Client Resources · Selling

From Listed to Sold

Your step-by-step home selling guide

Everything you need to know about selling your home in Columbus, in the order you’ll need it.

Get to know your REALTOR®

Seeing your home the way buyers do

Experience

200+ transactions

Investor

30+ rental units owned in Columbus

Renovation

20+ homes renovated & flipped

Team

Leads a team of six agents at Reafco

I’m not just an agent. I’m an active investor. I own more than 30 units in Columbus, I’ve renovated and flipped more than 20 homes, and I’ve been part of more than 200 transactions. That experience shapes how I help every seller.

When I walk through your home, I’m looking at it the way the market will: what buyers will love, what an inspector is likely to flag, and which improvements are actually worth the money. That means smarter prep, fewer surprises after inspection, and a stronger position at the negotiating table.

I lead a team of six agents at Reafco and work with a network of vetted lenders, inspectors, contractors, attorneys and property managers, so you have the right people on your side at every step.

Above all, I pride myself on being upfront, honest and fully aligned with my clients. My goal is for you to feel confident your best interests are protected from our first conversation to the closing table.

In short

An agent who understands homes as an owner, an investor and a negotiator.

Listing Consultation

Our first meeting is all about you: your goals, your timeline and your questions. You’ll leave with a clear, customized plan to sell for the best possible price in the right amount of time.

What we’ll cover

1. Your goals & timeline

Why you’re selling, when you need to move and what matters most, so the strategy fits your life.

2. Market analysis (CMA)

A Comparative Market Analysis showing how your home stacks up against recent sales and current competition.

3. A condition walkthrough

With 20+ renovations behind me, I’ll point out what’s worth fixing, what to leave alone and what an inspector is likely to notice.

4. Marketing strategy

Professional photography, MLS exposure, major search sites, social media and my agent network: exactly how buyers will find your home.

5. The road to closing

The full timeline from listing and showings to offers, inspection, appraisal and closing. No surprises.

How we’ll work together

The Ten-Step Process

  1. Step 1

    Initial Consultation & Goals

    • We’ll talk through your timeline, your reasons for selling and what matters most to you.
    • I’ll explain how I work and how I’ll guide you from listing to closing.
  2. Step 2

    Home Evaluation & Pricing Strategy

    • I’ll walk your home and prepare a CMA based on recent sales, active competition and buyer demand.
    • Together, we’ll set a price that attracts buyers and protects your bottom line.
  3. Step 3

    Listing Agreement

    • We’ll complete the listing paperwork together.
    • I’ll explain every term in plain language so you can move forward with confidence.
  4. Step 4

    Home Preparation Guidance

    • I’ll recommend repairs, updates and staging that are worth the money, and flag what isn’t.
    • You’ll get a customized checklist to get your home market-ready.
  5. Step 5

    Photography & Marketing Assets

    • We’ll schedule professional photography and, when it fits, video or a virtual tour.
    • Your home will be captured in a way that highlights its best features.
  6. Step 6

    Launch the Marketing Campaign

    • Your home goes live on the MLS, major search websites and targeted social media.
    • I’ll share it directly with my network of buyers, agents and investors.
  7. Step 7

    Showings & Open Houses

    • I’ll coordinate private showings and host open houses when they make sense.
    • You’ll get buyer feedback so we can adjust quickly if needed.
  8. Step 8

    Receive & Negotiate Offers

    • I’ll present every offer with its strengths, weaknesses and your net proceeds.
    • Then I’ll negotiate the best possible price and terms on your behalf.
  9. Step 9

    Under Contract

    • I’ll guide you through inspection, appraisal and any repair negotiations.
    • I’ll make sure every deadline is met and keep you informed at each stage.
  10. Step 10

    Closing Day & Celebrate!

    • We’ll sign the final documents, hand over the keys and celebrate your sale.
    • Even after closing, I’m your real estate resource for whatever comes next.

Every home has a story. Let’s make sure the right buyer hears it.

The Importance of Pricing

Of all the decisions in a sale, price matters most. Price too low and you leave money on the table. Price too high and your home sits, costing you in mortgage payments, upkeep and stress, and often selling for less in the end.

Most buyer activity happens in the first two weeks on the market, when buyers and agents are watching new listings closely. Together, we’ll review recent sales, active competition and listings that expired or were pulled, then set a price that positions your home to win.

Why pricing right pays off

A timely sale

Most homes eventually sell at fair market value. Starting there means fewer days on market, less inconvenience and a stronger return.

Competition

Buyers tour many homes and learn quickly what’s fair. If yours isn’t competitive with others in its price range, they’ll move on.

