BUYER

• Decides that it is time to purchase a home.

• Discusses the financial issues with a lender,
  get the pre-qualification or pre-approval letter.

• Has a "Buyer Counseling" meeting.

• Signs a Buyer Agency Agreement.

• Decides on the wants and needs of the new home.

• Researches potential neighborhoods
  and goes to see houses that are on the market
  in those areas.

• Finds their "potential new" home, and meets their Real Estate Agent to write an offer.

SELLER

• Decides that it is time to sell their home.

• Interviews Real Estate Agents.

• Signs a Listing Agreement.

• Makes the necessary updates and repairs to get top value for their home.

• The agent will market the home (internet, paper, magazines, Multi Listings).

• Home gets listed in the MLS and marketed by the listing agent.

• Reviews any offer(s) that they have received: decides to accept, reject or counter the offer(s).

AFTER CONTRACT IS RATIFIED

• Loan Application.

• Buyer makes inspections.

• Appraisal of the home.

• Title Search done by the settlement attorney.

• Loan Approval.

• Settlement/Closing Day (closing papers signed).

• Funds are available to the seller.

• Settlement attorney takes documents to be recorded.

Buyer moves in.

Seller moves out before settlement
(unless other arrangements have been made.)