Step-by-Step Guide to Selling a House for Sellers

Evaluate your goals: Determine why you’re selling (e.g., downsizing, relocating).
Understand the market: Research your local housing market to gauge timing and pricing trends.

Research Potential Agents:
- Look at online reviews and agent profiles. Google and Zillow are very restricted on the reviews and
- Choose an agent familiar with your neighborhood and property type.
Interview Agents:
- Ask about their experience, the years in the business, marketing strategies, and success rate.
- Discuss their fees (typically 2.5% - 3% of the sale price.
Check Credentials:
- Ensure the agent is licensed and in good standing with the local real estate board.
Sign a Listing Agreement:
- This is a contract outlining the agent’s responsibilities, commission rate, and the listing duration.

Declutter and Depersonalize:
- Remove personal items and excess belongings to make the space neutral and inviting.
Clean and Stage:
- Deep clean the house and hire a professional stager if needed to maximize its appeal.
Make Repairs and Updates:
- Fix minor issues like leaky faucets or chipped paint.
- Consider affordable updates like painting walls in neutral colors or replacing outdated fixtures.
Boost Curb Appeal:
- Maintain landscaping, paint the front door, and ensure the exterior looks welcoming.

Work with Your Agent:
- Analyze comparable homes (comps) recently sold in your area.
- Consider market conditions and your home’s unique features.
Avoid Overpricing:
- A well-priced home attracts more buyers and can sell faster, helps with receiving momentum for multiple offers which could ultimately get you a highest and best price.

Professional Photography:
- High-quality photos make a strong first impression online.
Online Listings:
- Post your home on platforms like MLS, Zillow, and Realtor.com.
Open Houses and Showings:
- Schedule open houses and private showings to attract buyers.

Understand the Offer:
- Review the purchase price, contingencies, earnest money deposit, and proposed closing date.
Negotiate:
- Work with your agent to counteroffer if necessary to improve terms.
Choose the Best Offer:
- Consider not only price but also contingencies and the buyer’s financing strength.

Buyer’s Home Inspection:
- The buyer hires an inspector to assess the home’s condition. Be prepared to negotiate repairs or offer credits if issues are found.
Appraisal:
- The buyer’s lender orders an appraisal to confirm the home’s value. If the appraisal is low, renegotiate or the buyer may need to cover the difference.

Provide Required Documents:
- Include the title deed, recent tax bills, and disclosures about the property’s condition.
Clear the Title:
- Resolve any liens or issues with the title.
Move Out:
- Clean the home and remove all personal belongings by the closing date.

Sign Final Documents:
- These include the deed transfer and closing statements.
Pay Closing Costs:
- Sellers typically pay for the real estate agent commissions, transfer taxes, and prorated property taxes.
Receive Payment:
- After closing, the proceeds from the sale (minus costs) will be transferred to your account.

Keep Records:
- Retain copies of the closing documents for tax purposes.
Notify Utilities and Services:
- Cancel or transfer utilities and inform relevant parties of your address change.

Be Flexible: Accommodate buyer showings and remain open to negotiations.
Stay Objective: Avoid emotional decisions and focus on market realities.
Plan Ahead: Understand your financial obligations, such as paying off your mortgage, your leased items in your property, and prepare for your next move.

Step-by-Step Guide to Selling a Home