PHASE FOUR: For Homeowners Who Want to Sell With Confidence & Best Possible Outcome
PHASE FOUR: For Homeowners Who Want to Sell With Confidence, Clarity, and the Best Possible Outcome
RECAP:
This is Phase Four. If you haven’t checked out Phase One , Phase Two, or Phase Three, feel free to do so and come back to this page later. This 90-day roadmap was built specifically for homeowners. Whether your home is a newer build in one of the growing subdivisions or an established property you’ve loved for years, the principles here apply to you. Think of it less like a checklist and more like a conversation the kind we’d have if you sat down with me over coffee to talk through your move.
You don’t have to do everything perfectly. But the homeowners who follow a plan, even loosely, almost always sell faster and for more money than those who wing it. That’s what this is for.
Let’s get your home sold!
How to Use This Plan
Work through each week in order. Don’t stress if life gets in the way. The phases build on each other: a well-prepared home leads to better photos, better photos lead to more showings, and more showings lead to stronger offers. Complete the checkbox tasks as you go, and note the ‘Pro Tip’ callouts for insider guidance specific to the Tea and Huron area markets.
PHASE 4 · DAYS 76–90
Close Strong & Move Forward
Week 11+ | Inspection, appraisal, final steps, and closing day
WEEK 11
Navigate Inspection & Appraisal
Focus: Stay calm. Nearly every home has inspection findings. It’s normal.
The buyer’s inspector will find things. Some will be minor, some may surprise you. The key is not to panic. Inspections are a negotiation, not a verdict.
The appraisal typically comes next if the buyer is financing. In a strong market, appraisals usually come in at or near contract price. But if there’s a gap, you’ll have options to navigate it.
■ Prepare home for inspection: clear access to attic, crawl space, electrical panel
■ Be off-site during the inspection (don’t hover)
■ Review the inspection report carefully before responding
■ Decide on repair credits vs. actual repairs for any requests
■ Confirm the appraisal is scheduled with comps ready if needed
WEEK 12
Final Steps, Closing Day & What Comes Next
Focus: Cross the finish line smoothly — and start your next chapter.
The final stretch before closing is about tying up loose ends: confirming the buyer’s financing has cleared, scheduling your final walkthrough, arranging utility transfers, and packing up the last of your belongings.
Closing day in South Dakota is typically straightforward. You’ll sign documents at the title company, hand over keys, and receive your proceeds by check the same day. If you prefer wire transfer, let us know so we can alert the Title company prior to closing.
■ Confirm the buyer’s loan has received final approval (‘clear to close’) We will take care of this for you!
■ Schedule and complete the final walkthrough 24 hours before closing. Again, we got you!
■ Arrange utility transfers or cancellations for your closing date
■ Confirm wire instructions for your proceeds with the title company
■ Bring ID to closing along with any extra keys or garage door remotes
After Closing: A Few Reminders
Keep copies of all closing documents, you’ll need them at tax time. If you made capital improvements during ownership, those affect your cost basis and potential capital gains tax. Consult a CPA for guidance. And don’t forget to update your address with the USPS, your bank, and the SD DMV.
Congratulations: your property is sold!
