When Is The House Really Sold?

Buyers and sellers will ask me, "When is the house really sold?"

That answer would be at the closing, after all the papers have been signed, the money has been transferred and the keys are handed over to the new owner.

As we go through the sales process from initial offer to accepted offer to closing, several things happen that make us more assured of a closing.

1. After the offer has been negotiated out and accepted, any contract changes are initialed by the buyers. Then the contract is signed and initialed by the sellers.
2. The buyer's earnest money check is submitted to the listing office.
3. The house status is changed to "contingent" in the Multiple Listing Service.
4. The attorneys for each side review and approve the contract.
5. The home inspection is done by the buyers.
6. Any request for repairs are negotiated.
7. The appraisal for the buyer's loan is done.
8. The final loan commitment is issued for the buyer's loan.
9. The attorneys arrange for the time and location of the closing.
10. The final walk through of the home, right before the closing, is done.

As we go through each one of the steps listed above, we are that much closer to the real estate closing and to the house being sold.

When you choose an experienced real estate agent, such as myself, each one of the steps is addressed. If there are any questions or potential problems, they are addressed before the last minute.

You can also choose to work with a good real estate attorney and an excellent loan officer as well, to increase your chances for a smooth sale.

Put my years of experience to work for you. I can help make your move a good memory.

Jim Starwalt

Thinking of making a move? Log onto my website at www.StarHomeFinders.com and search the Multiple Listing Service from over 150,000 homes for sale. Registering is quick and easy!

Jim Starwalt, Broker Associate RE/MAX Center, Phone: 847-548-2625 Jim@StarHomeFinders.com