Momentum & multiple offers

A well-priced home draws more showings early, which can lead to stronger offers and better terms.

Reputation

Homes that linger get noticed for the wrong reasons. Buyers wonder what’s wrong, and a long time on market usually means a lower final price.

Preparing Your Home to Sell

A clean, well-kept home draws more buyers, sells faster and commands a better price. Start this checklist 2–4 weeks before listing. Anything left unrepaired will show up on the buyer’s inspection report, and a long list gives buyers a reason to negotiate or walk away.

Pre-listing checklist

  • Declutter surfaces, closets & storage
  • Deep clean kitchens & bathrooms
  • Replace burnt-out bulbs with matching ones
  • Touch up chipped or scuffed paint
  • Clean windows & mirrors; repair screens
  • Pressure wash siding, walks & driveway
  • Service the HVAC; replace air filters
  • Clean carpets or refinish hardwoods
  • Repair any ceiling stains or leaks
  • Remove personal photos & bold décor

Blake’s tip

Fix the small stuff an inspector will notice. Dripping faucets, loose handles, dead outlets and cracked caulk cost little to fix but read as “deferred maintenance” on a report. I’ll walk the house with you and flag what’s worth tackling before photos.

Return on Your Home Improvements

The goal is to improve appearance and function without over-investing. Big renovations rarely pay for themselves before a sale, and most buyers would rather personalize major upgrades themselves.

Usually worth doing

  • Interior paint in warm, neutral colors
  • Minor landscaping and fresh mulch
  • Fixing obvious defects: leaky faucets, loose handles, broken outlets
  • Updating dated light fixtures
  • Replacing worn or cracked caulk in kitchens and baths
  • Cleaning or repainting the front door

Small fixes make a home feel fresh, cared for and move-in ready.

Usually not worth it

  • Full kitchen remodels
  • Major landscaping projects
  • Luxury upgrades beyond neighborhood standards
  • Adding rooms or major structural additions

Not sure where a project falls? Ask me. Having renovated 20+ homes, I can usually give you a realistic sense of cost and likely payoff on the spot.

Helpful pros to have on call

  • Professional cleaners
  • Handyman services
  • Painters
  • Landscapers
  • Photographers
  • Junk removal

Reliable vendors keep prep on schedule. Ask me for trusted names in any category, or see the stagers I recommend.

Home Staging Room by Room

Staging helps buyers connect emotionally. The goal is a clean, neutral space where buyers can picture themselves living. Well-staged homes photograph better and feel more spacious.

Living room

  • Remove excess furniture for an open feel
  • Keep pillows and décor simple and neutral
  • Open curtains and blinds for natural light

Kitchen

  • Clear counters except one decorative piece
  • Tuck away trash cans and small appliances
  • Organize cabinets and pantry (buyers look)

Bedrooms

  • Use crisp white or neutral bedding
  • Remove bulky or extra furniture
  • Keep décor minimal and calming

Bathrooms

  • Hang fresh, clean towels
  • Replace a tired shower curtain
  • Clear counters and put away toiletries

A simple rule of thumb

If it doesn’t help a buyer picture their own life here, pack it.

First Impressions

Buyers start judging your home from the street and decide how they feel within moments of walking in. Two things carry outsized weight: the exterior and the way the home smells.

Curb appeal

  • Add fresh mulch to landscaping beds
  • Trim bushes and trees
  • Edge sidewalks and garden beds
  • Power wash driveways and walkways
  • Clean or repaint the front door
  • Add a new welcome mat
  • Place simple potted plants at the entry

Smell & air quality

  • Aim for clean and neutral, not perfumed
  • Skip strong candles and heavy fragrances
  • Open windows when the weather allows
  • Deep clean carpets and upholstery
  • Address pet odors and litter boxes
  • Use subtle air fresheners only if needed

Unkempt lawns, burned-out bulbs, sticky locks, lingering odors: the little things are rarely little to a buyer.

Preparing Your Home to Show

Before it goes live

Photo day checklist

Most buyers see your home online first. Great photos are the most important marketing you have.

  • Turn on every interior light
  • Open all blinds and curtains
  • Move cars from the driveway and street
  • Hide trash cans and yard tools
  • Put away pet bowls, beds and toys
  • Close toilet lids
  • Turn off ceiling fans (they blur)
  • Mow the lawn and tidy landscaping

While you’re on the market

Before every showing

Showings can come with little notice. A quick reset keeps every visit at its best.

  • Make the beds
  • Quick vacuum or sweep
  • Empty trash cans
  • Wipe kitchen and bath counters
  • Turn on lights; open blinds
  • Secure or take pets with you
  • Keep showing windows flexible
  • Step out; buyers relax when you’re not home

Leave the house for showings, but keep your phone handy so I can reach you with questions or feedback.

