Selling a Home

Everything you need to know about how to sell your house. Backed by our experience selling hundreds of homes, our real estate experts share their tips on preparing your home to sell, finding the best agent, and maximizing your sales price.

A full breakdown of Zillow listing fees in 2023
Preparing to Sell
A full breakdown of Zillow listing fees in 2023

It's free to list a home for sale on Zillow, but you’ll have to pay fees if you want more exposure or options, like getting your listing featured or sponsored. 

Offerpad Reviews
Preparing to Sell
Offerpad Reviews

Looking for Offerpad reviews? Read our in-depth analysis of Offerpad's home buying process, including their fees, customer service, and overall value.

How accurate are Zillow's estimates?
Preparing to Sell
How accurate are Zillow's estimates?

A Zestimate is an estimated market value for a property, but how accurate are Zillow's estimates? We break down what impacts Zestimate accuracy and more.

5 key differences between a loan modification and refinance
Mortgage & Financing
5 key differences between a loan modification and refinance

Loan modification alters existing loan terms. Refinancing replaces the loan with new terms and rates. Find out which option is better for you.

The average Georgia Realtor commission in 2023
Finding an Agent
The average Georgia Realtor commission in 2023

The average Realtor commission in Georgia is 5.76%, slightly higher than the current national average of 5.37%.

7 stats to know about doing FSBO vs. using a Realtor
Preparing to Sell
7 stats to know about doing FSBO vs. using a Realtor

Here are seven statistics to know about people who sell their home without a realtor (FSBO).

8 reasons to upsize when your kids move out
Buying Before Selling
8 reasons to upsize when your kids move out

Empty nesters may choose to upsize when their kids move out and buy a new home that's larger than their previous one.

How to sell your house fast: 16 tips from industry experts
Preparing to Sell
How to sell your house fast: 16 tips from industry experts

Learn how to sell your house fast with these top 16 expert-backed tips from real estate industry insiders.

Net proceeds: What are they and how do you calculate them?
Preparing to Sell
Net proceeds: What are they and how do you calculate them?

Net proceeds are the net amount a seller takes away after selling a house. It takes some calculating to figure out what you'll get, so here are a few examples.

How many houses do real estate agents sell a year?
Finding an Agent
How many houses do real estate agents sell a year?

The average agent sells 12 houses a year, but that number doesn't tell the whole story. Learn the factors behind this number, geographic averages, and more.

How to downsize your home in 2023
Preparing to Sell
How to downsize your home in 2023

In order to move into your new home, you’ll need to make a plan, recruit some help, and declutter your current space.

Should I sell my house and rent when I retire?
Preparing to Sell
Should I sell my house and rent when I retire?

The main reasons to sell your house and rent in retirement are less maintenance, more independence, and potential savings on housing costs.

Best paint colors to sell a house for $6,500 more in 2023
Preparing to Sell
Best paint colors to sell a house for $6,500 more in 2023

The best paint colors to sell a house are warm neutrals. Here are some other suggestions from real estate experts and tips for choosing the perfect color.

Using seller credits for repairs: What you need to know
Offers & Negotiation
Using seller credits for repairs: What you need to know

Seller credits can be used for almost any type of repair. They come directly from the seller’s pocket or can be tacked on to the final cost of the home.

Change of address checklist: 12 people to notify
Closing on a Home
Change of address checklist: 12 people to notify

Here’s your essential change of address checklist to help make your transition to a new home much easier.

The average real estate commission in Washington in 2023
Finding an Agent
The average real estate commission in Washington in 2023

Washington’s average real estate commission in 2022 was 5.30%, just under the national average of 5.37%. It’s likely to be similar, or slightly higher, in 2023.

The average Oregon real estate commission in 2023 
Preparing to Sell
The average Oregon real estate commission in 2023 

In Oregon, the average Realtor commission in 2022 was 4.99%, and it's expected to rise in 2023.

What is a due-on-sale clause?
Preparing to Sell
What is a due-on-sale clause?

‍If your mortgage contains a due-on-sale clause, you may be required to repay the loan in full when you sell the property or transfer ownership of it.

Are closing costs tax deductible?
Buying Before Selling
Are closing costs tax deductible?

Certain fees that you pay as part of closing costs are tax deductible (like mortgage points and mortgage insurance), but you can't deduct everything.

