Planning to sell your house this year?
In our recent real estate study, we found that 89% of recent home sellers have regrets about their recent home sale, primarily because they sold too fast (30%), didn’t sell for enough (28%), or didn’t sell with a real estate agent (23%).
We don’t want you to have regrets about your home sale. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss the best ways to sell your home, how to sell your home fast for top dollar, and key home-selling tips that will simplify the process.
⚡ Save thousands in commission: Match with top local listing agents who offer a low 1.5% listing fee.
Find your state from the list below to get personalized advice about selling a house in your area.
5 ways to sell your house
There are five different ways you can sell your house, depending on your experience level and goals.
| Method | ✅ Pros | 🚫 Cons |
| Selling with a traditional agent | Professional pricing, access to the MLS, negotiation skills, higher final sale price | Commission rates |
| Selling with a low-commission realtor / discount real estate broker | Lower commission rates, access to the MLS, | May offer fewer services than traditional agents |
| Selling without a realtor (FSBO) | More control over the selling process, no commission fees | Complicated selling process, legal pitfalls, potentially lower sale price, potentially longer to sell |
| Selling to a cash home buyer | Fast/hassle-free sale | Lower sale price (around 70% of market value) |
| Selling to an iBuyer | Fast/hassle-free sale | Home needs to be in good condition, lower sale price |
Sell with a real estate agent
For most home sellers, selling with a realtor is the best option. You get expert support throughout the entire process, helping you sell quickly and for top dollar. However, you'll have to pay agent commission fees, which is a drawback for some sellers.
| ⭐ In our recent study, surveyed home sellers who sold with a real estate agent made $79,000 more in profit than surveyed sellers who sold without a realtor. |
Sell with a low-commission realtor or discount real estate broker
If you want the support of a realtor but want to save money on commission fees, consider selling with a low-commission realtor or discount real estate broker. These types of realtors typically offer the same core services as traditional agents but at a discounted price. Examples of low-commission real estate companies include Clever Real Estate, Redfin, and Upnest.
| 💵 In our recent study, 60% of recent home sellers report that they’d be willing to sacrifice some agent services to save money on their sale, which makes using a discount real estate broker a simple solution. These low-commission realtors often offer varying service models and lower fees, depending on how much agent support you need. |
Sell for sale by owner (FSBO)
If you’re a highly experienced seller, you could sell without a realtor to save money on commission fees. However, keep in mind that this method can be highly complex, resulting in lower sale prices and a delayed selling timeline. You’ll also need to pay for a flat fee MLS listing service to get your listing circulated to agents and their buyers.
| ⚠️ In our recent study, 66% of recent home sellers report that selling for sale by owner is by far the hardest way to sell a home, and 55% say that it’s the slowest method. |
Sell to a cash home buyer
If you need to sell as fast as possible and your house is in poor condition, selling to a cash home buyer can be a good option. These companies are typically investors who pay for houses in cash, don’t require repairs, and can close in as little as two weeks. The drawback is that you’ll likely make less than market value for your home (typically just 70%). Examples of cash buyer companies include HomeVestors and MarketPro Homebuyers.
| 🚨 In our a recent study, 38% of recent home sellers report that selling to a cash buyer is the worst way to sell a home. However, 65% of recent home sellers say it’s the fastest way to sell a house. |
Sell to an iBuyer
If you need to sell as fast as possible and your house is in good condition, consider selling to an iBuyer. Similar to cash home buyers, iBuyers can pay in cash for your home, but they typically only purchase homes in relatively good condition. Examples of iBuyers are Opendoor, Knock, and Homeward.
| 💡 In our recent study, 74% of recent home sellers said they’d be willing to sell to a large corporation (like an iBuyer) in the right situation. Of those who did sell to an iBuyer, 54% would recommend the method to a family member or friend. |
Steps to sell a house with a realtor
In our 2024 home selling study, 73% of recent home sellers said that selling with a realtor is the best way to sell a home, and 40% said it was the fastest method.
An experienced agent can help you with every part of the selling process, from preparing the house for listing to closing the deal. You’ll have to pay agent commission fees, which average about 5.32%, but you’ll likely gain a much better profit on your sale vs. selling without a realtor.
