Preparing to Sell

Find out how to sell your home for top dollar with advice and tips from our top local real estate agents.

10 questions to ask a realtor before you hire them
Finding an Agent
10 questions to ask a realtor before you hire them

When choosing an real estate agent to list your house, make sure to thoroughly interview them and ask how they plan to market and sell your home.

Can I sell my home and still live in it?
Preparing to Sell
Can I sell my home and still live in it?

You can sell your home and live in it by using a sale-leaseback or home-reversion agreement or working with a company that buys the house and rents it to you.

How much do lawyers charge to sell a house?
Preparing to Sell
How much do lawyers charge to sell a house?

Real estate attorneys may charge an hourly rate or a flat fee depending on the complexity of your sale.

How do i transfer property to a family member tax-free?
Preparing to Sell
How do i transfer property to a family member tax-free?

You can transfer a house to a family member tax-free by gifting partial interest, splitting the gift amongst recipients, or gifting to a charity.

Can you terminate a listing agreement?
Finding an Agent
Can you terminate a listing agreement?

You can cancel your listing agreement under certain circumstances such as when they do a bad job, but if it's late in the selling process it may be difficult.

Blockbusting in real estate: What to know
Finding an Agent
Blockbusting in real estate: What to know

Blockbusting or panic selling is a discriminatory practice encouraging people to sell their homes below market value due to changing neighborhood demographics.

Can you list on the MLS without a realtor?
Preparing to Sell
Can you list on the MLS without a realtor?

You need to be a licensed agent to access the MLS but there are ways to list your home on it without hiring a full service Realtor.

10 biggest real estate companies in the US
Preparing to Sell
10 biggest real estate companies in the US

You may see names like Coldwell Banker and Century 21 commonly pop up, but the biggest real estate companies typically don't do residential real estate.

What is Houwzer and how does it work?
Preparing to Sell
What is Houwzer and how does it work?

Houwzer is a discount real estate brokerage operating on the East Coast that helps home sellers and buyers save money when listing and buying homes.

How to save on Realtor fees
Finding an Agent
How to save on Realtor fees

There are a few ways to save on real estate fees, like using low-commission and flat-fee services, but the best way is to negotiate with the Realtor.

What are real estate lockboxes?
Finding an Agent
What are real estate lockboxes?

Agents frequently use lockboxes when representing a home because it allows them to show a home to prospective buyers without needing the homeowner to be there.

Does crown molding add value to your home?
Home Improvement
Does crown molding add value to your home?

Crown molding can slightly boost your home value but its impact is small compared to other renovations and design choices.

Can you sell a house in foreclosure?
Preparing to Sell
Can you sell a house in foreclosure?

You can sell your house in foreclosure or pre-closure to get out of debt and repay your mortgage but there are other options, too.

A guide to staging your bathroom
Preparing to Sell
A guide to staging your bathroom

You can stage any area of a home, including the bathroom, on your own, or hire a professional stager. Bathroom staging costs vary but you can do it for cheap.

How much value does an extra bedroom add?
Home Improvement
How much value does an extra bedroom add?

An extra bedroom typically adds to your home's value, but it depends on its square footage and usefulness, too.

A guide to showing and staging a house while living it
Buying Before Selling
A guide to showing and staging a house while living it

While you can stage and show your house while living in it, it's not ideal. You'll need to balance your comfort and way of living with staging requirements.

How much value does a bathroom add?
Home Improvement
How much value does a bathroom add?

Generally, a midrange or luxury bathroom will net an ROI of up to 55%, it will depend on the size and extent of the renovation.

15 rights you have as a tenant when a landlord sells the property
Preparing to Sell
15 rights you have as a tenant when a landlord sells the property

Tenant's rights laws when a landlord sells property can vary by location and whether a tenant has a lease, but first and foremost is a right to receive notice.

What exactly does a real estate agent do?
Finding an Agent
What exactly does a real estate agent do?

A real estate agent helps you buy or sell a home. They can conduct market research, generate or negotiate offers on your behalf, and view properties for you.

What is an iBuyer?
Preparing to Sell
What is an iBuyer?

An iBuyer, or “instant buyer,” is a company that uses technology, like artificial intelligence and machine learning, to buy and sell houses fast.

How to take real estate listing photos
Preparing to Sell
How to take real estate listing photos

A picture is worth a thousand words, especially when trying to sell your home. Here's why real estate listing photography is so crucial.

