Everyone seeks change or adapts to change under pressure at some point in their lifetime. Irrespective of where it begins, external forces commonly influence multiple levels of progression. Perhaps you just drove past your neighbor’s yard and noticed that a “For Sale” sign has just been installed. Whether you already had the thought of moving on your mind or not, it was just now heavily influenced by one external factor. Sure, you may miss your neighbors to the left, but now your neighbors to the right can miss you, too. Listing your home for sale may seem like a straightforward process and mark the end of a meaningful chapter. However, there are a few things to consider before selling your house. 

Why Consider Selling Your House?

People relocate for various reasons. However, a big move typically stems from personal circumstances. Not everyone moves because their family is growing or they need an additional room for their home office. Some individuals may desire more land for privacy, future expansion, or investment potential. Certain people may intend to relocate to have a closer proximity to work or local amenities such as better school systems, safer neighborhoods, or convenient access to major highways or airports.

Others may hope to downsize for simplicity to ease the retirement process, a painful divorce, financial troubles, or foreclosure. Keep in mind that, rather than taking a home equity line of credit (HELOC), you can knock two birds with one stone by eliminating debt while also achieving your desired lifestyle after selling your house.

How to Determine if Now Is the Right Time to Sell Your House

Some individuals desire to capitalize on market conditions. For example, if home values have risen in your area, you might be able to sell at a profit and maximize your return on investment.

Selling your house may appear to align with your current needs. However, the real question is, “Is now the optimal time to sell your home?”. Taking a step back to evaluate your circumstances with the current market conditions can help you make the best decision.

Do You Have a Lien on Your House?

You may want to look into how much is left to pay on your house. A mortgage lender can give you your exact mortgage payoff statement to ensure your loan is paid off at closing. If you have a lien on your house, it must be resolved before or during the home-selling process. A lien is a legal claim that is placed on your property to secure repayment of a debt. The lien holder gains the right to take possession of your home if the debt is not paid.

Take light in knowing the lien does not prevent you from living or selling your home. Common types of liens or legal claims on a property include the following: 

• Mortgage lien: Voluntary—agreed upon when you take out a loan
• Federal tax lien: The government’s legal claim against your property when you neglect or fail to pay a tax debt
• Mechanic’s lien: Legal claims placed on your property by anyone who contributed labor or materials to your property, who has not been paid.

How Are the Mortgage Interest Rates?

For example, are the housing prices high? If so, you may benefit from favorable market demand. What are the interest rates? An interest rate is the percentage of the total amount borrowed or saved. In other words, how much will you pay after borrowing a loan? 

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) provides tools and resources to explore the different mortgage interest rates. You can also gain a better understanding of how your credit score, home price, loan type, and down payment amount can affect your rate. Staying informed can help you secure a mortgage that best fits your needs. Keep in mind, your credit score can significantly affect your interest rate. 

Have You Assessed the Current Condition of Your Home?

The current state of your property directly affects the ability to sell the home. Therefore, before selling your house, it can be helpful to take a walk through and around your property to brainstorm minor updates or determine which repairs should be made for improvement.

Doing so can add more value to your home as you can add the cost of improvements or additions to your home to the basis of your property. Updating your house can also reduce the likelihood of seller concessions while increasing buyer satisfaction for a more seamless sale overall. Seller concessions are expenses that the home seller agrees to pay on behalf of the buyer to successfully close a real estate deal. Common home improvements that can increase buyer satisfaction include the following:

• Enhance curb appeal: Add shutters, resurface the driveway, paint the garage, add an address plaque, replace the roof, or do some landscaping.
• Focus on the interior: Replace flooring, paint the walls, or install new lighting.g
• Update appliances: New stove, dishwasher, refrigerator, washer, or dryer, and HVAC
• Improve bathroom appeal: Deep clean, refresh caulk or grout, upgrade bathroom fixtures.

