WHAT TO EXPECT (SELLERS)

Sell Your Home with Carriage Realty

Are you thinking about selling your home in St. Paul, Lake Elmo, Stillwater or the surrounding areas? Whether you’re selling a luxury home, a single-family house, or an investment property, the right real estate agent makes all the difference. Carriage Realty specializes in residential real estate, offering expert guidance to ensure your home sells timely with exceptional marketing and at a price perfect for you!

Why Work with a Carriage Realty Agent?

When you list your home with Carriage Realty, you get:

  • Top Local Market Expertise – We know the Twin Cities area housing markets inside and out.
  • Customized Home Pricing Strategy – We use in-depth market analysis to price your home competitively for maximum value.
  • Luxury Home Marketing – High-quality photography, virtual tours, and professional staging, plus networking and connections to make your home stand out.
  • Proven Negotiation Strategies – We handle all negotiations to get you the best possible terms and price. Our experience offers creative solutions to achieve ALL of your goals!
  • Full-Service Transaction Support – From listing to closing, we manage the details so you can focus on your next move.

The Home Selling Process

1) Home Pricing & Market Analysis

Your Carriage Realty agent will analyze comparable sales in your area to set a competitive listing price! We review current statistics, selling fees and the entire process with our sellers so there are no surprises!

2) Preparing Your Home for Sale

  • Declutter & Depersonalize – Create a neutral space so buyers can envision themselves in the home.
  • Deep Clean & Minor Repairs – Address small fixes like chipped paint, leaky faucets, or outdated hardware. Need a referral? We have a team of specialized contractors who are ready to hear from you!
  • Enhance Curb Appeal – First impressions matter, so spruce up landscaping, repaint the front door, and clean windows.
 

3) Staging & Professional Photography

  • Luxury Home Staging – Homes that are staged sell faster and for a higher price. We provide expert recommendations.
  • High-Quality Photos & Video Tours – Listings with professional images get more views and showings. Online, in print and on site, we make sure your home POPS!
 

4) Marketing Your Home for Maximum Exposure

  • MLS Listing & Online Presence – We feature your home on Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin, and local Minnesota real estate websites.
  • Targeted Digital Marketing – We use social media ads, email marketing, and paid search strategies to reach the right buyers.
  • Luxury & Relocation Buyers – We connect with high-net-worth buyers looking for homes in Stillwater, Lake Elmo, St. Paul and beyond!

5) Showings & Open Houses
  • We coordinate showings and give you feedback from potential buyers.
  • We partner with our peers to showcase your home during private broker open events.
  • Your home will be marketed through private showings and open house events.

6) Negotiating the Best Offer
  • We review offers, negotiate the best terms, and guide you through inspections and contingencies.

7) Closing & Moving Out
  • We ensure a smooth closing process and help coordinate your transition to your next home. Our exclusive Carriage Concierge will help you every step of the way!

Typical Home Selling Costs

Selling a home in Minnesota comes with a few costs, including:
  • Real Estate Commission – Our fees are negotiable, and we will explain our fees, why and what to expect! We are not the least nor most expensive but feel we provide exemplary service for reasonable fees!
  • Title Fees & Closing Costs – This includes title insurance, escrow fees, and property tax adjustments. We do not own another affiliate to “make more money” off of you. Again, we refer to you local, amazing title companies and you can shop!
  • Inspection & Repair Costs – If a buyer requests repairs, you may need to make fixes or offer a credit.
  • Staging & Home Prep Costs – Investing in home staging and minor updates can increase your final sale price.

Moving Out: What You Need to Know
  • Plan Your Move Early – Secure a moving company or storage space ahead of time.
  • Transfer Utilities & Change Address – Notify service providers and update your address with USPS.
  • Work with Your Realtor on Timelines – We help coordinate your home sale with your next purchase.

Selling your home is easier with an experienced Minnesota real estate expert by your side. Whether you’re selling a luxury home, lakeside property, or family home, Carriage Realty is here to help.

👉 Meet Our Team

Before you choose a Realtor, think about this…

  • Ask for the Realtor’s credentials and how they affect you as a seller.
  • How many homes has the agents sold in your area? Carriage Realty specializes in Washington County and the surrounding areas. Many of our agents are licensed in MN and WI. Make sure that your agent knows your selling area.
  • Is the compensation rate negotiable? Real estate fees are always negotiable. Carriage Realty does not charge as much as the big national chains but is also not a discount Broker. We provide full real estate service at a reasonable fee.
  • Is the Realtor willing to put their sales strategy in writing? The agent should not only have a sales strategy but implement and stand behind it.
  • Are there any other fees that I will be charged by your company? There are many fees associated with selling your home. However, many real estate companies will reduce their compensation rate only to charge you an additional administrative or broker fee.
  • Research the agent’s status with the Dept of Commerce. Has your Realtor had any enforcement actions or violations against their license?
  • Get The Home Buyer’s & Seller’s Handbook from the office of MN Attorney General (FREE)
"Your (Karen's) service would be hard to beat by anyone!!!"
~ Raymond & Marilyn Wagner
"I believe Carriage Realty is the best out there."
~ Jeff
"We had such a great experience with looking for and purchasing our home. Karen made us feel very confident that we were in good hands. She knows her stuff and helped us along the whole way."
~ Charlie & Maureen Wu
"Chris S. has been amazing since day one. As a first time home buyer, he as made the process very easy and painless!"
~ Ryan and Brittney Guerrero
"Chris J. was very knowledgeable and responsive. He was great to work with, I highly recommend him."
~ Jenny