Selling your home with a Realtor can lead to incredible results and be a lot easier than you think.
Or it can be the complete opposite.
The difference lies in how well you and your real estate agent execute the right steps together.
This is how you can achieve the ideal outcome.
For most homeowners, that means selling for the highest price –– in the shortest amount of time –– and with the least amount of stress.
But in order to do that, you need to know the key steps to selling a house with a Realtor before you start.
Ready to learn that process?
Here’s how to sell your house with a Realtor, step by step.
1. Know what to look for in a Realtor
Understanding what makes a great Realtor ensures you avoid selling your home with the wrong real estate professional.
A listing agent with strong communication skills, experience, and a personable nature are key traits to look for.
But here’s where many sellers go wrong…
They base their decision solely on how many homes an agent has sold in their area –– and/or how much they like them.
Don’t make this mistake.
Why?
Because only basing your decision on an agent’s experience and personality is like picking a book based on its cover.
It might seem great at first, but you can find out later the contents don’t match the promises on the exterior.
Keeping these additional criteria in mind will help you know how to select the right Realtor:
- Relevant selling experience: If a local real estate agent has a history of selling homes similar to yours, in your area, and in your price range, they are more likely to implement the right pricing and marketing strategy.
- Low dual agency rate: Agents who have a history of primarily representing sellers only in a real estate transaction (and not acting as a dual agent where they represent the seller and buyer in the same sale) are much more likely to be trusted because their track record shows they prioritize their clients’ best interests over earning two commissions from one sale.
- Stellar reputation: How a real estate agent handled previous selling clients’ transactions speaks volumes about how they’ll handle yours.
- Option to cancel your agreement: A listing agent who’s willing to let you cancel the agent selling agreement at any time (not standard) is more likely to stay motivated because their commission isn’t guaranteed.
2. Identify prospective real estate agents
Many home sellers only consider one real estate agent.
This is especially true for sellers who plan on using an agent they know or someone who was referred to them.
The problem with that?
Assuming a Realtor is the best candidate to sell your home without comparing them to others decreases your chances of selling for the highest price.
To maximize your results, you should pinpoint at least two agents to compare, ideally three.
Not sure where to start?
Ask friends and family for referrals or reach out to a local real estate brokerage.
You can also get additional tips by checking out our guide on how to find a real estate agent.
Pay close attention to the following when contacting prospective agents:
- Their response time to your initial inquiries
- Whether they ask thoughtful questions about your needs and goals
- Their communication style and professionalism.
And make sure you start your search at the right time.
Some sellers wait until shortly before they’re ready to put their home on the market.
This might be the right time for you.
But maybe it’s not.
It depends how much guidance you want before putting your home on the market.
Your real estate agent can be a valuable asset from day one.
So, take advantage of their expertise by making sure you know when you should contact a Realtor.
3. Hire the right agent
Deciding which listing agent to partner with is the most important decision you’ll make during the selling process.
Your choice will have a direct impact on how much you sell your house for.
And how fast.
The key is making sure the agent you hire has the right qualifications.
Here are a few crucial things to keep in mind as you go through the process of hiring a real estate agent:
Change your mindset: Approach the hiring decision as a two-way evaluation, focusing on finding the best qualified agent who understands your needs. Shifting your mindset to prioritize partnership over simply hiring a service will help you make a smarter decision.
Ask the right questions: Interviewing real estate agents is critical because it’s your opportunity to ensure the Realtor you sell with meets the right criteria. So don’t make a decision without asking a real estate agent the right questions.
Weigh agent fees and services: A listing agent’s real estate commission is typically 2.5-3% of the final sales price, excluding the commission paid to the buyer’s agent. Knowing an agent’s fees and services is crucial, as not all real estate agents offer the same level of support.
Understand the listing agreement: Make sure you understand the listing agreement before you commit to a real estate agent. The agent you plan on selling with should walk you through it so you know the duration, commissions, and terms.
4. Develop a selling strategy with your agent
Composing a plan is an important step in the process of selling a house with a Realtor.
Why?
Because it ensures you and your agent are on the same page from the get-go.
And it can make the process less stressful because you know what to expect and when.
A well-thought-out plan should also reflect your specific home selling goals.
For instance, if you need to sell quickly, the strategy might emphasize competitive pricing and minimizing repairs.
On the other hand, if your priority is maximizing profit, your agent might recommend strategic home improvements or waiting for market conditions to shift in your favor.
