Selling Your Home? Here’s What to Expect from Start to Finish

Selling a home is a big decision and often an emotional one. Whether you’re moving to a new community, upsizing, downsizing, or simply ready for a change, knowing what to expect can take much of the stress out of the process. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to help you understand what happens from the moment you decide to sell until the day you hand over the keys.

Step 1: Choosing Your Realtor

The right real estate professional is key. A good realtor will not only price your home correctly but also market it effectively, negotiate on your behalf, and guide you through every detail. Look for someone with experience in your local market, strong communication skills, and a proven track record of success.

Step 2: Preparing Your Home

First impressions matter. Before listing, your realtor may suggest improvements such as fresh paint, decluttering, landscaping, or staging. Even small updates can have a big impact on buyer interest and final sale price. Professional photos, floor plans and sometimes video or drone footage are essential for today’s online-driven market.

Step 3: Pricing Strategy

Pricing your home correctly is one of the most important steps. Your realtor will prepare a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to compare your property to recent sales and active listings in your area. A strategic list price attracts the most buyers, creates competition, and can even lead to multiple offers.

Step 4: Marketing Your Home

Marketing goes far beyond a yard sign. Your realtor will create a marketing plan that can include online listings, social media promotion, open houses, print advertising, and outreach to their buyer network. The goal is maximum exposure so your home reaches the right buyers quickly.

Step 5: Showings and Open Houses

Once your home is live on the market, buyers will begin requesting showings. Flexibility is key!  Buyers often want to see homes at various times. Open houses can also bring in potential buyers who might not have scheduled a private showing yet.

Step 6: Receiving Offers

When offers start coming in, your realtor will review each one with you carefully. Beyond price, you’ll evaluate terms such as closing date, contingencies (like financing or inspections), and buyer qualifications. Your realtor’s role is to help you understand the fine print and negotiate the best possible deal.

Step 7: Inspection & Appraisal

Once you accept an offer, the buyer typically orders a home inspection. Depending on the results, repairs or credits may be requested. If the buyer is financing the purchase, their lender will also require an appraisal to confirm the home’s value. Your realtor will guide you through these negotiations and keep the process moving forward.

Step 8: Final Steps to Closing

As closing approaches, you’ll finalize any agreed-upon repairs, sign documents, and prepare to move out. Your title company or attorney will coordinate the paperwork to transfer ownership, and your realtor will keep you informed every step of the way. On closing day, you’ll sign the final documents, hand over the keys, and celebrate your successful sale!

Final Thoughts

Selling your home doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right guidance, a clear plan, and a trusted realtor by your side, (hopefully ME!) you’ll know what to expect at every step. From listing to closing, the process is designed to protect your interests and help you achieve the best outcome.

Thinking about selling your home? I’d be happy to walk you through the process, answer your questions, and create a personalized plan to get you from “For Sale” to “Sold.”