Step 1: Find the right realtor
Using an agent matching service is often the easiest way to find an experienced real estate agent near you. You’ll provide some basic information about your property and what you’re looking for in an agent, and within minutes, you’ll have a selection of agents to choose from.
Other ways of finding an agent include:
- Searching for agents on real estate websites. Platforms like Zillow, Homes.com, and Realtor.com let you look for agents, review their sales history, and read customer reviews. (60% of upcoming home sellers prefer this method.)
- Asking for referrals from friends, family, and neighbors. Ask them about their agent’s communication skills, negotiation tactics, and local market expertise. (42% of upcoming home sellers prefer this method.)
- Checking your local realtor association. Contact your local real estate board for a list of experienced agents who meet your criteria.[1]
- Attending open houses. Meet with agents in person and observe how they market the home.
Once you have a pool of agents to choose from, we recommend interviewing at least 3 of them to find the right fit. According to upcoming home sellers, these are the most important factors when considering an agent:
- 🥇 Knowledge of current market conditions (55% of home sellers)
- 🥈 Negotiation skills (53%)
- 🥉 Track record of successful sales (52%)
- 4️⃣ Experience in the local market (52%)
- 5️⃣ Communication and availability (52%)
The average listing commission rate in the United States is 2.74%.
However, you can try to negotiate with your agent to receive a lower rate, especially if your house is in great condition, you plan to buy your next house with them, or you’ve received competing proposals from other agents.
Step 2: Choose the right time to sell your house
Work with your agent to analyze local market data and seasonal patterns to help you decide when to list your home.
💰 If you want the best listing price: In the United States, June is the best month to sell your house for the highest price, according to historical data. During this month, the average listing price is around $16,310 more yearly average listing price in the United States.[2]
⚡ If you want to sell fast: In the United States, May is the fastest month to sell your house, according to historical data. During this month, homes stay on the market for an average of 45 days, which is 11 days faster than the yearly average.[2]
Step 3: Consider making some low-cost repairs before listing
Before setting a price for your home, it could be a good idea to make some minor repairs to boost its overall value and hopefully get you a higher sale price. Your agent can help you decide which repairs are worth making, and which ones aren’t worth the time and money.
In our recent study, 76% of recent home sellers made repairs to attract buyers and speed up the sale. Each home seller spent an average of about $10,000 on repairs.
To get you started, here are some home repairs with the highest return on investment.[3]
Job cost: $4,513
Resale value: $8,751
% recouped: 193.90%
Job cost: $2,355
Resale value: $4,430
% recouped: 188.10%
Job cost: $11,287
Resale value: $17,291
% recouped: 153.20%
Job cost: $11,353
Resale value: $11,054
% recouped: 97.40%
Job cost: $27,492
Resale value: $26,406
% recouped: 96.10%
Job cost: $20,619
Resale value: $18,230
% recouped: 88.40%
Job cost: $17,615
Resale value: $14,596
% recouped: 82.90%
If you don’t have the time or money to make repairs before listing your house, you have options! You can sell your house as is with a real estate agent or to a cash home buyer. Even better, get an instant cash offer for up to 100% of your home’s value.
Step 4: Set a competitive price for your home
After you’ve made any necessary or minor repairs, it’s time to price your home for sale. Your agent should create a comparative market analysis of your home, analyzing its age, location, size, and features compared to recently sold homes in the market. From this report, you’ll be able to set a realistic price range that’s supported by data.
Effective pricing strategies
- Set the price slightly below market value to generate multiple offers (helpful if you need to sell fast).
- Price at round numbers (e.g., $300,000 vs $299,900) to appear in more search results.
- Adjust listing price based on seasonal demand and inventory levels.
Common pricing mistakes
- Overprice based on emotional attachment.
- Set price too high, causing the house to stay on the market.
- Set price too low, which may make buyers think something is wrong with the house.
- Fail to adjust price when market conditions change.
Step 5: Complete seller disclosure requirements
Before listing your home for sale, it’s a good idea to complete the seller disclosure forms. These disclosures let prospective buyers know about any defects and issues with your property, as legally required by state law.