Most real estate agents will discuss a strategy shortly after they’re hired –– but some won’t –– so you may need to initiate this step.
Here are a few additional topics to include in your plan:
- Inspections: A pre-listing home inspection (or other specialized inspections) can provide valuable insights and address potential issues before buyers see your property. Ask your agent if an inspection is necessary, when it should occur, and how to prepare for it.
- Showing schedule: Work with your agent to determine when to hold open houses and how to manage private showings for buyers. Setting expectations early can eliminate confusion and ensure a smooth process.
- Move-out timeline: Deciding whether to move out before or after listing your home can influence staging, showings, and other logistics. Discuss this with your agent to understand how it may affect the overall process.
Maximize efficiency by asking your agent to provide a clear timeline for the steps before and after your home is listed.
5. Get your home ready to sell together
Now it’s time to put your plan into action.
Work closely with your real estate agent as you’re getting your property ready to sell.
Their expertise can help you prioritize tasks and ensure your home appeals to buyers.
Here are key areas to focus on:
Declutter: Remove personal items and unnecessary belongings to make your home feel spacious and inviting. Your agent can suggest specific areas to focus on for maximum impact.
Make repairs and improvements: Use your agent’s expertise to determine which upgrades will add value. If major improvements aren’t feasible, focus on minor repairs, like fixing leaky faucets or patching small holes, to ensure your home is buyer-ready.
Deep clean: A spotless home creates a strong first impression. Consider hiring professionals for a deep clean, especially for areas like carpets, windows, and kitchens, which buyers notice most.
Stage: Staging helps buyers visualize your home as their own. Whether you hire a professional or get tips from your agent, the goal is to create a neutral, appealing space.
Take professional photos: Online photos are often the first thing buyers see. Verify with your Realtor that their photographer uses proper lighting, opens curtains, and minimizes distractions to showcase your home in the best light.
6. Rely on your agent’s listing price
Setting the right list price is one of the most important steps in selling your home.
And your Realtor is there to guide you through it.
Real estate agents typically provide a comparative market analysis (CMA) to help determine the best asking price for a property.
A CMA offers a data-driven foundation for pricing by analyzing comparable properties that have recently sold and incorporating local market trends.
This analysis factors in key details like square footage, location, and features that align closely with your home.
The goal is to set a price that attracts buyers while aligning with your selling goals.
It’s okay to question the recommended price — pricing your home is a big decision, and your input matters.
But remember, you hired your agent for their expertise.
If they’re well-qualified, trust their ability to guide you toward the right price.
And work together to ensure the listing price reflects both market realities and your personal goals.
7. Showcase your home with your agent’s expertise
Buyers will begin viewing your home as soon as your agent implements their marketing plan.
That plan may include:
- Listing your home on the multiple listing service (MLS)
- Running social media ads
- Marketing to their network of real estate professionals
- Advertising your listing to other homeowners in your area.
Showings and open houses are where you and your Realtor start seeing buyer interest and gauging demand for your home.
Coordinating these events is a key part of your agent’s role –– but your flexibility can make a big difference.
Allowing easy access for buyers can increase your chances of receiving an offer quickly.
Here’s what to keep in mind when showcasing your property:
Open houses
Open houses typically last two to four hours on weekends and are an excellent way to attract multiple buyers.
On showing days, ensure your home looks just as it does in the listing photos — spotless, well-lit, and free of clutter.
Natural light can highlight your home’s best features, so keep blinds and curtains open.
Private showings
Private showings accommodate buyers who can’t attend open houses or want an early viewing.
If you’re still living in the home, your agent can work around your schedule to minimize disruption.
But it’s best to leave the house during showings.
Buyers may feel uncomfortable asking questions or discussing the property openly if you’re present.
Trust your agent to handle the process while you give buyers the space they need.
8. Evaluate offers with your agent
You have options when receiving an offer from a homebuyer: accept, decline, or counteroffer.
Your listing agent will receive the buyer’s offer on a “real estate purchase agreement.”
And they should vet the offer (and the buyer) before discussing the details with you.
Your agent can’t tell you how you should respond to an offer.
But they can provide you with their feedback and advice.
And you should rely on it.
Here are a few things you’ll want to consider when discussing an offer with your Realtor:
Price: Confirm whether the price is the buyer’s highest and best. Their response should tell you whether there’s an opportunity to negotiate.
Contingencies: A buyer can include certain conditions in their offer that must be met before the sale closes (financing, inspection, appraisal, etc). Verify whether the buyer’s offer is contingent (many are), and if so, which contingencies are included and for how many days before the buyer needs to release them.
