CHAPTER 15
PREPARING TO MARKET STEP 1: PREPARING TO PUT YOUR HOME ON THE MARKET
There are several steps you need to take to prepare your property for showing. This is time-consuming, so give yourself room between deciding to sell and putting a sign out front. Prepare for lots of paperwork. One of the first steps is getting all the appropriate paperwork in order. The list is extensive. Requirements often vary by state and by county. Check with a local real estate agent to find out exactly what you need. Of course, I am always at your disposal and can help you sort out what you need for all my surrounding areas. Just give me a ring, and I’ll help you out. Dig out your title insurance policy. Be prepared to provide proof of your title insurance. Most mortgage companies require that you present this before loan approval can be made, so have it within arm’s reach before you nail down a buyer. Title insurance can be tricky, and a professional must handle the whole situation. Customs of who pays for title insurance differ across the nation. You might recall hiring someone to “search your deed” when you originally bought your home. No doubt you bought title insurance at that time, although you might not have been aware that was what you were doing. It guarantees that the deed to your property was searched from the present back to its US patent. The insurance is protection against human error, because mistakes do happen. The process will have to be repeated with your current sale, but it’s helpful to have your prior paperwork handy.
64
Powered by FlippingBook