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Seller's Guide

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.​​​​​​​

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

See Why Our Clients Love Us

Testimonials

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

"My move from Palm Springs to Los Angeles became easier knowing that I had someone in my corner working tirelessly to help me. They treated me with respect and I felt like I was purchasing a million-dollar listing!"
"My move from Palm Springs to Los Angeles became easier knowing that I had someone in my corner working tirelessly to help me. They treated me with respect and I felt like I was purchasing a million-dollar listing!"
Buyer
"I had a job transfer from Atlanta to Los Angeles and was scared to death. Travis kept me in line every step of the way. He even called up moving companies for me (in Atlanta!) and got the best quote!"
"I had a job transfer from Atlanta to Los Angeles and was scared to death. Travis kept me in line every step of the way. He even called up moving companies for me (in Atlanta!) and got the best quote!"
Buyer
"They sold our property in 11 days! Once again, 11 days! We love you Travis and Judy!"
"They sold our property in 11 days! Once again, 11 days! We love you Travis and Judy!"
Seller
"The Canby Group recently sold one of my investment properties in Tehachapi California. In my 45 years of experience, this was by far the smoothest transaction I have had when doing a 1031 Exchange."
"The Canby Group recently sold one of my investment properties in Tehachapi California. In my 45 years of experience, this was by far the smoothest transaction I have had when doing a 1031 Exchange."
Experienced Investor
"Travis and Judith are awesome! The whole experience was great, their marketing, knowledge and most of all they're just nice people! We had one open house on a Sunday and the offers (32 offers) started coming in that day we ended up selling the house for $61,000 over list price!"
"Travis and Judith are awesome! The whole experience was great, their marketing, knowledge and most of all they're just nice people! We had one open house on a Sunday and the offers (32 offers) started coming in that day we ended up selling the house for $61,000 over list price!"
Seller
"Most agents I've dealt with in the past were very typical agents. Travis was the complete opposite. I've honestly never had an agent work on my property day in and day out. He has a relentless mindset and sold our home for 9k over asking!"
"Most agents I've dealt with in the past were very typical agents. Travis was the complete opposite. I've honestly never had an agent work on my property day in and day out. He has a relentless mindset and sold our home for 9k over asking!"
Seller
"The Canby Group is that rare realtor group who really works for their client and fights for their best interests. They expertly employed resources that best marketed the property, securing the best offer possible."
"The Canby Group is that rare realtor group who really works for their client and fights for their best interests. They expertly employed resources that best marketed the property, securing the best offer possible."
Buyer | Seller
"OMG! Best real estate agent ever! The sweetest thing they did was leave a bottle of champagne and a welcome card in our new home when we opened the door for the first time. We literally have a soft spot for Travis."
"OMG! Best real estate agent ever! The sweetest thing they did was leave a bottle of champagne and a welcome card in our new home when we opened the door for the first time. We literally have a soft spot for Travis."
Buyer
"Travis Canby and Judith Canby listed and sold my home in the Outpost Estates of Hollywood Hills. They were very professional and knowledgeable. I really enjoyed working with them and would recommend them to anyone."
"Travis Canby and Judith Canby listed and sold my home in the Outpost Estates of Hollywood Hills. They were very professional and knowledgeable. I really enjoyed working with them and would recommend them to anyone."
Seller
"The Canby Group helped me out with a purchase of an investment property. They consistently went above and beyond in making sure I had all the relevant pictures, rental data, inspections, etc for the property to make an informed decision."
"The Canby Group helped me out with a purchase of an investment property. They consistently went above and beyond in making sure I had all the relevant pictures, rental data, inspections, etc for the property to make an informed decision."
Buyer
"I was absolutely blown away by The Canby Group – I had my home on the market for 6 months with another realtor, then Travis and Judith stepped in and generated for me an offer above asking within days. Their marketing is head and shoulders above the rest."
"I was absolutely blown away by The Canby Group – I had my home on the market for 6 months with another realtor, then Travis and Judith stepped in and generated for me an offer above asking within days. Their marketing is head and shoulders above the rest."
Seller
"If you want a realtor who will take great care of you, go the extra mile for you and have some fun with you these two are for you! As a fellow agent in the industry I am always impressed with their creativity, diligence and hard work."
"If you want a realtor who will take great care of you, go the extra mile for you and have some fun with you these two are for you! As a fellow agent in the industry I am always impressed with their creativity, diligence and hard work."
Buyer | Seller
"Excellent Real Estate group! The Canby Group (Travis and Judy) are exceptional people with superlative knowledge when it comes to the real estate market of the LA and Southern California area. They go above and beyond to serve their clients."
"Excellent Real Estate group! The Canby Group (Travis and Judy) are exceptional people with superlative knowledge when it comes to the real estate market of the LA and Southern California area. They go above and beyond to serve their clients."
Buyer | Seller
"Both Travis and Judy are excellent communicators. They truly do their best to work fast at finding exactly what you want. Even when my communication may not be the best, they always stay on top of things. Making appointments and doing extra research on local crime statistics in the areas."
