Ask Before You Decide
Are you a full-time real estate agent?
How well do you know my area and recent sales in it?
What is your experience selling homes like mine?
How many homes have you sold in the past year?
How does my home compare to others on the market?
What is your strategy to market and position my home?
How long are homes like mine typically on the market?
What should I expect from you during selling my home?
How will we communicate and how often?
Can you share references from recent clients?
What is included in your services and support?
What are the terms of your listing agreement and fees?
How do you handle multiple offers or negotiations?
How will you support me from listing to closing?
Clear the Clutter
Before your home hits the market, simplify your space.
Remove what you don’t use, need or want. Less clutter creates a cleaner, more open environment that helps buyers focus on the home, not what’s in it.
Sort everything into three categories:
How will you help me compete in today’s market?
How do you evaluate whether a home is priced correctly?
What should I know about the areas I’m considering?
How will you keep me informed through the process?
What strategies do you use when negotiating offers?
What risks or issues should I watch for when buying a home?
What happens between an accepted offer and closing?
Dos & Don'ts for Sellers
Costly Mistakes
Terms to Know
Asking Price
The price a home is listed for. It may differ from the final sale price.
Balanced Market
A market with a similar number of buyers and sellers. Homes typically sell at steady prices within a reasonable timeframe.
Bridge Financing
A short-term loan that helps cover the gap between buying a new home and selling your current one.
Buyer’s Market
A market with more homes than buyers. Buyers have more choice and negotiating power.
Chattels
Items not permanently attached to the home, such as furniture or curtains. These are typically not included in the sale unless specified.
Closing
The final step of the transaction, when ownership transfers to the buyer and keys are exchanged.
Contingencies
Conditions that must be met for a sale to proceed, such as financing or inspection approval.
Counteroffer
A response to an offer with revised terms, often related to price or timing.
Curb Appeal
How a home looks from the street. Strong curb appeal can attract more interest from buyers.
Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)
A report comparing similar properties to help
determine a home’s market value.
Fixtures
Items permanently attached to the home, such as lighting or built-ins. These are typically included in the sale.
FSBO
“For Sale By Owner.” A property sold without a licensed real estate agent.
Home Value Estimator
An online tool that provides a general estimate of a home’s value. It is less precise than a CMA.
MLS®
A database used by real estate professionals to list and search for properties.
Offer
A legal proposal to purchase a home, often with conditions such as financing or inspection.
Seller’s Market
A market with more buyers than homes. Properties tend to sell quickly, often with stronger offers.
Staging
Preparing a home for sale to appeal to a broad range of buyers. This may include decluttering, cleaning and light updates.
Connect with a Listing Agent >
The Experts Close to Home
REMAX®
Guide
Home Seller's
Selling a home takes more than a sign in the yard. It takes local knowledge, smart positioning and the right network behind you. A full-time professional in your community and in your corner.
A REMAX agent brings these strengths and more: deep insight into your market, tailored strategy for your home and the strength of a global network of more than 145,000 agents with a presence in more than 120 countries and territories.
It’s why REMAX is recognized as the #1 most trusted real estate agents.1
Is Your Agent the Right Fit? >
Selling a home comes down to your choices, so partner with your REMAX agent on the smart moves and sidestep the costly mistakes.
You’re trusting someone to develop a home pricing strategy, position it in the market and guide you through every decision. The right fit matters.
Ask thoughtful questions. Compare answers. The right agent will be clear, direct and ready to walk you through exactly how they’ll help you sell.
Find a REMAX agent in your area at remax.com (U.S.) or remax.ca (Canada).
Learn More
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Ask your agent these questions:
Work with your agent to set a
price grounded in market data,
not guesswork. The right pricing
strategy drives interest and
stronger offers.
Declutter, clean and create a space buyers can see themselves in. Small details make a lasting impression.
Focus on simple improvements
that add value: fresh paint, updated
fixtures and strong curb appeal.
Arrange your space to highlight flow and light. Keep key documents organized and accessible throughout the process.
Price with purpose
Listen to feedback, stay flexible and work with your agent to navigate offers and negotiations.
Smart Moves
Explore the REMAX Homebuyer's Guide
1. As measured by residential transaction sides.
The Right Fit
Explore the REMAX Home Staging Guide
Tax Considerations
Buying a home can change your tax picture. Mortgage interest, property taxes and other expenses may be deductible.
For guidance on what may apply to you, consult a tax professional or visit your local tax authority’s website.
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SM
Prepare to show
Make smart updates
Stage and organize
Stay open and responsive
Fall behind
Stay current on maintenance, mortgage and utilities through closing. A well-kept home protects your sale.
Overprice or rush
Pricing too high can stall momentum. Patience and strategy lead to better outcomes.
Be unavailable
Make your home easy to show and give buyers space to explore it comfortably.
Skip the numbers
Before taking on new expenses or changes, check in with your agent or lender to understand the impact.
Disappear mid-process
Your agent leads the strategy,
but your involvement matters.
The best results come from
working together.
1. Pack It
Store items you won’t need before your move. Off-site storage can help keep your home feeling open & show-ready.
2. Donate It
Pass along items in good condition. Many organizations offer scheduled pick-ups, making it easy to clear space quickly.
3. Discard It
Dispose of what can’t be reused. Be sure to follow local guidelines for proper disposal or recycling.
Stage to Sell
Small changes can make a big difference. If you’re not working with a professional stager, start here.
Address minor repairs and visible wear before buyers see it.
Fix what stands out
Remove excess furniture and clear surfaces to make rooms feel open.
Create space
From closets to garages, buyers will look everywhere.
Clean everything
Open curtains, clean windows and brighten darker spaces.
Let in the light
Use light tones and remove personal items so buyers can picture themselves there.
Keep it natural
Maintain the yard, tidy entry points and create a strong first impression.
Refresh the exterior
Planning Your Next Move
If you’re moving up the property ladder, you’re likely in a stronger position than when you bought your first home. With equity or savings, your next purchase can be more intentional. Timing matters. Buying and selling at the same time adds complexity, and the right approach depends on your finances, the market and your comfort level.
See Ways to Time Your Sale >
Sell first, then buy
Sell your current home before purchasing your next. This can reduce financial pressure and gives you a clear sense of your budget.
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Buy first, then sell
Purchase your next home before listing your current one. This allows more time to find the right fit, but may require bridge financing or carrying two properties temporarily.
Buy and sell at the same time
Align your purchase and sale as closely as possible. This requires planning and flexibility, as timing can shift.
The right approach depends on your goals and timing. A REMAX agent can help you build a strategy that works for both sides of the move.
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