Professionals Who Can Support Your Real Estate Journey

Understanding that the steps involved in selling your house can be a lengthy process, the For Sale By Owner (FSBO) route may not seem like the most effective option. Although it may be a more inexpensive option, a lack of experience could end up costing you more in the long run. Real estate agents provide experience, expertise, and negotiation skills that could save a seller a great deal of money. For that reason, reaching out for professional support can ensure the process goes smoothly.

If you have a busy lifestyle, real estate can seem complex. You may want to consider hiring a realtor, real estate attorney, home inspector, appraiser, stager/interior designer, photographer, or lender to coordinate for buyers. These key professionals can assist with the following: 

• Hiring a Real Estate Agent or Going FSBO
• Preparing the Home (repairs, staging)
• Pricing the Property
• Marketing and Showings
• Receiving and Negotiating Offers
• Home Inspection and Appraisal
• Closing the Sale
• Transitioning to a New Home

How to Prepare for Showings Before Selling Your House

If you are looking to buy a home before selling and want to beat a competitive offer, you may want to consider a bridge loan. Although this option can come with some financial risks, doing so can lock in the financing you need to quickly sell your house. 

If you choose to live in your house while trying to sell it, it is important to keep your house clean before showings. Be sure to remember to empty your appliances, take out the trash, do the dishes, and bring animals with you before a potential buyer arrives for the showing.

What Happens When You Receive Your First Offer?

Once you receive your first offer, you can review the potential buyer’s purchase price, contingencies, requested concessions, etc. You have the right to accept it, reject it, or submit a counteroffer to make room for negotiation. Remember, you don’t have to accept the first offer that comes through the door. It may be tempting, but in some cases, you can allow for more time. Note that accepting an offer is unique to each home buyer and seller.

Why Consider Selling Your Property to The State?

If selling your house is involuntary due to unsafe conditions, tax foreclosure, or liens, you may benefit from selling your property to the state. You may be awarded an appropriate monetary value, which would be established by your licensed appraiser. * Keep in mind that you may owe a commission if your home is listed with a Realtor at the commencement of negotiations. Some advantages that can come from selling your house to the state include the following: 

• Cash payout
• No required sales commission 
• Not responsible for real estate transfer tax
• Title insurance and abstract costs are fully covered
• Your closing costs associated with your property’s sale are paid by the Michigan Department of Transportation
• A pro-rated reimbursement of your most recent property tax will be issued

Understanding Fees and Closing Costs Involved With Selling Your House

Depending on your state law or the contract you signed, you may end up paying for common closing fees. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), typically, your lender might increase your loan amount to help pay for your closing costs. If you don’t choose to go that route, then you may be charged an increased interest rate in return for a negotiated credit. You can get a detailed explanation of each fee, charge, or other cost using a home loan toolkit. However, you can expect to pay the following closing costs before closing on your home: 

Timing Expectations

The time it takes for your house to sell can vary. The average time it takes to sell a house from listing to closing typically ranges around 86 days. As you know, the condition of your home, location, state of the market, and time of the year you list your house can impact the sale timeframe.

Thinking Carefully Before Making a Decision

The choices you make throughout the home-selling process can impact both how quickly your house sells and its final value. If you choose not to FSBO, calling a few different real estate agents, mortgage brokers, or contractors can save you months of frustration before selling your house. Doing so can also ensure a smooth start-to-finish journey.

Be sure to declutter and tidy up the home before a photographer arrives. The photos of your home will go public on multiple listing services (MLS). It is a shared real estate database. If you choose to go contingent, meaning you search for a home before selling your house, speaking with a lender beforehand can set the proper expectation for top-end budgets so you don’t waste your time. Additional things to consider before selling your house include: 

• Your mental health
• Your families opinion
• Financial goals
• Cost of selling
• Title issues
• Home equity
• Moving expenses
• Landscaping expenses
• Legal documentation
• Pet relocation plans
• Cancellation service fees
• Mail forwarding
• Utility install expenses

Peer Reviewed by: Jeremy Hoover, Licensed Real Estate Agent
Keller Williams First – Hoover Homes Team | Grand Blanc, MI | License # 6501405237 | Reviewed July 7, 2025