A guide to HOA transfer fees
Preparing to Sell
A guide to HOA transfer fees

HOA transfer fees cover administrative costs related to transferring ownership of the home and are typically paid by a seller, but it depends.

What are limited-service listings and agents in real estate?
Finding an Agent
What are limited-service listings and agents in real estate?

Limited-service listings and agents don’t offer the full services of a traditional agent but are useful if you want more control over selling your home.

Are low-commission Realtors worth It?
Finding an Agent
Are low-commission Realtors worth It?

You can potentially save thousands of dollars listing your home with a low-commission real estate agent, but there are some drawbacks to be aware of.

Examples of creative real estate listing descriptions — and how to write them 
Preparing to Sell
Examples of creative real estate listing descriptions — and how to write them 

To write an effective creative listing description, highlight unique features, use descriptive language, and keep it skimmable.

Landscaping ideas to boost your curb appeal: Transform your home's exterior with these 12 tips
Preparing to Sell
Landscaping ideas to boost your curb appeal: Transform your home's exterior with these 12 tips

Not all landscaping ideas are created equal. Stick to these 12 tips to ensure your home improvement project gives you the most ROI and enjoyment.

8 tips for hiring a contractor for your home renovation
Home Improvement
8 tips for hiring a contractor for your home renovation

Hiring a contractor is like buying a house — it takes some time and research. Here's how to find and hire the best contractor for your needs.

The average New York real estate commission
Preparing to Sell
The average New York real estate commission

The current real estate commission rate in 2023 for New York is 4.97% for listing agents.

A full breakdown of Zillow listing fees
Preparing to Sell
A full breakdown of Zillow listing fees

Is listing your home on Zillow really free? Learn about the costs for premium features like sponsored listings and enhanced visibility to attract more buyers.

8 eye-opening home-staging statistics for 2024
Preparing to Sell
8 eye-opening home-staging statistics for 2024

If you're considering skipping home staging, think again. Here are eight statistics that might change your mind.

How accurate are Zillow's estimates?
Preparing to Sell
How accurate are Zillow's estimates?

A Zestimate is an estimated market value for a property, but how accurate are Zillow's estimates? We break down what impacts Zestimate accuracy and more.

Offerpad Reviews
Preparing to Sell
Offerpad Reviews

Looking for Offerpad reviews? Read our in-depth analysis of Offerpad's home buying process, including their fees, customer service, and overall value.

7 stats to know about doing FSBO vs. using a Realtor
Preparing to Sell
7 stats to know about doing FSBO vs. using a Realtor

Here are seven statistics to know about people who sell their home without a realtor (FSBO).

The average Georgia Realtor commission
Finding an Agent
The average Georgia Realtor commission

The average Realtor commission in Georgia is 5.76%, slightly higher than the current national average of 5.37%.

How to sell your house fast: 16 tips from industry experts
Preparing to Sell
How to sell your house fast: 16 tips from industry experts

Learn how to sell your house fast with these top 16 expert-backed tips from real estate industry insiders.

Net proceeds: What are they and how do you calculate them?
Preparing to Sell
Net proceeds: What are they and how do you calculate them?

Net proceeds are the net amount a seller takes away after selling a house. It takes some calculating to figure out what you'll get, so here are a few examples.

A guide to decluttering your home
Preparing to Sell
A guide to decluttering your home

Learn the eight steps to completely declutter your home, useful if you just want to simplify your life or right before selling your home.

Should I sell my house and rent when I retire?
Preparing to Sell
Should I sell my house and rent when I retire?

The main reasons to sell your house and rent in retirement are less maintenance, more independence, and potential savings on housing costs.

Best paint colors to sell a house for $6,500 more in 2024
Preparing to Sell
Best paint colors to sell a house for $6,500 more in 2024

The best paint colors to sell a house are warm neutrals. Here are some other suggestions from real estate experts and tips for choosing the perfect color.

The average Oregon real estate commission
Preparing to Sell
The average Oregon real estate commission

In Oregon, the average Realtor commission in 2022 was 4.99%, and it's expected to rise in 2023.

The average real estate commission in Washington
Finding an Agent
The average real estate commission in Washington

Washington’s average real estate commission in 2022 was 5.30%, just under the national average of 5.37%. It’s likely to be similar, or slightly higher, in 2023.

