Seller Guide
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Choosing the agent who will sell your home isn't a decision to take lightly. Your agent should understand your goals, know the local market and be a great match for you and your home. Credentials are a plus, but what you can't see behind the numbers is going the extra mile and genuinely caring about clients. I'd love the chance to earn your business and share this milestone with you.
I'm Lex Fowler, a REALTOR® with The Foundry Group at Compass, serving families in Southern Pines and across Moore County, known for my optimism, attention to detail and in-depth market knowledge.
Inside this guide
Working together
What You Can Expect
Before you list
Prepare for the Market
Most buyers gravitate toward a turnkey home they can move right into. Skipping needed repairs can turn buyers off and stall your sale, while a little legwork now can boost your sale price and keep things moving once a buyer is interested.
Declutter and depersonalize. Help buyers picture their own life in your home.
Freshen up. A fresh coat of paint, pressure washing and a little curb appeal go a long way.
Walk through like a buyer. Go room by room with the checklist below, keeping a buyer's perspective in mind as you decide on repairs.
Consider a pre-listing inspection. A home inspector can flag what needs attention before buyers find it.
Room by room
Listing Prep Checklist
Note what needs attention as you walk through, then check it off once it's done. I'm happy to share trusted local vendors for anything on the list.
- Light fixtures and bulbs
- Carpets and flooring
- Windows, doors and trim
- Paint and wallpaper
- Cabinets and hardware
- Sinks and faucets
- HVAC
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Clear and clean counters
- Clean the backsplash
- Clean appliances, inside and out
- Organize drawers, cabinets and pantry
- Clean the sink, disposal and floors
- Dust and clean all surfaces
- Declutter countertops and drawers
- Tidy cabinets and remove extra toiletries
- Clean or replace shower curtains
- Clean any mildew or mold
- Set out fresh, folded towels
- Remove clutter and personal items
- Stage with pillows and throws
- Dust surfaces and fixtures
- Keep tables clear
- Remove clutter and personal items
- Clean out and organize closets
- Repair any wall damage
- Make beds and close closets before showings
- Pressure wash the driveway and concrete
- Clean or repaint doors and trim
- Wash windows; sweep walkways and patios
- Mow, trim hedges, weed and mulch
- Arrange outdoor furniture
- Repair fencing and replace rotten wood
- Pool or spa clean and working
Strategic marketing
Pricing It Right
Here's something that may surprise you: homes priced right from the start typically sell for more in the end. A home gets the most attention when it first hits the market. Price it too high and it sits, and the longer it sits, the fewer showings it gets. That's why we'll look closely at recent sales near you before choosing a number.
- Buyers and agents recognize a fair price
- Fewer appraisal surprises
- Shows up in more of the right buyer searches
- High interest and a quick sale
- Can bring multiple offers, sometimes over asking
- The trade-off: risk of selling for less
- It can take longer to sell
- The longer it sits, the less appealing it looks
- It may not appraise, sending you back to negotiations
First impressions
Staged to Sell
Staging goes beyond looks. It helps buyers picture their lives unfolding in your home, and when first impressions are everything, a well-staged home stands out. Best of all, staging usually costs less than the first price drop you might make if your home lingers on the market.
Lead with the best features. We'll arrange each room to show off what makes your home special.
Create space and flow. Fewer pieces, placed well, make rooms feel bigger and easier to imagine living in.
Then photos and video. Professional photos and a listing that tells the story of your home and your neighborhood.
It's showing time
Showing Your Home
Together we'll set the days and hours for showings. I'll keep a set of keys in an electronic lockbox, and I'm notified every time it's opened, so no one gets into your home without my knowledge. After each showing, I'll share any feedback from buyers.
- Sweep the porch, clean the front door and add a mat or wreath
- Turn on the lights and open the curtains
- Set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature well ahead of time
- Add fresh flowers or a bowl of fruit
- Put away personal items, documents and clutter
- Close toilet lids and shower curtains; put out fresh linens
- Open windows ahead of time for fresh air, and go easy on air fresheners
- Take pets out during showings and tidy any pet messes
Under contract
The Closing Process
Here are the major milestones once we accept an offer on your home.
Offer accepted. The buyer pays you the Due Diligence Fee directly, and their Earnest Money goes into escrow. Both are credited toward the price at closing. If the buyer walks away, the fee is generally yours to keep.
Buyer's due diligence. During the negotiated Due Diligence Period, the buyer inspects the home, gets insurance and works with their lender. If they ask for repairs or a credit, I'll walk you through your options before you respond.
Appraisal and loan approval. The buyer's lender orders an appraisal and finalizes the loan. If the appraisal comes in low, we'll talk through next steps together.
Final walk-through. Just before closing, the buyer confirms the home is in the agreed-upon condition.
Closing day. In North Carolina, a real estate attorney handles the closing. Once everything is signed and the deed is recorded, you receive your proceeds. Already moved? Remote closing options keep things on track.
here for you!
Next steps
Getting started is simple
Once we've agreed on a price and signed a few documents, I can have your home on the market in as little as 48 hours. Selling your home is a big deal, and I'd be honored to help you do it.
Before real estate, I spent eight years in public health and research, including time with the VA, where accuracy and deadlines were nonnegotiable. I bring that same discipline to every contract and closing, with The Foundry Group and Compass behind you.
Home value estimates are a broker's opinion of value for marketing purposes, not an appraisal.
Lex Fowler, REALTOR® · The Foundry Group at Compass · @lexfowler_realestate
Next up
Buying your next home?
Financing, showings, NC offers and a buyer FAQ, all in one place.