Selling a Home FAQs
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What is the standard step-by-step process to selling a home?
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What is the most common type of contract for listing properties?
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What is the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and how does it work?
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What is the recommended time for executing a Purchase and Sale?
At Skyline Realty, we offer you:
- exceptional personalized service,
- experience,
- flexible commission plans focused on saving you the most money while getting you the best price,
- state-of-the-art marketing technology to help connect you with thousands of potential buyers,
- attention to detail,
- integrity and honesty,
- reliability.
If you would like a full presentation of our marketing services, including a free Comparative Market Analysis, please contact us using this form or contact a real estate agent today. We service the entire Greater Boston area including most towns and cities in Eastern Massachusetts.
How can I prepare my property for sale?
Before putting your home on the market you should review our tips for sellers page. It offers advice on how to prepare your home for sale in order to achieve the best price possible. We will also provide you with a free Comparative Market Appraisal.
How will Skyline Realty market my property?
We market our listings using:
- direct mail and electronic campaigns,
- print advertising,
- newspaper listings,
- online listings including MLSPIN.com, LINK, Skylinerealty.com, The Boston Globe-boston.com, Boston Homes-homefind.com, mlspin.com, realtor.com, and rls2000.com.
We also offer PinWheel® virtual tours by request (not all properties are eligible).
What is the standard step-by-step process to selling a home?
We have prepared a list detailing the entire sales process. To learn more about the standard process for marketing and selling your home, please visit sales process page.
Why hire a real estate agent to sell my home?
A knowledgeable agent can promote your property in a fraction of the time it would take you to list the property yourself. An agent will screen all buyers to make sure they are pre-approved and will also advise you on the best marketing strategy for your property.
What are the agent's obligations to the seller?
Below is the agent's obligation to his or her seller:
- Obedience - agent must carry out all lawful instructions of the seller.
- Loyalty - agent must act in best interest of seller.
- Disclosure - of all information that is relevant to seller.
- Confidentiality - duty to keep confidential the seller's information or discussion.
- Accountability - agent must account for all money, documents, or other personal property given to him or her by the seller.
- Reasonable Care and Due Diligence - agent must act competently, capable of performing duties with scope of license requirements.
To ensure that no problems appear or unexpected costs arise in the transaction, it is best to seek legal advice before signing any contract. Buying and selling your home may be one of the most important transactions in your life. That's why it's important to consider other factors of the sale besides the property price.
What is the most common type of contract for listing properties?
An exclusive right-to-sell agreement. It gives the real estate broker the exclusive right to sell your home during the term of the listing. If a sale occurs-even if you sell the home yourself-the broker gets a commission. The broker may share the listing with other brokers on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) to get the most exposure for your home. If you request that the property not be listed multiple times, only the broker name.
What is the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and how does it work?
The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is a database for thousands of listings throughout Greater Boston. You can choose to work with any agent who is a member of the MLS network regardless of what company he or she represents. We recommend that you only work with one agent per area since all offices through the MLS network access the same listings. All brokers and agents must abide by MLS regulations. Once you are working with an agent of your choice, you should let him or her complete the transaction for you regardless of whom the listing agent is. It is customary for listing and selling agents to work together to help you finalize your purchase.
What are some determining factors when selling a property?
It is widely known that the price and condition of the property are the most important determining factors when selling a property. A well-priced property that is in good condition will sell faster than an expensive property in poor condition. It is important take into consideration the CMA when pricing your property to ensure that it is not priced above what the market can sustain. For example, a property in excellent condition may be priced higher compared to a similar property with fewer amenities.
What are some basic offer contingencies?
These are the most common offer-related contingencies:
- The Pest and Inspection contingency-Within the customary 10 days of an accepted offer, the buyer will conduct an inspection of the property to assess its condition and inspect it for structural damages or pest problems.
- The Mortgage contingency-Within the customary 30 days of an accepted offer, the buyer will show proof that his or her bank has approved the mortgage loan and the buyer has obtained a commitment letter from the lending bank.
- The Condominium Documents contingency-If you are selling a condominium, the buyer's attorney will review your condominium documents within 15 days of the accepted offer.
- Additional provisions contingencies-Items such as appliances, fixtures, or sometimes furniture will be negotiated in this section.
What is the recommended time for executing a Purchase and Sale?
It is recommended that within two weeks after the inspection, provided the buyer has reviewed all documents, that a Purchase and Sale Form is executed. This form finalizes the terms of the sale before the transaction closes. Certain delays may occur when there are complex negotiations taking place between the buyer and seller's attorneys. Generally, once a Purchase and Sale Form is signed, the sale is final.
