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SELLER S GUIDE The The Ultimate Ultimate

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Your Your Partner Partner from from Listed Listed to to Sold Sold

TABLE OF CONTENTS 03

WELCOME

THE ADVANTAGE OF HIRING A SELLER’S AGENT

CO-OPERATIVE COMPENSATION

THE HOME SELLING PROCESS

IS NOW THE RIGHT TIME TO SELL?

UNDERSTANDING YOUR HOME’S VALUE

BUILDING THE RIGHT PRICING STRATEGY

PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR THE MARKET

WHERE TO FOCUS BEFORE LISTING

PHOTOGRAPHY AND FIRST IMPRESSIONS

MARKETING YOUR HOME

LAUNCHING YOUR LISTING

SHOWINGS AND OPEN HOUSES

UNDERSTANDING BUYER FEEDBACK AND MARKET RESPONSE

REVIEWING AN OFFER

NEGOTIATIONS AND GOING UNDER CONTRACT

THE HOME INSPECTION

THE APPRAISAL AND BUYER FINANCING

PREPARING FOR CLOSING

CLOSING DAY AND YOUR NEXT MOVE

Dear Home Seller, Selling a home is a meaningful decision—and often the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Whether you’re relocating, making room for a growing family, downsizing, or simply ready for a change, this guide is designed to help you move through the process with clarity and confidence. Inside, you’ll find a straightforward overview of what to expect, from preparing and pricing your home to marketing, reviewing offers, navigating inspections, and reaching the closing table. Rector Hayden's commitment is simple: to provide honest guidance, clear communication, and dedicated support throughout every stage of your sale. Our REALTORS® help you understand your options, make informed decisions, and keep the many details of the transaction moving forward. It’s an honor to be part of your journey. Let’s make your next move a successful one.

Warmest regards,

Stacy Durbin President

THE ADVANTAGE OF HIRING A SELLER S AGENT ’

Selling a home involves much more than placing it on the market. From determining the right price and preparing the property to evaluating offers and managing contract deadlines, every decision can affect the outcome of your sale. A trusted seller’s agent brings the market knowledge, strategy, and experience needed to help you move through the process with confidence.

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Understand the local market: Your agent will evaluate recent sales, current competition, buyer activity, and market conditions to help you make informed decisions. Develop a pricing strategy: The right price can help attract serious buyers while protecting the value of your home. Your agent will recommend a strategy based on data—not guesswork. Prepare your home for the market: Your agent can help identify the repairs, updates, staging choices, and presentation details most likely to make a meaningful difference. Create a strong marketing plan: Professional photography, compelling property details, online exposure, agent-to-agent promotion, and other marketing tools help your home reach the right buyers. Manage showings and feedback: Your agent coordinates access to the property, communicates with buyers’ agents, gathers feedback, and helps you understand how the market is responding. Evaluate and negotiate offers: Price is only one part of an offer. Your agent will help you compare financing, contingencies, timelines, concessions, and other terms before negotiating on your behalf. Navigate the contract-to-closing process: From inspections and appraisals to repairs, paperwork, deadlines, and closing details, your agent helps keep the transaction organized and moving forward. Protect your interests: Throughout the sale, your agent provides objective guidance, explains your options, and advocates for your goals at every step.

With the right agent by your side, you do not have to manage the selling process alone. You have a trusted partner helping you make informed decisions, avoid unnecessary surprises, and move confidently toward closing.

CO OPERATIVE COMPENSATION -

Currently, when listing their homes, many sellers in our market pay compensation to their listing broker which can include buyer's agent compensation. This is known as "co-operative compensation." The amount of buyer agent compensation you offer, if any, is your decision. As always, sellers are not required to offer co-op compensation to a buyer's agent. This is one of many elements of the overall marketing strategy that you and your agent will discuss as you plan the sale of your home, such as pricing, timing of when the listing is active, staging, photography, broker promotion, digital advertising and open house schedule.

