The First Step
The first step is to come to the right price to list your home so that it fits the current market trend.  The demand a market has fluctuates, and prices are always a reflection of that demand.  Something to consider: sellers typically start their home at a higher price, and reduce it the longer the home is on the market.  Some sellers are in no hurry to sell, and others might want to price their home more reasonable from the start to sell quicker.  After reaching the right price, the next step is to market your home through the multiple listing service, magazines, news papers, real estate guides, open houses, flyers, and on the internet.  By contacting a real estate agent and filling out a listing agreement including disclosures on the home helps guarantee you are following the real estate laws, listing at the right price, and marketing your home to the fullest.

Receiving an Offer
Once an offer is received your real estate agent will read through it, and present it to you explaining all conditions of the offer.  You may accept, refuse, or make a counter offer on any of the terms, conditions, or price. 

Escrow
Once an agreement has been reached through the purchase contract, escrow is opened.  Escrow usually lasts 30 to 45 days, but can be shorter or longer depending on the circumstances.  The buyer then has seventeen days to do all necessary inspections and look over the disclosures about the home.  During the inspection time, the buyers can either negotiate what to be fixed by who, cancel the agreement, or accept the property as it is.  After the seventeen days if the buyer decides to continue with what he knows about the property, then they will sign a contingency release.

Final Days of Closing
After the contingency release is signed, the buyers are locked into purchasing the home, unless there is a default by the seller.  Five days prior to the close of escrow, the buyer will do a walk through to make sure the property was kept in its original condition.  Once the lender gives the final ok, the buyer and seller will sign papers transferring the title and money, then the keys are given to buyer.

1. Agents can help you from the very beginning by researching your type of home on the market, and offer the best price to suit your individual needs. 
   *An agent can market your home to the fullest with the vast number of networks and strategies already developed. 
2. Agents are trained extensively on the laws to make sure you are on the right track, and recognize them when they are being broken by another party in the transaction. 
3. Agents are accustomed to dealing with problems that might come up in a transaction, and know the best way to negotiate smoothly through.
4. Agents are available to give advice and answer questions throughout the entire process, making sure you know everything you need.