15 Must-Follow Steps When Selling a House (The Ultimate Home Seller's Checklist)

Thinking of selling your house? Whether you’re upgrading, downsizing, or moving across the country, selling a home isn’t just about putting up a “For Sale” sign and waiting for the offers to roll in. There’s a lot that goes into it—emotionally, financially, and legally.

So before you jump in, here’s a simple, step-by-step checklist of things to follow while selling a house that’ll help you do it smoothly, legally, and profitably.

1. Decide If It’s the Right Time to Sell

Before anything else, ask yourself:

Is the market in your favor (a seller’s market)?
Are mortgage rates low for buyers?
Are you emotionally and financially ready to move?

???? Selling your home is a major life move—make sure your timing is right.

2. Get a Pre-Sale Home Inspection (Optional but Smart)

Not required, but a pre-inspection helps you:

Spot problems early
Avoid surprises during buyer inspections
Justify your asking price

3. Choose the Right Real Estate Agent (Or Sell by Owner)

Unless you're selling FSBO (For Sale by Owner), a licensed agent can make your life easier by:

Pricing your home accurately
Marketing it to the right buyers
Handling showings and negotiations

???? Pro tip: Interview at least 2–3 agents and check reviews before choosing one.

4. Set the Right Asking Price

Pricing too high? You’ll scare buyers away. Too low? You’ll leave money on the table.

Use:

Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)
Online valuation tools
Advice from your agent

5. Declutter, Clean & Depersonalize the Space

First impressions matter. Make your house feel like a blank canvas for buyers:

Remove family photos and personal items
Deep clean everything (especially kitchens and bathrooms)
Organize closets and storage areas

???? Think hotel vibes—not home vibes.

6. Make Small Repairs and Upgrades

You don’t need to renovate the whole place—but a few fixes go a long way:

Patch holes in walls
Fix leaking faucets
Paint over scuff marks
Replace outdated light fixtures

7. Boost Your Curb Appeal

Buyers judge a book by its cover. Make the exterior shine:

Mow the lawn
Plant flowers or greenery
Power wash the driveway
Paint the front door

8. Stage Your Home Like a Pro

If it’s within budget, home staging can:

Make your home appear bigger
Help buyers visualize themselves living there
Result in faster offers and higher sale prices

9. Take Professional Photos

High-quality photos make your online listing pop—and that’s where 95% of buyers will see it first.

Hire a pro photographer
Use wide-angle shots
Include every room and outdoor space

???? No blurry phone pics, please!

10. Market the Listing Aggressively

Get your house in front of as many buyers as possible:

MLS listing
Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin
Social media ads
Open houses and virtual tours

11. Be Flexible With Showings

More showings = more chances to sell. Try to:

Keep your home tidy at all times
Be ready for last-minute requests
Avoid being home during showings

12. Review Offers Carefully (Don’t Just Chase the Highest Price)

Look beyond the price tag:

Does the buyer have financing lined up?
Are there contingencies (inspection, appraisal, etc.)?
What’s their proposed timeline?

???? A slightly lower offer with fewer contingencies might be your best bet.

13. Negotiate Like a Pro

Be ready to:

Counteroffer
Offer credits for repairs
Adjust closing dates

This is where your agent really earns their commission!

14. Pass the Inspection & Appraisal

Buyers will usually conduct their own home inspection and appraisal. Be prepared for:

Repair requests
Price negotiations
Potential re-inspections

15. Close the Deal

Final stretch! You’ll need to:

Sign the closing paperwork
Transfer the deed
Pay off your mortgage (if applicable)
Hand over the keys

???? Once everything’s signed and sealed, congrats—you’ve sold your house!

Bonus Tips: What to Avoid

❌ Don’t overprice your home
❌ Don’t ignore needed repairs
❌ Don’t get emotional during negotiations
❌ Don’t hide problems (they’ll show up on the inspection)

Conclusion

Selling a house isn’t just about putting it on the market and hoping for the best. It’s about strategy, preparation, and timing. Whether you're selling a starter home or your forever home, following these 15 essential steps will help you avoid pitfalls, attract the right buyers, and get the best price possible. So if you want to Sell your House Fast at good prices, now is the time.

Take your time, lean on professionals, and remember—your next chapter is just one sold sign away.

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