<p>The home selling process is the same whether you are selling <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/for-sale-by-owners-fsbo-tips-1799024" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="1">for sale by owner</a> or hiring a <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-choose-a-listing-agent-1798882" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="2">listing agent</a>. Certain details may vary slightly among the states, but I will use California as the example since the state usually sets the standard for much of the country. Some jurisdictional differences include the seller hiring a real estate lawyer rather than an agent and the buyer submitting an &#34;intent offer&#34; prior to executing a <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/purchase-contract-1798612" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="3">purchase contract</a>.</p><p>To sell your home:</p><h3>1) Choose a Listing Agent</h3><ul><li>A <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-choose-a-listing-agent-1798882" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="4">listing agent</a> will represent you and have a <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/what-is-a-fiduciary-3505114" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="5">fiduciary</a> responsible for looking out for your best interests.</li><li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-interview-a-real-estate-agent-1798905" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="6">Interview agents</a> and meet with at least three real estate agents. Try to hire experience.</li><li>Ask questions about your <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/types-of-listing-agreements-to-sell-a-home-1799062" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="7">listing agreement</a>, including the length of time the home will be listed.</li></ul><h3>2) Find Out How Much Your Home Is Worth</h3><ul><li>A <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/the-worst-home-selling-mistake-1798971" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="8">seller&#39;s biggest mistake</a> is to overprice a home.</li><li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/pricing-houses-to-sell-1798968" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="9">Price your home</a> in line with sold homes identified in a <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/cma-comparative-market-analysis-1799036" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="10">comparative market analysis</a> report.</li><li>Consider whether your <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/hot-cold-and-neutral-real-estate-markets-1798785" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="11">market is hot, cold or neutral</a>, and price according to the market temperature.</li></ul><h3>3) Get Home Ready for Sale</h3><ul><li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-prepare-your-house-for-sale-1799018" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="12">Prepare your home for sale</a> by cleaning, decluttering and improving curb appeal.</li><li>Hire a professional stager to <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/what-is-home-staging-1799076" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="13">stage your home</a>, or ask your real estate agent for help with staging. Sometimes you can use your own furniture.</li><li>Make <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/repairs-before-home-selling-return-rewards-1799066" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="14">repairs before selling</a>.</li><li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/while-your-home-is-on-the-market-protecting-your-privacy-1798969" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="15">Protect your privacy</a> while your home is on the market.</li><li>If you&#39;re <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/selling-a-house-with-pets-at-home-1799082" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="16">selling a home where pets live</a>, make alternate plans for your pets.</li></ul><h3>4) Market Your Home</h3><ul><li>You or your agent should identify the sizzling selling points and choose <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/advertising-words-for-home-selling-1799043" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="17">advertising words</a> to sell.</li><li>Approve your agent&#39;s marketing campaign or figure out how to <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/advertising-houses-for-sale-1799039" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="18">advertise your house</a> for sale yourself.</li><li>Follow the top 10 <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-market-your-house-1799084" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="19">home marketing tips</a> for selling your home.</li><li>Hire a <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/virtual-tours-sell-houses-1799074" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="20">virtual tour</a> company to take quality photographs and put a virtual tour online.</li><li>Tweak marketing to <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/ways-to-increase-home-showings-1799059" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="21">increase traffic</a> and showings.</li><li>Confirm that your listing is <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/posting-internet-home-listings-1799035" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="22">posted</a> online. Your agent or you should saturate the Internet with photographs and descriptions of your home.</li></ul><h3>5) Show Your Home</h3><ul><li>If you&#39;re wondering about <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/showings-appointments-only-vs-lockboxes-1799034" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="23">lockbox vs. appointments</a>, you&#39;ll get more showings if you let agents use a lockbox.</li><li>Your home will show better if you <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/top-ways-to-sell-your-home-in-the-spring-1799025" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="24">sell in spring</a> than <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/top-tips-to-home-selling-in-winter-1799078" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="25">sell in winter</a>.</li><li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/selling-your-home-during-the-holidays-1799068" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="26">Selling during the holidays</a> could likely result in a lower sales price, regardless of what agents tell you.</li><li>Follow the top 10 <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/top-home-showing-tips-1799070" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="27">home showing tips</a>. You&#39;ve got only one chance -- and sometimes only 3 seconds -- to make a good first impression.</li><li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/preparing-for-open-houses-1799037" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="28">Prepare for an open house</a> and use the approach sparingly.</li><li>Ask for <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/get-buyer-feedback-after-showing-1799047" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="29">buyer feedback</a> so you can adjust your price, condition or marketing campaigns accordingly.</li></ul><h3>6) Receive Purchase Offers and Negotiate</h3><ul><li>Make certain that buyers use the right form for <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/top-tips-for-writing-purchase-offers-1798849" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="30">writing a purchase offer</a>.</li><li>Even if you receive a <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-make-lowball-offers-1798835" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="31">lowball offer</a>, negotiate by issuing a <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/all-about-real-estate-counter-offers-1798841" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="32">counter offer</a>. Don&#39;t ignore offers.</li><li>Ask for a kickout clause or first right of refusal if the buyer&#39;s offer is <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/contingent-contracts-selling-buyers-home-1798840" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="33">contingent on selling a home</a>.