Which is better? Orchard vs. traditional real estate
Preparing to Sell
Which is better? Orchard vs. traditional real estate

Orchard's digital tools, guaranteed cash offer, and move first service give its customers a considerable edge over traditional real estate offerings.

Flyhomes review: What to know about this power buyer company
Preparing to Sell
Flyhomes review: What to know about this power buyer company

Flyhomes reviews cite the company's convenience but homebuyers lament the higher costs and lack of a dedicated real estate agent. Here's what you need to know.

Are home improvements tax deductible? Here are 5 repairs you can deduct on your taxes
Home Improvement
Are home improvements tax deductible? Here are 5 repairs you can deduct on your taxes

Home improvements are only tax deductible if they count as medical expenses, help with energy efficiency, or are repairs made to a home office or rental home.

Knock.com reviews: What to know about this alternative mortgage lender
Preparing to Sell
Knock.com reviews: What to know about this alternative mortgage lender

This company is helping people buy and sell a house at the same time, but Knock.com reviews reveal its often at a higher price than traditional real estate.

The 5 best types of flooring to increase home value
Home Improvement
The 5 best types of flooring to increase home value

Learn the five types of flooring which can increase your home's value in 2023, and by how much.

What is curb appeal, and how can you boost it?
Preparing to Sell
What is curb appeal, and how can you boost it?

Curb appeal is the visual attractiveness of a house as seen from the street. Learn how to increase curb appeal for your house with these examples.

The average Texas real estate commission in 2023
Preparing to Sell
The average Texas real estate commission in 2023

The current average real estate commission rate in Texas is 5.59% for listing agents.

The average real estate commission in 2023
Preparing to Sell
The average real estate commission in 2023

The current real estate commission rate is 5.37% for listing agents nationwide.

The average Colorado real estate commission in 2023
Preparing to Sell
The average Colorado real estate commission in 2023

The average real estate commission rate in Colorado is 5.52% for listing agents.

The 12 best ways to pack for moving
Buying Before Selling
The 12 best ways to pack for moving

The best ways to pack for moving include scheduling your movers ahead of time, purchasing the right moving supplies, and even leaving certain items out.

What to know about selling with Redfin
Preparing to Sell
What to know about selling with Redfin

Redfin agents handle up to three times as many transactions as a traditional agent, which can mean less attention and less personalized service when selling.

What is a sale leaseback in real estate?
Preparing to Sell
What is a sale leaseback in real estate?

A sale-leaseback is a mutually beneficial transaction where a homeowner sells their house, but leases it from the new owner and continues to live there.

What is a gift of equity? How do I use one?
Preparing to Sell
What is a gift of equity? How do I use one?

A gift of equity is when the home seller gives a discount by lowering the sale price, thus passing their equity to the homebuyer.

What is a transfer tax?
Preparing to Sell
What is a transfer tax?

Transfer taxes are imposed by the state or local government when real estate changes hands, including a home sale, but it's not charged everywhere.

What is HomeLight? An overview for sellers and buyers
Preparing to Sell
What is HomeLight? An overview for sellers and buyers

Users have offered many HomeLight reviews, which we use to examine HomeLight as a service.

What is Opendoor and is it worth it?
Preparing to Sell
What is Opendoor and is it worth it?

Homeowners who need to sell fast may choose the convenience and speed of using Opendoor’s instant offer, but they pay a price for doing so.

Real estate comps: How do I get them for my house?
Preparing to Sell
Real estate comps: How do I get them for my house?

Real estate comps are comparable home sales and they're used to figure out a home's market value. You can run comps on your own, but it's best to ask an agent.

What is a comparative market analysis (CMA) in real estate?
Preparing to Sell
What is a comparative market analysis (CMA) in real estate?

A CMA in real estate is an exercise that determines the market value of a home based on similar homes that have sold recently.

What does MLS stand for?
Buying Your First Home
What does MLS stand for?

MLS stands for multiple listing service. This database provides information about real estate properties for sale and only licensed agents have access.

What happens to a mortgage when someone dies?
Mortgage & Financing
What happens to a mortgage when someone dies?

When a mortgage-holder dies, no one is required to take on the loan unless there is a co-borrower or cosigner.

Should I get my Realtor a gift?
Closing on a Home
Should I get my Realtor a gift?

While you don’t have to buy your Realtor a gift, getting them something is great way to show your appreciation. Closing gifts don't need to be pricey, either.

What are AVMs in real estate?
Preparing to Sell
What are AVMs in real estate?

