Selling a home is a major milestone — and a major transaction. From pricing to presentation, every decision you make affects how quickly your home sells and how much money you walk away with.
To help you get the best outcome, we asked experienced real estate agents to share their top tips for selling your home in today’s market.
1. Work with a knowledgeable local agent
Our #1 piece of advice: Don’t go it alone.
Hiring a real estate agent gives you access to local expertise, a tailored pricing strategy, negotiation skills, and access to a broad marketing network. And the payoff is clear: Sellers who work with an agent make $79,000 more on average than those who don't.[1]
When choosing a listing agent, look for:
- Strong client reviews
- Experience with homes like yours
- A proactive, tech-savvy marketing plan
Use a service that connects you with top agents
You don't have to wade through options on your own. Our free service helps you quickly find local agents with relevant experience for your home sale. You'll also get a discounted listing fee: 1.5% instead of the usual 3%.
Simply answer a few questions about what you're looking for, and we'll send vetted agent recommendations to your inbox. You can interview as many agents as you'd like — or walk away with no strings attached.
2. Set the right price from day one
Pricing can make or break your sale. Too high, and your home might sit unsold. Too low, and you leave money on the table.
“A slightly lower price can create a sense of urgency and competition among buyers, often leading to multiple offers,” says Alexandra Gupta, a broker from the Corcoran Group.
To price your home, your listing agent completes a comparative market analysis to understand recent sales of similar houses in the area and current market trends.
3. Focus on small but impactful upgrades
You don’t need a major remodel to boost your home’s value. Agents recommend sticking to simple, budget-friendly updates with high return on investment (ROI).
Here are some upgrade ideas to consider:
- Fresh interior paint in neutral colors
- New cabinet hardware and light fixtures
- Updated faucets and bathroom accessories
- LED lighting for a modern touch
How can this tip help when selling your home? These details help buyers feel like the home has been well cared for — even if it’s not freshly renovated.
4. Invest in professional staging
Investing in quality staging is another tip for selling your home that realtors swear by.
"The preparation process may involve rearranging furniture, clearing out bulky items, and incorporating neutral artwork, cozy rugs, and warm lighting to cultivate a welcoming atmosphere,” shares David Schulz, a broker and owner of Schulz Realty. “With a few strategic enhancements, sellers can make rooms feel larger and more inviting, setting the ideal stage for a successful showing!”
According to the National Association of Realtors, almost half of sellers’ agents reported an increase in offer price if the home was staged. About 20% of agents said the price increased by 1–5%, and 14% noted an impressive increase of 6–10%.[2]
7. Declutter and deep clean — thoroughly
Every expert we talked to emphasized this: A clean, clutter-free home is essential.
Real estate agent Sergio Aguinaga recalls a success story:
“The house was dated and needed a ton of reno, but instead of pushing for expensive renovations, I focused on quick fixes like decluttering, a deep clean, and adding some curb appeal with fresh flowers.”
Together with the correct pricing strategy, the result speaks for itself: “By the end of the weekend, we had three offers on the table.”
Decluttering tips:
- Remove excess furniture to open up space
- Store personal items and family photos
- Organize closets and pantries
- Deep clean carpets, windows, and appliances
6. Increase curb appeal
First impressions start at the curb. Make sure buyers are wowed the moment they pull up.
Key areas of focus can include:
- Power washing walkways and siding
- Replacing or painting the front door
- Add mulch, seasonal flowers, and solar lights
- Keep grass trimmed and weeds pulled
Focusing on curb appeal is one of the top tips for selling your home that brings results with minimal investment. From the moment they see it, the buyer feels more welcome and comfortable moving forward, knowing the house has been cared for recently.
7. Use professional photos
With most buyers browsing online first, high-quality listing photos are a must. Nearly 9 in 10 buyers under age 58 say photos are the most important part of an online listing.[3]
“Clear, well-lit, and properly composed images can make the home stand out from the competition,” says Alexandra Gupta. That attention leads to more clicks, more showings, and better offers.
Your agent should hire a professional photographer — ideally one experienced in real estate.
8. Be flexible with showings and closing
Selling a home can take weeks or months, and a seller’s flexibility is one of the main factors that could influence its speed.
Here’s how to stay flexible:
- Keep your home “show-ready” daily
- Say yes to last-minute showings when possible
- Offer alternate times if you can’t accommodate a request
- Be open to negotiating closing timelines
“Every showing is an opportunity,” says David Schulz — and you never know which one will bring your buyer.
The best home selling tips come from top agents. We can connect you with top-performing agents who have years of experience, a successful sales record, and expertise in your local market.
All you have to do is put in your zip code and fill out a short form. Then we'll send hand-picked agent recommendations straight to your inbox.
FAQ
How do you make your house stand out when selling?
Focus on visual appeal — both inside and out. That includes staging, high-quality photography, and curb appeal. Clean thoroughly, declutter, and highlight your home’s best features.
What is the best month to sell a house?
April through June is typically the best time to sell, with higher demand and quicker sales. Start preparing in early spring for optimal timing.
How can I maximize my profit when selling my house?
Hire a great agent, price your home competitively, and invest in cost-effective updates. Also, consider low-commission services like Clever to keep more of your sale proceeds.
What are some staging tips when selling your home?
Depersonalize the space, use light colors, and remove clutter. Add mirrors or neutral art to make rooms feel larger, and make sure each area has a clear purpose.
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