Down payment: The higher the down payment, the less risk the buyer is to their lender. Clarify the percentage the buyer is putting down and that your Realtor has received their pre-approval letter and statements showing enough funds for the down payment and closing costs.
Days to close: The offer contract will state a specific closing date or how many days until closing. Confirm this with your real estate agent so you have an idea of how long the closing process might take.
9. Tackle closing tasks together
Accepting an offer on your home is a major milestone.
But there are several important steps to complete before the sale is final.
Your agent will guide you through this critical phase to ensure everything stays on track.
Lender’s appraisal
The buyer’s lender requires an appraisal to confirm that your home is worth the price the buyer has agreed to pay.
Since your property will be used as collateral for the loan, this step is essential.
The appraisal is typically one of the first things the buyer’s loan officer schedules after you accept an offer.
Your agent will receive confirmation of the date and time and inform you when the appraiser will visit the property (the buyer pays for the appraisal).
Worried about cleaning?
Don’t be.
Your home’s cleanliness won’t impact the appraised value.
It’s rare for the appraised value to be less than the sale price.
But if that happens, then the buyer needs to come up with a higher down payment –– or renegotiate the price with you.
Buyer inspections
The buyer may choose to schedule their own inspections, whether or not they included an inspection contingency in their offer.
The purchase agreement will specify how many days the buyer has to complete this step.
Why do buyer inspections matter?
Because if issues arise, the buyer may:
- Request repairs
- Renegotiate the price
- Back out of the sale.
Strategizing with your real estate agent before any inspections can help you avoid surprises.
There may be steps you can take ahead of time to help swing the inspection report in your favor.
Buyer’s loan
A buyer’s pre-approval or prequalification letter doesn’t guarantee they’ll secure a mortgage.
There’s a process the buyer needs to go through after a seller accepts their offer.
Here’s what that typically looks like:
- The loan officer submits the buyer’s initial documents to the underwriter (the decision-maker for the loan).
- The underwriter provides conditional approval, outlining specific requirements the buyer must meet.
- The buyer and loan officer work together to satisfy the conditions.
- The underwriter gives final approval once all conditions are met.
Why does this matter?
Because you’ll need to put your house back on the market if the buyer doesn’t secure their loan.
This is why your agent’s role is so critical during this stage.
They should vet the buyer’s financial situation before you accept the offer and stay in regular contact with the buyer’s agent and loan officer to monitor progress.
10. Finalize the sale with your Realtor
The final step to selling a house with a Realtor involves a few key tasks that ensure everything is in order before closing.
This phase typically begins about a week before the sale is complete.
Here’s what to keep in mind as you and your agent prepare to close:
Prepare for the buyer’s final walkthrough
The buyer will visit your home a few days before closing for a final visual inspection.
Work with your agent to ensure the property is presented in the same condition as when the buyer agreed to purchase it.
Confirm what’s needed to close
Your Realtor will coordinate the signing of the final documents with the escrow company.
In some states, a real estate attorney may be required to review the documents before you sign.
Before the signing appointment, verify with your agent what you’ll need to bring.
This typically includes:
- A government-issued photo ID for verification
- Your bank details to process the sale proceeds.
Keep in mind that sale typically takes another two to five days to become official after you sign the closing documents.
Complete pre-closing duties
Ask your agent for a checklist of items to handle before handing over the keys.
Most sellers will need to:
- Remove all personal belongings from the property
- Transfer utility services out of their name
- Cancel their homeowners insurance policy
- Update their mailing address.
Completing these tasks ahead of time will help ensure a smooth transition.
Verify the sale is official
Your transaction will reach its conclusion once the deed is recorded with your county.
This process is what officially transfers ownership to the buyer.
Get confirmation from your Realtor when this happens.
Because you should see your proceeds from the sale within one business day of the transfer of ownership.
And that’s it.
You’ve officially sold your house with your Realtor by your side.
The bottom line
Implementing the right steps is crucial when selling your home with a real estate agent.
But it’s not just about knowing which steps to implement.
It’s about knowing how to properly execute them.
Because if done right, you and your Realtor will put you in the best position to sell:
- For more money
- In less time
- With less stress.
What has the biggest impact on the results you get?
Deciding which real estate professional you’re going to sell with.
You can leverage our no-cost agent matching service to ensure you sell with the right agent.
We analyze key real estate agent sales data and online reviews to match sellers with the best local agent.