Why would a seller want to offer compensation to the buyer’s agent? Offering compensation to the buyer’s agent means that the home will appeal to the broadest possible group of buyers, giving you the greatest opportunity to maximize your return. Some buyers only consider properties with buyer compensation offered in order to manage their closing costs. Under most circumstances, buyer’s agent compensation cannot be financed, so buyers would need to have those funds at closing which may limit them from considering your home as an option. Are sellers still allowed to offer compensation to the buyer’s agent or other buyer concessions? Yes, sellers can still offer co-operative compensation to the buyer’s agent. Sellers can also offer financial concessions to buyers that can be used for a variety of expenses, which may include buyer agent compensation. If sellers do not offer buyer agent compensation, can the buyers ask for this later? Yes. When making a purchase offer, a potential buyer may include the terms of the offer like the purchase price, closing timeframe, and any contingencies. They may also request buyer agent compensation and financial concessions or credits from the seller. Your Rector Hayden agent will follow your instructions to present offers to you with all relevant information. You will be able to compare all offers and make the decision that is best for you.

HOME SELLING PROCESS MEET YOUR REAL 1 FINDWITH A TRUSTED REALESTATE ESTATEAGENT AGENT .

Discuss your goals, preferred timeline, next move, and any questions or concerns. Your agent will explain the selling process, review your property, and help you understand what to expect.

DETERMINE YOUR PRICING STRATEGY Your agent will evaluate recent sales, current competition, property condition, location, and buyer activity to recommend a strategic listing price for your home.

PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR THE MARKET Complete the repairs, cleaning, decluttering, and staging needed to help your home make a strong first impression. Your agent can help you prioritize the updates most likely to matter to buyers.

CREATE THE MARKETING PLAN Professional photography, compelling property details, online exposure, agent-to-agent promotion, and additional marketing strategies are coordinated to position your home effectively.

LAUNCH YOUR LISTING Once your home is ready, the listing is activated and shared with buyers and real estate professionals. Showings begin, marketing is launched, and early activity is closely monitored.

HOME SELLING PROCESS MANAGE SHOWINGS AND FEEDBACK Your agent coordinates showing requests, communicates with buyers’ agents, gathers feedback, and helps you understand how the market is responding to your home.

REVIEW AND NEGOTIATE OFFERS When an offer is received, your agent will help you evaluate the price, financing, contingencies, concessions, timeline, and other terms before responding or negotiating.

COMPLETE INSPECTIONS AND APPRAISAL After accepting an offer, the buyer may complete inspections and the lender may order an appraisal. Your agent will guide you through any negotiations, requests, or concerns that arise.

PREPARE FOR CLOSING Complete agreed-upon repairs, maintain the property, prepare for the buyer’s final walkthrough, review closing details, and make plans for moving and transferring possession.

CLOSE AND MOVE FORWARD At closing, the final documents are signed, funds are distributed, and ownership is transferred. Once the transaction is complete, you are ready to begin your next chapter.

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IS NOW THE RIGHT TIME TO SELL

A growing family, a new job, retirement, relocation, downsizing, or a change in lifestyle may all influence your timeline. Understanding what is motivating your move can help determine how quickly you need to sell and what matters most throughout the process.

I g ° p ¤ The difference between your home’s current market value and the amount you still owe may affect your options. Your agent can help estimate your potential proceeds so you have a clearer picture before listing.

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Buyer demand, available inventory, interest rates, recent sales, and competition can all influence your selling strategy. Real estate conditions can vary significantly from one neighborhood and price range to another.

There is no single <perfect= time to sell a home. The right timing depends on your goals, your financial position, your next move, and the conditions in your local market. Before making a decision, it can help to consider a few important factors.

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Consider where you will go after the sale and whether you will be buying, building, renting, or relocating. Coordinating both sides of the move early can help reduce uncertainty and create a more manageable timeline.

I p Y cpY} <gYep g Selling a home may involve preparation costs, repairs, moving expenses, closing costs, and other financial considerations. Understanding the estimated costs and proceeds upfront can help you plan with confidence. The best place to begin is with a conversation. Your real estate agent can help you evaluate your goals, understand the current market, and decide whether selling now supports your plans for what comes next.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR HOME S VALUE ’

Your home’s value is not determined by a single number. Online estimates, tax assessments, appraisals, and market value may all look different because each is calculated for a different purpose. Understanding those differences can help you set realistic expectations and make more informed decisions when preparing to sell.

