Start With a Realistic Valuation
The most important decision you'll make as a seller is your listing price. Price too high and your home sits on the market, accumulating days on market that signal to buyers something is wrong. Price too low and you leave money on the table. A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) from an experienced local agent gives you a data-driven foundation — looking at recently sold comparable properties, current competition, and market trends to arrive at a price that attracts buyers while maximizing your return.
Prepare Your Home Before Listing
- Declutter and depersonalize every room so buyers can envision themselves living there.
- Deep clean from top to bottom — first impressions are formed in seconds.
- Address obvious deferred maintenance: leaky faucets, scuffed walls, broken fixtures.
- Boost curb appeal: fresh mulch, trimmed shrubs, a clean front door go a long way.
- Consider professional staging for vacant homes or properties that need help showing well.
Virginia Disclosure Requirements
Virginia law requires sellers to disclose known material defects that affect the property's value or the buyer's decision to purchase. This includes issues with the roof, foundation, HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical, and more. Completing your disclosure thoroughly and honestly protects you legally and builds trust with buyers. Your agent will walk you through the disclosure form and help you understand what to include.
Marketing Your Property
In today's market, effective marketing means professional photography, compelling listing copy, placement on the MLS, syndication to Zillow, Realtor.com, and other major platforms, and targeted digital marketing to reach qualified buyers. ASJ Realty applies all of these tools to every listing, combined with 40+ years of buyer relationships and local market credibility.
Evaluating Offers
Price is important, but it's not the only term that matters. Financing contingencies, inspection contingencies, closing timelines, earnest money deposits, and the buyer's pre-approval strength all affect how attractive an offer truly is. A cash offer at 97% of list price may be better than a financed offer at 100% of list price, depending on your priorities. Your agent will help you evaluate every offer holistically.
The Closing Process in Virginia
Virginia closings are conducted by licensed real estate attorneys. Once under contract, the process typically takes 30–45 days. During this period, the buyer completes their due diligence (inspections, appraisal, title search), you negotiate any repair requests, and both parties prepare for closing. On closing day, you sign documents, the buyer pays their funds, and you receive your proceeds — typically via wire transfer.
Net Proceeds: What You'll Actually Walk Away With
- Agent commission: Typically 5–6% of the sale price, split between buyer and seller agents.
- Attorney/closing fees: $500–$1,000 depending on the transaction.
- Prorated property taxes: You'll owe taxes for the portion of the year you owned the home.
- Mortgage payoff: If you have a mortgage, it's paid from your proceeds at closing.
- Any negotiated repairs or seller concessions agreed to during the contract period.
Why Experience Matters
Selling a home in Virginia involves legal disclosures, contract negotiations, inspection responses, and closing logistics — each with the potential to derail the transaction if not handled properly. Anthony S. Johnson has navigated hundreds of Virginia real estate transactions over 40+ years. That experience is your greatest asset. Contact ASJ Realty to schedule your complimentary home valuation consultation.