"Both Travis and Judy are excellent communicators. They truly do their best to work fast at finding exactly what you want. Even when my communication may not be the best, they always stay on top of things. Making appointments and doing extra research on local crime statistics in the areas."
Buyer | Seller
"Travis and Judith are a breath of fresh air in today's ultra competitive real estate sales market. As an 'experienced' realtor, it was a pleasure to work with these two young, vibrant, up and coming superstars in the Hollywood Hills Real Estate market."
"Travis and Judith are a breath of fresh air in today's ultra competitive real estate sales market. As an 'experienced' realtor, it was a pleasure to work with these two young, vibrant, up and coming superstars in the Hollywood Hills Real Estate market."
Buyer | Seller
"Travis and Judith are an answered prayer. They sold my great aunt's home in 7 days for over what she wanted. They're just as much about people as they are numbers and are a pleasure to work with."
"Travis and Judith are an answered prayer. They sold my great aunt's home in 7 days for over what she wanted. They're just as much about people as they are numbers and are a pleasure to work with."
Seller
"Being a real estate photographer I meet a tremendous amount of real estate agents. Working with The Canby Group duo, they were ultra professional and a ton of laughs. They made sure everything was beyond perfect for their clients. It's really nice to see agents have a true passion for their work."
"Being a real estate photographer I meet a tremendous amount of real estate agents. Working with The Canby Group duo, they were ultra professional and a ton of laughs. They made sure everything was beyond perfect for their clients. It's really nice to see agents have a true passion for their work."
Real Estate Photographer
"These guys are legit people and professional realtors. They have been helping my clients out like no other real estate agent has, and have given me the best service I could ask for. Very easy to talk to, courteous, and they both have a passion for helping people."
"These guys are legit people and professional realtors. They have been helping my clients out like no other real estate agent has, and have given me the best service I could ask for. Very easy to talk to, courteous, and they both have a passion for helping people."
Business Partner
"I could never praise Travis and Judith enough! When I came to pick up mail I found both in work out clothes and a shovel putting mulch on the bare spots on my yard, trimming the trees and sweeping the decks. All without me ever asking! Their marketing was so good we sold my home 3 days before the first opening house at $15k over asking price! They will be my realtors for life!"
"I could never praise Travis and Judith enough! When I came to pick up mail I found both in work out clothes and a shovel putting mulch on the bare spots on my yard, trimming the trees and sweeping the decks. All without me ever asking! Their marketing was so good we sold my home 3 days before the first opening house at $15k over asking price! They will be my realtors for life!"
Seller
"I had the pleasure of working with Travis Canby and Judith Lovingfoss when selling my home in Burbank. These Realtors are unlike any I've encountered before, their work ethic and communication is impeccable! They fought daily marketing my property and defending the price. Long story short, they sold my home with a record breaking sale for the neighborhood!"
"I had the pleasure of working with Travis Canby and Judith Lovingfoss when selling my home in Burbank. These Realtors are unlike any I've encountered before, their work ethic and communication is impeccable! They fought daily marketing my property and defending the price. Long story short, they sold my home with a record breaking sale for the neighborhood!"
Seller
"We are so lucky to have met this duo! Being new to LA and home buying we needed guidance, education, and someone trustworthy to guide us. Travis and Judy did that and more. Not only did they help us find an amazing home, but we will be friends for life with them and will always remember how knowledgeable and amazing they were in helping us achieve our goal."
"We are so lucky to have met this duo! Being new to LA and home buying we needed guidance, education, and someone trustworthy to guide us. Travis and Judy did that and more. Not only did they help us find an amazing home, but we will be friends for life with them and will always remember how knowledgeable and amazing they were in helping us achieve our goal."
Buyer
"Last year my husband and I started looking for a house that can accommodate our growing family. A friend recommended Travis and Judith so we reached out to them, and I'm so glad we did! We fell in love with them from the very first time we met them and sat down to discuss what type of property we wanted. I couldn't help but notice their enthusiasm and positive energy. All throughout the search process (which took a whole year!) they were always on top of things, always on time, always within reach even though this was a long drive for them. And when we finally found our dream house, they helped us navigate one of the most challenging escrows imaginable. There was not a problem that popped up that they didn't take care of. We ended up buying our dream house and selling our current house in a matter of days."
"Last year my husband and I started looking for a house that can accommodate our growing family. A friend recommended Travis and Judith so we reached out to them, and I'm so glad we did! We fell in love with them from the very first time we met them and sat down to discuss what type of property we wanted. I couldn't help but notice their enthusiasm and positive energy. All throughout the search process (which took a whole year!) they were always on top of things, always on time, always within reach even though this was a long drive for them. And when we finally found our dream house, they helped us navigate one of the most challenging escrows imaginable. There was not a problem that popped up that they didn't take care of. We ended up buying our dream house and selling our current house in a matter of days."
Buyer

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