$Y |g FY} g Market value is the price a qualified buyer may be willing to pay for your home based on current conditions. It is influenced by recent comparable sales, active competition, location, condition, features, and buyer demand.

- }p g p Y g Automated home-value tools use public records and available market data to generate an estimate. While they can provide a general starting point, they may not account for renovations, property condition, unique features, or changes within your neighborhood.

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Your home’s assessed value is used by the local government to calculate property taxes. It is not intended to represent the price your home would sell for in the current market.

Yp ge FY} g An appraisal is an independent opinion of value typically completed after a home is under contract. The appraiser evaluates the property, recent comparable sales, and other market factors, often on behalf of the buyer’s lender.

I £ gc ge (g 9 cgge Your home’s sale price is not the same as the amount you will receive at closing. Your mortgage balance, closing costs, negotiated concessions, repairs, taxes, and other expenses may affect your final proceeds. Your real estate agent will review the data, evaluate your home’s individual characteristics, and help you understand how buyers are likely to view its value in the current market.

BUILDING THE RIGHT PRICING STRATEGY Pricing your home is one of the most important decisions you will make during the selling process. The goal is not simply to choose the highest possible number—it is to position your home where it can attract serious buyers, compete effectively, and support a successful sale.

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Your agent will consider several factors, including: Recent comparable sales: Homes similar to yours that have recently sold provide important insight into what buyers have been willing to pay. Current competition: Active listings show what buyers will compare your home against when deciding where to schedule a showing or make an offer. Property condition and updates: Renovations, maintenance, layout, presentation, and overall condition can influence how buyers perceive value. Location and property features: Lot size, setting, access to amenities, square footage, and unique features all play a role in marketability. Buyer activity and market conditions: Inventory, demand, interest rates, and activity within your price range can affect both pricing and timing.

Go¤ -¡g pcp n Y A price that is too high may reduce showing activity, cause buyers to overlook the home, and lead to more time on the market. Buyers may also question why a property has remained available or undergone multiple price adjustments.

Go¤ Xg p g¢ Ggg| $Y g New listings often receive their strongest attention shortly after entering the market. Strategic pricing helps your home make the most of that early visibility and encourages buyers to take action. The right pricing strategy is based on current data, your home’s individual characteristics, and your goals. Your agent will monitor the market closely and help you make informed adjustments when needed.

PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR MARKET Preparing your home does not always require a major renovation. The goal is to help buyers see a property that feels well cared for, inviting, and easy to imagine as their own. Your real estate agent can help you decide which improvements are worth making—and which ones may not provide enough return.

= Y Gp o Xg Y pc Repair what is noticeably damaged: Address loose hardware, dripping faucets, cracked caulk, damaged screens, burned-out lightbulbs, and other small issues that may suggest deferred maintenance. Deep clean every space: Pay special attention to kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, windows, baseboards, and frequently overlooked areas. A clean home often feels newer and better maintained. Declutter and simplify: Clear countertops, reduce furniture where needed, and organize closets and storage areas. Less visual clutter can help rooms feel more spacious. Depersonalize thoughtfully: Remove highly personal items and excess décor while keeping the home warm and welcoming. Buyers should be able to picture themselves living there. Refresh where it matters: Touch-up paint, updated light fixtures, fresh landscaping, or simple hardware changes may improve presentation without requiring a large investment. Create a strong first impression: The exterior sets the tone before buyers enter. Mow the lawn, trim landscaping, clean the entry, and make sure the front door feels inviting.

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You do not need to make your home look brand new. Strategic preparation helps highlight its strengths, reduce distractions, and support the pricing and marketing plan. Before beginning a long list of projects, talk with your agent. They can help you prioritize the updates most likely to influence buyers in your market.

WHERE TO FOCUS BEFORE LISTING Not every room needs a complete makeover. Focus first on the spaces and details that are most likely to shape a buyer’s overall impression of the home.

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The exterior is the first thing buyers see.

Buyers will notice how much usable space the home offers.