Automatic valuations are becoming more popular for people who want to know the value of their home without going through the official appraisal process.

Appraised vs market value: What’s the difference?
Home Inspections & Appraisals
Appraised vs market value: What’s the difference?

An appraised value is a professional valuation of your home’s worth, while the market value is what buyers will pay for it.

How to find out how much a house sold for
Preparing to Sell
How to find out how much a house sold for

Knowing how to find out how much a house sold for can be a challenge. There are several methods, but the most reliable way is to ask your real estate agent.

13 companies that buy houses for cash (and the best alternatives)
Preparing to Sell
13 companies that buy houses for cash (and the best alternatives)

Companies that buy houses for cash are a good solution if you need to sell fast, but there are better options if you want to make top dollar on your home sale.

What is a net listing?
Finding an Agent
What is a net listing?

In a net listing agreement, the real estate agent is only paid if they sell the home for more than the amount dictated by the seller.

Should you sell your house on Craigslist?
Preparing to Sell
Should you sell your house on Craigslist?

Homeowners looking to save money on their sale may choose to sell their house on Craigslist, but this option comes with drawbacks. Here's what you need to know.

What is a seller net sheet and do I need one?
Preparing to Sell
What is a seller net sheet and do I need one?

A seller net sheet is a document that estimates the total amount of fees and expenses related to selling your home, and how much you'll make from the sale.

What is a transaction broker?
Buying Your First Home
What is a transaction broker?

Legally, a transaction broker has to act as a neutral party — unlike a real estate agent who represents the buyer or seller and their best interests.

What are fixtures in real estate?
Preparing to Sell
What are fixtures in real estate?

A fixture is physical property that’s affixed to the home. If the item isn’t movable, or if you need tools of some kind to detach it, it's probably a fixture.

How do you sell and buy a house — at the same time?
Buying Before Selling
How do you sell and buy a house — at the same time?

Selling and buying a house at the same time requires aligning closing dates, which can be difficult, but there are a few ways to make it work.

What is a listing agreement?
Preparing to Sell
What is a listing agreement?

A listing agreement is a document sets out the terms for your relationship with the real estate agent selling your house.

All about open listings in real estate
Preparing to Sell
All about open listings in real estate

An open listing agreement is a legally binding contract between a seller and a listing agent or broker that is non-exclusive.

How to sell your house to a family member
Preparing to Sell
How to sell your house to a family member

From tax implications to financing hoops to the family strife and drama, selling a house to a relative may not be the best decision for you as a home seller.

How to craft a winning counter offer in real estate
Offers & Negotiation
How to craft a winning counter offer in real estate

Instead of rejecting a bid, sellers can suggest new terms in a counter offer. If they do, the purchase price isn’t the only their only bargaining chip.

Everything to know about selling inherited property
Preparing to Sell
Everything to know about selling inherited property

When you sell an inherited house you might realize a big financial gain, but there are multiple financial considerations to take before selling.

Price reductions: When should I lower my house price?
Offers & Negotiation
Price reductions: When should I lower my house price?

If you're not getting any offers or showing your house that often, then it may be a sign to reduce the price of your home.

Can I sell my house while in forbearance?
Preparing to Sell
Can I sell my house while in forbearance?

Unless your mortgage loan agreement explicitly states otherwise, there is no reason you cannot sell your home while it’s in forbearance.

Should I sell my house now?
Preparing to Sell
Should I sell my house now?

The market has never been more confusing, but for home sellers who are ready to move, 2023 will remain a good time to sell a house.

What is a rent-back agreement?
Preparing to Sell
What is a rent-back agreement?

A rent-back agreement gives sellers extra time to live in a home after closing by paying rent to the new buyer. It can get complicated for both sides.

What’s the difference between a realtor, broker, and agent?
Finding an Agent
What’s the difference between a realtor, broker, and agent?

Real estate agents are licensed to help you buy, sell, and rent properties, but brokers have additional licenses to work independently or hire other agents.

Selling your house without a realtor in 2023: What you need to know
Preparing to Sell
Selling your house without a realtor in 2023: What you need to know

You can sell your house without a realtor and save on agent fees, but you'll pay in other ways. Here's what you need to know about selling without a realtor.

The pros (and cons) of using a for sale sign on your home
Preparing to Sell
The pros (and cons) of using a for sale sign on your home

While a for sale sign is no longer likely to be a seller’s primary marketing tactic, there are some benefits (and a couple of drawbacks) associated with them.