What is a due-on-sale clause?
Preparing to Sell
What is a due-on-sale clause?

‍If your mortgage contains a due-on-sale clause, you may be required to repay the loan in full when you sell the property or transfer ownership of it.

Which is better? Orchard vs. traditional real estate
Preparing to Sell
Which is better? Orchard vs. traditional real estate

Orchard's digital tools, guaranteed cash offer, and move first service give its customers a considerable edge over traditional real estate offerings.

Flyhomes review: What to know about this power buyer company
Preparing to Sell
Flyhomes review: What to know about this power buyer company

Flyhomes reviews cite the company's convenience but homebuyers lament the higher costs and lack of a dedicated real estate agent. Here's what you need to know.

Are home improvements tax deductible? Here are 5 repairs you can deduct on your taxes
Home Improvement
Are home improvements tax deductible? Here are 5 repairs you can deduct on your taxes

Home improvements are only tax deductible if they count as medical expenses, help with energy efficiency, or are repairs made to a home office or rental home.

Knock.com reviews: What to know about this alternative mortgage lender
Preparing to Sell
Knock.com reviews: What to know about this alternative mortgage lender

This company is helping people buy and sell a house at the same time, but Knock.com reviews reveal its often at a higher price than traditional real estate.

Market predictions for 2023 — and how we got here
Preparing to Sell
Market predictions for 2023 — and how we got here

We spoke to our in-house industry experts to make sense of the housing market, predict where it’s headed, and compile a list of tips for navigating 2023.

The average Colorado real estate commission
Preparing to Sell
The average Colorado real estate commission

The average real estate commission rate in Colorado is 5.52% for listing agents.

The average real estate commission
Preparing to Sell
The average real estate commission

The current real estate commission rate is 5.49% for listing agents nationwide.

The average Texas real estate commission
Preparing to Sell
The average Texas real estate commission

The current average real estate commission rate in Texas is 5.59% for listing agents.

What is curb appeal, and how can you boost it?
Preparing to Sell
What is curb appeal, and how can you boost it?

Curb appeal is the visual attractiveness of a house as seen from the street. Learn how to increase curb appeal for your house with these examples.

Is Redfin bad? What to know about selling with Redfin
Preparing to Sell
Is Redfin bad? What to know about selling with Redfin

Redfin agents handle up to three times as many transactions as a traditional agent, which can mean less attention and less personalized service when selling.

What is a gift of equity? How do I use one?
Preparing to Sell
What is a gift of equity? How do I use one?

A gift of equity is when the home seller gives a discount by lowering the sale price, thus passing their equity to the homebuyer.

What is a sale leaseback in real estate?
Preparing to Sell
What is a sale leaseback in real estate?

A sale-leaseback is a mutually beneficial transaction where a homeowner sells their house, but leases it from the new owner and continues to live there.

What is a transfer tax?
Preparing to Sell
What is a transfer tax?

Transfer taxes are imposed by the state or local government when real estate changes hands, including a home sale, but it's not charged everywhere.

What is HomeLight? An overview for sellers and buyers
Preparing to Sell
What is HomeLight? An overview for sellers and buyers

Users have offered many HomeLight reviews, which we use to examine HomeLight as a service.

What is Opendoor and is it worth it?
Preparing to Sell
What is Opendoor and is it worth it?

Homeowners who need to sell fast may choose the convenience and speed of using Opendoor’s instant offer, but they pay a price for doing so.

What is a comparative market analysis (CMA) in real estate?
Preparing to Sell
What is a comparative market analysis (CMA) in real estate?

A CMA in real estate is an exercise that determines the market value of a home based on similar homes that have sold recently.

Real estate comps: How do I get them for my house?
Preparing to Sell
Real estate comps: How do I get them for my house?

Real estate comps are comparable home sales and they're used to figure out a home's market value. You can run comps on your own, but it's best to ask an agent.

What happens to a mortgage when someone dies?
Mortgage & Financing
What happens to a mortgage when someone dies?

When a mortgage-holder dies, no one is required to take on the loan unless there is a co-borrower or cosigner.

What are AVMs in real estate?
Preparing to Sell
What are AVMs in real estate?

Automatic valuations are becoming more popular for people who want to know the value of their home without going through the official appraisal process.

