The Home Buyer and Home Seller Guide is here! This buyer & seller guide provides a short insight on what it takes to find you a new home or sell your current home. If you want to know a little bit about what to expect when buying a home, read below to get an idea of every step that we will help you through!
Buyer & Seller Guide
THE BUYING PROCESS, SIMPLIFIED
PRE-APPROVAL
DISCUSS YOUR NEEDS
DIRECT MLS EMAIL
VIEW HOMES
WRITE AN OFFER
HOME INSPECTION
FORMAL LOAN APPLICATION
APPRAISAL
FINAL LOAN APPROVAL
CLOSING DISCLOSURES
CLOSING DAY
KEYS
GET PRE-APPROVED
The first step in the home-buying process is meeting with a trusted loan officer from a reputable bank, credit union, or mortgage broker. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage helps you understand what to expect when it comes to closing costs, down payment, and monthly payments. It also shows you exactly what price range of homes you qualify for. Without this step, you’re not fully prepared to make an offer on a home.
The mortgage pre-approval process is often simpler than most buyers expect. And if you ever feel overwhelmed, you can lean on our experience and expertise. We’re here to guide you every step of the way and make sure your home financing feels clear and manageable.
AGENT CONSULTATION
When you begin house hunting, it’s helpful to make a list of your wants, needs, likes, and dislikes, but be sure to keep an open mind. Just like a favorite pair of jeans, not every home will “fit” the same way, even if the details, such as square footage, number of bedrooms, or style, look perfect on paper.
That’s why discussing your priorities with your real estate agent is so important. An open conversation can reveal features you may not have considered and help us narrow down the options to find the home that truly fits your lifestyle. Together, we’ll make sure your home-buying journey ends with the perfect place to call your own.
Why Buyer Representation Matters
When starting your home search, it’s important to remember that the listing agent represents the seller, not you. That’s why working with a dedicated buyer’s agent is so valuable. As your personal representative, we protect your interests, guide you through every step of the home-buying process, and use our expertise to help you secure the best possible outcome.
From navigating contracts to negotiating favorable terms, our role is to make buying a home as smooth and stress-free as possible. With a trusted real estate agent on your side, you’ll have the confidence to find the right property and move forward with success.
Market & Industry Knowledge
Real estate is more than just finding the right house; it’s about understanding the true value of a home and how every decision impacts your investment. With decades of experience and insight into real-time real estate market trends, we guide you through evaluating comparable homes, analyzing pricing, and understanding how features, location, and timing affect property value.
Our goal is to help you make not just a good offer, but a smart and competitive offer that positions you for success in today’s housing market.
Technology That Simplifies Everything
We combine personalized service with cutting-edge real estate technology to create a seamless home-buying experience. Our digital tools make it easy to sign documents securely online, receive customized home search alerts, and schedule showings at your convenience.
No more printing paperwork, dropping off checks, or worrying about missing the newest listings. Our secure online platforms keep your entire home search and buying process streamlined, efficient, and stress-free.
Before the Offer
Buying a home starts long before you write an offer. We begin by getting to know your lifestyle, financial goals, and priorities to help you identify the home features that matter most, whether that’s location, layout, outdoor space, or community amenities.
Next, we’ll connect you with trusted lenders for mortgage pre-approval, so you’re fully prepared to make a strong and serious offer when the right property comes on the market. To keep you informed, we also provide up-to-date real estate market data, including pricing strategies and average days on market, so you can feel confident and prepared throughout the entire home buying process.
After the Offer
Once your offer is accepted, our work is just beginning. Behind the scenes, we manage every detail to keep your home purchase on track. From overseeing the home inspection and helping you navigate any repairs or negotiations, to coordinating with your lender for a timely appraisal, we make sure no step is overlooked.
We also work closely with the title company to resolve any issues and keep all parties informed throughout the closing process. With clear communication at every stage, you’ll always know what’s happening, when it’s happening, and why, so you can move forward with confidence all the way to closing day.