Your Prep Timeline

4

Weeks out

  • Declutter and start packing
  • Complete minor repairs and maintenance
  • Book professional cleaning if needed
2

Weeks out

  • Finish staging adjustments
  • Schedule professional photography
  • Finalize listing details and marketing
1

Week out

  • Final deep clean
  • Exterior touch-ups
  • Prep for photos and launch

Pack early

Selling is the perfect excuse to get a head start on moving. Less stuff makes rooms feel larger and makes moving day easier.

  • Off-season clothing
  • Family photos & memorabilia
  • Collectibles & extra décor
  • Extra furniture
  • Kids’ toys you can live without
  • Extra kitchen appliances & gadgets

How buyers will find you

A sign in the yard is only the beginning

Here’s how we’ll get you seen.

Professional photography

Bright, magazine-quality images that make your listing stand out in online searches.

MLS exposure

Full listing on the Multiple Listing Service, reaching every active agent and their buyers.

Major search websites

Syndication to the home search sites where today’s buyers start looking.

Social media campaigns

Targeted posts and ads that put your home in front of local buyers.

Agent & investor network

Direct promotion to my network of agents, buyers and investors, including out-of-state investors actively buying in Columbus.

Open houses

Hosted when they make sense for your home and your schedule.

When an Offer Arrives

Once buyers start touring, offers follow. Here’s what to expect, and how I’ll help you weigh each one.

  1. The purchase contract

    The buyer’s agent prepares a written offer with the price, earnest money, financing type, contingencies and proposed closing date, then sends it to me to present to you.

  2. Comparing offers

    The highest price isn’t always the best offer. I’ll walk you through the strengths and risks of each: financing strength, contingencies, timing and the likelihood it actually closes.

  3. Your net proceeds

    For each offer, I’ll prepare an estimated net sheet showing your costs to sell and what you’ll actually walk away with.

  4. Accept or counter

    You can accept, decline or counter. If you counter, the buyer can accept, decline or counter back. I’ll negotiate the best possible price and terms on your behalf.

  5. Under contract

    Once both sides sign, the closing process begins: inspection, appraisal and title work, with me tracking every deadline.

The Home Inspection

After you accept an offer, most buyers hire a licensed inspector to examine the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical, HVAC and appliances. The buyer receives a written report, and that report often shapes the next round of negotiation.

Why it matters

Not pass / fail

Every home, even a new one, has findings. The question is what’s reasonable to address.

Negotiation leverage

Buyers may request repairs, a credit or a price adjustment based on the findings.

Potential deal-breakers

Major issues like roof damage, foundation cracks or serious electrical problems can cause a buyer to walk away if unresolved.

How to prepare

  • Knock out simple fixes in advance: leaky faucets, dead bulbs, loose handles
  • Clear access to the attic, basement, crawlspace & electrical panel
  • Service major systems if they’re overdue
  • Have repair and service records handy
  • Plan to negotiate fairly: buyers want safety and function, not perfection

Where my experience helps most

When a report comes back, I can tell you which items are genuinely serious, which are routine and what a repair should realistically cost, based on 20+ renovations of my own. You negotiate from facts instead of fear.

The Appraisal

If your buyer is financing, their lender will order an appraisal: a licensed, third-party opinion of value based on your home’s size, condition, location, upgrades and comparable nearby sales. The bank won’t lend more than the home is worth.

If it comes in low

An appraisal at or above the contract price keeps things moving. If it comes in below, there are a few common paths:

  • You agree to lower the price
  • The buyer brings extra cash to cover the gap
  • You meet somewhere in the middle
  • The buyer may be able to walk away, depending on contract terms

How to prepare

You can’t control the final number, but you can influence it:

  • Have the home clean and presentable
  • Give the appraiser a list of upgrades and improvements, with dates and costs
  • Make every area easy to access
  • Let me provide supporting comparable sales

Bottom line: pricing well from the start is your best protection against a low appraisal.

When in Doubt, Disclose

Ohio law requires most sellers to complete a Residential Property Disclosure Form, sharing known material defects with buyers in writing. Honest, thorough disclosure protects you and builds buyer confidence.

What to disclose

Known issues you’re aware of: water intrusion, roof or foundation problems, mechanical defects and similar concerns. If you’re unsure whether something counts, ask me. When in doubt, disclose.

Maintenance records

Gather records of service, warranty work and improvements, especially roof, plumbing, electrical, HVAC and appliance work. Good records read as pride of ownership.

Utility costs

Buyers will ask about monthly costs. Pull 12 months of gas, electric, water, sewer and trash bills, or request a summary from your providers.

