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:
Decide whether to sell now Hire a listing agent Set a selling price Pick a listing date Get a pre-sale inspection Declutter, clean, and stage List your home Show your home Review and negotiate Accept an offer Prepare for the final walkthrough 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.