How to find out how much a house sold for
Preparing to Sell
How to find out how much a house sold for

Knowing how to find out how much a house sold for can be a challenge. There are several methods, but the most reliable way is to ask your real estate agent.

13 companies that buy houses for cash (and the best alternatives)
Preparing to Sell
13 companies that buy houses for cash (and the best alternatives)

Companies that buy houses for cash are a good solution if you need to sell fast, but there are better options if you want to make top dollar on your home sale.

What is a net listing?
Finding an Agent
What is a net listing?

In a net listing agreement, the real estate agent is only paid if they sell the home for more than the amount dictated by the seller.

Should you sell your house on Craigslist?
Preparing to Sell
Should you sell your house on Craigslist?

Homeowners looking to save money on their sale may choose to sell their house on Craigslist, but this option comes with drawbacks. Here's what you need to know.

What is a seller net sheet and do I need one?
Preparing to Sell
What is a seller net sheet and do I need one?

A seller net sheet is a document that estimates the total amount of fees and expenses related to selling your home, and how much you'll make from the sale.

What are fixtures in real estate?
Preparing to Sell
What are fixtures in real estate?

A fixture is physical property that’s affixed to the home. If the item isn’t movable, or if you need tools of some kind to detach it, it's probably a fixture.

Homes selling for a million dollars are on the rise — they're also getting smaller
Preparing to Sell
Homes selling for a million dollars are on the rise — they're also getting smaller

Sales of million-dollar homes and newly minted million-dollar homes are increasing in today's hottest markets.

What is a listing agreement?
Preparing to Sell
What is a listing agreement?

A listing agreement is a document sets out the terms for your relationship with the real estate agent selling your house.

How to sell your house to a family member
Preparing to Sell
How to sell your house to a family member

From tax implications to financing hoops to the family strife and drama, selling a house to a relative may not be the best decision for you as a home seller.

All about open listings in real estate
Preparing to Sell
All about open listings in real estate

An open listing agreement is a legally binding contract between a seller and a listing agent or broker that is non-exclusive.

Everything to know about selling inherited property
Preparing to Sell
Everything to know about selling inherited property

When you sell an inherited house you might realize a big financial gain, but there are multiple financial considerations to take before selling.

Price reductions: When should I lower my house price?
Offers & Negotiation
Price reductions: When should I lower my house price?

If you're not getting any offers or showing your house that often, then it may be a sign to reduce the price of your home.

Can I sell my house while in forbearance?
Preparing to Sell
Can I sell my house while in forbearance?

Unless your mortgage loan agreement explicitly states otherwise, there is no reason you cannot sell your home while it’s in forbearance.

Should I sell my house now?
Preparing to Sell
Should I sell my house now?

The market has never been more confusing, but for home sellers who are ready to move, 2024 will remain a good time to sell a house.

What is a rent-back agreement?
Preparing to Sell
What is a rent-back agreement?

A rent-back agreement gives sellers extra time to live in a home after closing by paying rent to the new buyer. It can get complicated for both sides.

Selling your house without a realtor in 2024: What you need to know
Preparing to Sell
Selling your house without a realtor in 2024: What you need to know

You can sell your house without a realtor and save on agent fees, but you'll pay in other ways. Here's what you need to know about selling without a realtor.

The pros (and cons) of using a for sale sign on your home
Preparing to Sell
The pros (and cons) of using a for sale sign on your home

While a for sale sign is no longer likely to be a seller’s primary marketing tactic, there are some benefits (and a couple of drawbacks) associated with them.

These are the cheapest ways to sell your home
Preparing to Sell
These are the cheapest ways to sell your home

The good news is there are a lot of ways to cut costs and save money during the home selling process. The less good news is it’s not an exact science.

How to get your home ready for sale
Preparing to Sell
How to get your home ready for sale

At Orchard, we take our commitment to make home selling simple seriously, so we created this timeline of tips to help make the lead-up to your home sale easier.

Can you sell your home for a dollar?
Preparing to Sell
Can you sell your home for a dollar?

Selling your home for a dollar or some other ridiculously low price to family isn't quite the loophole you might think it is. The main reason: gift taxes.

List price: What it is and how to choose the right one when selling your home
Preparing to Sell
List price: What it is and how to choose the right one when selling your home

Your list price will impact your net proceeds from your home sale. Here's how to choose the right list price when selling your home.

