HOME SELLING TIMELINE – A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE FOR SELLERS
Prepare the Home for Sale
Timeline: 1–3 weeks (varies depending on condition)
Deep clean, declutter, and depersonalize
Make repairs or updates (paint, landscaping, lighting)
Consider a pre-listing inspection (optional but can prevent surprises)
Gather documents: survey, utility bills, HOA info, warranties
Hire a Real Estate Agent & Stage the Home
Determine pricing strategy using a CMA (Comparative Market Analysis)
Stage the home for photos (professional staging optional)
Schedule professional photography & video, including drone shots (if applicable)
List the Property on the MLS
Timeline: Same day as photos or next day
Publish to the MLS and syndicate to Zillow, Realtor.com, etc.
Launch marketing: email campaigns, social media, flyers, open houses
Lockbox installed for agent access
Showings Begin & Receive Offers
Timeline: 1–21+ days (depends on market demand)
Agents show your home to buyers
You receive offers (sometimes multiple!)
Review offers and evaluate terms beyond price: Financing type, Closing timeline, Contingencies (inspection, financing, appraisal), Option period and earnest money
Negotiate and Accept an Offer
Negotiate terms with buyer’s agent
Once agreed, both parties sign the TREC contract
You’re officially “under contract”
Option Period Begins (Buyer Inspections)
Timeline: 5–10 days (as defined in contract, Paragraph 23)
Buyer hires a licensed inspector
You may be asked to: Make repairs, Offer credits or price reductions, Reject the requests
Buyer can terminate the contract during this period
Title Commitment, HOA Docs & Seller Disclosures
Timeline: Ongoing; begin immediately after contract
Provide the Seller’s Disclosure Notice
Provide HOA addendum and resale certificate (if applicable)
Title company performs title search and issues a title commitment
If you have an existing survey, deliver it with a T-47 affidavit (Paragraph 6.C)
Buyer Finalizes Financing & Appraisal
Timeline: 2–3 weeks after contract
Lender orders appraisal — must support contract price
Buyer completes loan application and moves through underwriting
Potential delays if appraisal comes in low — may trigger renegotiation
Prepare for Final Walkthrough
Timeline: 1–2 days before closing
Ensure repairs (if any) are completed with receipts
Clean and move out (or prepare for leaseback)
Utilities remain on for buyer walkthrough
Closing Day
Timeline: ~30–45 days from contract execution
Sign closing documents with title company or notary
Hand over keys (unless post-closing leaseback)
Title company disburses funds to seller after funding
Move Out
Timeline: On or before closing day (or per leaseback agreement)
Home should be broom-clean and free of belongings
Leave keys, garage remotes, manuals, etc.
Celebrate Your Successful Sale! You’ve completed the home selling process — funds in the bank and a new chapter ahead!
Step / Estimated Timeframe
- Home prep & repairs/ 1–3 weeks
- Agent hiring & photos/ 1–7 days
- Active listing/ Ongoing until offer (1–21+ days)
- Negotiations & contract execution/ 1–3 days
- Option period & inspections/ 5–10 days
- Appraisal & financing/ 2–3 weeks
- Final walkthrough & closing prep/ Last 1–3 days before close
- Closing day/ 30–45 days from contract
- Move out/ By closing or leaseback terms
