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Step-by-Step Seller's Guide for New Jersey Homeowners

Everything you need to know about putting your home on the market, accepting an offer, and closing on your home.

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.

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What Clients Say About Working With Us

Real Stories. Real Results.

Clients consistently praise our responsiveness, market expertise, and ability to deliver smooth, successful transactions.

"Haley's Team is the BEST!!! My search required a lot of patience by Haley and her team and they provided that with kindness and empathy. The countless calls and questions were always handled right away and with patience. Highly recommend Haley's Team for all your real estate needs! Thank you to everyone on the Team!"
"Haley's Team is the BEST!!! My search required a lot of patience by Haley and her team and they provided that with kindness and empathy. The countless calls and questions were always handled right away and with patience. Highly recommend Haley's Team for all your real estate needs! Thank you to everyone on the Team!"
Christine Lauer
"My husband and I had the absolute pleasure of working with Jenna recently. We met by coincidence at an open house. After that we decided to work with her. She was magnificent throughout the entire process. She found us a beautiful home while at the same time listing our current home at the time. We hit many hiccups throughout the process including having to remove an underground oil tank but throughout the entire process she remained positive and reassured us that everything will work out. At the end it all did work out, we sold our home for above asking and were able to close on our new home within our scheduled time, even with all the difficulties we had. We’re extremely thankful we had Jenna as our realtor and would recommend her a million times!"
"My husband and I had the absolute pleasure of working with Jenna recently. We met by coincidence at an open house. After that we decided to work with her. She was magnificent throughout the entire process. She found us a beautiful home while at the same time listing our current home at the time. We hit many hiccups throughout the process including having to remove an underground oil tank but throughout the entire process she remained positive and reassured us that everything will work out. At the end it all did work out, we sold our home for above asking and were able to close on our new home within our scheduled time, even with all the difficulties we had. We’re extremely thankful we had Jenna as our realtor and would recommend her a million times!"
Amie Feliciano
"Working with Haley De Stefano is one of the best decisions you can make! Knowledgeable, supportive, and effective. Thank you, Haley!"
"Working with Haley De Stefano is one of the best decisions you can make! Knowledgeable, supportive, and effective. Thank you, Haley!"
Dathan H.
"Haley was phenomenal in her handling of the estate sale of a home for us. She went beyond the call of duty to help do many things that were necessary as we lived across the country from the home we were selling. She made it easy, organized, and even fun with her sense of humor and hard work. I would highly recommend her for any home sale."
"Haley was phenomenal in her handling of the estate sale of a home for us. She went beyond the call of duty to help do many things that were necessary as we lived across the country from the home we were selling. She made it easy, organized, and even fun with her sense of humor and hard work. I would highly recommend her for any home sale."
Michael P.
"Haley was extremely helpful in the sale of our home. She and her team handled everything from start to finish, and did a great job keeping us informed along the way. She was very easy to work with and got us more than our asking price, which made the experience even better! I will definitely recommend Haley."
"Haley was extremely helpful in the sale of our home. She and her team handled everything from start to finish, and did a great job keeping us informed along the way. She was very easy to work with and got us more than our asking price, which made the experience even better! I will definitely recommend Haley."
Jennifer C.
"Haley and her team were incredible! From the first meeting to settlement (and beyond), we felt so cared for and knew we were in great hands. Haley walked us through everything. She answered every question we had with ease and was great at explaining things in a way that is easy to understand. Her coordinator Kelly was also fantastic, getting us to the table, and the photographer team blew us away. Our house never looked better! All in all, the selling process was a no-stress event because we knew we were in great hands. Would definitely recommend Haley to anyone selling their home!"
"Haley and her team were incredible! From the first meeting to settlement (and beyond), we felt so cared for and knew we were in great hands. Haley walked us through everything. She answered every question we had with ease and was great at explaining things in a way that is easy to understand. Her coordinator Kelly was also fantastic, getting us to the table, and the photographer team blew us away. Our house never looked better! All in all, the selling process was a no-stress event because we knew we were in great hands. Would definitely recommend Haley to anyone selling their home!"
Nicholas S.
"Haley's Homes did an awesome job helping us find our new home in New Jersey, even though we were thousands of miles away. Haley did virtual home tours (FaceTime) with us at all of the properties we were interested in, and she quickly learned the things that we liked and helped us narrow our search to find the right home. Then, she and Kelly were 100% hands-on and hand-holding (even on holidays and weekends!) since we couldn't be there in person, from arranging for and being present during inspections to the final signature at the remote closing, and even afterwards until we could actually move in. I can't thank them enough for all of their assistance and guidance, and I am so grateful that they were recommended to us!"
