If you've never sold a home before — or it's been a while — the process can feel like a mystery. What actually happens between "I think I want to sell" and "here are the keys"?

I walk sellers through this every single day and the biggest thing I've noticed is that when people understand the process, they feel so much more confident and in control. So let's walk through it together, step by step.

Step 1: The Listing Consultation

Everything starts with a conversation. Before we talk price, before we talk timeline, I want to understand your goals. Are you selling to move up? Relocating? Downsizing? Each situation has a slightly different strategy and the best plan for your sale depends on what you're actually trying to accomplish.

At this appointment I'll do a full walkthrough of your home, talk through what's working and what might need attention before we list, and give you a Comparative Market Analysis — a real data-driven look at what your home is worth right now based on recent sales in your area. This consultation is free and comes with zero pressure or obligation. It's just information so you can make a great decision.

Step 2: Preparing Your Home

Once you decide you're ready to move forward, we get your home show-ready. This doesn't necessarily mean a big renovation — it usually means decluttering, addressing small repairs, fresh paint in high-traffic areas if needed, and staging key rooms to photograph beautifully.

I'll walk you through exactly what to focus on based on your specific home. Some homes need very little prep. Others need a few targeted updates that will genuinely move the needle on your sale price. I'll tell you honestly which is which. This phase typically takes one to three weeks depending on what's needed.

Step 3: Professional Photography and Going Live

This is where things get exciting. Professional photos are taken — and in my listings we also do video and social media content because your home deserves to be seen by as many qualified buyers as possible.

Your listing goes live on the MLS, Zillow, Realtor.com, and all major platforms at the same time. I'll also be promoting it on social media, through my email list, and to my network of buyers who are actively looking. The first week your home is live is the most important week — that's when buyer interest is highest and that's when we want to generate showings and offers.

Step 4: Showings and Offers

Buyers and their agents schedule showings through ShowingTime. You'll get notifications on your phone and can approve or adjust showing times. I recommend being as flexible as possible during that first week or two — the more accessible your home is, the more buyers see it.

When offers come in, I review every single one with you in detail. Not just the price — the terms matter just as much. Financing type, contingencies, closing timeline, what the buyer is asking for — all of it affects how strong an offer actually is. I'll help you evaluate every offer clearly and negotiate on your behalf.

Step 5: Under Contract

Once you accept an offer, you're officially under contract. This is exciting! But there are still important steps between contract and closing.

The buyer will typically schedule a home inspection within the first week. Depending on what they find, they may request repairs or a credit — we'll navigate that together. An appraisal will also be ordered by the buyer's lender and the home needs to appraise at or above the contract price for their loan to go through. You'll also be working with the closing attorney to clear the title and coordinating your moving plans during this time.

Step 6: Closing Day

This is the best day. Closing in Georgia happens at a closing attorney's office. You'll sign the final paperwork, the buyer's funds are transferred, and the keys change hands. The whole appointment usually takes about an hour.

Then you're done! Your proceeds are wired to your account — usually same day or next business day — and you walk away with your next chapter ready to begin. The full process from list to close typically takes 30 to 60 days in today's Georgia market, though it can move faster depending on the buyer's financing and your timeline.

Selling a home in Georgia doesn't have to be stressful when you have the right team. I'd love to walk you through what this process looks like for your specific home and situation.

Megan Cox — The Legacy Real Estate Group
678-990-6133 📱 or 470-781-1244 ☎️
movewithmegancox.com