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Home Seller’s Frequently Asked Questions

Thinking about selling your home? We’ve got answers! From preparing your house to navigating offers, we’re here to walk you through each step so you can sell confidently—and with as little stress as possible.

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From the Beginning

Start at the beginning - white converse shoes

Getting Started: What Should I Do Before Listing My Home?

How much work does my house need before going on the market?


You don’t need to renovate top to bottom. In most cases, a clean, well-maintained home with minor updates will do the trick. Don’t worry about perfection—that’s what new builds are for. Talk with your realtor to prioritize improvements that will offer the best return in your market.

Related Reading:
Steps to Sell a Home
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What happens during a listing consultation?

How much is my house worth?

 That’s a big one—and a good one. Start by researching recently sold homes in your area that are similar in size and age. Then, connect with your realtor for a professional home valuation based on current market trends.

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When is the best time to sell?

 Spring is usually ideal. Buyers are more active, and moving is easier when the weather is nice. The market heats up in April, May, and June—so if you’re considering selling this year, now’s the time to start preparing.

What’s the difference between list price and sale price?

List price is the price the home is currently listed at. The sale price is the price the home is sold for.

Should I price my home higher to leave room for negotiation?

 Tempting, but not ideal. Today’s buyers are savvy. If your home is priced right, it will likely attract stronger offers and sell faster—sometimes even over asking.

Related Reading: How to Price Your Home to Sell

Should I stage my home?

 Yes—if you want to sell faster and possibly for more. According to stagedhomes.com, staged homes sell 83% quicker and 52% of buyers say they’d pay more for a staged property. We’re happy to consult on staging or connect you with local pros.

Selling Details

How much commission will I pay?

 Commissions are negotiable. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. That said, choosing an agent solely based on the lowest commission can cost you more in the long run—less exposure, fewer marketing resources, and weaker negotiations.

Related Reading: 10 Reasons to Hire Colorado Real Estate Group

What happens if I need to cancel my listing agreement?

 Every contract is different, but canceling usually requires covering any costs already incurred by your agent or brokerage. Always read the fine print—and ask questions before signing.

Handling Offers

What should I do with a lowball offer?

 Respond! The worst move is to ignore it. A low offer doesn’t mean a dead deal—it’s often just a starting point. Selling a home is a business decision, so try to keep emotions in check and counter strategically.

Are sellers required to make repairs?

 Yes, sometimes. If the buyer is using a loan, their lender may require certain repairs for safety or structural concerns. These are called “lender-required repairs” and must be addressed to close the loan.

Bonus Questions!

Miscellaneous Questions - blue clouds sky

What are typical closing costs for sellers?

 Expect to pay for title search, real estate commission, survey costs, and transfer taxes (revenue stamps). Check out our Home Selling Fees Guide for a full breakdown.

What documents do I need before listing?

Check out our Home Selling Checklist as a great place to start, and ask your real estate agent if there are any additional items needed.

Should I include appliances in the sale?

 Appliances don’t typically increase your home’s value, but they can make your listing more appealing. Whether or not you leave them is totally up to you—but it’s best to decide early.

Should I be present during tours and to present my home?

 Nope! This is one of the most common seller mistakes. Buyers need space to explore, ask questions, and picture themselves living there. Give your home a quick tidy-up, then head out before they arrive.

Selling your home is a big step—but with the right guidance, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. When you’re ready, call your trusted partners at Colorado Real Estate Group. We’d love to chat

Related Reading: Home Inspection Insights for Sellers

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