Mow, trim, and tidy landscaping Remove debris, toys, and unnecessary outdoor items Clean the porch, walkway, and front door Touch up peeling or chipped paint Replace damaged screens or exterior lighting Add a clean doormat and simple seasonal décor

!p cog Buyers tend to look closely at kitchens, even when they are not newly renovated. Clear most items from countertops Clean appliances inside and out Organize cabinets, drawers, and the pantry Repair loose handles, dripping faucets, or damaged caulk Remove magnets, papers, and personal items from the refrigerator Use simple décor to keep the room feeling open

Y o Cleanliness and condition matter more than elaborate styling. Deep clean tile, grout, fixtures, mirrors, and glass Replace stained caulk or worn shower curtains Clear countertops and store personal products Organize cabinets and linen storage Display clean, coordinated towels Address leaks, slow drains, or running toilets

"p¡p n gY Help buyers understand the size and purpose of each room. Remove excess furniture Open curtains and blinds to maximize natural light Arrange furniture to create clear walking paths Limit family photos and highly personal décor Conceal cords and everyday clutter Clean fireplaces, ceiling fans, and light fixtures

Make beds and simplify bedding Remove unnecessary furniture and décor Organize closets and avoid overfilling them Store seasonal clothing and rarely used items elsewhere Give each room a clear purpose

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These spaces do not need to be highly styled, but they should feel maintained and functional. Remove unnecessary boxes and stored items Sweep floors and clear pathways Organize tools, equipment, and shelving Make major systems easy to access Address visible moisture, odors, or maintenance concerns

A thoughtful walkthrough with your real estate agent can help you identify the projects that should be completed before listing—and the ones that can be left alone.

PHOTOGRAPHY FIRST IMPRESSIONS &

For many buyers, the first showing happens online. Before they schedule a visit, buyers often form an opinion based on the photography, listing details, and overall presentation of the home. Strong visuals can help your property stand out, generate interest, and encourage buyers to take the next step.

gm g 9o n Y o¤ Clear countertops and surfaces: Remove small appliances, toiletries, paperwork, cords, and everyday clutter. Open curtains and blinds: Natural light can help rooms feel

Remove personal and seasonal distractions: Store pet items, family schedules, medication, valuables, and highly personal belongings. Tidy outdoor areas: Move vehicles, trash cans, hoses, toys,

brighter, more inviting, and more spacious. Turn on every light: Replace burned-out bulbs and use consistent bulb temperatures whenever possible. Make beds and straighten linens: Simple, neat bedding helps bedrooms appear calm and well maintained.

and unnecessary furniture out of view. Complete a final clean: Wipe mirrors and appliances, vacuum floors, straighten furniture, and check each room from the doorway.

9 g g p n I g g Professional photography should accurately represent your home while highlighting its strongest features. Depending on the property and marketing strategy, your agent may also recommend video, aerial photography, floor plans, virtual tours, or other visual tools. The goal is not to make the home appear perfect. It is to create a clear, polished first impression that helps buyers understand the space and feel motivated to see it in person.

MARKETING YOUR HOME Ye - }p g £ g Effective marketing is about more than placing your home online. It is about presenting the property clearly, reaching the right audience, and creating enough interest to encourage buyers to schedule a showing. Your real estate agent will develop a marketing strategy based on your home, your local market, and the buyers most likely to be interested.

Your listing is shared through the Multiple Listing Service and distributed to major real estate websites where buyers are actively searching. Accurate information and high-quality visuals help your home stand out among competing properties.

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Real estate professionals often know which buyers are actively searching for a home like yours. Your agent can

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promote the property within their professional network and

Marketing does not stop when the listing goes live. Your agent will track showing activity, buyer feedback, online engagement, and competing listings to understand how the market is responding.

exposure, communication, and ongoing evaluation to help you attract the right buyers and position your home for a successful sale.

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compelling

property descriptions, accurate details, and thoughtful positioning help buyers understand what makes the home worth seeing.

pnp Y} = cpY} $Y |g p n Depending on the property and marketing plan, your home may be featured through social media, email marketing, targeted digital campaigns, property websites, video, or other online tools designed to expand its reach.

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Strong marketing begins with how the home is Professional

interested clients.

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communicate directly with other agents who may have

Open houses, property brochures, direct mail, signage, and local promotion may also be used when appropriate to help your home reach serious buyers and support a successful sale.

