Sharen Lofties, REALTOR® - SELLING SECRETS YOU CAN'T AFFORD TO MISS

casual statement about the house “really being too small for a growing family,” or “the schools are going through some changes” might be enough innocent chatter to squash their interest.

Earnest Money Deposit & Option Period Fee

Earnest money and any Option Period Fee funds are deposited at the title company and are held in escrow until the time of closing. The title company handles receiving and disbursement of the transactional funds.

Underestimating Closing Costs

Many sellers only consider the money they are selling their home for. They don’t appropriately calculate all the costs associated with the sale. Zillow lays out the following list of expenses: • Real estate commission, if you use an agency to sell. • Advertising costs, signs, other fees, if you plan to sell by owner. • Attorney, closing agent and other professional fees. • Excise/Gains tax for the sale, if applicable. • Prorated costs for your share of annual expenses, such as property taxes, homeowner association fees, and utilities. • Any other fees sometimes paid by the seller (appraisals, inspections, buyer’s closing costs, etc.).

Forgetting to Cancel/Switch Utilities and Insurance

Many sellers overlook notifying utilities that they are moving or applying for utility service at their new home. Call the utilities and your insurance company as soon as a contract is signed. Find 62

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