Seller's Guide

A Step-by-Step First Time Seller's Guide

Selling your home is an important decision, and preparation is key. This step-by-step seller guide outlines what to expect at each stage so the process feels informed and intentional. We would love the opportunity to connect and see if we are the right fit to represent you.

Step 1

Choose the Right Real Estate Agent

For sellers, choosing the right agent sets the tone for the entire sale. Before discussing pricing or timelines, it is important to understand how an agent approaches strategy, marketing, and negotiation. Every agent offers a different level of service and expertise, and that choice can directly influence exposure, positioning, and final results.

At The Alto Group, we begin by understanding your goals and expectations so we can create a clear strategy from the start. Working closely with Peter Lorimer, The Alto Group is part of a proven track record that closed over $70 million this year through innovative marketing, strong negotiation, and consistent results. This experience allows us to operate with precision and creativity while adapting strategies to meet the demands of today’s market.

Step 2

Setting the Right Price

Market conditions are constantly changing, and pricing strategies must adapt accordingly. Understanding current trends, buyer behavior, and comparable sales is essential, as pricing directly impacts demand, time on market, and the final outcome. Working with an agent who can clearly explain these dynamics and adjust strategy as the market shifts helps position your home for a successful sale.

At The Alto Group, pricing is never one size fits all. Based on your goals, we walk through three pricing strategies our clients commonly consider: pricing aggressively, pricing fairly, and pricing aspirationally. We provide clear market data, recent comparable sales, and insight into current conditions so you can confidently choose the approach that best aligns with your priorities.

Step 3

Preparing Your Home to Sell

Preparing your home for the market is about presenting it in a way that helps buyers envision themselves living there. Data shows that staged and thoughtfully prepared homes tend to attract more interest and sell for higher prices. According to research cited by The Zebra, staged homes can sell for 5 percent to 23 percent more than unstaged homes and often spend less time on the market, as buyers respond more positively when a home feels move-in ready and emotionally engaging.

At The Alto Group, we use hands on experience to guide sellers through this preparation process. We provide practical recommendations on paint, staging, minor improvements, and curb appeal enhancements based on current buyer behavior and market expectations. Our goal is to help you present your home at its very best so it stands out, attracts strong interest, and supports a successful sale

Step 4

Marketing Your Home

How a home is marketed shapes how it is perceived. The most successful listings do more than inform buyers that a home is available. They create a feeling. Strong marketing helps buyers understand not just the property itself, but the lifestyle, the setting, and what it would feel like to live there. When done well, marketing builds connection, generates momentum, and positions a home to stand out in the market.

At The Alto Group, we tailor each marketing strategy to the home, the market, and your goals. Our approach is rooted in storytelling. We focus on presenting the full picture by highlighting the features of the home, the surrounding neighborhood, and the lifestyle it offers. By creating a narrative buyers can see themselves in, we generate meaningful interest and attract the right audience, all while positioning your home with intention and clarity.

Step 5

Closing the Sale

If everything has gone right, you are now reviewing an offer, or possibly multiple offers. This is where momentum turns into decisions. Once an offer is accepted, escrow opens and the process shifts to inspections, disclosures, appraisals, and timelines. During this stage, your agent manages communication, coordinates next steps, and ensures all parties stay aligned as the transaction moves toward closing.

At The Alto Group, we focus on clear guidance and steady execution. We help you review offers thoughtfully, navigate negotiations with clarity, and manage the details that carry the sale through escrow and closing. By staying proactive and communicative, we ensure each step remains aligned with your goals while the process moves forward with confidence.

Congratulations!

Selling your home marks the close of one chapter and the beginning of another. Whether this is relocating to a new city, moving into a larger home, or downsizing and enjoying life as empty nesters, knowing this milestone is complete helps you step into your next chapter with confidence.

Comprehensive Seller Services

Selling a home can feel complex, but it does not have to feel overwhelming. At The Alto Group, our approach begins with relationships. We take the time to truly understand who we are working with, what matters most to you, and how the sale of your home fits into your broader goals.

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Work With The Alto Group

We are dedicated to helping you find your dream home and assisting with any selling needs you may have. Contact us to see if we'd be a good fit for your goals.

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