Below is a clear, comprehensive Home Seller’s Timeline outlining the tasks and expectations for the Seller, Listing Agent, Escrow, and Lender at each stage. I’ve organized it step-by-step so you can easily use it as a checklist or planning guide.

1. Pre-Listing Preparation (2–6 Weeks Before Going Live)

✅ Seller Responsibilities

• Declutter, depersonalize, and clean the home.
• Complete minor repairs (paint touch-ups, leak repairs, bulb replacements).
• Provide property details to the agent:
• Gather important documents:
• Allow professional access for photos/inspections.

👩💼 Listing Agent Responsibilities

• Provide a Comparable Market Analysis (CMA) to determine pricing.
• Advise on staging, repairs, and improvements with the highest ROI.
• Hire and coordinate:
• Prepare listing materials: MLS description, floor plans, brochures.
• Create a marketing plan and timeline.
• Ensure required disclosures are prepared for signing.

🗂️ Escrow / Lender Involvement

• None yet—they become involved once an offer is accepted.

2. Listing the Property (Week 1)

✅ Seller Responsibilities

• Keep the home clean and show-ready.
• Approve showing times and provide easy access.
• Leave the property during showings and open houses.

👩💼 Listing Agent Responsibilities

• Publish the listing on MLS and syndicate to major real estate sites.
• Launch marketing campaign:
• Conduct open houses and private showings.
• Track feedback and adjust strategy as needed.

3. Receiving Offers (Varies: Days to Weeks)

✅ Seller Responsibilities

• Review offers carefully:
• Ask questions and decide: accept, counter, or reject.
• Sign the accepted offer electronically.

👩💼 Listing Agent Responsibilities

• Present and explain all offers.
• Provide net sheets (estimated proceeds).
• Communicate with the buyer’s agent for clarifications or counters.
• Draft counteroffers.
• Ensure all signatures and contract details are completed correctly.

🗂️ Escrow Responsibilities

• Once the offer is accepted:

4. Under Contract / Buyer Contingency Period (Typically 10–21 Days)

✅ Seller Responsibilities

• Allow access for inspections, appraisal, and contractor estimates.
• Review and respond to buyer repair requests.
• Complete any agreed-upon repairs.
• Provide additional disclosures if requested.

👩💼 Listing Agent Responsibilities

• Coordinate inspection appointments.
• Assist in negotiating repair requests or credits.
• Provide required property disclosures.
• Monitor the buyer's progress on loan approval and appraisal.

🏦 Lender Responsibilities

• Order the home appraisal.
• Verify the buyer’s financial documents.
• Issue loan disclosures and conditions.
• Work toward loan approval (final “clear to close”).

🗂️ Escrow Responsibilities

• Hold funds securely.
• Distribute disclosure packets.
• Track contingency deadlines.
• Manage earnest money (refunds or release depending on outcome).

5. Appraisal & Loan Approval (Typically Days 10–25)

🏦 Lender Responsibilities

• Review appraisal and notify parties.
• Request additional documents from the buyer as needed.
• Issue the loan approval.
• Coordinate with escrow for final loan documents.

👩💼 Listing Agent Responsibilities

• Communicate appraisal results to the seller.
• Negotiate if the property appraises low (price reduction or buyer paying the difference).

✅ Seller Responsibilities

• Continue to maintain the property.
• Be prepared to negotiate if the appraisal is low.

🗂️ Escrow Responsibilities

• Update all parties on the loan doc arrival.
• Prepare estimated closing statements.

6. Closing Preparation (Final 5–7 Days)

✅ Seller Responsibilities

• Schedule a signing appointment with the escrow/closing attorney.
• Review closing statement (net proceeds).
• Complete move-out by the agreed date.
• Transfer utilities on the possession date.
• Leave keys, garage remotes, and manuals for the buyer.

👩💼 Listing Agent Responsibilities

• Review closing statements for accuracy.
• Coordinate walk-through with buyer’s agent.
• Confirm move-out condition and key transfer.

🏦 Lender Responsibilities

• Send the final loan package to escrow.
• Fund the buyer’s loan.

🗂️ Escrow Responsibilities

• Prepare the final settlement statement.
• Notarize seller signatures.
• Receive loan funds from the lender.
• Disburse funds:

7. Closing Day

🗂️ Escrow Responsibilities

• Record the deed with the county.
• Confirm transfer of ownership.
• Release funds to the seller (wire or check).

👩💼 Listing Agent Responsibilities

• Confirm recording.
• Hand over possession to the buyer.
• Close out MLS listing as sold.

✅ Seller Responsibilities

• Hand over all keys and vacate the home by the agreed time.
• Celebrate! 🎉

✔️ Summary Checklist by Role

Seller

• Prepare the home and provide disclosures.
• Approve showings and maintain property condition.
• Review offers and negotiate.
• Complete repairs and move out on time.
• Sign closing documents.

Listing Agent

• Price, market, and negotiate the sale.
• Handle documentation and disclosures.
• Coordinate inspections, appraisal, and timelines.
• Support seller throughout closing.

Escrow

• Hold and disburse funds.
• Manage paperwork and deadlines.
• Facilitate signing and transfer of ownership.

Buyer’s Lender

• Approve the buyer financially.
• Order appraisal.
• Provide loan docs and fund the loan.

A smooth, confident home sale begins with the right partner. Connect with me today to take the first step.

Tina Lucarelli - Realtor - The ONE Luxury Properties, Inc. - Westlake Village, CA 91361

DRE 02102354 - (310) 738-8089