Sellers Timeline

It's no secret that buying Newport Beach real estate isn't simple, but selling is no small task either. A lot of work goes behind the Newport Beach homes for sale you see in the papers and listings. In Newport Beach CA, the sale can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on a variety of factors. But one thing's for sure: with proper planning and the right professionals, it's easy to stay on track. The process varies across different Newport Beach homes, but a typical sale proceeds as follows:

1. Plan Your Own Move.

The last thing you need is to complete the sale without having smoothed out the details of your own move. This is a common mistake among sellers and buyers: between the intricacies of buying and selling Newport Beach real estate, it's easy to lose track of one or the other. Create a separate checklist for moving and selling, and plan a timeline for each one.

2. Choose A Real Estate Agent.

You can choose to sell the home on your own, but hiring an agent takes a lot of the work off your shoulders. For one thing, there's a lot of extra paperwork involved in Newport Beach homes for sale by owner (FSBO). A Newport Beach real estate agent knows how the market works and has access to useful resources that otherwise wouldn't be available. Besides insider knowledge, an agent can give you advice on choosing buyers, pricing, documentation, and other important aspects of the sale. Start looking around three to four months before the move.

3. Set Your Price.

One of the first things you will do with your agent is to determine your asking price. Pricing isn't as simple as coming up with a figure and attaching it to your property; it takes a fair deal of research and up-to-date knowledge of Newport Beach real estate. Unfortunately it doesn't matter much how much you paid for it-your price will mostly be determined by Newport Beach CA marketing conditions. Your agent will usually give you a free market analysis to help you pick a reasonable price.

4. Prepare Your Documents.

Buyers will want to know that you have your documents in order before doing business. Before putting your home on the market, make sure your title, deed and survey are right on hand. Ask your agent for a list of documents needed to sell Newport Beach homes.

5. Get A Home Inspection.

Some markets call this the preemptive home inspection. In most cases your buyer will want to do their own, but having it done beforehand can save you a lot of time. Find an inspector who has worked extensively with Newport Beach real estate so he'll know what common flaws to look for. After the walk-through, your inspector will recommend repairs and improvements to put your home at par with other Newport Beach homes for sale.

6. Make Necessary Improvements.

At least two months before the sale date, take time to make final improvements that can increase your home's value. Owners of Newport Beach homes take a lot of pride in curb appeal, and you can see it in the manicured lawns and impeccable courtyards of many properties. Have your carpets cleaned or your floors refinished. Add a fresh coat of paint to the rooms (a neutral color would be best), and replace broken cabinet doors and handles. Again, your agent can give you tips on which things to prioritize and which ones can wait.

7. Advertise Your Home.

Your real estate agent can get your home on the listings, but nothing's stopping you from doing your own advertising. Make a neat little brochure, take flattering pictures inside and out, and get word around through friends and family. Remember, there are other Newport Beach homes on the market-you want yours to stand out. Many sellers in Newport Beach CA hire staging professionals to rearrange their homes for maximum appeal.

8. Negotiate Initial Offers.

In the few weeks leading up to the sale, you may find yourself receiving and going through offers with your agent. Some of them you'll decline outright; others you may give some thought. It's fairly rare in Newport Beach CA to take up a buyer's initial offer. Usually, your agent will help you draft up a counter-offer and negotiate with potential buyers.

Most buyers will also conduct their own inspection, as is the custom with Newport Beach homes. After the inspection, the buyer will request any repairs needed, and you can either agree to them or let it affect your selling price. You can also cancel the Newport Beach real estate contract if the buyer is too aggressive.

9. Read And Accept The Contract.

Once you've agreed on a price, the document becomes legally binding. You will then need to present a disclosure statement, which your buyer will review, sign, and return to you. You also issue a statement of property insurability, which ensures that your home qualifies for Newport Beach CA home insurance.

The buyer will also conduct a title search to make sure they're getting clean ownership. After the search, the title company will give you and the buyer a Title Commitment, which you should read carefully. Don't hesitate to point out anything unusual or ask for clarifications; this is where you're agent's Newport Beach real estate knowledge comes in handy.

10. Close The Sale.

During the last few days, you or your buyer (depending on your agreement) will perform a final walk-through to make sure the home is ready for move-in. At the closing, you turn over all the necessary items such as keys, appliances, and security system information. You can then sign the official documents and officially transfer your Newport Beach real estate.