Traditionally, spring and early summer are the busiest times in real estate. However, the “best” time really depends on your personal situation and the local market conditions. Homes can sell year-round with the right pricing and marketing.

It’s not always necessary to fix everything, but small improvements—like painting, deep cleaning, landscaping, and minor repairs—can help increase appeal. Major repairs should be discussed with your agent to weigh cost vs. potential return.

The average time depends on the local market and your listing price. Homes priced correctly and marketed well often sell within a few weeks, while overpriced homes may sit longer.

Typical costs include agent commission, attorney fees, closing costs, potential repairs, and staging or marketing expenses. On average, sellers spend 6–10% of the home’s sale price on selling costs.

Yes, staging can make your home more appealing to buyers and often leads to quicker sales and higher offers. Even simple decluttering and rearranging furniture can make a big difference.

You can sell on your own (FSBO), but hiring an experienced agent helps with pricing, marketing, negotiating, and paperwork. Most sellers find that agents help them achieve a higher selling price that outweighs the commission fee.

Your agent will present all offers and help you compare not only the price but also the terms (financing, closing date, contingencies). The highest offer isn’t always the best; the goal is to choose the offer most likely to close successfully.

Closing costs are fees associated with finalizing the sale, including title fees, taxes, and attorney fees. Both buyers and sellers have their own closing costs. As a seller, you may also cover a portion of buyer-related costs depending on the negotiation.

Once you accept an offer, the buyer will complete inspections, appraisal, and financing. You’ll work through any contingencies, and then both parties will sign closing documents. At closing, you’ll hand over the keys and receive your sale proceeds.