Tips & Advice
7 Important Questions to Answer Before You Sell
Selling your home isn’t just one decision—it’s a series of choices that guide you through the process. Answering the seven questions below can help you decide if selling is right for you, if it’s the right time, and how you want to approach it.
This is often the first question sellers ask, but answering it takes more than just typing your address into Google. Determining your home’s value requires evaluating the size and quality of your house, the lot it sits on, and comparing it to similar properties in your area that have sold recently.
Pro Tip: Use tools like Redfin’s Home Value Estimator for a quick estimate. Then, consult a local real estate agent for a more accurate analysis.
For a detailed explanation, check out our blog post: How Much Is My Home Worth?
Realtors can make the process smoother, but the choice depends on your priorities. Do you want to sell quickly and save money? Or are you looking for a buyer who will live in and care for your home long-term?
Realtors typically charge 5-6% in commissions, split between the buyer’s and seller’s agents. For example, selling a $300,000 home could cost you $15,000-$18,000 in commissions alone.
For tips on deciding if a realtor is right for you, read our guide: Do I Need a Realtor?
Selling costs go beyond realtor commissions. Here’s what else you might need to budget for:
Altogether, the total cost to sell your house can reach 10-14% of the sale price. For a detailed breakdown, visit our post: How Much Does It Cost to Sell a House?
Your equity is the difference between your home’s value and the debts against it, like your mortgage. When you sell, your equity pays off these debts and covers selling costs. What’s left over—your net proceeds—is what you walk away with.
Use a tool like Bankrate’s Home Equity Calculator to get a quick estimate.
Want to see a step-by-step example of calculating equity? Check out our post: Do I Have Enough Equity?
Preparing for showings can be time-consuming. On average, homes require 3-5 showings per week, with 24 total showings from listing to closing (source).
If that sounds overwhelming, consider options like:
For more tips on managing showings, read our post: Do I Have the Energy for Showings?
The time it takes to sell depends on market conditions. In a seller’s market, homes can sell in days. In more balanced conditions, like those we’re seeing in late 2024, the average time on the market is 45-60 days (source).
For more insights into current market trends, visit our blog: How Long Will It Take?
When selling to a family or individual, an inspection is almost guaranteed. Inspectors check for items like:
Having repair requests after an inspection doesn’t mean you’re a bad homeowner—it’s just part of the process. Many sellers negotiate repairs or offer credits instead of completing the work themselves.
For a deeper dive into inspections and repairs, read: Will I Need Repairs?
The decision to sell your home can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. By breaking it down into these seven questions, you can clarify your options and feel confident about your next steps.
Sometimes, reading isn’t enough. If you want to talk things through with someone who understands, we’re here to help. Whether you have questions or just need a listening ear, give us a call. Forget the robots—let’s figure it out together.
One of our Offer Specialists will work with you from start to finish, and help you sell your house on your timeline.
