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7 min read Mar 02, 2024

Selling a House in 2024: 7 Expert Steps

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Carol Coutinho

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Editor
Edited By

Carol Coutinho

Editor, Houzeo
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Carol is a versatile content editor and writer, crafting riveting narratives with precision and finesse. When not reading a novel, she is immersed in the enthralling world of the theater.

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Want to sell your house in 2024? You’re in luck. 26.1% of homes sold above the list price last month, with a median home price of $412,778. Selling a house from Seattle to Miami is profitable as home prices have increased across the country.

Homesellers spent approximately $24,000 in commissions on a $400,000 home.

No MORE! It’s 2024! High-tech home-selling platforms, like Houzeo, help you skip the 3% listing agent commission almost entirely! And with technology, you’ll also have more access to information and be in control of your transaction.

7 Steps to Selling a House

While selling your house can be a complex process, we have listed down 7 simple steps for you to navigate through your real estate transaction:

Step 1: Price Your Home Correctly

The market price at which your home will be sold is called fair market value. You can calculate this yourself using the real estate comps in your neighborhood.

If you need assistance, you can opt for a Broker’s Price Opinion or a CMA Report. This can help you price your home competitively. Remember to account for any known defects when pricing your home.

You can also opt for a home inspection to understand what property defect might lower your profit. It will cost between $300 and $500. Based on the home inspection report, you can choose the repairs to make for a lucrative sale.

» Fair Market Value: Check how much you can sell your home for.

Step 2: Choose the Best Way to Sell Your Home

There are 4 options for you to sell your home. The time it takes and the amount you receive differ based on each option.

  1. List Your Home on the MLS for a Flat Fee: Flat Fee MLS companies get you listed fast, typically within 24 to 48 hours on your local MLS. This is your best chance to get top dollar for your house.
  2. List With a Discount Real Estate Broker: The best discount real estate brokers offer all the services that traditional Realtors do but at discounted rates. They usually charge 1.5% to 3% commissions to list your home.
  3. List With a Full-Service Realtor: We do not recommend a full-service agent as they can charge you nearly 5% to 6% of the closing cost. This will cost you thousands of dollars.
  4. Sell to an iBuyer or Cash Buyer: A cash buyer can make a cash offer instantly and help you sell your house fast. iBuyers have strict purchase criteria but can make cash offers as high as 80% of the Fair Market Value.
    🏡 Have a Distressed Property? Sell to cash home buyers. They majorly deal in distressed and rental properties. Cash home buyers typically offer 50% to 70% of the property’s fair market value.

Step 3: Stage and List Your Home on the MLS

Staging a home to sell can help you get up to $40,000 over the listing price. Additionally, professional photos help you sell your home 32% faster. You can hire a home stager and a photographer to showcase your home’s best features.

Your next step is to list on the MLS. If you opt for a Realtor, they charge a 2% to 3% commission. However, with Houzeo, you can sell your house for a flat fee and skip the commissions.

How to List on MLS With Houzeo?

5 Easy Steps to List on MLS with Houzeo as FSBO

Start Your MLS Listing NOW!

Step 4: Complete Your Listing Paperwork

The paperwork would mainly consist of the listing agreement and the seller’s disclosure.

  • Listing Agreement: A listing agreement will be signed between you and your local MLS agent. It will allow them to list your property on your local MLS.
  • Seller’s Disclosure: A seller’s disclosure is a standard checklist form. It allows you to disclose material defects and property features that may negatively affect the house’s value.

» Paperwork for Selling a House: Here is a list of documents you need for a home sale.

Step 5: Manage Showings

Once you list on the MLS, get ready for the offers to pour in. Traditionally, agents host open houses or arrange private showings. If you are selling your house by owner, you can use online tools to manage showings.

Step 6: Review and Negotiate Offers

The next step would be to compare the offers. Most house sellers go with the highest bid. But here are some additional factors you must consider before settling:

  • Is the buyer making a cash offer on your house?
  • Has the buyer applied for a mortgage? Are they pre-approved or pre-qualified?
  • Is the buyer willing to waive off some contingencies like home appraisal?
  • Are buyers offering to negotiate the closing costs?

Keep these questions in mind when comparing offers. As a FSBO seller, you can use offer management tools. With Houzeo Offers, you can make counter offers, call for the best offer, and more.

» Highest and Best Offer: Make the smart choice in multiple offer situations.

Step 7: Close the Sale and Celebrate

Traditionally, title companies or real estate attorneys act as closing agents. As a guide, complete these milestones for a successful closing:

Pay Taxes and Closing Costs

You will need to pay the following taxes while selling your house:

  • Transfer Tax: Transfer tax is a one-time fee (generally costs less than 1%) you pay at the time of transferring ownership.
  • Property Tax: Property tax varies by county. It will be approximately 1% of the total home sale value. You can claim a rebate if you pay your property tax a year in advance.

You and the buyer both pay separate closing costs. Seller closing costs consist of HOA, escrow, real estate attorney, and home warranty fees.

Sign Documents Needed to Close a Sale

The end of the home sale usually involves signing the escrow and title documents. You will also sign the deed and the closing disclosure.

After signing all the documents, the new homeowner’s name is registered in the public record. The buyer then signs a check or wires the sale amount, and your home is sold.

Sell My House Near Me

Tips to Sell a Home in 2024

To ensure you sell your home faster, follow these tips to guarantee a smooth sale:

  1. Improve Curb Appeal: 97% of real estate professionals believe curb appeal is important to attract buyers. You can do this by mowing the lawn or painting the exterior.
  2. Use Advanced Tech Tools: Learn to manage the sale of your home using Showings Management and Offers Management tools. They will help you track your listing and stay updated on your home sale.
  3. Provide Seller Concessions: With the current high mortgage rates, home buyers are reluctant to purchase homes. As a house seller, you can offer seller concessions such as title insurance or HOA fees.

» Tips for Selling Your Home: Check these 9 powerful tricks to sell your home!

Bottom Line

Selling can be daunting, but this is the best time to sell a house. Summer is around the corner, and home buyers are back in the market. Moreover, it is better to sell FSBO, as hiring a real estate agent will cost you a 3% commission.

If you are looking to save thousands in commissions, sell your house with Houzeo.com. Houzeo is a legit tech real estate platform that gives you access to tools only real estate agents have for an affordable flat fee.

Eager to Know More?

We’ve got you covered. Check out the following video to understand why Houzeo is one of the best for sale by owner websites in the U.S.

What is Houzeo?

An overview of what the platform is all about

Start Your MLS Listing NOW!

» Need More Clarity? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why it is one of the best FSBO sites in America.

FAQs about Selling a House

What are typical closing costs for sellers?

Home sellers typically pay closing costs that include HOA fees, escrow fees, real estate attorney fees, and home warranty fees. They can come to about 6% of the final sale price.

How to sell a house in 2024?

List your home on the MLS. With Houzeo, your listing gets maximum exposure. Additionally, you should offer a competitive price and buyer agent commission to increase the chances of selling your home.

How to sell your home yourself?

You can sell your home yourself by listing it on the MLS. You can use a flat fee MLS listing service or a paid FSBO website.

» How to Sell a House By Owner: Here is how you can save thousands as a FSBO seller.

Can you sell a house while in probate?

Yes, you can sell a house in probate. You need to provide a Petition For Order authorizing the sale of real property, a copy of the sales contract, a broker letter, etc., in the court. On filing the documents, the court issues an order approving the sale.

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