There are countless blog posts designed to help homebuyers determine if they are ready to buy. This post is meant for sellers trying to determine if they’re ready to sell. Think of it as a preflight test: Questions to ask when selling a home. To create this checklist, we reviewed HomeLight’s Top Agent Insights survey data and hundreds of expert tips from real estate agents nationwide. The result is a practical 11-point guide to help you decide if you’re ready to sell — and how to do it wisely.
Selling isn’t just about what you’ll make from the transaction — it’s about what you’ll spend, too. Start by reviewing your current mortgage payoff amount, then compare that to what your home might reasonably sell for in today’s market. From there, factor in expenses like: An honest look at the numbers will give you a clearer sense of whether selling now works in your favor, especially since interest rates directly affect the monthly payment on your next home. According to HomeLight’s Q2 Top Agent Insights report, nearly half of agents nationwide cited high interest rates as the primary reason home sellers are waiting on the sidelines. Here are some free tools from HomeLight to help you answer this question: Most buyers expect a home to be move-in ready, and many agents say that well-chosen updates can pay off. But not every project is worth tackling before a sale. Ask yourself: Sometimes the best move is a simple refresh — fresh paint, landscaping, or fixing obvious issues — rather than major renovations. A trusted agent can guide you on where to spend and where to save. “Sellers often focus on the wrong things when preparing their home for sale,” says Kris Bowen, a top real estate agent in Salt Lake City, Utah, with 22 years of experience. “It is not about sinking money into a full remodel or cosmetic project that may not match a buyer’s taste. What matters most is presentation, both online and offline.” He adds, “The homes that pop are the ones where repairs, updates, and finishing touches were handled before hitting the MLS. That first impression is what drives interest and strong offers.” Beyond the cost of repairs, it’s important to evaluate your home’s overall condition and how it stacks up in your local market. Think about: Take an honest look at your home, but be realistic about what is a reasonable investment for curb appeal and upgrades. Your agent can help you decide what to fix and what not to fix. “Sellers are told their homes need to be HGTV-ready, which for many is unrealistic, so they believe that any upgrades or repairs will provide a dollar-for-dollar ROI,” explains John Baptiste, a top agent in Fort Worth, Texas. “Sellers should look to repair or replace major items that buyers view as high-dollar expenses they don’t want to walk into. Roof and air conditioning are the big buyer concerns here in Texas.” Real estate markets shift constantly, and timing your sale can make a big difference in both price and speed. Start by asking: In the current market, 76% of agents say the biggest selling point for buyers is a home in move-in ready condition, according to HomeLight’s Q3 Top Agent Insights survey. But seasoned agents caution that market conditions aren’t measured by data alone. “Today’s buyers aren’t just looking for move-in ready homes; they want homes that already reflect their lifestyle and taste,” says Gina Moritzky, a HomeLight Elite agent serving the Denver, Colorado region. “Many buyers disregard market value and instead focus on what they feel they should pay, which often means expecting updated finishes and modern features. In short, they want all the upgrades and amenities at the price point they’re comfortable with.” In addition, no two markets are exactly the same. “Buyers are most concerned about location and pricing in my market,” says Griffin Wallace, a top agent in Boca Raton, Florida. “Everyone is looking for a deal, and when there isn’t one available, they have no problem waiting for one to come to market.” Every seller’s situation is different. Maybe you need to move quickly for a new job, or maybe you’d prefer to wait for the best possible price. Clarify your priorities by asking: Your answers here will shape your overall strategy, from pricing decisions to whether you explore options like a cash buyer. The market also plays a role. In the current market, the average time it takes from listing a home to having a signed purchase agreement is 47-62 days. One of the biggest hurdles sellers face is tapping into their equity before their current home sells. If you’ve found your next home but your down payment is tied up in your current property, you’ll need a plan. Ask yourself: This step is about peace of mind. By having a clear funding strategy, you can shop for your next home without the stress of making two major moves at once. “Every home seller has a different set of circumstances. If you’re purchasing another home, an extended escrow period or lease-back after closing may be helpful,” explains Patrick M. Korth, a top-rated agent in Henderson, Nevada. “But there are many other options that can facilitate a smooth transition. Work closely with your agent to explore these options.” It sounds obvious, but many sellers list their home before they have a firm plan for where they’ll go. Ask yourself: Having an