A 12 Step Timeline for Selling A House: What to Expect

A clear timeline for selling a house can make all the difference in staying organized and on schedule throughout an often stressful process. From the decision to sell to closing day, Redfin has you covered every step of the way. 

Whether you’re transitioning to a rental house in Tucson, downsizing to an apartment in Salt Lake City, or fulfilling your dream of buying a home in San Diego, the selling process can look different for everyone. This timeline for selling your house breaks down the process step-by-step, so you know what to expect. 

In this article: 

1. Decide whether to sell now
2. Hire a listing agent 
3. Set a selling price
4. Pick a listing date 
5. Get a pre-sale inspection
6. Declutter, clean, and stage 
7. List your home 
8. Show your home 
9. Review and negotiate
10. Accept an offer
11. Prepare for the final walkthrough 
12. Closing day
    What happens now?
    FAQs on the selling timeline

1. Determine if now is a good time to sell your house

The first step in any home sale is making the decision on whether you should sell your house now. This can be a highly personal decision, but it’s important to consider and research the following to help you make the right choice: 

• Personal finances: Gather information on your loan payments and mortgage to see what you still owe on your house and calculate what your profit might equal from a sale. Assess your budget to cover closing costs, taxes, commissions, and other selling fees.
• Housing market: Research the current state of the housing market and see how similar homes in your area are selling to get a sense of pricing and demand. 
• Market type: Determine whether you’re in a buyer’s or seller’s market. In a buyer’s market, homes sell slower and may require price flexibility. In a seller’s market, homes sell quickly and often receive multiple offers. Understanding this helps set realistic expectations.

2. Hire a listing agent

While you can sell your home without an agent, the home selling process is a lot of work without a professional. Real estate agents are key helpers for both buyers and sellers. A seller’s agent, or listing agent, specifically helps with key tasks throughout the home selling timeline, like determining a listing price and negotiating offers. 

It’s best to hire an agent about two months before you’re ready to list your house. Be sure to take time and interview a handful of agents, because choosing the right agent can make the entire selling process smoother and less stressful. 

>>Read more: What Does a Real Estate Agent Do? 

3. Set a selling price 

You can use a home-value calculator to estimate your home’s value before getting a professional home appraisal. Your agent can help you set a competitive price based on this estimate and current market trends. 

Be prepared to compromise your ideal price with market realities. You may risk losing potential buyers if your home is overpriced, ultimately extending your selling timeline. 

4. Pick a date to list your home 

Timing can play a big role in how quickly your home sells—and for how much. When deciding the best time to sell a house, consider factors like:

• Your personal schedule
• Academic calendars
• Holidays 
• Time of year
• Days of the week

Strategize with your agent to weigh your availability and market trends. 

>>Read more: What’s the Best Day to Put Your Home on the Market? 

5. Get a pre-sale home inspection 

Schedule a pre-listing home inspection to catch any necessary repairs before your home hits the market. Addressing any issues before listing your home can prevent surprises during the buyer’s inspection and unexpected delays when there’s an interested buyer. This will also provide transparency about the home’s condition and reduce your liability as a seller. 

While some fixes are mandatory after a home inspection, some can be negotiated between the buyer and seller. Determine which repairs are worth your time and budget to fix, and which might impact your home’s value or appeal if left undone.

6. Clean and declutter 

It’s not just to impress potential buyers – having your home cleaned and decluttered makes both the selling and moving process easier. Start about a month before listing by removing personal items and excess clutter. This helps buyers envision themselves in the space and gives you a head start on packing. Hiring professionals to help will streamline what can be tedious tasks on your own, too. Here are a few methods for a smooth process: 

• Have your home professionally decluttered: Determine what you’re keeping, donating, or discarding, start clearing items to present a neutral space for buyers to view. 
• Keep personal belongings in a storage unit: Rent a storage unit to keep boxes and furniture out of the way while showing your house. Some storage companies even offer portable units so you can move them directly to your new home when you’re ready. 
• Hire a cleaning company: Make sure every inch of your home looks – and smells – clean and fresh. A clean home with an appealing interior is one of the easiest ways to stand out from the competition. 
• Get your home professionally staged: A professional stager can transform your space to appear bigger and brighter. They’ll rearrange furniture, add neutral decor, and provide the finishing touches that will help your home appeal to potential buyers.
• Don’t forget the outside: The first thing potential buyers will see of your house is the outside. Don’t underestimate the value of the landscaping, exterior window washing, or shining up your front door.