How much money could you lose selling a house as-is?
Preparing to Sell
How much money could you lose selling a house as-is?

If you sell your house as-is, don't plan on getting top dollar. Still, this is a good option for homeowners who don't have the time or money to fix their house.

Selling a House With a Reverse Mortgage: What You Need to Know
Preparing to Sell
Selling a House With a Reverse Mortgage: What You Need to Know

Reverse mortgages let you borrow against your property to receive cash upfront, allowing you to meet living expenses without making a monthly mortgage payment.

Selling a house with renters in it: what you need to know
Preparing to Sell
Selling a house with renters in it: what you need to know

Selling a home with tenants is doable, but it can be logistically and emotionally taxing. Learn your options for how to proceed with consideration and care.

Want to maximize your home sale profits? Here’s how to avoid capital gains taxes when selling a house
Preparing to Sell
Want to maximize your home sale profits? Here’s how to avoid capital gains taxes when selling a house

You can avoid paying capital gains tax on a portion of the proceeds from your home sale if you, and your house, meet the IRS requirements.

Seasonality got you down? Here are 13 tips for selling your home this winter
Preparing to Sell
Seasonality got you down? Here are 13 tips for selling your home this winter

If you need to sell your home in winter, there are ways to get around the roadblocks that home sellers and their real estate agents worry about.

The benefits of selling your house for a cash offer
Preparing to Sell
The benefits of selling your house for a cash offer

In a hot market, you can be patient and wait for the right offer to come along. Here, we'll cover the benefits of taking a cash offer over a financed one.

Should I sell to investors who want to buy my house?
Preparing to Sell
Should I sell to investors who want to buy my house?

Most offers from home investors will less than market value and you'll likely lose some money, but there are some reasons you might want to sell to them.

How to Host a Virtual Open House
Preparing to Sell
How to Host a Virtual Open House

Need some ideas to help your live or pre-recorded virtual open house shine? The last thing you want to do is just hit the record button and wing it.

Selling Your House Due to Your Neighbors? What You Need to Know
Preparing to Sell
Selling Your House Due to Your Neighbors? What You Need to Know

It’s understandable if you feel anxious about addressing your bad neighbors with potential buyers. Unfortunately, this isn’t a conversation you can avoid.

What documents do you need when selling your home?
Preparing to Sell
What documents do you need when selling your home?

This guide provides an overview of what documents you need to sell your house, whether you're selling FSBO or just want to get a jump collecting the paperwork.

Can You Sell a House With Mold?
Preparing to Sell
Can You Sell a House With Mold?

Homeowners ready to sell may have mold on their minds, especially if they fear it will make it harder for them to close the deal.

What Is an Escalation Clause, and Is It a Good Thing for Sellers?
Preparing to Sell
What Is an Escalation Clause, and Is It a Good Thing for Sellers?

In theory, sellers should love an escalation clause, as it may drive up the offer price for their home. But there are still some things to consider.

How to Sell a House if You've Done Unpermitted Work
Preparing to Sell
How to Sell a House if You've Done Unpermitted Work

Many homeowners forgo permitting because it sounds like a pain. Still, homes with unpermitted work are a liability, especially when you’re preparing to sell.

Your guide to the tax implications of selling a home
Preparing to Sell
Your guide to the tax implications of selling a home

The tax implications of selling a house can come as a shock if you're not prepared. Understand what you're on the hook for this tax season if you sold in 2023.

How to sell just part of your property
Preparing to Sell
How to sell just part of your property

Explore the logistical, legal, and financial considerations of selling a piece of property and learn the steps you need to take to do it successfully.

How to deal with seller's remorse in real estate
Preparing to Sell
How to deal with seller's remorse in real estate

If you’re in the middle of the home sale process, and suddenly you change your mind, what do you do? Is it even possible to stop the process? 

8 problems that can mess up your closing day
Preparing to Sell
8 problems that can mess up your closing day

From loans falling through to surprises at the final walkthrough, both buyers and sellers should be aware of potential problems that may arise on closing day.

Home inspection checklist for sellers + 9 tips to pass your inspection
Preparing to Sell
Home inspection checklist for sellers + 9 tips to pass your inspection

Use our home inspection checklist to get ahead of inspectors, diagnose issues, and solve them before they interfere with your potential home sale.