While you don’t need to disclose every spot of chipped paint, it’s important to correctly fill these disclosures for two reasons:
- Legal protection: Sellers who fail to disclose known issues can face lawsuits and financial liability after the sale.
- Buyer consent: Disclosures allow buyers to make educated decisions and negotiate fairly based on the property's true condition.
Your real estate agent or attorney can help you navigate these legal documents to protect yourself against legal disputes.
Step 6: Market the home and schedule showings
Once you and your agent have set a price, your agent will list your home on your local Multiple Listing Service (MLS). The MLS is an online database that lets real estate agents view what homes are for sale. Your listing will also be syndicated to online platforms like Zillow, Trulia, and Homes.com, where prospective buyers can find your house and request showings.
As the seller, you don’t have to worry about managing the home showings yourself, as this is your agent’s responsibility. Your realtor will work with buyer’s agents to schedule showings at your property, and they’ll pass along feedback from potential buyers.
What to do for home showings
- Deep clean and declutter all spaces.
- Open blinds/curtains for natural light.
- Turn on all lights and set a comfortable temperature.
- Ensure the exterior is tidy with clear walkways.
- Leave during showings to make buyers comfortable and remove any pets or pet items.
What NOT to do for home showings
- Leave personal items, valuables, or sensitive documents visible.
- Hover during showings or interact with buyers.
- Block access to any rooms or spaces.
- Play music or TV during showings.
Step 7: Receive offers and negotiate as necessary
Most listings in the United States stay on the market for 66 days until a final offer is accepted. This timeline can vary, depending on the home’s location, its condition, and whether you need to sell quickly.
When you start receiving offers, your real estate agent will walk through them with you and highlight the pros and cons of each. When evaluating offers, pay close attention to things like:
- Price and financing terms: This includes the total offer amount and how the buyer plans to pay, whether through cash or a mortgage loan. A cash offer typically means a faster closing with less risk of falling through compared to traditional financing.
- Contingencies and conditions: These are requirements that must be met for the sale to proceed, such as passing a home inspection or appraisal. Fewer contingencies generally mean a stronger offer with less chance of cancellation.
- Earnest money deposit: This is the "good faith" deposit the buyer puts down to show they're serious about the purchase. It typically ranges from 1% to 10% of the purchase price. A larger earnest money deposit indicates the buyer is committed and provides more protection if they back out.
- Buyer requests/credits: These are specific items the buyer wants included in the sale or money they're asking you to provide for repairs or closing costs. These requests directly impact your net proceeds.
- Closing timeline: This is the proposed date for completing the sale and transferring ownership.
You can choose to accept the offer, counteroffer, or deny the offer completely. Work with your agent to decide which option is right for you.
In our recent real estate study, we found that 89% of recent home sellers made buyer concessions. The cost of those concessions averaged to about $7,200 per seller. The most popular buyer concessions were:
- 🥇 Price reduction (32% of recent home sellers)
- 🥈 Home warranty coverage (32%)
- 🥉 Personal property included in the sale (31%)
- 4️⃣ Repairs or repair credits (29%)
- 5️⃣ Flexible closing date (29%)
Following the 2024 NAR lawsuit, buyers are now responsible for negotiating buyer’s agent commission directly with their agent.
However, many sellers still choose to cover that cost as a concession to incentivize buyers. In the United States the average buyer’s agent commission is 2.58%.
Step 8: Wait for inspection, appraisal, financing, and final walkthrough
Once you’ve accepted an offer, the buyer will enter their due diligence period. They’ll typically schedule an appraisal, order a home inspection, and secure their financing (if they aren’t paying in cash).
Home appraisal process
A home appraisal is a professional assessment of your home's value conducted by a licensed appraiser. Mortgage lenders typically require it to ensure the loan amount doesn't exceed the property's value. The buyer is usually responsible for scheduling the appraisal and paying its cost.
If the appraisal comes in lower than the agreed sale price, the lender won’t approve financing for the full amount. The buyer may try to renegotiate the price, pay the difference in cash, order a new appraisal, or back out of the sale (if they have an appraisal contingency).
