Have you ever thought to yourself, “I want to sell my house, but where do I begin?” If this is the case, you are not alone. The average seller has lived in their house for 13 years before listing it, and they spend an average of seven months considering listing their property before taking action.

Perhaps you’re considering selling your house because you need more room, are ready to downsize, or are relocating for education or work. Whatever your motivation, it is critical to be ready for the sale process. It may be both emotional and stressful, especially for first-time home sellers, because you certainly have an emotional attachment to your house — and it’s also your largest investment.

You have the advantage of having gone through a buy and sale process when you acquired the house as a first-time home seller. You spent time as a buyer preparing financial paperwork and looking for the ideal property. As the seller, you’ll need to do a lot of prep work as well, but it’ll be different in that you’ll spend your time making your house ready for possible buyers. In addition, depending on your goals, you may face the additional stress of purchasing and selling at the same time.

Guide for First-Time Home Sellers

The ten steps that follow aggregate some of the greatest home-selling advice.

sell your house

  • Determine your selling motivation.
  • Find out when is the ideal time to sell in your region.
  • Commit to a strategy for representation.
  • Finish house renovations.
  • Set a competitive price for your house.
  • Sell your house by staging it.
  • Effectively market your listing.
  • Keep an eye out for impending roadblocks.
  • Move out.
  • Fulfill closing obligations.

If you agreed to fix repairs as a part we buy houses cash post-inspection talks, it is your obligation to do so before closing. Furthermore, if the purchasers requested (and you agreed to) certain inspections or certifications, such as a sewage line inspection or roof condition certification, they should be conducted as well.

Submit property disclosures: As a seller, you are obliged in most states to report any known flaws or concerns that might influence the value or safety of the home – this is known as a property disclosure. Prior to closing, they must be documented in writing, and the particular requirements and processes differ according on where you reside.