How to Sell Your Home: 6 Habits of Successful Home Sellers

Selling a home can be a complex and stressful process. Even in the best market conditions, whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-time home seller, reset your expectations and adjust your sales strategy accordingly to get your home sold for the price and terms you want.

 

This guide outlines six of the best habits of highly effective home sellers. However crazy the real estate market gets, you can adapt these practices—from being proactive in maintaining your home to having the right mindset—to help achieve your goals and sell your home at the best possible price.

 

One of the best habits successful home sellers have in common? They hire a good, reputable realtor. Not only do real estate agents have the knowledge and experience necessary to help you with all the key points of the sale. They also have the network and tools to boost your home's marketability.

 

Even if you think you understand the complicated process of home-selling and have the talent to go the FSBO (For Sale By Owner) route, you must still be familiar with the laws and regulations of the real estate industry. Having a listing agent by your side to answer any questions, set the right price for your home, vet offers, avoid wire fraud, and negotiate deals on your behalf will ensure you avoid pitfalls and/or unexpected headaches. Successful sellers recognize what a realtor could bring to the table. You don’t go to war without wise guidance, after all.

Insights

• Vetting Process: Look for credentials like CRS or ABR, and ask for references and recent sales.

• Cost vs. Value: Though agents charge 5–6% commission, they can secure better terms or higher prices.

• FSBO Risks: Selling on your own can reduce profits and increase legal risk.

• Tech Tools: Agents offer pro photography, 3D tours, and social media reach.

Common Questions

• How do I verify a realtor’s reputation?
  Check reviews, request references, and verify licensing with your state.

• Can I negotiate realtor fees?
  Yes, particularly if they represent both sides or in a competitive market.

• What if I’m not satisfied with my agent?
  Review the contract’s termination clause; most allow cancellations with notice.

Key Takeaways

• Experienced agents reduce risk and improve outcomes.

• Vet credentials and performance history before signing.

• Commission fees are often outweighed by stronger offers and smoother closings.

 

One of the biggest temptations when selling your home is to list it “as is,” which means the property is being listed in its current state without making any repairs. But putting your home in the market “as is” can seriously limit your pool of potential buyers. Aside from the fact that your home might not get the first good impression that is critical to a successful home sale, buyers might not be able to secure financing if the property is in poor condition.

 

While you might not want to invest a lot of time or money into your home, it's best to address essential repairs and prep it before selling. The cheapest thing you can do is to schedule a deep cleaning and decluttering. Then, take care of any necessary repairs and touch-ups, like fixing that hole in the screen door or refreshing your carpets. Be proactive in ensuring your home is in tip-top condition so you can present your home in the best light possible to attract offers, especially in a slow housing market.

Insights

• ROI Priorities: Invest in fresh paint, bathroom/kitchen upgrades, and curb appeal.

• Pre-Listing Inspections: Prevent surprises by addressing issues early.

• Staging Impact: Homes with staging sell 73% faster.

• “As-Is” Pitfalls: Buyers may struggle with financing or use repairs to negotiate steep discounts.

Common Questions

• What repairs are mandatory?
  Code violations and safety issues must be addressed or disclosed.

• How much should I spend?
  Aim for 1–3% of your home’s value on cost-effective improvements.

• Can I offer repair credits instead?
  Possibly, but most buyers prefer turnkey homes.

Key Takeaways

• Tackle high-impact repairs and visual updates.

• Use pre-inspections to avoid derailed deals.

• Staging adds perceived value and speeds up offers.

 

Setting a realistic price that aligns with the current market is crucial in securing a home sale. If the home is overpriced, you can lose out on a lot of potential buyers and lose precious momentum. The property then stays on the market for longer, and you will have to gradually slash the price. Buyers might think there's something wrong with the property and that you’re desperate, opening doors for them to present lowball offers.

 

Although pricing a home can be tricky, the key is to not let your emotions guide you in coming up with a pricing strategy. Instead, work closely with your real estate agent to perform a comparative market analysis on your home. They will look at recently sold properties in your area to give you a better idea of a fair price range for your home. When your home is priced right, you’ll attract serious buyers and increase your chances of a successful sale.

Insights

• CMA Components: Agents review comparable sales, square footage, upgrades, and market trends.

• Overpricing Fallout: Homes listed too high linger and often sell below market later.

• Psychological Pricing: Price just under major thresholds ($499,900 vs. $500,000) for better visibility.

