Home Selling Guide 2026

1. Preparing Your Home to Sell

First impressions matter. Homes that show well sell faster and for more money. Here's how to prepare your home for the market.

Declutter & Depersonalize

• Remove personal photos and family memorabilia
• Clear countertops, closets, and storage areas
• Pack away seasonal items and excess furniture
• Rent a storage unit if needed - it's worth the investment

Deep Clean Everything

• Professional carpet cleaning
• Window washing inside and out
• Pressure wash exterior, driveway, and sidewalks
• Clean grout, baseboards, and light fixtures
• Eliminate any pet odors

Make Strategic Repairs

Focus on repairs that affect buyer perception and inspection results:

• Fix leaky faucets and running toilets
• Repair damaged drywall and touch up paint
• Replace burned-out light bulbs
• Address any safety issues (loose railings, GFCI outlets)
• Service HVAC system

2. Pricing Your Home Right

Pricing is the most important factor in selling your home. Overpricing leads to longer days on market and eventual price reductions, while underpricing leaves money on the table.

How We Determine Price

• Comparable Sales: Recent sales of similar homes in your area
• Current Competition: What you're competing against right now
• Market Conditions: Buyer demand and inventory levels
• Your Home's Condition: Updates, features, and overall appeal
• Your Timeline: How quickly you need to sell

The Danger of Overpricing

Homes priced correctly receive the most activity in the first 2-3 weeks. Overpriced homes become "stale" and often sell for less than they would have if priced correctly from the start.

3. Marketing Your Home

Great marketing exposes your home to the maximum number of qualified buyers.

Professional Photography

90%+ of buyers start their search online. Professional photos are non-negotiable. We also recommend video tours and 3D virtual tours for maximum engagement.

MLS & Syndication

Your listing goes on the MLS and syndicates to Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin, and hundreds of other sites. We optimize every listing for maximum visibility.

Targeted Marketing

• Social media advertising to likely buyers
• Email marketing to our buyer database
• Agent networking and broker opens
• Print materials for open houses

4. Showings & Open Houses

Making your home available for showings is crucial. The more buyers who see it, the faster it sells.

Showing Tips

• Leave for all showings (buyers feel uncomfortable with owners present)
• Keep the home "show-ready" at all times
• Turn on all lights, open blinds
• Set thermostats to comfortable temperatures
• Remove or crate pets
• Consider a lockbox for agent access

5. Evaluating Offers

When offers come in, price isn't everything. Here's what to consider:

Beyond the Price

• Financing: Cash offers and conventional loans are generally stronger than FHA/VA
• Earnest Money: Higher amounts show serious intent
• Contingencies: Fewer contingencies = smoother transaction
• Timeline: Does their closing date work for you?
• Buyer Qualification: Pre-approved vs. pre-qualified matters

6. Closing the Sale

Once you accept an offer, here's what to expect:

Seller's Timeline

• Option Period: Buyer conducts inspections. Be prepared for repair negotiations.
• Appraisal: Buyer's lender verifies the value
• Title Work: Title company researches property history
• Final Walkthrough: Buyer verifies condition before closing
• Closing Day: Sign documents, receive proceeds, hand over keys

What Sellers Pay at Closing

• Real estate commissions (typically 5-6%)
• Title insurance for the buyer
• Prorated property taxes
• Any negotiated repairs or credits
• HOA transfer fees if applicable