LAUNCHING YOUR LISTING Once your home is prepared, photographed, and priced, it is time to introduce it to the market. A coordinated launch helps your listing make a strong first impression and take advantage of the attention new properties often receive.

p Y}p§p n Xg "p p n Before the listing goes live, your agent will confirm important details such as: Property features and improvements Room sizes and square footage Showing instructions Included and excluded items Preferred closing and possession timeline Required disclosures and documentation Carefully reviewing this information helps ensure the listing is accurate and gives buyers a clear understanding of the property.

p n "p¡g Your home is entered into the Multiple Listing Service and distributed to real estate websites where buyers and agents are actively searching. Photography, property details, remarks, and other marketing materials are published as part of the launch.

9 g Y p n =o ¢p n Your agent will coordinate how and when buyers can access the home. Keeping the property clean, organized, and ready to show can make it easier to accommodate requests—especially during the first several days on the market. Before leaving for a showing: Turn on lights and open window coverings Put away personal items and valuables Remove or secure pets Adjust the temperature for comfort Clear vehicles from the driveway when possible Complete a quick walkthrough of each room

$ p p n Y }¤ c p¡p ¤ The first days and weeks can provide valuable insight into buyer interest. Your agent will monitor showing requests, feedback, online activity, and competing listings to evaluate how the market is responding.

= Y¤p n }g£pb}g Some showing requests may arrive with limited notice. While every appointment may not fit your schedule, offering reasonable flexibility can help more qualified buyers experience the home. A successful launch combines strong preparation, accurate information, strategic exposure, and a home that is ready to welcome buyers.

SHOWINGS OPEN HOUSES &

Once buyers begin visiting your home, every showing becomes an opportunity to help them connect with the property. The goal is to create a comfortable, welcoming environment where buyers can focus on the home’s features, layout, and possibilities without unnecessary distractions.

$Y|g Xg g Y ¤ ? =o ¢ The more accessible your home is, the more opportunities buyers may have to see it. While last-minute requests are not always convenient, reasonable flexibility can help maintain momentum—especially during the first few weeks on the market. Your agent will work with you to establish showing instructions that balance buyer access with your schedule and comfort.

"gY¡g p n =o ¢p n Buyers are generally more comfortable exploring a home and discussing it openly when the seller is not present. Plan to leave before the appointment and allow enough time for buyers to complete their tour without feeling rushed.

gY g Gg}c p n ¡p g Before each showing: Open curtains and blinds Turn on lights throughout the home Adjust the temperature for comfort Make beds and straighten rooms Clear countertops and everyday clutter Remove trash and dishes Secure valuables and personal documents Remove or safely contain pets Minimize strong scents and background noise

Ág Xg =o ¢p n Your agent may request feedback from buyers and their agents to better understand their impressions of the home. Not every showing will result in detailed comments, but patterns in the feedback can provide useful insight over time. Keeping the home consistently prepared can feel demanding, but each showing brings you one step closer to finding the right buyer.

UNDERSTANDING BUYER FEEDBACK MARKET RESPONSE

Once your home is on the market, the response from buyers can provide valuable insight. Showing activity, feedback, online engagement, and competing listings all help reveal how your property is being received. Your agent will look for patterns—not react to a single comment or showing.

=o ¢p n c p¡p ¤ The number of showing requests can indicate how well the home is attracting attention within its price range. Strong activity may suggest the price and presentation are creating interest. Limited activity could mean buyers are choosing competing homes or that the listing needs to be reevaluated.

¤g ggebYc| Feedback may include comments about: Price

Location

Condition

Room sizes

Layout

Overall presentation

Updates Not every buyer will provide feedback, and individual opinions can vary widely. Repeated comments are usually more meaningful than one isolated reaction.

- }p g nYng g Views, saves, shares, and inquiries can help show how much attention the listing is receiving online. High online interest without showing requests may indicate that buyers are curious but hesitant to visit in person.

Gog ? <gg¡Y} Y g Xg = Y gn¤ If the listing is not generating the expected response, your agent may recommend reviewing: The listing price Property presentation Showing availability Photography or marketing Current market conditions New or recently sold competition Adjustments are not necessarily a sign that something has gone wrong. They are part of responding thoughtfully to realtime market information. The goal is to use buyer behavior and market data to make informed decisions—not emotional ones—and keep your selling strategy moving forward.