answer to “what’s next?” will make the entire process less stressful and help you negotiate from a position of confidence. If selling your existing home is creating timing challenges, watch the short video below to learn more about HomeLight’s Buy Before You Sell program. For some sellers, a move isn’t just about location but about adjusting to a new stage of life. Downsizing can free up cash and reduce upkeep, but it also requires tough decisions. Consider: Thinking through these questions early can help you avoid regret later — and make sure your next home is the right fit. “Most people wait too long until they have to downsize,” San Clemente, California, agent Simon Guy tells HomeLight, adding that then the homeowner is “in a state of trauma or emergency…versus doing it preemptively and actually enjoying it.” Ben Swanson, a top agent in Mesa, Arizona, agrees. “If you make the move too late, your home starts deteriorating, and you’re going to have to spend equity to repair your house before it goes on the market.” Decluttering might not feel as critical as repairs or pricing, but agents consistently rank it as one of the top factors that influence how quickly a home sells. Potential buyers need to imagine themselves in your space, not work around piles of personal belongings. Start small: Even modest decluttering efforts can make your home feel more open and inviting. “Decluttering, deep cleaning, and proper presentation are the most overlooked — yet most impactful — preparation steps,” advises Christina Cardenas, a top agent in San Antonio, Texas. “Too many sellers underestimate how much first impressions influence buyers. In today’s San Antonio market, where inventory is up 11.3% and buyers have more choices, presentation can make or break a sale. She adds, “Homes that are cluttered, not deeply cleaned, or lack curb appeal tend to sit longer and often require price reductions.” Selling your home is only half the battle — you also need to plan your move. Costs can add up quickly, from hiring movers to buying packing supplies. Ask yourself: Mapping out logistics now will keep the transition smoother, especially if you’re relocating on a tight timeline. This is another area where partnering with an experienced agent can save you a lot of grief. After you’ve asked yourself the tough questions, the next step is finding the professional who can help you put it all into action. A skilled real estate agent will guide you through pricing, marketing, negotiations, and closing. When interviewing agents, ask about: Our home sale transaction data shows that partnering with an expert agent can help you sell your home faster and for more money — up to 10% more than an average agent. A top agent will also make the process far less stressful, and help you address every one of the preflight questions above. “As agents, our job is to see the home through a buyer’s eyes and guide sellers on the things that matter most,” says Gabrielle Ruggeri, a top agent serving Somerset County, New Jersey. “That might mean a deep clean, depersonalizing spaces, fresh staging, boosting curb appeal, or tackling small repairs. These simple steps make a big difference in how buyers connect with a home and help it stand out in today’s market.” Before you take the plunge, run through this seller’s preflight checklist one more time: Am I financially ready to sell? How much will repairs cost — and are they worth it? What’s the current condition of my home? How does the local market look right now? What are my timing needs? How will I fund my next home while selling this one? Where will I live next? Am I ready to downsize — and what will that mean for my lifestyle? What should I do to declutter and prepare my home? What are my moving costs and logistics? How will I choose the right real estate agent? By answering these questions honestly, you’ll be better prepared to make smart decisions and avoid the common pitfalls that trip up many sellers. And when it comes time to hire a professional, HomeLight can help connect you with a top-performing agent in your market who knows how to price and market your home for the best possible outcome. Our free Agent Match Platform analyzes over 27 million transactions and thousands of reviews to determine which agent is best for you based on your needs. To get started, answer a few questions about your home and selling timeline. You can request a free consultation and learn what your home might sell for in the current market. “Be discerning when hiring an agent,” advises Randy Schulenburg, a top agent in Hampshire, Illinois, with 34 years of experience. “Our goal is to net you the best possible price, with the least hassles and cost out of your pocket, as you market your home.”1. Am I financially ready to sell?
2. How much will repairs cost — and are they worth it?
3. What’s the current condition of my home?
4. How does the local market look right now?
5. What are my timing needs?
6. How will I fund my next home while selling this one?
7. Where will I live next?
8. Am I ready to downsize — and what will that mean for my lifestyle?
9. What should I do to declutter and prepare my home?
10. What are my moving costs and logistics?
11. How will I choose the right real estate agent?
Final checklist before you list
Ready to sell with confidence?