7. List your home

Once repairs have been made, the inside is clean and staged, and the outside is picture perfect, it’s time to list your house. First, however, you’ll want to get professional real estate photos. Though you could take photos yourself, professional photos can help your home sell faster – and for more money. It’s also a great way to make your home stand out in a sea of listings. Your real estate agent will help you create and market the listing to get it in front of as many potential buyers as possible. 

8. Show your home 

Showing your home through tours or open houses is the climax of the timeline for selling your house. When potential buyers walk through a house, it’s their chance to picture themselves living there. If they like the picture, an offer won’t be far off. Review this open house checklist to make sure you’ve covered all the bases, and have your agent help you create a schedule for showings. 

9. Review offers and negotiate

As the offers begin to roll in, your agent will present them, advise you on counter offers, and guide you through the negotiation process. It’s important to look at the full terms of the offer, not just the offer price, to make sure you get the best deal. 

In some cases, hiring a real estate attorney to prepare and review final documents and contracts can be helpful to avoid any issues that could hold up your sale. 

10. Accept an offer

Once you’ve received an offer that meets your needs, it’s time to accept and begin the closing process. This can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days, in which time you will pack the remainder of your belongings, complete any remaining repairs requested by the buyer, and determine the final dates.  

11. Prepare for the final walkthrough 

The final walkthrough will give the buyers a chance to take a look at the property and confirm that all the agreed-upon repairs were made and no new problems have come up. At the time of the final walkthrough, your home should be clean and completely empty, except for items that were part of the agreement.

12. Close the deal

Whether the seller has to be present at closing depends on the type of sale and local practices, but a few tasks are typically required: 

• Sign the necessary closing documents: Not all closing documents are for the buyer. Sellers sign and receive documents transferring property rights and ownership. Some documents, like the deed, overlap and are signed by both parties. 
• Pay remaining balances: Any outstanding mortgage balances, HOA fees, or negotiated seller-paid closing costs are typically paid at closing. 
• Turn in your keys: Physical keys, garage door openers, and codes that access the home should be passed off to the new owner.

The timeline for selling a house: What happens now?

Everyone’s timeline for selling a house will be different, especially when balancing changes in the housing market with personal schedules. Despite this, the final question remains the same: what happens now? 

In most situations, it’s ideal to sell your house before buying a new one. Regardless of whether you’re selling and buying at the same time, transitioning to renting for more flexibility, or seeking an entirely new adventure like an Earthship, Redfin will be here to help you. 

FAQs on the selling timeline

Can you sell a house without an agent? 

Yes, you can sell your home without an agent. This is known as a “for sale by owner.” While it is possible, it’s highly recommended to enlist the help of a real estate agent. Without one, you will be responsible for everything from listing the house to negotiating the offers on your own. 

How long will it take to sell a home?

The exact timeline for selling a house varies depending on numerous factors. The current housing market, time of year, location, and value of the home all contribute to the timeline. Proper research and preparation are essential to making sure you’re ready for whatever comes your way. 

Can you speed up the process of selling a house? 

Pre-listing inspections, organized paperwork, and having a move-in ready home all help speed up the home selling process. Getting help from real estate professionals can help you make sure everything is done properly and efficiently, and get your home sold as quickly as possible. 

What should you do after you sell your house? 

Once the sale has closed and you have vacated the property, it’s all about the updates. Cancel your utilities, update your insurance, and update your address. Start with essentials like banks, work, and subscriptions to ensure any important items are delivered to your new home. If you’re moving to a new county, be sure to update your voter’s registration as well. 

What if I sell my house before I can buy a new house?

Selling your house first can give you a clearer picture of what you can afford when you begin looking for your new house. However, you may need to look for temporary housing if you don’t find a new house before the agreed upon move-out date.

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