Kelly Azzarello 11/12/26 Kelly Azzarello 11/12/26

What Do I Have to Do, and in What Order, to Sell My Home?

Selling goes from a decision, to preparation, to listing, to an accepted offer, to closing. Here are the ten steps in order, and the best time to bring in an agent.

The short version

Selling goes from a decision, to preparation, to listing, to an accepted offer, to closing. Bring in an agent at the beginning, before you spend money on repairs or decide on timing, because the agent can tell you what is worth doing and in what order.

The key milestones

StepWhat happensWho is involved

Decide and planSet goals, timing, a rough net figure and a plan for your next homeYou, agent, CPA, lender
Walk-throughAgent walks the home and lists what buyers will noticeYou, agent
Repairs and inspectionsFix condition problems; consider a pre-listing inspection and specialty inspectionsYou, contractors, inspectors
Documents and disclosuresGather records, HOA documents and complete required disclosuresYou, agent
PricingReview comparable sales and set a list priceYou, agent
Presentation and marketingClean, stage, photograph, write the listingYou, agent, photographer
Listing and showingsHome goes on the market; buyers tourYou, agent
Offers and negotiationReview offers, negotiate price and terms, accept oneYou, agent
Under contractBuyer's inspection, appraisal and financing; negotiate repairs or creditsBuyer, you, agents, lender
ClosingFinal walk-through, signing, funding, handing over keysYou, title and escrow, agents

Step	What happens	Who is involved
1. Decide and plan	Set goals, timing, a rough net figure and a plan for your next home	You, agent, CPA, lender
2. Walk-through	Agent walks the home and lists what buyers will notice	You, agent
3. Repairs and inspections	Fix condition problems; consider a pre-listing inspection and specialty inspections	You, contractors, inspectors
4. Documents and disclosures	Gather records, HOA documents and complete required disclosures	You, agent
5. Pricing	Review comparable sales and set a list price	You, agent
6. Presentation and marketing	Clean, stage, photograph, write the listing	You, agent, photographer
7. Listing and showings	Home goes on the market; buyers tour	You, agent
8. Offers and negotiation	Review offers, negotiate price and terms, accept one	You, agent
9. Under contract	Buyer's inspection, appraisal and financing; negotiate repairs or credits	Buyer, you, agents, lender
10. Closing	Final walk-through, signing, funding, handing over keys	You, title and escrow, agents

When to get an agent involved

At step 1 or 2. An agent can help you decide whether to sell now, what to fix and what to leave, what your home may sell for, and how to time your next move. Getting advice after you have already started major projects is the most common way sellers spend money that does not pay back.

While it is better to have more time to plan and prepare, we have been able to prepare and get a home on the market in less than 14 days.

Common mistakes

Starting large projects before getting advice.
Listing before the home is ready, then trying to fix problems while it is on the market.
Setting a price based on what you need rather than what comparable homes sold for.
Waiting until the inspection to learn about problems you could have found yourself.

Thinking about selling in the Seattle Area?

Kelly Azzarello Real Estate | Compass
Email: kelly@kellyazzarello.com
Phone: (425) 830-6457
Web: www.kellyazzarello.com
Instagram: instagram.com/kellyazzarello
YouTube: youtube.com/kellyazzarellorealestate

This post is general information about real estate topics. It is not legal, tax or financial advice, and it does not replace a professional inspection. Rules and practices differ by situation and change over time. Check current requirements and talk with a licensed professional, such as an inspector, contractor, attorney or CPA, about your own property.