Part Four: Your Complete Home Selling Guide

Navigate your Albuquerque home sale from accepted offer to closing — inspections, appraisal, final walkthrough, and handing over the keys.

You've accepted an offer—congratulations! But the sale isn't complete until you close. Here's what happens between accepted offer and handing over the keys.

The Buyer's Inspection

The buyer will hire an inspector to examine your home. Be prepared for them to find something—no home is perfect. Stay calm and work with your agent to respond to repair requests reasonably.

Not everything needs to be addressed. Focus on safety issues, major systems, and items that could affect financing. Cosmetic requests are typically negotiable.

Negotiating Repairs

Make the repairs yourself
Offer a credit at closing
Reduce the purchase price
Decline to make certain repairs

Your agent will help you navigate what's fair and customary in the current market.

The Appraisal

The buyer's lender will order an appraisal to confirm the home's value. If it comes in at or above the purchase price, you're good to go. If it comes in low, you may need to negotiate—reducing the price, splitting the difference, or having the buyer make up the gap.

Preparing for Closing

Complete any agreed-upon repairs
Gather all warranties, manuals, and keys
Cancel or transfer utilities
Schedule your move
Conduct a final cleaning

The Final Walkthrough

The buyer will do a final walkthrough, typically 24-48 hours before closing, to verify the home is in the agreed-upon condition and all repairs were completed.

Closing Day

At closing, you'll sign documents transferring ownership, pay off your existing mortgage, receive your proceeds, and hand over the keys. Your agent will guide you through the paperwork.

Congratulations!

You've successfully sold your home. Whether you're moving across town or across the country, you can start your next chapter knowing you navigated the sale like a pro.