Warranties

Collect any warranties still in effect, particularly for the roof, major systems and appliances. Transferable warranties are a selling point.

Start a seller folder now

  • Completed disclosure form
  • 12 months of utility bills
  • HOA documents (if any)
  • Repair & service receipts
  • Active warranties
  • Permits for past work

This guide is general information, not legal advice. For questions about your specific disclosure obligations, consult a real estate attorney.

Understanding the Closing Process

In Ohio, a title company typically acts as the neutral third party, holding funds and documents and coordinating everyone until the property officially changes hands.

StepWhoWhat happens
1Title companyReceives the signed contract and earnest money, opens the file and orders the title search
2BuyerCompletes inspections; any repair requests are negotiated
3LenderProcesses the loan: credit, employment and asset verification, and the appraisal
4Title companyIssues the title commitment and orders payoff figures for your mortgage and any liens
5LenderIssues final loan approval (“clear to close”) and sends loan documents
6Title companyPrepares the settlement statement for review by all parties
7BuyerDoes a final walkthrough to confirm the home’s condition
8SellerSigns the deed and closing documents (often possible in advance)
9BuyerSigns loan documents and wires remaining funds
10Title companyRecords the deed with the county, pays off your loan and disburses your proceeds
11Title companyIssues owner’s and lender’s title policies; keys change hands

Title Insurance Explained

Before closing, the title company searches public records to confirm you legally own the property and that nothing (called a title defect) stands in the way of the sale.

What it is

A policy that protects the buyer and their lender against financial loss from problems with the property’s title. Unlike most insurance, it covers past issues that could surface after closing.

What it protects against

  • Legal claims to the property
  • Undisclosed liens, judgments or ownership disputes
  • Mistakes in past deeds or records

Common title defects

  • Unpaid property taxes or liens
  • Errors in public records or legal descriptions
  • Unknown heirs or competing ownership claims
  • Fraudulent signatures on past documents
  • Undisclosed easements or restrictions

Any defects found must be resolved before closing. The earlier we know, the better.

Bottom line: title insurance assures the buyer of clear ownership and helps keep your sale on track.

Seller FAQ

Should we be home for showings?

It’s best to step out. Buyers feel more comfortable exploring and talking openly when the seller isn’t there.

How long does it take to sell?

It depends on the market, but a well-priced, well-prepared home typically sees its strongest interest in the first few weeks. If there’s plenty of traffic but no offers, that’s usually a signal to revisit price.

Is there a “best” season to sell?

Homes sell year-round. Timing matters, but your goals and the local market matter more. I’ll help you weigh both.

What happens after we accept an offer?

The buyer typically completes inspections, financing approval and an appraisal. I’ll track every deadline and keep you updated at each step.

What repairs are negotiable?

Nearly anything the inspection turns up. Requests may come as repairs, credits or price adjustments. I’ll help you decide what’s reasonable and what to push back on.

How flexible should we be on showings and financing?

The easier your home is to see and the more open you are to different financing types, the more buyers you reach. Restrictive access is one of the most common ways sellers slow themselves down.

Moving Checklist

Plan the move

  • Book movers at least 3–4 weeks ahead
  • Collect boxes early; pack non-essentials first
  • Label boxes clearly by room

Insurance

  • Confirm homeowner’s coverage on your new home
  • Update auto and other policies with your new address
  • Keep coverage on this home until closing

Address change

  • File a USPS forwarding address 2–3 weeks before moving
  • Update banks, credit cards and accounts
  • Update subscriptions and deliveries
  • Let friends and family know

Medical & records

  • Transfer prescriptions; get referrals if relocating
  • Gather medical, dental and vet records
  • Keep birth certificates and passports with you

Utilities

  • Schedule shut-off or transfer: gas, electric, water, sewer, trash, internet
  • Start service at your new home before move-in
  • Request refunds on any deposits
  • Return cable or internet equipment

Pets & schools

  • Check local license and vaccination rules for pets
  • Request school transcripts (some districts require they come directly from the prior school)

Thank you!

Thank you for taking the time to read through this guide. Selling your home is a big decision, and my goal is for you to feel informed, supported and confident every step of the way.

I’d be honored to guide you through the process, from the first walkthrough to handing over the keys on closing day. If you have questions or you’re ready to talk next steps, I’m just a call, text or email away.

Here’s to a smooth, successful sale and an exciting next chapter.

With gratitude,
Blake Park

See my past sales on Homes.com and all my links at linktr.ee/blakepark1095.

Thinking about selling?

Let’s set up your listing consultation and build a plan for your home.

Call 614-762-9232Email Blake

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