Sell With Us: The Art & Strategy Of Selling Your Home

Haven't sold in a while? Here's what catches sellers off guard, and how to stay ahead of it. This is general information, not legal, tax or lending advice.

Closing costs. Beyond the commission you agreed to, sellers can face title fees, attorney fees, transfer taxes, and the cost of final repairs or negotiated concessions. Know these early, budget for them, and closing day holds no surprises.

Contingencies. Financing, inspection and appraisal contingencies can delay a sale or put it at risk. Understand each clause and negotiate its terms, or limit them where you can, and you protect your interests and keep the sale on track.

A low appraisal. It can force a renegotiation or a seller concession to close the gap. Have a plan before it happens, whether that's room on price or a repair credit, so you're ready if it comes.

The inspection. Even a well-kept home can turn up issues that lead to repair or credit requests. Budget for that negotiation and handle known issues ahead of time, and you cut down on delays and deals that fall apart.

Taxes after the sale. Depending on your situation, you could owe capital gains or other taxes. Talk to a tax professional about exemptions and strategies before you sign, so nothing catches you after closing.

Buyer financing. A buyer who looks qualified can still hit a financing problem that delays the deal or ends it. Clear timelines and protective clauses in your contract guard you against long or messy delays.

What stays with the house. Buyers sometimes expect custom lighting, window treatments or built-in appliances to stay. Spell out what's included in the listing and the contract, and that dispute never happens at closing.

Disclosures. Thorough, accurate disclosures protect you if a buyer later claims a defect was hidden. Leaving out a known issue can lead to a lawsuit or a renegotiation, so document every known issue up front.

Late requests. Even after signing, a buyer may ask for more based on new findings or changed circumstances. A clear strategy, sometimes including an escrow reserve for minor repairs, handles those last-minute asks without derailing the sale.

Timing. When you sell affects your price, your taxes and your moving costs. Line up the market with your own finances, like timing this sale with the purchase of your next home, and you get the best overall result.