1. Start with your goals and timeline
Talk through why you are selling, when you would like to move, where you plan to go next, and what matters most: timing, price, certainty, or flexibility. If you are buying another property, coordinate both timelines early. Decide whether you need a particular possession date, rent-back arrangement, or sale contingency on your next purchase.
2. Understand your estimated net proceeds
Start with a realistic price range, then subtract the mortgage payoff, any additional liens, estimated escrow and title charges, agreed concessions, property-tax prorations, HOA charges, and other transaction costs. Request a current payoff statement from your lender. If you have solar financing, a PACE assessment, a HELOC, or other obligations, identify those early. Your final proceeds depend on the actual contract and closing figures.
3. Prepare the home and organize records
Focus first on clean, safe, well-maintained presentation. Address obvious deferred maintenance, improve curb appeal, declutter, and gather information about roof, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, pest work, permits, remodels, warranties, solar equipment, and insurance claims. Keep receipts and contractor details where available. Ask before beginning major work so you can weigh cost, timing, and likely buyer impact.
4. Review pricing and launch strategy
A comparative market analysis considers recent closed sales, active competition, pending listings where information is available, property condition, features, location, and timing. It is not an appraisal or a guarantee. Together, we can discuss a pricing range, likely buyer alternatives, launch timing, photography, listing remarks, showing instructions, and communication preferences.
5. Disclosures, marketing, and showings
Complete required disclosures accurately and promptly. California residential sales may involve a Transfer Disclosure Statement, Natural Hazard Disclosure, and other forms depending on the property and transaction. Gather documentation and disclose known conditions as required; do not guess or conceal information. Marketing should present verified property facts accurately, and showing access should be planned around your schedule and security concerns.
6. Evaluate offers beyond the headline price
Compare financing, down payment, deposit, contingencies, appraisal terms, requested credits, closing date, possession, included items, and the buyer's ability to perform. A higher offer is not automatically the strongest offer. Ask questions about terms and review the written contract before deciding whether to accept, reject, or counter.
7. Move through escrow and closing
After acceptance, respond to escrow and title requests, coordinate inspections and access, track deadlines, review buyer requests, and complete agreed obligations. Keep the property in the required condition, leave included items, and coordinate move-out and key transfer. Review final settlement figures and confirm recording and disbursement with escrow.
Seller preparation checklist
- Mortgage payoff and other liens identified
- Solar, HOA, tenant, and assessment information gathered
- Repair, permit, warranty, and improvement records organized
- Disclosure questions reviewed and answered accurately
- Cleaning, decluttering, and priority repairs completed
- Pricing and marketing strategy agreed
- Showing and security plan established
- Offer terms, escrow deadlines, move-out, and possession coordinated
Start with a market analysis →
Disclosure obligations and contract terms vary. Ask your agent, escrow officer, tax advisor, or attorney about questions within their professional roles.