"Haley's Homes did an awesome job helping us find our new home in New Jersey, even though we were thousands of miles away. Haley did virtual home tours (FaceTime) with us at all of the properties we were interested in, and she quickly learned the things that we liked and helped us narrow our search to find the right home. Then, she and Kelly were 100% hands-on and hand-holding (even on holidays and weekends!) since we couldn't be there in person, from arranging for and being present during inspections to the final signature at the remote closing, and even afterwards until we could actually move in. I can't thank them enough for all of their assistance and guidance, and I am so grateful that they were recommended to us!"
Deborah Y.
"Haley and her team were excellent throughout the entire process to sell my Home. Haley was prepared with current and past home comparisons to suggest a market price to list. She spent 2 hours with me, walked my entire house, gave great suggestions as well as provided me with an estimated closing cost. Haley and her entire team were professional and very responsive to any Calls, Texts or Emails. Haley stayed in continuous contact with me, following up on anything I needed to close the sale. I will recommend Haley and her Team every time! Thank you Haley for your guidance and support throughout my individual process! I am forever grateful to have you as my Realtor!"
"Haley and her team were excellent throughout the entire process to sell my Home. Haley was prepared with current and past home comparisons to suggest a market price to list. She spent 2 hours with me, walked my entire house, gave great suggestions as well as provided me with an estimated closing cost. Haley and her entire team were professional and very responsive to any Calls, Texts or Emails. Haley stayed in continuous contact with me, following up on anything I needed to close the sale. I will recommend Haley and her Team every time! Thank you Haley for your guidance and support throughout my individual process! I am forever grateful to have you as my Realtor!"
Shelly C.
"From our initial meeting with Haley until settlement day, Haley and her team were top-notch. During our initial meeting, Haley spent as much time as we needed to answer every question and concern we had. She then had her photographer and marketing person take beautiful pictures of our home and wrote an amazing write-up to go with our listing. Throughout the showings, open houses, and offers Haley and her team were with us every step of the way to guide us and make sure we were well advised. As we went through inspections and prep for the final sale, Haley and her assistant Kelly were always available for questions, help with scheduling, and any other assistance we needed. They were invaluable resources that always made themselves available for us. I strongly recommend Haley’s Homes for your house sale or purchase – they did not disappoint in any way. Their professionalism, kindness, and respect for their clients is unmatched."
"From our initial meeting with Haley until settlement day, Haley and her team were top-notch. During our initial meeting, Haley spent as much time as we needed to answer every question and concern we had. She then had her photographer and marketing person take beautiful pictures of our home and wrote an amazing write-up to go with our listing. Throughout the showings, open houses, and offers Haley and her team were with us every step of the way to guide us and make sure we were well advised. As we went through inspections and prep for the final sale, Haley and her assistant Kelly were always available for questions, help with scheduling, and any other assistance we needed. They were invaluable resources that always made themselves available for us. I strongly recommend Haley’s Homes for your house sale or purchase – they did not disappoint in any way. Their professionalism, kindness, and respect for their clients is unmatched."
Pam F.
"Haley just recently sold our home so we could downsize. Haley was always quick to respond and walked us through the process step by step. We relied on her expertise and experience, and she did not disappoint! Haley and her team are amazing! A big thank you to Kelly for excellent customer care coordination!"
"Haley just recently sold our home so we could downsize. Haley was always quick to respond and walked us through the process step by step. We relied on her expertise and experience, and she did not disappoint! Haley and her team are amazing! A big thank you to Kelly for excellent customer care coordination!"
Marianne & Jim V.
"Haley and her team made selling our home a good experience and were the right choice. They were both professional and understanding during what can be a stressful process. We cannot thank them enough for their expertise. We highly recommend them."
"Haley and her team made selling our home a good experience and were the right choice. They were both professional and understanding during what can be a stressful process. We cannot thank them enough for their expertise. We highly recommend them."
Anne Marie C.
"Haley is a rock star! Such a pleasure to work with and has great suggestions on things to consider to better prep the house prior to putting it up for sale. The Swedesboro area is definitely her jam. Her team is fantastic as well, and on top of everything. While I know the market dictates the movement of inventory, Haley was able to get offers in the first open house and it sold in 4 days."
"Haley is a rock star! Such a pleasure to work with and has great suggestions on things to consider to better prep the house prior to putting it up for sale. The Swedesboro area is definitely her jam. Her team is fantastic as well, and on top of everything. While I know the market dictates the movement of inventory, Haley was able to get offers in the first open house and it sold in 4 days."
Leah

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