Home inspection process
A home inspection is a professional evaluation of your property's condition by a licensed inspector. They primarily examine the structural integrity of the home, its major systems (electrical, plumbing, HVAC), and potential safety issues.
If significant issues are discovered, the buyer may request that you make repairs or credits at closing. Major issues, like mold, structural issues, or termites, may cause the buyer to back out (if they have an inspection contingency).
Underwriting process
Underwriting is the lender's review of the buyer's financial information and property details to ensure the loan meets their requirements. Issues during this process can often cause delays in closing. If your buyer is paying in cash, they can skip this process altogether.
The final walkthrough
A final walkthrough is the buyer's last inspection before closing to verify the home's condition matches the purchase agreement and any agreed-upon repairs are complete. They’ll visit the property with their buyer’s agent and examine the home in person.
Before the final walkthrough, ensure that the house’s condition matches buyer expectations and take photos to document its condition. Remove all personal belongings, ensure everything is clean, and keep utilities running.
Step 9: Close on the home
Once the due diligence process is complete, the closing process officially begins! The buyer will typically attend closing in person, but as the seller, you have the option to do your part electronically. Your real estate agent will guide you through this process and inform you about the documentation required.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you don’t understand something — your agent is there to guide you through this process with minimal stress!
It depends on you state. States that require an attorney to be present at closing or help sellers with their closing paperwork include:
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Massachusetts
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Vermont
- West Virginia
Step 10: Pay seller closing costs and real estate commission
As the seller, you can pay your part of the closing costs from the proceeds of your home sale. Closing costs can include buyer incentives, prorated property taxes, and recording fees.
In the United States, seller closing costs are typically 2.73% of the sale price. For the median value home in the United States, that would be about $9,696.
Closing costs don’t include real estate commission, which is around 5.32% in the United States. For a median value home in the United States, that would be around $18,903 (if you’ve agreed to pay the buyer’s agent commission as well).
If you want to save on real estate commission fees, you have options. A low commission realtor can charge a 1.5% listing fee, compared to the typical 2.74% in the United States — at this rate, the average home seller would save $4,406 in realtor fees.
Frequently asked questions about selling a house
Seller closing costs typically include things like buyer incentives, prorated property taxes, and recording fees.
In the United States, seller closing costs are typically 2.73% of the sale price. For the median US home value, that would be about $9,696.
In our recent real estate study, we found that sellers spent an average of $8,000 on closing costs.
According to our recent home seller study, it takes around $54,616 to sell a house.
This amount includes staging costs, marketing costs, moving costs, buyer concessions, closing costs, repairs, buyer’s agent commission, and listing agent commission.
On average, it takes around 101 days to sell a house in the United States. This accounts for 66 days on the market and 35 days days to close.
In the United States, the average listing commission is 2.74%. The average buyer’s agent commission is 2.58%.
These rates can vary by state and individual agent.
Related reading
Why you can trust us
Vetted data sources
Our research team draws local data from prominent real estate platforms, including Zillow and Realtor.com, to provide insights on the national real estate market. We analyzed current home values, listing prices, sales timelines, and other metrics to create this guide about selling a house with a real estate agent. We keep our pages updated with the latest market data to ensure accuracy.
We also used survey data from several of our home-selling studies:
- How to Sell Your House (2024): Surveyed 1,000 recent American home sellers
- For Sale Without a Realtor Survey (2024): Surveyed 1,000 recent American home sellers
- The Role of the Realtor (2024): Surveyed 695 Americans who plan to sell their homes in the next 12 months
- The True Cost of Selling a Home (2024): Surveyed 1,014 Americans who have sold a home since 2022
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We've matched 154,000+ clients with vetted realtors who offer discounted listing fees. Our nationwide network features 16,000+ top-performing agents from leading brokerages, all focused on delivering simple, cost-effective solutions. So far, we've saved our customers over $180 million in realtor fees, and that number is only growing.
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Our work has been featured in The New York Times, Business Insider, Inman, and HousingWire. We maintain a perfect 5-star Trustpilot rating, backed by 3,400+ verified customer reviews.
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