When starting out to sell your home the process usually seems a whole lot simpler than it really is.  Rarely do we give much thought to the number of people that are potentially involved in a real estate transaction.  Since most of the frustration in bringing a real estate transaction to a successful conclusion can be eliminated by planning ahead, here is a partial list of important service providers that could be involved in a FSBO transaction:

1.    Real Estate Attorney.  South Carolina requires that an attorney close all real estate transactions.    

2.    Appraiser.  If your home doesn't appraise for the contract price you've negotiated, the buyer probably won't get the mortgage and you'll loose the deal.

3.    Home Inspector.  To avoid surprises and to help you get your home ready to sell, you would be well advised to consider paying for a home inspection prior to putting your home on the market.

4.    Mortgage loan office.  A mortgage lender can help you in pre-qualifying buyers and keep you up-to-date on interest rates and different types of mortgage programs available.  Insist that prospective buyers are pre-qualification before negotiation.

5.    Surveyor.  If you do not have an up-to-date surveyor's map of your property or if your property lines are unusual or unclear, you may need to have the property surveyed. 

6.    Termite inspection.   Make sure everything is up to date.  You pest control company should do a quick inspection for a minimal fee to point out anything that might be a problem during the closing process.

7.    Lead paint and radon gas inspections.  You will need to make your home available for these tests should a buyer request it. 

8.    Well water and septic system certification.  If applicable, certain types of mortgages require recertification of these systems by DHEC.

9.    Insurance company.  Not only will the buyer require insurance, you'll need to notify your insurance provider of any changes in coverage as soon as possible.

10.  Tax advisor.  Although for most sellers, there are minimal tax implications on the sale of a personal residence.  Avoid surprises, however, and find out in advance of the sale.

11.  Contractors and repair specialists.  If your home is more than a couple years old, chances are you'll need a few repairs done (painting, flooring, roofing, etc.). 

12.  Home warranty company.  Most buyers are now insisting that sellers provide a one year home warranty at closing.  

13.  Real estate agent.  Yes, even if you're selling your home as a FSBO, the chances are good that you might end up working with an agent, particularly a buyer's agent.  So don't forget that he/she is working for the buyer and his best interests, not you or yours!

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