REVIEWING AN OFFER Receiving an offer is an exciting milestone, but the highest price is not always the strongest offer. Each offer includes a combination of price, financing, contingencies, timing, and other terms that can affect both the likelihood of closing and your final proceeds. Your real estate agent will help you review the full picture before deciding how to respond.

GoY ? peg Purchase price: The amount the buyer is offering for the property. Financing: Whether the buyer is using cash or financing, the type of loan involved, and the strength of the buyer’s approval. Earnest money: The deposit the buyer provides to demonstrate good faith. The amount and terms may vary. Contingencies: Conditions that must be satisfied for the transaction to move forward, such as financing, appraisal, inspections, or the sale of another property. Seller concessions: Any amount the buyer is asking you to contribute toward closing costs, repairs, rate reductions, or other expenses. Closing date: The proposed date for completing the transaction and transferring ownership. Possession: When the buyer expects to take possession of the home. This may happen at closing or at another agreed-upon time. Included items: Appliances, fixtures, furnishings, or other property the buyer is requesting as part of the sale.

" |p n g¤ e Xg 9 pcg A higher offer with significant concessions, uncertain financing, or several contingencies may not be as strong as a slightly lower offer with cleaner terms. Your agent can help you compare: Estimated net proceeds

Inspection terms

Buyer qualifications

Requested concessions

Financing strength

Closing and possession timelines

Appraisal risk

Overall certainty of the transaction

I <g g - p After reviewing an offer, you may choose to: Accept it as written Reject it Make a counteroffer Request clarification or supporting information Your agent will explain the potential benefits and risks of each option, help you develop a negotiation strategy, and advocate for the terms that best support your goals.

NEGOTIATIONS GOING UNDER CONTRACT

Once an offer is received, your real estate agent will help you evaluate the terms, identify potential concerns, and determine the best response based on your goals. Negotiations may involve more than the purchase price. Timing, repairs, concessions, contingencies, included items, and possession can all be part of the conversation.

p n (gn Y p Your agent may help you negotiate: Purchase price Seller-paid closing costs or concessions Earnest money Inspection terms Appraisal conditions

Financing deadlines Closing date Possession Included or excluded items Home warranty or repair requests

The goal is to reach terms that are favorable, realistic, and likely to result in a successful closing.

ccg p n -³g An offer is not fully accepted until all parties have agreed to the same terms and the contract has been signed as required. Once the contract is accepted, your home is considered under contract. Depending on the agreement, the listing may remain visible as pending, under contract, or contingent while certain conditions are completed.

GoY Y g (g£ After acceptance, the transaction moves into a detailed contract-to-closing period. This may include: Buyer financing Earnest money delivery Property inspections Repair negotiations Appraisal Title work Document preparation Final walkthrough Closing Each contract includes specific deadlines, and missing one can create delays or affect the agreement. Your agent will help track important dates, coordinate with the professionals involved, and keep you informed throughout the process.

!gg Xg g =o ¢p n ep p Until all contingencies are satisfied and the transaction is moving confidently toward closing, your agent may recommend continuing to maintain the home and remaining prepared for possible backup interest. Going under contract is an important step, but the sale is not complete until closing. Staying responsive, flexible, and informed can help keep the transaction on track.

THE HOME INSPECTION After the home goes under contract, the buyer may hire a licensed home inspector to evaluate the property’s condition. An inspection is not a pass-or-fail test. It is an opportunity for the buyer to learn more about the home and identify items that may need attention.

GoY Xg gc $Y¤ <g¡pg¢ Roof and exterior Foundation and structure Electrical system Plumbing Heating and cooling systems Windows and doors Appliances Attic, basement, or crawl space Signs of moisture or water intrusion General safety and maintenance concerns

Ág Xg gc p Depending on the contract, the buyer may: Accept the home in its current condition Request repairs Request a credit or financial concession Renegotiate certain terms Exercise rights allowed by the inspection contingency You are not automatically required to agree to every request. Your options will depend on the contract, the condition of the property, current market conditions, and the overall strength of the transaction.