• Appraisal Gap: If the appraisal is low, you may need to reduce the price or negotiate.

Common Questions

• How often should I adjust the price?
  Review every 2–3 weeks if you aren’t getting showings or offers.

• What if the appraisal is low?
  Renegotiate or challenge the appraisal with additional comps.

• Can I “test” a high price?
  Risky—it could make your listing go stale.

Key Takeaways

• Price strategically with a comparative market analysis.

• Overpricing reduces showings and leverage.

• Adjust early based on market feedback.

 

When selling your home, it's in your best interest to stay open-minded throughout the whole process. Understand that the highest offer might not necessarily be the best, especially when there are other factors to consider. Broaden your perspective beyond the price tag and consider the buyer’s overall financial profile, the contingencies presented, and the closing timeline, among other things. Cash offers could also go sideways when there’s been a change of heart from an investor or a wealthy buyer. Keeping an open mind and a willingness to negotiate is the key to an effective sale.

 

Flexibility is the name of the game for many successful home sellers. They plan for showings, making sure that their home is ready to accommodate prospective buyers and that they have somewhere to go during the house tour. They're also open to possible last-minute requests and are generally as flexible as possible, especially during showings in the evenings and on the weekends. This can help build trust and credibility among buyers. The more people can tour your home, the better your chances of receiving a strong offer, especially in slow real estate markets.

Insights

• Contingency Trade-Offs: Waiving inspections can help deals close faster—but carries risks.

• Rent-Back Agreements: Let sellers stay temporarily post-closing if timelines don’t align.

• Closing Costs: Contributing to buyer’s costs (1–2%) can make your home more appealing.

• Showing Access: Lockboxes and flexible hours ensure more buyers can see your home.

Common Questions

• Should I accept home sale contingencies?
  Only if the buyer’s home is already under contract or the market is slow.

• How should I handle last-minute showings?
  Keep a “go bag” and clean daily. Set up remote access.

• What’s an ideal closing timeframe?
  30–45 days allows time for inspections, financing, and logistics.

Key Takeaways

• Stay flexible with showings and negotiations.

• Evaluate all offer terms—not just the price.

• Being accessible and responsive increases buyer trust.

 

For many people, pets are considered as part of the family. They probably have their favorite spots in the home, together with their bed and toys. But when it comes to home showings, it's best to not let them roam around the house. A potential buyer could be allergic to pet dander or just don’t like pets at all. Also, your pets could bolt for the door and escape while there’s an ongoing tour. The last thing you’d want is for the buyers to get distracted and not be able to focus on your home and its condition.

 

So take your pets with you when you schedule a showing. Since first impressions are critical, remove any signs of them and clean their areas. If you can’t take them with you, make sure to keep them in a comfortable spot in the home and give your agent the heads-up on what to expect.

Insights

• Pet Prep: Remove litter boxes, food bowls, and pet hair. Use enzyme cleaners for odors.

• Lighting & Temperature: Open blinds, use warm lighting (2700K), and keep the home around 70°F.

• Scent Strategy: Skip synthetic air fresheners—use subtle scents like citrus or baked goods.

• Security: Store medications, valuables, and personal paperwork out of sight.

Common Questions

• How long should I leave for showings?
  Give buyers 45–60 minutes. Don’t stay during the showing.

• What if my home isn’t perfect?
  Focus on clean and tidy—don’t stress about minor flaws.

• Can I reschedule if I’m unwell?
  Yes, just give notice. Don’t block showing access for too long.

Key Takeaways

• First impressions count—prioritize cleanliness and light.

• Remove pets and personal items.

• Maintain comfort and safety during tours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some inexpensive ways to improve curb appeal?
Mow the lawn, trim hedges, plant flowers, and power-wash surfaces. Refresh your entryway with a clean door mat, new house numbers, and light fixtures.

Should I stage my home before listing?
Yes. Even DIY staging helps. Rearranging furniture, decluttering, and using fresh linens or plants can make your home more inviting.

What if I’m not getting any offers?
Review your pricing, listing photos, and staging. Ask your agent for feedback and consider a price adjustment.

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Additional Insights

• Timing Your Sale: Spring and early summer attract the most buyers.

• Marketing Strategies: Use professional photography and virtual tours to increase online engagement.

• Negotiating Offers: Be ready to counter and compromise—don’t fixate on price alone.

• Emotional Detachment: Selling is a business decision. Let data and strategy guide you.