SELLING WITH CENTURY 21 SIGNATURE REALTY
Selling your home can seem daunting. CENTURY 21 Signature Realty is here to help you navigate through this major life-decision. If you are ready to sell your home, contact us and let’s get going!
Selling your home is a very personalized process, which is why meeting with a CENTURY 21 agent is the most important first step in this process. CENTURY 21 agents will create a tailored home selling plan to fit your needs.
EXTERIOR CURB APPEAL
Before potential buyers even see what the home has to offer, they view its exterior. As a result, an unkempt or unattractive view of the outside of the home could potentially result in a missed opportunity. To show the house in its best light, consider the following:
- Move all materials, including garbage cans and gardening supplies, from the front yard and into a garage or shed.
- Mow the lawn and weed and maintain all planted areas.
- Replace any outdoor light bulbs that are not working.
- Sweep walkways and steps, and remove all small items from the porch or patio.
- Replace worn or badly stained door mats.
- Trim trees and shrubs.
- Repair any broken or damaged fencing.
STAGE TO SELL INTERIOR
Once a potential buyer enters the home, they need to determine if it will meet their needs and expectations. Give them the best view of the home’s interior by following these steps:
- Remove the home of any clutter by limiting decorative objects (including real and fake plants) and clearing all unnecessary appliances and accessories from the kitchen countertops.
- Rearrange or remove furniture to highlight the space in a room Make sure all light bulbs work and are the same color. Replace any blue tinted bulbs as they make the space feel cold.
- Remove used towels from bathrooms and put any hygiene products in a closet or cupboard.
- Review each room and clean or vacuum if necessary.
- Before showings, turn on lights, especially in hallways and small rooms.
SELL WITH CONFIDENCE
Selling your home in a quickly, or less than the median days on market for similar properties, can result in the highest possible sale price. The following guildlines help your home stand above the competition, giving you the best results.
PROPER PRICE
A market analysis should be completed to compare the listed property with other sold and for sale properties in the area of the subject. A range will be given and choosing within the range should yield the best results.
EASY ACCESSIBILITY
Home buyers want to look at properties that are for sale on their own time. Homes that are not easily accessible could be passed over by a qualified buyer. There are plenty of homes on the market. “Quick sale” properties are available at any reasonable time.
SELLER FLEXIBILITY
Some Buyers need help with closing costs, quick occupancy, or extended closing date. The wise Seller will remain flexible and willing in order to sell their house for the highest dollar.
GOOD CONDITION
Buyers expect a property to be in reasonably good condition. Most buyers are not skilled or interested in completing repairs even if they are cosmetic. For a “quick sale” the property should be in good condition.
REASONABLE COMMISSION
We work hard for a commission, just like you! Cutting commissions might sound like a good idea on the surface, but this can end up costing the Seller tons of money, as well as losing any negotiating power.
PROPER ADVERTISING
If a Buyer doesn’t know it’s for sale, they won’t try to buy it. Advertising should be far reaching in order to locate the best Buyer for your property.
PROPERTY APPEAL
Staging a property can mean the difference. Buyers can’t visualize what a property could look like. They need to see it in its best light.
Our Marketing Plan
When it comes to selling your home, we use a comprehensive real estate marketing strategy designed to give your property maximum exposure. This begins with professional real estate photography, compelling listing descriptions, and placement in the local MLS to ensure your home is seen by qualified buyers.
Your listing will also be featured on CENTURY 21 websites, distributed to top platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, and other major home search sites, and promoted across multiple social media channels. In addition, we create custom print materials, launch targeted email campaigns, and run strategic digital ads to reach active homebuyers. From online visibility to in-person marketing, we make sure your property stands out in every way.
Pricing Your Home
Factors That Influence Your Listing
Your home’s value is influenced by current real estate market conditions and comparisons to similar properties. For example, if a comparable home in your neighborhood recently sold for $250,000, it helps set a benchmark for pricing your home. Upgrades such as a modern kitchen, new roof, or updated systems can increase value, while outdated features may reduce buyer interest. Even offering flexible closing terms can make your property more appealing to potential buyers.
