand before you put your home on the market. The paperwork varies from area to area, but your agent can give you a full list of what you need and where you can get them.

5. Schedule an inspection.
Buyers will usually do their own home inspections, but a “preemptive” walk-through will give them more peace of mind and save you some time. Your agent can refer you to an inspector who has worked with Laguna Beach homes and knows what problems to look for. After the inspection, you will be given a list of repairs you have to do before selling.

6. Make improvements if necessary.
Besides the inspector's recommendations, you may want to make some final improvements to increase your home's value. Take a good, unbiased look around your home and see if you would want to buy it yourself. Tidy up your lawn, replace old fixtures, and repaint your walls to make them more attractive.

7. Market your property.
Your Laguna Beach real estate agent can get your home on the listings, but it won't hurt to do your own advertising as well. Print out brochures, take pictures of the interior and exterior, and have your friends and family help you get word around. The more you market your home, the better your chances of finding the right buyer.

8. Start negotiating offers.
When you start getting calls, you'll get all sorts of offers-some of them worth a second look, others you'll want to decline right away. Your agent can help you make counter-offers to those you're interested in so you can tip the deal in your favor. This is also where you negotiate what comes with the price, such as inspections and the title search.

9. Go through the contract.
Once the title search is clear and all the terms are agreed on, you and your buyer are bound by the real estate contract. Read through it carefully and make sure you understand every word. At this point, you will also need to provide legal documents such as disclosure and insurability statements-your agent can help you get them all in place.

10. Complete the sale.
Before the closing date, your buyer may perform a final inspection of your home to make sure it's all set for the move. At the closing table, both parties sign the official documents. You then turn over the keys and real estate documents, take your check, and make the sale final.