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From Listing to Closing: What the Selling Process Really Looks Like

Selling your home is exciting, emotional, and honestly… a little overwhelming if you’ve never done it before (or if it’s been a while). The good news? It doesn’t have to feel like a mystery. With the right guidance and a clear plan, the process becomes smooth, organized, and even enjoyable. Here’s what the selling journey really looks like — step-by-step — here in Northeastern NC and Coastal VA.

Table of Contents

Your First Conversation & Walkthrough

This is where it all starts. We walk through your home together, talk about what makes it special, and what your goals are, price, timing, and what matters most to you. I’ll also point out small fixes or touch-ups that can help your home shine without overwhelming you or your budget.

Pricing It Right (This is Everything)

A great sale starts with great pricing. I’ll run a full Comparative Market Analysis to see what homes like yours are actually selling for in your specific area. We’ll look at current competition, local demand, updates you’ve done, and market trends, and together we’ll land on the perfect starting price.

Pre-Listing Prep

No, you don’t need to remodel your whole house — promise.
A clean, tidy, and well-lit space goes further than you think.
This step usually includes things like:

  • Decluttering

  • Touch-up paint

  • Fresh mulch

  • Pressure washing

  • Small repairs

We’ll keep it simple and focus on what actually moves the needle in our market.

Professional Photos & Marketing Prep

This is where your home becomes the star of the show.
I’ll schedule professional photography (and drone shots when needed) to highlight your home’s best features.
Then I’ll begin preparing the marketing:

  • MLS listing write-up

  • Social media posts

  • Email blasts

  • Website placement

  • Local advertising

  • Signage & directional signs

Your home won’t just be “listed” — it’ll be marketed.

Going Live on the Market

Once everything is ready, your home goes live on the MLS.
This pushes your listing out to: Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin, Homes.com, brokerage sites, and every agent in our region.
The goal here is maximum exposure within the first 24–72 hours.

Showings & Feedback

You’ll start receiving showing requests, and I’ll keep everything organized for you. After each showing, I’ll reach out to the buyer’s agent for feedback on what they loved, what questions they had, and anything that helps us understand how the market is responding.

Offers & Negotiations

This is where I roll up my sleeves.
We review all offers together, compare the details, and look at more than just price:

  • Closing timeline

  • Appraisal terms

  • Repair requests

  • Contingencies

  • Financing

  • Strength of the buyer

My job is to protect you, guide you, and negotiate the best outcome possible.

Under Contract & Inspections

Once we accept an offer, the buyer will schedule inspections.
Don’t stress — I’ll help guide you through what’s reasonable, what’s required, and what’s negotiable. We’ll respond to repair requests strategically so you don’t give up more than necessary.

Appraisal & Loan Approval (if financed)

If the buyer is using a mortgage, the lender orders an appraisal.
If anything comes in low or needs clarification, I’ll handle the back-and-forth and help navigate the best path forward.

Preparing for Closing Day

As we get closer, the closing attorney prepares all the documents, and the buyer completes final loan steps.
I’ll coordinate the final walk-through, confirm key details, and make sure everything is lined up for a smooth finish.

Closing & Handing Over the Keys

On closing day, you sign the final documents, the sale records, and the keys officially pass to the new owners.
And just like that, you’re on to your next chapter.

If you’re thinking about making a move and have any questions call or text me anytime:

910-691-3306

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Christie Peyton - Your East Coast NC & VA Realtor

CHRISTIE PEYTON

Hey friends, I’m Christie Peyton! I’m here to share weekly inspiration about the best local events, restaurants, cozy coffee spots, weekend adventures, and fun things to do around our little corner of the East Coast.

I love highlighting the places, people, and moments that make life here feel special, from sunny days by the water to simple small-town favorites and everything in between.

I’m so glad you’re here. Let’s enjoy coastal life together. 💙