What Doesn't Affect Value
When it comes to pricing your home, buyers aren’t influenced by what you paid years ago or how much profit you hope to make. Even large investments, like spending $20,000 on landscaping, don’t always translate into an equal increase in home value. And while friends and neighbors may have opinions, the true price of your home is determined by the real estate market and what buyers are willing to pay.
Staging Your Home
Since nearly all buyers view homes for sale online before scheduling a showing, it’s essential to make sure your property stands out in both photos and in person. Professional real estate photography combined with thoughtful home staging ensures your home is presented in the best possible light, creating a strong first impression that attracts serious buyers. Staging not only highlights your home’s best features but also helps set the stage for multiple and competitive offers.
Exterior Tips
First impressions matter when selling your home, and great photos start with perfect timing. Schedule your real estate photography and showings when the sun highlights the front of your property for the best natural light. Enhance your curb appeal by keeping the exterior clean and welcoming, moving cars out of sight, sweeping driveways and walkways, trimming bushes and trees, and washing windows and siding as needed.
Simple touches like freshly cut grass, neat flowerbeds, a new doormat, colorful flowers, or a seasonal wreath on the door can instantly make your home feel warm and inviting to buyers, both online and in person.
Interior Tips
When staging the inside of your home, light and cleanliness make all the difference. Start by giving the entire house a deep clean and replacing any burnt-out lightbulbs. Before real estate photography or showings, turn on all the lights, remove clutter from entryways, and make every bed to create a polished look.
In the kitchen and bathrooms, clear countertops of personal items, remove fridge magnets, and keep surfaces tidy. Add a touch of warmth with fresh flowers or a bowl of colorful fruit. Finally, tuck away shoes, pet items, and other everyday belongings so that each room appears bright, spacious, and move-in ready, helping buyers picture themselves living there.
Realtor Perception of Demand
Before listing your property, many REALTORS® recommend making strategic home updates that can increase value and attract more buyers. One of the most effective upgrades is a fresh coat of paint. Whether you repaint the entire home or just update a key room, new paint creates a clean, neutral, and move-in-ready feel that appeals to today’s homebuyers.
Another impactful improvement is installing a new roof, which not only boosts curb appeal but also gives buyers peace of mind about long-term maintenance. These updates can make your home stand out in the market and position it for stronger offers.
Joy Score for Remodeling
Technology & Online Presence
Your listing will benefit from industry-leading real estate technology designed to maximize exposure and streamline the home selling process. With Zillow Showcase, your property receives enhanced visibility and a premium presentation that attracts more buyer views and saves. Through Dotloop, you’ll enjoy secure online document management and digital signing, making transactions simple and efficient.
We also use powerful tools like RealScout and ShowingTime to track buyer activity, schedule showings, and gather valuable feedback, keeping you informed at every stage. And with our partnership through Boost, your home is promoted across more than 1,000 websites, ensuring maximum reach to motivated buyers.
Listing Performance & Visibility
Being on Zillow is important, but how your home is represented makes all the difference. Our Zillow Showcase listings feature premium photography and enhanced presentation that consistently attract more attention, and often help homes sell faster and for a higher price.
To keep your marketing strategy effective, we track your listing’s performance through Golden Ruler, providing real-time data on views, shares, and buyer activity. This insight allows us to stay responsive and make strategic adjustments, ensuring your home receives maximum exposure and strong buyer interest.
Photos & Details Matter Most Online
The Internet is the first place to be present
with approximately 3 million visits per month, Century21.com will get your property noticed.
© CENTURY 21 Signature Realty
CENTURY 21 and the CENTURY 21 Logo are registered service marks owned by CENTURY 21 Real Estate LLC. State Street Realty, LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise in independently owned and operated. Any services or products provided by independently owned and operated franchises are not provided by, affiliated with or related to Century 21 Real Estate LLC nor any of its affiliated companies.
