Seller's Guide

Whether you're selling a home for the first time or the tenth, your goals will shape the strategy your real estate agent uses. Since housing markets constantly change and vary by area, it's crucial to work with knowledgeable local professionals who understand local conditions—like sale timelines, buyer demand, pricing trends, and competition. Your success depends on choosing the right real estate agent to guide you through the process.

Early in the home selling process, your real estate agent will provide a preliminary value estimate based on your home's current condition. Unlike tax assessments or online tools, top local real estate agent use deep market knowledge and MLS data to price your home accurately. Correct pricing is critical—overpricing can discourage buyers, while underpricing can cost you money. Your Realtor® will also guide you through a prioritized list of prep tasks to make your home more appealing, focusing on visible issues and worthwhile improvements. Once your home is properly prepped and priced for the current market, you'll be ready to set your MLS listing date and schedule professional photography to showcase your property.

Showings on your property are scheduled via an online tool only accessible to other licensed agents. Showings will typically last 30–60 minutes, and overlapping showings are normal. You and your real estate agent will review feedback and offers as they come in. When an offer is made, your real estate agent will help you evaluate its full terms—price, closing costs, contingencies, financing, and more—to determine its strength. Once terms are negotiated and agreed upon, you'll enter a due diligence period where the buyer conducts inspections and appraisals. After clearing that phase, you'll focus on preparing for closing, which usually happens 30–60 days after the offer is accepted (quicker for cash, possibly longer for certain loans). Once inspections and appraisals are approved, you'll get ready to transfer the property to the new owners.