Selling Process Overview
1. Pre-Sale Preparation (2-4 weeks)
Get your home ready for the market by decluttering, making repairs, and considering staging. First impressions matter significantly in real estate.
2. Pricing & Listing (1-2 weeks)
Work with your agent to price competitively based on comparable sales. Professional photography and marketing materials are created during this phase.
3. Showings & Negotiations (2-8 weeks)
Host open houses and private showings. Review offers and negotiate terms including price, contingencies, and closing date.
4. Under Contract to Closing (4-6 weeks)
Buyer completes inspections and financing. Address any issues that arise and prepare for the final walkthrough and closing.
Preparing Your Home
Deep Clean Everything
A spotless home creates a positive impression. Consider hiring professional cleaners for carpets, windows, and hard-to-reach areas. Pay special attention to kitchens and bathrooms.
Declutter & Depersonalize
Remove personal photos, excess furniture, and clutter. Buyers need to envision themselves in the space. Consider renting a storage unit for items you'll keep.
Make Necessary Repairs
Fix leaky faucets, patch holes, touch up paint, and address any obvious issues. Small repairs can prevent larger negotiations later.
Enhance Curb Appeal
Maintain landscaping, paint the front door, clean walkways, and ensure exterior lighting works. The exterior is the first thing buyers see.
Listing Your Home
Choose the Right Agent
Interview multiple agents with strong local market knowledge. Look for proven sales records, marketing expertise, and good communication skills.
Set the Right Price
Your agent will provide a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) based on recent sales. Overpricing can lead to longer market time, while competitive pricing often generates multiple offers.
Professional Photography
High-quality photos are essential for online listings. Many buyers make decisions based on photos alone. Consider drone shots for unique properties.
Marketing Strategy
Your listing should appear on major real estate websites, social media, and MLS. Virtual tours and video walkthroughs have become increasingly important.
Interactive Selling Checklist
Click items to mark them complete. Your progress is tracked above.
