Selling a home is a significant decision—and one that deserves clarity, preparation, and expert guidance. This step-by-step overview is designed to give you a clear sense of what to expect, from pricing and preparation through closing. With a well-informed plan and professional representation, the process can unfold with confidence and purpose.
Before bringing your home to market, it’s essential to define your goals for the sale. Are you seeking a specific return to support the purchase of a larger or more desirable property? Is timing a key factor due to a relocation or lifestyle change? By thoughtfully identifying your priorities—whether financial, logistical, or otherwise—and communicating them clearly, we can craft a pricing and marketing strategy that reflects and supports your goals.
Establishing the right asking price is a critical component of a successful sale. In the Princeton market—where properties are as distinct as the buyers considering them—pricing is both an art and a science. A thoughtfully positioned price generates the strongest interest early on, while also ensuring your home is presented in a manner that reflects its true value and potential.
Rather than relying on general formulas, I draw on in-depth market knowledge, recent comparable sales, buyer behavior, and current demand to develop a tailored pricing strategy. The goal is not simply to list your home, but to position it to maximize exposure and value in today's market. While overpricing may lead to missed opportunities, strategic pricing creates the conditions for a timely and competitive sale.
Thoughtful preparation is essential to presenting your home at its absolute best. Even the most impeccably maintained properties benefit from a discerning, objective eye before entering the market. The goal is to create a setting that highlights architectural features, enhances light and flow, and allows prospective buyers to imagine themselves living in the space.
This process often involves decluttering, editing personal items, addressing minor repairs, and elevating the overall presentation through deep cleaning and, where appropriate, strategic staging. I work closely with experienced professionals to ensure your home resonates with today’s discerning buyers while maintaining its unique character and integrity.
Every home has a story to tell—and the most effective marketing strategy begins with understanding how to tell that story with clarity, purpose, and reach. Drawing on the power of the Sotheby’s International Realty brand, I develop a marketing plan that reflects the distinct character of your home and the expectations of today’s most discerning buyers.
This includes a carefully sequenced rollout across multiple platforms: professional photography, compelling copywriting, exclusive digital campaigns, curated social media outreach, agent-to-agent networking, targeted print media, and high-visibility placement on premier real estate websites. Timing, presentation, and positioning are critical—especially in the first weeks on the market, when interest is at its peak.
Each element is designed to maximize exposure, attract qualified buyers, and generate meaningful engagement from the moment your home is introduced to the market.
When an offer is received, my role is to help you assess every aspect of the proposal with care and perspective. This includes not only reviewing the terms and timeline but also evaluating the qualifications and intent of the buyer to ensure the offer is both strong and reliable.
I will guide you through the details—highlighting opportunities, identifying potential concerns, and advising on how best to respond. If adjustments are needed, we’ll work together to craft a response that supports your goals while keeping the negotiation process productive and respectful.
This stage requires clear thinking, strategic insight, and calm execution—qualities I bring to every step of the process.
Once you’re ready to move forward with an offer, I’ll review the proposed terms in detail to ensure everything is in proper order. This includes verifying critical components such as deposit structure, financing terms, inspection provisions, contingencies, closing timeline, and allocation of costs.
My goal is to ensure the contract accurately reflects the agreed-upon terms and protects your interests throughout. When both parties reach mutual agreement, I will coordinate with the attorneys and agents involved to facilitate execution of the final contract and move the transaction seamlessly into the next phase.
With clear communication and attention to detail, I help ensure that this important milestone unfolds smoothly.
With an agreement in place, we turn our focus to the final steps that lead to a successful closing. During this phase, I coordinate inspections, appraisals, and any agreed-upon repairs—ensuring that responsibilities are clearly defined and timelines are met.
I stay closely connected with the attorneys and other parties involved, facilitating the many tasks required to keep the process moving forward smoothly. From scheduling to communication, I help manage the details so that nothing is overlooked in the lead-up to closing.
Whether you’ve already relocated or are preparing to move, I’ll ensure you’re fully supported through the final steps of the process.
Closing represents the culmination of your home-selling journey—a moment that brings everything we’ve prepared for to a successful conclusion. While your attorney manages the final documentation and legal transfer, I remain by your side to ensure that all remaining details are handled with care.
From coordinating final steps to ensuring a smooth handoff to the new owners, I’m here to support you through this last phase with the same level of attention and discretion that guided every step of the process.
A successful sale opens the door to new possibilities—whatever they may be. With each step thoughtfully managed, you can move forward with confidence, knowing the details were handled with care and professionalism. Even after closing, I’m here as a continued resource and advisor, whenever needed.
With over 30 years of experience in the Princeton area, Maura Mills brings unmatched market insight, personalized service, and a proven track record of results. Whether you're buying, selling, or just exploring your options, Maura is here to guide you every step of the way.
