Have you been thinking, ‘I want to sell my house, but where do I start?’ If so, you’re not alone. The typical seller lives in their home for 12 years before putting it up for sale, and they spend an average of about three to four months thinking about listing their home before taking action. Perhaps you’re thinking about selling your home because you need more space, you’re ready to downsize, or you’re relocating for school or employment reasons. Whatever your reason, it’s important to be prepared for the sale process.
Ready to Sell? You’re Not Alone — Here’s Where to Start
Identify your motivation for selling:
- Check your mortgage balance to understand your equity.
- Estimate your net proceeds with a home sale calculator.
- List your must-haves and deal breakers before selling.
Research the best time to sell in your area:
- If you can wait, selling during a seller’s market (when buyer demand is higher than available homes) gives you more negotiating power and can boost your sale price.
Commit to a representation strategy:
- Only 7% of sellers went without an agent in 2024; most choose an agent to price right, market effectively, and sell for more with less stress.
Complete home improvements:
- Most sellers make updates to attract buyers and boost value. Focus on key improvements, curb appeal, or sell as-is for a quicker, lower-priced sale.
Price your home competitively:
- Pricing right is key to a fast, successful sale. Use comparable sales, consider an appraisal, check your Compass home valuation, and lean on your agent’s expertise to set an attractive price that drives interest.
Move out:
- Moving is costly and timing is key. Plan for expenses, consider temporary housing if buying and selling at once, and be ready to move quickly — usually within 90 days unless you arrange extra time with the buyer.
Fulfill closing obligations:
- Finish agreed repairs and inspections, submit required disclosures, and review your closing costs (often 8–10% of the sale price). Then sign the documents, hand the over keys as agreed, and finalize the sale with the settlement agent.
Market your listing effectively:
- Rely on your agent’s expertise to market across multiple channels, use professional photos, and write a strong, clear description. Schedule as many showings as possible and consider virtual staging to boost online appeal.
Watch for closing hurdles:
- Even after accepting an offer, issues can arise before closing, like a bad inspection, a low appraisal, or a buyer’s financing falling through. Be ready to negotiate or adjust if these challenges come up.
Share:
