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Birmingham Real Estate
Inspections & Appraisals
Most buyers order a licensed home inspection; timelines are set in the Purchase Agreement. Buyers may engage specialists for roofs, HVAC, or pest inspections. If the buyer needs financing, the lender will order an appraisal to confirm the property value for their loan.
The Closing Agent
A title company or attorney will act as closing agent to verify clear title and prepare closing documents. They review recorded history and confirm there are no encumbrances that would prevent transfer of ownership.
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What else you should know...
Contingencies
Contingencies are conditions that must be met before a contract is binding — common examples include inspections and financing. Buyers will complete steps such as:
- Securing financing and insurance
- Reviewing title and disclosure documents
- Conducting inspections (roof, pest, boundary survey, septic/well, mold, HVAC, etc.)
When renegotiation is requested, an experienced listing agent helps you respond objectively and fairly while protecting your interests.
Loan Approval and Appraisal
Prefer buyers with lender pre‑approval, approval letters, or written loan commitments. An appraiser from the lender will verify the sales price is supported by the market.
Tips For Selling
Give your house a deep clean
First impressions matter. Before listing, deep clean bathrooms, kitchens, floors, and carpets. Professional cleaning can boost perceived value and reduce buyer objections.
Declutter the home
A clutter‑free home helps buyers focus on the property, not your belongings. Clear counters, closets, and common areas so potential buyers can imagine their life in the space.
Call a handyman
Take care of visible repairs before listing. Buyers notice maintenance issues, and addressing them early builds confidence and can help speed up the sale. The great news is we have handymen on the ready to help get your repairs done and your home market ready at a very reasonable price. We do all the heavy lifting for you!
Paint the walls
Not only is painting a great way to clean up the walls but making the overall color scheme neutral will increase the appeal to potential buyers, making it easier for them to envision their belongings in the house - get rid of any bright, outdated paint colors and go with a neutral palette throughout the house.
Staged homes tend to fill quickly because they feel homier - if you have neutral furniture that you can leave in the home, do it, otherwise consider a professional staging company.
Depersonalize your homeYou want to leave a few nice, framed photos around the house to make the home appear inviting and lived in, but in general, removing your very personal items, such as family photos will let the potential buyers see their photos in those places, versus yours.
