Introduction

Selling your home is a major financial and emotional decision. A successful sale requires careful planning, strategic preparation, and expert guidance. This guide will walk you through every step of the home-selling process—from finding the right agent to preparing your home, managing open houses, and closing the deal.

Step 1: Find the Right Agent

Why You Need a Real Estate Agent

Selling a home involves complex negotiations, legal paperwork, and strategic pricing. A professional agent will help you:

• Set a competitive price based on market analysis.

• Stage and market your home to attract buyers.

• Handle negotiations and closing details.

Choosing the Right Agent

• Ask for referrals from friends and family.

• Research agents’ experience, recent sales, and customer reviews.

• Interview multiple agents to find the right fit.

• Consider working with Brandly Real Estate & Auction – Their experienced team specializes in maximizing the value of your property through targeted marketing, strategic pricing, and expert negotiation.

Step 2: Decide Where and When to Move

Where to Move

• Consider proximity to work, schools, family, and amenities.

• Research property taxes, utilities, and local services.

• Think about the long-term value of the area.

When to Move

• Market Timing – Spring and summer tend to attract more buyers, but selling in the winter can mean less competition.

• Personal Timing – Factor in job changes, school schedules, and financial goals.

• Contingencies – If buying another home, coordinate the closing dates to avoid temporary housing issues.

Step 3: Get Your Home Ready to Sell

1. Boost Curb Appeal

The exterior is the first thing buyers see—make a great impression!
Power wash siding and walkways
Mow the lawn and trim shrubs
Paint the front door and replace worn hardware
Add flowers or potted plants near the entrance

2. Deep Clean the Entire House

A spotless home signals to buyers that the property is well-maintained.
Clean windows inside and out
Scrub floors, walls, and baseboards
Clean appliances, including the oven and refrigerator
Remove any odors from cooking or pets

3. De-clutter and Depersonalize

Buyers need to envision themselves living in the home.
Remove family photos and personal items
Minimize furniture to create more open space
Organize closets and cabinets to show off storage capacity

4. Make Necessary Repairs

Address any issues that could deter buyers or lower your home’s value.
Fix leaky faucets and running toilets
Replace burnt-out light bulbs
Patch holes and touch up paint
Repair or replace broken fixtures

5. Stage Your Home

Staging helps buyers see the full potential of the space.
Arrange furniture to highlight room flow and functionality
Use neutral colors and minimal decor
Add fresh flowers or houseplants for a welcoming touch

Step 4: Deal with Pets

1. Remove Pet Odors and Stains

Buyers are sensitive to smells—especially from pets.

• Clean carpets and furniture.

• Use odor-neutralizing sprays.

• Open windows to air out the space.

2. Minimize Signs of Pets During Showings

• Remove pet beds, toys, and litter boxes.

• Keep pets at a friend’s house or in a crate during showings.

• Clean up the yard of any pet waste.

Step 5: Clean and Clear Space

1. De-clutter Every Room

Less is more when showing a home.

• Remove excess furniture to make rooms feel larger.

• Organize shelves and clear off countertops.

• Store away seasonal items and extra belongings.

2. Neutralize the Décor

While you may love bright colors, buyers prefer neutral tones.

• Repaint walls in beige, gray, or white.

• Replace bold artwork with more subtle pieces.

Step 6: Schedule Open Houses

Timing and Frequency

• Host open houses on weekends when foot traffic is higher.

• Consider holding a twilight open house for a unique experience.

• Limit the number of open houses to maintain demand.

Preparation Tips

Clean the house thoroughly before every open house.
Provide refreshments to make buyers feel comfortable.
Create a welcoming atmosphere with soft music and pleasant scents.

Safety During Open Houses

• Store valuables in a safe place.

• Remove prescription medications and personal information.

• Ask your agent to monitor attendees during the event.

Step 7: Allow for Professional Photos and Video

Why Professional Media Matters

High-quality photos and videos can significantly increase interest in your listing.

• Homes with professional photography sell 32% faster on average.

• Listings with virtual tours receive 87% more views.

What to Include:

Wide-angle shots of each room
Exterior shots at different times of day
Aerial shots (if possible) to highlight the property’s location

Video Walkthrough

A video tour allows buyers to experience the home remotely, increasing engagement.

• Include narration highlighting key features.

• Keep the video under 3 minutes for maximum viewer retention.

Step 8: Set a Competitive Asking Price

How to Price Your Home

• Comparable Sales – Analyze recent sales of similar homes in your neighborhood.

• Market Conditions – In a seller’s market, you may be able to price slightly higher.

• Home Condition – Adjust based on upgrades, repairs, and unique features.

Common Pricing Strategies:

Pricing below market to encourage multiple offers.
Pricing at market value for a steady stream of interest.
Pricing above market only if demand is high and your home is move-in ready.

Step 9: Negotiate Offers

Key Terms to Consider:

• Purchase Price – Is the offer close to your asking price?

• Contingencies – Are there inspection, appraisal, or financing contingencies?

• Closing Date – Does the timeline work for you?

• Concessions – Are the buyers asking for closing cost assistance or repairs?

How to Handle Multiple Offers:

• Accept the highest and best offer.

• Counteroffer to improve terms.

• Ask buyers for "best and final" offers.

Step 10: Prepare for Closing

What to Expect:

1. Appraisal – Confirms that the agreed price matches the home’s value.

2. Home Inspection – Buyers may request repairs based on findings.

3. Title Search – Confirms the home has no legal claims or liens.

4. Final Walkthrough – The buyer will check that the home is in the agreed-upon condition.

Common Closing Costs:

Item                                         Typical Cost

Real Estate Agent Commission            5%–6% of sale price

Title Insurance                                 $500–$1,500

Escrow Fees                                   $500–$1,000

Property Taxes (prorated)                   Varies

Transfer Taxes                                 0.5%–2% of sale price

Step 11: Hand Over the Keys

• Provide all keys, garage remotes, and security codes.

• Leave behind any instruction manuals or warranty information.

• Make sure the home is clean and empty before the final walkthrough.

Conclusion

Selling a home can be challenging, but with the right preparation and guidance, it can also be incredibly rewarding. By working with an experienced agent like Brandly Real Estate & Auction, you’ll have expert support at every step—from setting the right price to negotiating offers and closing the deal. With the right strategy and attention to detail, you'll maximize your home’s value and make the selling process smooth and successful.