</li><li>Consider making a counter offer <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/contingent-contracts-for-finding-a-new-home-1798844" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="34">contingent on buying a home</a>, if market conditions warrant.</li><li>Don&#39;t be afraid to make a <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/why-sellers-make-full-price-counter-offers-1798837" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="35">full-price counter offer</a>, if the price is competitive and warranted.</li><li>If your home is priced right, prepare yourself for <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/multiple-offers-competing-home-offers-1798836" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="36">multiple offers</a>.</li></ul><h3>7) Open Escrow and Order Title</h3><ul><li>Your agent or transaction coordinator will open <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/what-is-escrow-315826" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="37">escrow</a> and order a <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/what-is-a-title-insurance-policy-1798684" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="38">title policy</a>.</li><li>Write down the contact information for the closing agent.</li><li>Select a date to close based on when the buyer&#39;s loan will <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/funding-a-loan-1798558" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="39">fund</a>.</li><li>Ask for a receipt for the buyer&#39;s <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/protect-your-earnest-money-deposit-1798341" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="40">earnest money deposit</a>.</li></ul><h3>8) Schedule Appraiser Appointment</h3><ul><li>Clean the house the day before the appraiser arrives.</li><li>If you receive a <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-deal-with-a-low-appraisal-1798414" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="41">low appraisal</a>, ask your agent about alternatives.</li><li>You are not entitled to receive a copy of the appraisal because you did not pay for it.</li><li>If the buyer decides to <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-cancel-a-purchase-contract-1798845" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="42">cancel the contract</a> based on an appraisal, ask your agent or lawyer about your rights.</li></ul><h3>9) Cooperate with Home Inspection</h3><ul><li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/get-ready-for-a-home-inspection-1798690" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="43">Get ready for the home inspector</a>.</li><li>Ask your agent to provide you with a <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/checklist-for-home-inspections-1798682" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="44">home inspection checklist</a> so you will know which items an inspector will want to see.</li><li>Prepare the <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/six-reasons-to-inspect-an-attic-during-a-home-inspection-1798672" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="45">attic</a> and <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-spot-a-wet-basement-1798686" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="46">basement</a> for inspection, too. Move stuff away from the walls in the garage.</li><li>Also, prepare for the <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/doing-the-final-home-inspection-walk-through-1798685" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="47">final walk-through inspection</a> which takes place a few days before, or the morning of, closing.</li></ul><h3>10) Obtain Seller-Required Inspections</h3><ul><li>If your contract calls for a <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/roof-certifications-and-roof-inspections-1798681" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="48">roof certification</a>, hire a reputable company to conduct the inspection.</li><li>States that allow for termite or <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/pest-inspections-1798614" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="49">pest inspections</a> make these reports public records.</li><li>The fees for all inspection reports, even if seller-mandated, are negotiable.</li><li>If your home was built before 1950, a <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/sewer-inspections-for-older-homes-1798683" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="50">sewer inspection</a> might call for a new sewer line, but trenchless sewers are less expensive to install.</li></ul><h3>11) Delivery Seller Disclosures</h3><ul><li>All homes in the United States are subject to <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/lead-paint-disclosures-and-facts-1797789" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="51">lead-based paint</a> disclosures, not just those built before 1978.</li><li>If you are aware of <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/home-disclosures-and-material-facts-1798656" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="52">material facts</a>, disclose them.</li><li>Your title company should provide CC&amp;Rs, but if you belong to a <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/what-to-know-about-homeowner-associations-1798655" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="53">homeowner association</a>, additional documentation will be required.</li></ul><h3>12) Negotiate Request for Repair</h3><ul><li>Ordinarily, sellers do not need to accept a buyer&#39;s <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/repair-requests-on-home-buying-and-selling-1798680" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="54">request for repair</a>; however, buyers can also cancel the contract.</li><li>You are entitled to a copy of the <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/how-a-bad-home-inspector-can-jeopardize-your-sale-1798688" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="55">home inspection report</a> if the buyers request repairs.</li><li>If you do not choose to make repairs, a buyer might instead accept a <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/buyer-s-closing-costs-1798422" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="56">closing cost credit</a>.</li></ul><h3>13) Ask Buyer to Release Contingencies</h3><ul><li>In California, for example, contracts default to 17 days, at which time, the buyer must release <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/crucial-types-of-contract-contingencies-for-home-buyers-1798291" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="57">contingencies</a>.</li><li>If you do not demand a release, buyers are not obligated to provide it.</li><li>If buyers do not provide a release, in California, sellers have the right to cancel the contract.</li></ul><h3>14) Sign Title and Escrow Documents</h3><ul><li>In southern California, you will sign escrow documents shortly after opening escrow.</li><li>In northern California, you will sign escrow documents near closing.</li><li>In other states, it is common for everybody to sit around the table, all buyers and sellers, so ask your agent for the norm in your state.</li><li>Bring a valid picture identification.</li></ul><h3>15) Close Escrow</h3><ul><li>Your <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/property-deeds-warranty-grant-and-quitclaim-1799225" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="58">property deed</a>, <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/what-is-a-deed-of-reconveyance-1798622" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="59">reconveyance</a> and <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/definition-of-deed-of-trust-1798782" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="60">deed of trust</a> will record in the public records.</li><li>The title company will notify you and your agent when it records the deeds.</li><li>Depending on <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20171105231153/https://www.thebalance.com/home-buyer-possession-date-1798354" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="61">buyer&#39;s possession</a> rights specified in the contract, you may be required to move on the day the home closes or prior.</li></ul><p><em>At the time of writing, Elizabeth Weintraub, CalBRE #00697006, is a Broker-Associate at Lyon Real Estate in Sacramento, California.</em></p>