Once an offer is made, if you intend to accept the offer, or make a counter offer, do it as soon as possible. Realize that at any time prior to accepting or countering, a buyer can withdraw their offer.

When you make changes to an offer, they require written approval of all parties for the contract to be enforceable. Know that even minor changes facilitate the opportunity for either the seller or buyer to change their mind.

Closing

To put it simply the last part of the home selling process is closing. It is the time between signing the purchase contract (once an agreement on price and terms has been reached) to the day the deed is actually recorded transferring title. Once everything is signed, then escrow closes and your home is sold.

Moving On

It doesn’t matter if you have moved once or several times, it is never an easy task. There is a lot of emotion associated with selling a home. So on to a new adventure. The following are some tips you may find helpful.

• Notify the post office of a forwarding address.
  
• Cancel subscriptions that would not be forwarded.
  
• Arrange for new checking account if needed.
  
• Arrange for utilities and telephone at your new location.
  
• Plan for needs of children and pets during the move
  
• Plan for sufficient cash/travelers checks during the move.
  
• Are you packing/moving yourself or will a professional mover handle the move?
  
• Once you are reasonably sure you will be proceeding with the sale, begin weeding out your possessions.
  
• Pack one room at a time.
  
• Keep the weight of your boxes reasonable.
  
• Start packing and marking every box according to contents and room it will go in.
  
• If bubble wrap is not available, use towels and blankets to wrap fragile items.
  
• If possible, pack audio-video and computer equipment in their original boxes.
  
• Do not pack valuables, carry them with you.