Your Guide to Selling a Home: What to Expect from Start to Sold

Updated: September 16, 2025

Thinking about selling your home? Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, the process can feel overwhelming without the right guidance. That’s why we’ve broken it down into manageable steps—with tips from local experts to help you move forward with confidence.

Here’s a step-by-step look at the home selling process, plus how working with a trusted agent can make all the difference.

1. Choose the Right Real Estate Agent

The first (and arguably most important) step is choosing a knowledgeable local real estate agent. Not all agents are the same—look for someone with experience in your neighborhood, a strong marketing strategy, and great communication skills.

Ask about their track record with homes similar to yours, and don’t be afraid to interview more than one agent before making your decision. At Coldwell Banker Heritage, we pride ourselves on providing honest guidance and personalized service every step of the way.

2. Set a Smart, Competitive Price

Pricing your home right from the start is key. Overpricing can lead to your home sitting on the market too long—while underpricing may leave money on the table.

Your agent will run a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to determine your home’s value based on similar recent sales, current market trends, and your home’s condition. Proper pricing increases your chances of attracting multiple offers and closing quickly at top dollar.

Discover Why FSBO Homes Sell for Less.

3. Prepare and Market Your Home

Before your home hits the market, you’ll want to clean, declutter, and stage. The goal is to help buyers envision themselves living there. This might mean depersonalizing the space, freshening up paint, and boosting curb appeal with a few quick fixes.

Your agent will help coordinate professional photos, a listing video, and digital marketing across platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, and social media. Homes with high-quality visuals and strategic promotion tend to get more attention—and more offers.

Review these 7 Tips for Preparing Your Home to Sell.

4. Showings and Open Houses

Once your home is listed, get ready for showings. Buyers may tour through private appointments or during open houses. Make your home welcoming by turning on lights, opening curtains, and stepping out when possible—buyers typically feel more comfortable exploring a space when the owners aren’t present.

Staying flexible with scheduling can also help increase the number of potential buyers who see your home.

5. Review Offers and Negotiate

When offers start coming in, your agent will walk you through each one. You’ll compare not only price, but terms like contingencies, closing dates, and financing. You can accept, reject, or counter any offer—and your agent will guide you through the negotiation process to help you get the best deal.

6. Under Contract and Inspections

Once you accept an offer, your home goes under contract. This is when inspections typically happen—buyers may request repairs based on what they find. Your agent can help you navigate repair requests and keep everything on track for a smooth closing.

Find the Right Contractor For Your Repair Job.

7. Appraisal and Final Steps

The buyer’s lender will order an appraisal to ensure the home is worth the agreed-upon price. If the appraised value comes in lower, there may be some final negotiations to resolve the gap.

You’ll also work with your agent to finalize any required paperwork and confirm that all contingencies have been satisfied.

8. Closing Day

You’re almost there! On closing day, you’ll sign the final documents, hand over the keys, and officially complete the sale. 

Your agent will make sure everything is ready so the transaction goes as smoothly as possible.

Final Thoughts

Selling your home is a big move—literally and emotionally. With the right agent by your side, it doesn’t have to be stressful. From listing prep to final paperwork, Coldwell Banker Heritage agents are here to guide you with expertise, care, and clear communication.

Thinking about selling? Let’s talk about the next steps for your home.