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Home Selling

It's been said that the only thing in real estate that is more confusing than purchasing a home is selling one – especially if you've never done it before. Where to start? Who to turn to?


These are good questions and – lucky you – the answers are right here within the pages of ActiveRain, the top real estate social network on the planet.


Within our content library you'll find more millions of articles, written by the pros, on home selling topics like how to choose a listing agent, the questions to ask before hiring one, how to stage the home and create curb appeal. What happens if the appraisal comes in lower than the amount the buyer has offered? Is an offer from a buyer with a conventional loan approval better than one from an FHA buyer?


We have the answers here at ActiveRain and chances are great that if you can't find them now (which is hard to imagine!) you will find them tomorrow or the next day because our experts add hundreds of new posts every day.


Only ActiveRain gives you the chance to read news and advice from professionals who not only talk the talk, but walk the walk – the boots on the ground every day in the real estate industry.


Expert real estate advice, free for the reading – you gotta love that!

Recent blogs on Home Selling
By Tom Gilliam | RE/MAX Classic, Your Trusted Oakland County REALTOR — 24 Years — 7
(RE/MAX Classic)
  🏡 Buying or Selling in Oakland County Michigan in 2026? 24 years of street-level Oakland County market knowledge — working for you from day one. Free consultation. No pressure. 📲 Call or text Tom Gilliam at 248-790-5594 | RE/MAX Classic | Homes2MoveYou.com I want to ask you something. When you think about the professional team that protects a buyer or seller in a real estate transaction, what do you picture? Most people say their agent. Some mention their lender. A few think about the title company. Almost nobody leads with the attorney — and after 24 years and 700 plus transactions across Oakland County, I can tell you that is exactly backwards from what it should be.The real estate attorney is the most underused professional in any Michigan property transaction. And the deals where ...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Most sellers come into the market with one number in mind. And it’s often the one that costs them the most. That's their asking price. A survey from Realtor.com shows about 8 in 10 (80%) of sellers expect to sell at or above their asking price today. But here’s where things get interesting.In reality, only about 4 out of every 10 (roughly 40%) actually do.That’s a big gap. And it’s where a lot of sellers get caught off guard. So, why the disconnect? And how can you set yourself up to be one of the 4 in 10 that get top dollar? Let’s break it down.What Should You Really Expect To Get for Your House? That 40% may sound low at first, but it’s not.If you look back to the last typical year for the housing market (2019), what we're really seeing is a return to what’s normal (see chart below). ...
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By Kathy Streib, Retired Home Stager/Redesign
Sellers…Take Charge of the Sale of Your Home! Home Staging Tips that put you in charge!When you decide to sell your home, your responsibility doesn’t stop there.  Think of your home as a ship, and you are the ship’s owner. No matter what happens, you are the one who is ultimately responsible.  So...what do you do? ONE- Hire the right captain!This is NOT the time to hire your cousin’s best friend who just received their Real Estate license.  Interview agents in your area who know your local market.  Ask them how they plan to market your property. Picking someone who suggests a list price that YOU want to hear is not the way to go.  TWO- Hire the right crew!All homes need some amount of maintenance, whether it’s paint, new flooring, or addressing those plumbing issues you’ve been putting ...
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By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
The First Five Things Serious Land Buyers Ask Before Making an Offer In Putnam County, New York, vacant land moves differently than residential property. Buyers who are serious about building or investing don’t lead with price—they lead with questions. The quality of those answers often determines whether a deal moves forward or falls apart before it even starts. Here are the five questions experienced land buyers consistently ask before making an offer. 1. Is the property actually buildable? This is always the first and most important question. Buyers want to know if a home can legally and practically be built on the parcel. In areas like Putnam County, New York and towns such as Kent, Carmel, and Patterson, buildability is often tied to septic approval, soil conditions, wetlands, and ...
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By Fernando Herboso - Associate Broker MD, & VA, 301-246-0001 Serving Maryland, DC and Northern VA
(Maxus Realty Group of Samson Properties )
 Most deals don’t happen on the first contact.They happen: Weeks later Months later After multiple touches But most agents: Stop too early Follow up randomly Disappear completelyAnd then say: “They weren’t serious”No… You weren’t consistentInside Agent Coach AI: Follow-up is NOT optional It’s structured It’s consistentBecause: Pipelines don’t fail instantly They fail quietly… weeks laterConsistency isn’t based on discipline anymore—it’s driven by the game.   “If this hit you, go check out how we track this inside Agent Coach AI: www.AgentCoachAi.comOR comment ‘AI’ and I’ll show you how it works.”  
