No matter how you sell — with an agent, to a cash buyer, or on your own — most sales follow the same core steps.
When you see them in order, the process feels less mysterious and a lot more manageable.
- Get clear on your “why” and your timeline. Are you relocating, settling an estate,
tired of landlording, or trying to avoid foreclosure? Your reason and your urgency shape the best path.
- Understand the condition of the property. Make a simple list: major issues (roof, foundation,
plumbing, electrical) and cosmetic items (paint, flooring, cabinets). You don’t have to fix everything,
but you should know what you’re working with.
- Estimate value and what you’d net. Look at recent sales nearby, get a professional opinion,
or talk with a buyer who will walk you through their numbers. Focus on net proceeds after repairs, fees,
and time — not just the sticker price.
- Choose how you want to sell. Traditional listing, cash buyer, or FSBO each come with trade-offs
in speed, certainty, and effort.
- Review offers carefully. Price matters, but so do contingencies (inspection, financing),
timelines, and how likely the deal is to actually close.
- Move through inspection, title, and closing. This is where paperwork, payoff statements,
and logistics get handled so you can get a clean closing and move on.
Big picture: Selling a house is not just about “getting the highest number.”
It’s about choosing the combination of price, speed, and certainty that fits
your life. Sometimes that’s full retail with a longer timeline. Other times,
especially with stress or heavy repairs, it’s a fast, as-is cash sale.
Questions to ask yourself before you list or sell
- How soon do I realistically need this property sold?
- If I didn’t sell, what would the next 6–12 months look like?
- Do I have cash or time for repairs and showings?
- Is privacy important to me, or am I okay with lots of people walking through?
- What’s more stressful to me — a slightly lower price or months of uncertainty?
Your answers help you decide which selling path fits best — not just in theory, but in real life.
See what a cash offer could look like