9 g Y p n Xg gc p Before the appointment: Make major systems and utility areas accessible Replace burned-out lightbulbs Unlock gates, panels, sheds, and crawl-space access points Clear areas around the furnace, water heater, electrical panel, and attic entrance Remove or secure pets Leave the home during the inspection Gather warranties, receipts, permits, or maintenance records when available

<g ep n ? <g Yp <g° g Your agent will help you review each request, understand the potential impact, and decide how to respond. When repairs are agreed upon, they should be completed by the required deadline and documented as needed. Inspections can feel stressful, but findings are common—even in well-maintained homes. The goal is to work through the information carefully and keep the transaction moving toward closing.

THE APPRAISAL BUYER FINANCING &

When a buyer is financing the purchase, their lender will typically order an appraisal to confirm the home’s value and support the loan amount. The appraisal is completed by an independent, licensed appraiser who may consider recent comparable sales, location, square footage, condition, updates, lot features, and overall marketability.

9 g Y p n Xg Yp Y} Before the appointment: Keep the home clean and accessible Complete any agreed-upon repairs Make sure utilities are on Provide access to all rooms and major systems Gather a list of recent improvements or upgrades Your agent may also provide relevant property details and comparable sales when appropriate.

± Xg Yp Y} g " ¢ A low appraisal does not automatically end the sale. Depending on the contract, the buyer may bring additional funds, the seller may adjust the price, or both parties may negotiate a compromise. Your agent will help you understand the available options and determine the best next step.

¤g p Y cp n While the appraisal is underway, the lender continues reviewing the buyer’s loan. Financing is not final until the lender issues approval to close. Staying responsive and completing requested items promptly can help keep the transaction moving forward.

PREPARING FOR CLOSING As closing approaches, there are a few final details to complete before ownership is transferred to the buyer. Your real estate agent will help coordinate the timeline, confirm outstanding items, and keep you informed about what is needed.

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Finish any repairs or other obligations included in the contract by the required deadline. Keep receipts, invoices, warranties, or photos in case documentation is requested.

9 g Y g Xg p Y} GY}| o no Before closing, the buyer will typically complete a final walkthrough to confirm that the home is in the expected condition and agreed-upon repairs have been completed. Keep the property clean, remove all personal belongings and trash, and avoid making changes that were not discussed.

<g¡pg¢ } p n g Yp} Confirm the closing date, time, location, and any documents or identification you will need to bring. Review the closing statement carefully and ask questions about anything you do not understand.

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Coordinate your move around the possession terms in the contract. Before leaving the property: Transfer or cancel utilities as appropriate Gather keys, remotes, codes, and access devices Leave appliance manuals and warranties Remove personal belongings from the home, garage, and exterior Secure the property according to closing instructions

gc I m Y p Be cautious with any last-minute instructions involving money or wire transfers. Confirm all financial information directly with your trusted closing professional using a verified phone number. Careful preparation during the final days can help prevent delays and create a smoother transition for everyone involved.

CLOSING DAY YOUR NEXT MOVE &

Closing day is the final step in the home-selling process. Once the required documents are signed, funds are transferred, and the transaction is officially completed, ownership of the property passes to the buyer.

GoY ? £ gc At closing, you may review and sign documents related to: The transfer of ownership Your mortgage payoff Closing costs and prorated expenses Final sale proceeds Any other terms required by the contract Your closing professional will explain the documents and answer questions before signing.

<gcgp¡p n I 9 cgge After the transaction is complete, your remaining proceeds are typically provided by wire transfer or check, depending on the closing company and your instructions. Always verify wire instructions directly with the closing professional using a trusted phone number.

? Y mg p n 9 g p Possession may transfer at closing or at another time stated in the contract. Be sure the home is empty, clean, secure, and ready for the buyer by the agreed-upon deadline. Leave all keys, remotes, access codes, manuals, and other agreed-upon items as instructed.

$ ¡p n ¢Y e Whether you are buying another home, relocating, downsizing, or beginning a new chapter, your real estate agent can help you plan what comes next. From coordinating your next purchase to connecting you with trusted relocation resources, support does not have to end at the closing table. Congratulations—your home is sold, and your next chapter can begin.

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Rector Hayden REALTORS® Home Seller’s Guide | Central Kentucky