Phase 1: Pre-Listing Preparation (1-2 Weeks)
Proper preparation is key to a successful sale. This phase sets the foundation for attracting buyers and maximizing your home's value in the Newton-Hickory market.
Choose Your Real Estate Agent
Interview agents, review their experience and track record. Lisa J. Smith offers $35M+ in sales experience and deep local knowledge of Catawba County.
Get Professional Home Valuation
Receive a comprehensive market analysis (CMA) to determine your home's competitive market value and optimal listing price strategy.
Complete Home Staging Consultation
Walk through your home with your agent to identify staging opportunities, needed repairs, and improvements that will maximize appeal to buyers.
Make Necessary Repairs
Fix leaky faucets, patch holes, touch up paint, replace burnt-out bulbs, and address any issues that could negatively impact buyer perception or appraisal.
Deep Clean Your Home
Thoroughly clean every room, paying special attention to kitchens and bathrooms. Consider hiring professional cleaners and carpet cleaning services.
Declutter & Depersonalize
Remove personal photos, excess furniture, and clutter. Pack away items you won't need before your move to make rooms appear larger and more neutral.
Enhance Curb Appeal
Mow lawn, trim bushes, add fresh mulch, plant flowers, power wash exterior, and ensure your home's exterior creates an excellent first impression.
Gather Important Documents
Collect your deed, mortgage information, HOA documents (if applicable), property tax records, warranty information, and records of recent improvements or repairs.
Schedule Professional Photography
Coordinate with your agent to schedule professional photography and virtual tour creation once your home is fully prepared and staged.
Sign Listing Agreement
Review and sign the listing agreement with your agent, establishing the listing price, commission structure, and terms of representation.
Phase 2: Active Marketing (2-6 Weeks)
Your home goes live! This is when professional marketing attracts qualified buyers and generates showing requests across the Newton-Hickory market.
MLS Listing Goes Live
Your home is entered into the Carolina Regional MLS with professional photos, detailed descriptions, and accurate information, immediately syndicating to 100+ real estate websites.
Social Media Marketing Launch
Targeted advertising campaigns launch on Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms, reaching thousands of potential buyers in the Catawba County area.
Email Marketing to Buyer Database
Your listing is emailed to active buyers, past clients, and local real estate professionals, generating early interest and showing requests.
First Open House
Launch weekend open house to create buzz and allow multiple buyers to view your home. We promote the event heavily and collect feedback from attendees.
Broker Tour / Agent Preview
Exclusive showing for local real estate agents who represent buyers. This generates interest from the agent network who can recommend your home to their clients.
Schedule & Accommodate Showings
Be flexible with showing times, keep your home "show-ready" at all times, and vacate during showings. More showings = higher likelihood of offers.
Review Showing Feedback
Your agent collects and reviews feedback from showings to identify any concerns or objections, adjusting strategy as needed to increase buyer interest.
Receive & Review Offers
When offers come in, your agent presents each one, analyzes the terms (price, contingencies, timeline, financing), and advises you on the strongest offer.
Phase 3: Under Contract to Closing (4-6 Weeks)
You've accepted an offer! Now we navigate inspections, appraisals, and finalizing details to ensure a smooth closing on your Catawba County home sale.
Accept Offer & Sign Contract
Review final offer terms, negotiate if necessary, and sign the purchase agreement. Your agent handles all negotiation and paperwork preparation.
Receive Earnest Money Deposit
Buyer submits earnest money (typically 1-3% of purchase price) which is held in escrow, demonstrating their commitment to the purchase.
Due Diligence Period Begins
Buyer conducts their inspections and investigations. In NC, the due diligence period typically lasts 7-21 days depending on negotiations.
Home Inspection
Buyer schedules professional home inspection. Be prepared for inspector to access all areas including attic, crawlspace, and all systems.
Review & Negotiate Inspection Requests
If buyer requests repairs based on inspection findings, your agent helps you negotiate which items to address, credit, or decline.
Complete Agreed-Upon Repairs
If you agreed to make repairs, coordinate with contractors to complete work before closing. Keep all receipts and documentation.
Appraisal Scheduled
If buyer is financing, their lender orders an appraisal. Ensure home is clean and accessible. Provide appraiser with list of recent improvements.
Appraisal Completed
Appraisal report confirms home value meets or exceeds sale price. If appraisal comes in low, your agent helps negotiate solutions.
Buyer's Loan Approval
Buyer receives final loan approval from their lender. This is a critical milestone confirming the sale will proceed to closing.
Final Walk-Through
Buyer conducts final walk-through (usually 24-48 hours before closing) to verify property condition and that agreed repairs were completed.
Review Closing Disclosure
Review your closing disclosure showing final sale price, your proceeds, and all closing costs. Your agent explains all line items.
Attend Closing
Sign final documents at the closing attorney's office. Bring valid ID. The transaction finalizes and you receive your proceeds via wire or check.
Important Documents You'll Need
📄 Property Documents
- • Original deed or title
- • Property survey (if available)
- • HOA documents and bylaws
- • Property tax records
- • Mortgage payoff information
🏠 Home Information
- • List of improvements/upgrades
- • Receipts for major repairs
- • Warranty information for appliances
- • HVAC maintenance records
- • Roof age and warranty
📋 Disclosure Forms
- • Residential Property Disclosure
- • Lead-based paint disclosure (pre-1978)
- • Well & septic records (if applicable)
- • Homeowner's insurance info
- • Utility account information
💰 Financial Documents
- • Current mortgage statement
- • Home equity loan information
- • Property tax payment records
- • HOA fee payment records
- • Closing cost estimates
🔧 Maintenance Records
- • HVAC service records
- • Roof inspection/repair records
- • Pest control treatments
- • Plumbing/electrical work
- • Appliance manuals & warranties
✍️ Contract Documents
- • Listing agreement
- • Purchase agreement
- • Inspection reports
- • Repair addendums
- • Closing disclosure statement
You Don't Have to Navigate This Alone
While this checklist covers the major steps, Lisa J. Smith handles most of these tasks for you. With $35M+ in sales experience and hundreds of successful closings across Newton, Hickory, and Catawba County, you'll have expert guidance every step of the way.
What We Handle For You
Ready to Start Your Selling Journey?
Get your free home valuation and personalized selling strategy from Lisa J. Smith. We'll guide you through every step of this checklist to ensure a smooth, successful sale of your Newton, Hickory, or Catawba County home.
📍 329 W E Street, Newton, NC 28658 • ✉️ info@realtyhyve.com
Get Your Personalized Selling Plan
Contact us today to receive a custom timeline and checklist for your home sale.