Skip to main content

Glocker Group Realty Results
Main Office: 301-745-4400

You are here

Sellers Guide

A Guide to Selling Your Home

Home sellers should be familiar with the information provided in each of the following steps in this Guide to Selling Your Home in order to maximize the home’s value and reduce the chance of any legal liability related to the transaction.

Because of the unique nature of every transaction and every location, not every issue can be addressed. But, the information in our Sellers Guide should provide a good starting point for the most common situations that may arise.

 

Click to view or download our complete Sellers Guide (PDF)


Avoid Common Seller Mistakes

With so many options available and so much conflicting advice, it may be helpful for those considering selling their home to consider some of the most common mistakes of made by homeowners and even inexperienced real estate agents, such as improper pricing.

Improving and Staging

There are three typical categories of home improvements that should be considered when you want to sell your home: remodeling projects which can be as extensive as you allow them to be; general home maintenance and cleanliness; and staging the home for presentation.

Choosing a List Price – Determining Fair Market Value

Properties priced within the right range generate more showings and offers. If your home is priced too high, it is uncompetitive and will take longer to sell. Lowering your price over time can make buyers wary as to why it hasn’t sold and why it has been on the market for so long.

Options in Selling Your Home – Broker vs. FSBO

Educate yourself on the distinct advantages and disadvantages of selling your home "FIZBO" (For Sale By Owner), without professional representation.

Understanding Applicable Laws

When selling real estate, you are obligated to follow Local, State and Federal "mandatory disclosure" laws. The bottom line of these laws is the disclosure of any defects the property has that you, the homeowner, are aware of.

Marketing and Advertising

You need an agent that does more than list your home in the Multiple Listing System, place a sign in the yard and wait for the buyer to come to them. Contact us for your free Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) and learn how we use today's technology and market expertise to get your home sold.

Get Your Home SOLD! Results That Move You.Click to see how we market your listing. (PDF)

 


Evaluating Offers

It’s important to sit down with your REALTOR® and go over every offer. A professional agent will take time to explain what every clause will mean to you. They are also skilled negotiators, who can often respond to an unacceptable offer with a counter-offer that includes a better price and/or fewer conditions.

Settlement and Closing

Before settlement, you will receive a HUD-1 Settlement Statement. This summarizes the fees that comprise your closing costs, what is assigned to the buyer, and what is assigned to the seller.

Moving Out

Real Estate purchase contracts in Maryland stipulate that the home is to be "broom clean," meaning the seller should at least sweep the floor and brush down the walls and ceiling. The language in some of these contracts is often vague. To determine exactly how clean you are contractually bound upon vacating, you should read your purchase contract and/or speak with your Real Estate agent.

If you encounter terms you don’t understand during your search, check out our Glossary or contact us for more information.