How to Sell Your House: A Comprehensive Guide

Selling your home is a big move – whether you’re relocating, downsizing, or just ready for something new. It can feel overwhelming, but the process doesn’t have to be. With the right strategy and guidance, you can sell your house quickly and for the best possible price.

This step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know: from prepping and pricing to marketing and negotiating. So whether you’re selling a home in Pittsburgh, a condo in Phoenix, or something in between, we’ve got your game plan covered- start to finish.

What home sellers can expect this year

The 2025 housing market isn’t as red-hot as years past, but sellers still have solid opportunities. While high mortgage rates and growing inventory have made buyers more selective, well-maintained homes that are priced right are still selling. You may need to wait a bit longer, be open to negotiations, or offer small incentives, but strong prep and realistic pricing can pay off. Sellers who approach the market with strategy and flexibility are still seeing successful outcomes.

To sell successfully in today’s market:

• Price competitively
• Make your home show-ready
• Stay flexible on timing and terms

Selling a home today takes more than just listing and waiting. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process, from preparing your home to closing the deal.

How to sell a house: Step-by-step

Selling a house involves more than just putting a sign in your yard. It’s a process that requires preparation, strategy, and an understanding of the market.

1) Hire a home inspector

You might be thinking, isn’t that the buyer’s responsibility? You’re not wrong; buyers typically pay for their own home inspection. So why get one yourself?

A pre-listing home inspection helps you identify and fix issues before negotiations even start. It also strengthens your position in negotiations. Buyers often use inspection findings to request concessions, like price reductions. If you’ve already handled repairs, there’s less for them to negotiate, giving you more control over the deal.

2) Make repairs and small upgrades to your house

Before listing your home, address any necessary repairs and consider small upgrades that add value.

• Fix what stands out: Address noticeable issues like leaky faucets, chipped paint, or squeaky doors.
• Boost curb appeal: A well-maintained lawn, trimmed hedges, and fresh mulch create a great first impression.
• Brighten and refresh: Upgrade lighting, repaint walls in neutral tones, and open up spaces with natural light.

Minor, strategic updates can make your home feel more inviting and move-in ready, helping it sell faster.

4) Find a real estate agent

Finding a real estate agent is easy, but finding a great real estate agent can be a challenge. Getting referrals and reading online reviews is a great way to narrow down your options. Here are some questions to consider asking any potential candidate:

• How many clients have you served this year?
• Has a client ever filed a complaint against you?
• What is your fee?
• What services do you offer beyond negotiations and escrow?
• What tools and resources are available to you?

After you decide on a real estate agent, you and your agent should devise a plan of action for how to sell your house.

5) Price your house to sell

Setting the right price is key to attracting buyers and securing a strong offer. While online tools provide rough estimates, they don’t account for market shifts or unique property features.

A real estate agent can conduct a comparative market analysis (CMA), using recent sales of similar homes (comps) to set a competitive price. Agents also understand local trends, helping you avoid overpricing or underpricing.

You can also get a professional appraisal, where an appraiser assesses your home’s condition, upgrades, and market value. While it is more common for buyers, it can be useful for sellers seeking an unbiased valuation. Pricing your home for sale correctly from the start increases your chances of a faster, smoother sale.

6) Stage your home to sell 

A well-staged home helps buyers envision themselves living there, leading to faster and higher offers. Whether you hire help or go the DIY route, focus on these key areas:

• Declutter and depersonalize: Remove excess items and personal belongings to create a clean, neutral space.
• Deep clean everything: Wash windows, dust baseboards, and scrub bathrooms until they shine.
• Rearrange furniture: Keep rooms open and inviting, ensuring they feel spacious and flow well.
• Maximize natural light: Remove or pull back heavy curtains to let in more light.
• Show off flooring: Buyers love hardwood—remove rugs and polish floors to make them stand out.

Small changes can make a big impact. The goal is to help buyers picture themselves at home from the moment they walk in.

7) Get professional photos taken of your home

Nothing sells a house faster than professional photos. This is especially true now, as many prospective buyers start their journey online. Poorly photographed listings will likely see very little traffic, and houses with professionally shot photos, on average, sell for more money than other listings. Aerial photography and 3D walkthroughs have become increasingly popular with buyers looking online.

8) List your home to sell

Your real estate agent will list your home online on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) for it to start showing up on real estate websites for potential buyers. Also, don’t limit the marketing of your house to your real estate agent and online search. Market the house yourself with social media. Also, ensure you know when it’s the best time to sell a house to give yourself the best advantage.

9) Have a plan in case your home doesn’t sell quickly enough

Not every house sells quickly, so it’s important for you and your agent to be prepared if your listing takes longer than expected. Many factors are at play, and depending on the condition of the housing market in your area, your real estate agent may have to use other strategies in their arsenal to sell your house, like lowering the price or holding more tours and open houses.

10) Negotiate the sale price of your home

One thing to consider is that both you and the buyer are trying to get the best possible price for your home. There will be multiple factors to consider, as each home sold and purchased differs.

This is where your agent really steps up. They will help you navigate every step of the negotiation process and will offer advice on how to proceed when offers are being made.

11) Sign and close

You and your agent have been working towards this moment. You’ve agreed on a price with the buyers, all inspections and appraisals of your home have been completed, and you are now ready to sign the papers and close the transaction. 

At closing, you’ll review the final documents, including the settlement statement and deed, to ensure everything is accurate. Once you’ve signed all of the paperwork and paid for seller closing costs, congratulations, you’ve sold your house.

FAQs: How to Sell a House

What is the best time of year to sell a house?

Spring and early summer tend to attract the most buyers, though market conditions can vary.

Do I need to stage my home to sell it?

Staging isn’t required, but it helps sell homes faster and often for more money.

Can I sell a house without a real estate agent?

Yes, but it requires more time, marketing knowledge, and legal expertise.

How much does it cost to sell a house?

Typical costs include agent commissions (5-6%), closing costs (1-3%), and repair/staging expenses.

How long does it take to sell a house?

Depending on the market, location, and condition of the home, most homes sell within 30–90 days.

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