Buying and Selling Real Estate - Step-by-Step

Here is a very brief outline of the process of buying or selling real estate:-

Buyers

1. Pre-qualify for finance - sets a realistic price limit
2. Create your wish list
3. Find a Realtor to be a Buyer's Agent
4. Review listings with agent and view homes
5. Work with agent on making an offer - includes conditions etc. such as subject to finance, home inspection, appraisal, earnest money
6. Agent negotiates offer on your behalf
7. If accepted, earnest money paid into seller's agent escrow account
8. Confirm mortgage with financing company
9. Closing
10. Move in!

Sellers

1. Find a Realtor
2. List house
3. Curb appeal!
4. Stay away during inspections
5. Your agent brings you ALL offers and negotiates on your behalf
6. Accept offer
7. Agent works on details for closing
8. Closing
9. Get your money!