When do you get your money after selling your home?
Closing on a Home
When do you get your money after selling your home?

Sellers who live in dry funding states will have to wait considerably longer to receive their home sale proceeds than sellers who live in wet funding states.

These are the cheapest ways to sell your home
Preparing to Sell
These are the cheapest ways to sell your home

The good news is there are a lot of ways to cut costs and save money during the home selling process. The less good news is it’s not an exact science.

Can you sell your home for a dollar?
Preparing to Sell
Can you sell your home for a dollar?

Selling your home for a dollar or some other ridiculously low price to family isn't quite the loophole you might think it is. The main reason: gift taxes.

List price: What it is and how to choose the right one when selling your home
Preparing to Sell
List price: What it is and how to choose the right one when selling your home

Your list price will impact your net proceeds from your home sale. Here's how to choose the right list price when selling your home.

How much money could you lose selling a house as-is?
Preparing to Sell
How much money could you lose selling a house as-is?

If you sell your house as-is, don't plan on getting top dollar. Still, this is a good option for homeowners who don't have the time or money to fix their house.

Why are you getting unsolicited offers about buying your house?
Offers & Negotiation
Why are you getting unsolicited offers about buying your house?

Investors are cold calling homeowners to buy their houses. Many of these offers are legitimate, but they probably won’t get you top dollar for your home.

Selling a House With a Reverse Mortgage: What You Need to Know
Preparing to Sell
Selling a House With a Reverse Mortgage: What You Need to Know

Reverse mortgages let you borrow against your property to receive cash upfront, allowing you to meet living expenses without making a monthly mortgage payment.

Selling a House With Renters in It: What You Need to Know
Preparing to Sell
Selling a House With Renters in It: What You Need to Know

Selling a home with tenants is doable, but it can be logistically and emotionally taxing. Learn your options for how to proceed with consideration and care.

Can you sell a house for more than the appraised value?
Home Inspections & Appraisals
Can you sell a house for more than the appraised value?

You can sell a home for more than the appraised value — but it’s not ideal because it can cause financial problems for the buyer.

Want to maximize your home sale profits? Here’s how to avoid capital gains taxes when selling a house
Preparing to Sell
Want to maximize your home sale profits? Here’s how to avoid capital gains taxes when selling a house

You can avoid paying capital gains tax on a portion of the proceeds from your home sale if you, and your house, meet the IRS requirements.

Should You Take the First Offer on Your House?
Offers & Negotiation
Should You Take the First Offer on Your House?

You aren’t required to accept the first offer, or any offer, you receive. But there may be financial repercussions, especially if there is only one offer.

Seasonality got you down? Here are 13 tips for selling your home this winter
Preparing to Sell
Seasonality got you down? Here are 13 tips for selling your home this winter

If you need to sell your home in winter, there are ways to get around the roadblocks that home sellers and their real estate agents worry about.

The benefits of selling your house for a cash offer
Preparing to Sell
The benefits of selling your house for a cash offer

In a hot market, you can be patient and wait for the right offer to come along. Here, we'll cover the benefits of taking a cash offer over a financed one.

How often does a home sale fall through?
Offers & Negotiation
How often does a home sale fall through?

If you’ve made it to closing day, there’s a good chance your real estate deal will go through. However, during the pending and offer periods, things can awry.

Should I sell to investors who want to buy my house?
Preparing to Sell
Should I sell to investors who want to buy my house?

Most offers from home investors will less than market value and you'll likely lose some money, but there are some reasons you might want to sell to them.

How to sell a house when one party doesn't want to
Preparing to Sell
How to sell a house when one party doesn't want to

In order to officially sell a home, all owners need to be in agreement about the sale. If you can’t come to an agreement, you do have some legal options.

How to deal when the home buyer wants to move your closing date
Closing on a Home
How to deal when the home buyer wants to move your closing date

If your home's buyer requests a new closing date, stay calm and ask your real estate agent to walk you through the best options, including a per diem penalty.

Low home estimate? Here’s what brings down property value
Home Improvement
Low home estimate? Here’s what brings down property value

If you're wondering why your home valuation dropped, here's your guide to what brings down property values.

How to Host a Virtual Open House
Preparing to Sell
How to Host a Virtual Open House

Need some ideas to help your live or pre-recorded virtual open house shine? The last thing you want to do is just hit the record button and wing it.

Selling Your House Due to Your Neighbors? What You Need to Know
Preparing to Sell
Selling Your House Due to Your Neighbors? What You Need to Know

It’s understandable if you feel anxious about addressing your bad neighbors with potential buyers. Unfortunately, this isn’t a conversation you can avoid.

What Documents Do You Need When Selling Your Home?
Preparing to Sell
What Documents Do You Need When Selling Your Home?

This guide provides an overview of what documents you need to sell your house, whether you're selling FSBO or just want to get a jump collecting the paperwork.

Can You Sell a House With Mold?
Preparing to Sell
Can You Sell a House With Mold?

Homeowners ready to sell may have mold on their minds, especially if they fear it will make it harder for them to close the deal.

What Is an Escalation Clause, and Is It a Good Thing for Sellers?
Preparing to Sell
What Is an Escalation Clause, and Is It a Good Thing for Sellers?

In theory, sellers should love an escalation clause, as it may drive up the offer price for their home. But there are still some things to consider.

How to Sell a House if You've Done Unpermitted Work
Preparing to Sell
How to Sell a House if You've Done Unpermitted Work

Many homeowners forgo permitting because it sounds like a pain. Still, homes with unpermitted work are a liability, especially when you’re preparing to sell.

Your guide to the tax implications of selling a home in 2023
Preparing to Sell
Your guide to the tax implications of selling a home in 2023

The tax implications of selling a house can come as a shock if you're not prepared. Understand what you're on the hook for this tax season if you sold in 2023.

How to sell just part of your property
Preparing to Sell
How to sell just part of your property

Explore the logistical, legal, and financial considerations of selling a piece of property and learn the steps you need to take to do it successfully.

How to deal with seller's remorse in real estate
Preparing to Sell
How to deal with seller's remorse in real estate

If you’re in the middle of the home sale process, and suddenly you change your mind, what do you do? Is it even possible to stop the process? 

What the home seller needs to do after closing
Closing on a Home
What the home seller needs to do after closing

So you’ve sold your house and are ready to move on with your life. But does the buyer just sign the documents and immediately walk into your home?

My Home Isn't Getting Any Offers — What Gives?
Offers & Negotiation
My Home Isn't Getting Any Offers — What Gives?

What can you do if you have lots of viewings but no offers? How long should you expect your house to stay on the market?

Home inspection checklist for sellers + 9 tips to pass your inspection
Preparing to Sell
Home inspection checklist for sellers + 9 tips to pass your inspection

Use our home inspection checklist to get ahead of inspectors, diagnose issues, and solve them before they interfere with your potential home sale.

10 questions to ask a realtor when selling your house
Preparing to Sell
10 questions to ask a realtor when selling your house

Who you hire to sell your house is crucially important — which is why you need to know what to ask a prospective real estate agent before you get started.

Want your house to sell for more? 11 tips to increase your home’s value
Home Improvement
Want your house to sell for more? 11 tips to increase your home’s value

A home is most Americans’ greatest asset. Build your home equity, and sell your house for more moeny, with our guide to increase home value.

Want to sell the furniture along with the house? Here's how
Preparing to Sell
Want to sell the furniture along with the house? Here's how

It’s not uncommon to negotiate the sale of select, or all, furniture during closing. Let’s take a look at this process and how to negotiate furniture prices.

How much do real estate agents make in 2023?
Finding an Agent
How much do real estate agents make in 2023?

Though most real estate agents work on commission, the exact percentage they earn depends on location, split, and other factors.

When is it too late for a home seller to back out?
Preparing to Sell
When is it too late for a home seller to back out?

You've sold your home, and suddenly, you're getting cold feet. When is it too late to back out of the contract? And what are your options for doing so legally?

Where do you live between selling your house and buying a new one?
Buying Before Selling
Where do you live between selling your house and buying a new one?

Once you sell your old house, it's time to move into your new one. When that's not possible yet, you'll have to find temporary housing.

Power lines and property value: What you need to know
Preparing to Sell
Power lines and property value: What you need to know

Breaking down the pros and cons of living in, and selling, a home near power lines. How close is too close, for your health and home value?

7 signs of a bad real estate agent
Finding an Agent
7 signs of a bad real estate agent

Is your house not selling? Are you not getting offers accepted? If you’re worried about your real estate agent, look for these red flags.