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By Tom Gilliam | RE/MAX Classic, Your Trusted Oakland County REALTOR — 24 Years — 7
(RE/MAX Classic)
  🏡 Selling or Upgrading in Oakland County Michigan in 2026? 24 years of street-level Oakland County market knowledge — working for you from day one. Free pre-listing consultation. No pressure. 📲 Call or text Tom Gilliam at 248-790-5594 | RE/MAX Classic | Homes2MoveYou.com I want to share something that comes up in nearly every pre-listing conversation I have with Oakland County homeowners. A seller invites me to walk through their home before we list. I can see they have put real money into improvements — sometimes a lot of it. And then they ask the question I hear constantly: "We just finished the kitchen renovation. That should add at least $80,000 to the sale price, right?"The honest answer is almost always no. And that conversation — delivered with the right data and the right empa...
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
Human beings are pretty consistent when it comes to their behaviors. Years ago, I read a book by Lillian Bjorseth entitled Breakthrough Networking.  In this book Bjorseth stated “people decide ten things about you within the first ten seconds of meeting you.”  Then she provide this simple equation:Image = Appearance + BehaviorWhen potential residential home buyers walk up to a house, they see an image called curb appeal. Then almost instantaneously, these buyers make either conscious or subconscious thoughts about the appearance and the behavior of the sellers.  Research suggests this interaction takes around seven seconds, much similar to what Bjorseth highlighted in her book.Imagine if that first impression creates some hesitancy, some doubt about what the buyers will find inside. Wil...
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By DANIEL PATTON, Real Estate agent serving Hampton Road VA.
(Prodigy Realty)
Understanding HOAs: How Homeowners Associations Can Affect the Sale of Your HomeWhen buying or selling a home in Hampton Roads, one factor that can significantly impact a transaction is the Homeowners Association, commonly known as an HOA. Whether you are purchasing a condo in Virginia Beach, a townhome in Chesapeake, or a planned community property in Norfolk, understanding how HOA rules, fees, and requirements affect a sale is essential.For sellers, HOA-related issues can delay closings, impact buyer interest, and even affect property values. For buyers, HOA regulations and costs can influence affordability and lifestyle decisions. Knowing how to navigate an HOA properly can make the selling process smoother and help avoid unexpected surprises.What Is an HOA?A Homeowners Association i...
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By Manfred Lewis Leslie Horne & Associates, Realtor Spartanburg and Greenville SC
(Leslie Horne &Associates )
First impressions matter, especially when it comes to selling your home. 🏡 Buyers often form an opinion within moments of arriving, which is why presentation, curb appeal, and overall condition can make such a big impact. The right preparation before listing can help your home stand out and attract stronger interest from day one. If you’re thinking about selling and want to make those first seconds count, send me a message and let’s chat! #thehelpfulagent #houseexpert #a051326 #curbappeal #dreamhome
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By John Winzenried
(843, REALTOR)
 www.843realtor.com3 bed, 2 bath, 2 car garage in Rivertown Landing Conway SC. This home is less than 1 year old with low hoa dues. Open concept floorplan, granite countertop with LVP flooring in new community with only about 150 single family homes. Close to HWY 501, 22, 378 and 701 and a short drive to downtown Historic Conway. USDA financing approved area.Homes for sale in Rivertown Landing Conway SC
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By Rocky Dickerson, Superior Service!
(Realty One Group)
Why Pricing Your Las Vegas Home Correctly MattersTo price your Las Vegas home to sell fast in 2026, you must remember that pricing is the single most important decision you’ll make when selling your home.In today’s Las Vegas market, overpricing is the #1 reason homes sit. What Happens When You Overprice Your HomeMany sellers believe they can “leave room to negotiate.”The reality? Buyers skip overpriced homes online Showings decrease dramatically The home becomes stale Price reductions weaken your position Once momentum is lost, it’s difficult to regain. A major factor that affects how you price your Las Vegas home to sell is current interest rates and buyer affordability. Even small increases in mortgage rates can significantly reduce a buyer’s purchasing power, which means sellers who ...
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By Fernando Herboso - Associate Broker MD, & VA, 301-246-0001 Serving Maryland, DC and Northern VA
(Maxus Realty Group of Samson Properties )
Conversations open the door. Appointments move the deal forward.But here’s where most agents fail:They track: Appointments setThey ignore: Appointments keptAnd that gap? That’s where your income disappears.Because:  Weak communication = cancellations No urgency = ghosting No follow-through = lost momentum Agent Coach AI forces agents to think differently: It’s not about setting appointments It’s about creating momentumEvery action in the system leads to: Stronger conversations Better positioning Higher-quality meetings Appointments inside AgentCoachAI doesn’t just move deals forward—they move you up the leaderboard.”    “If this hit you, go check out how we track this inside Agent Coach AI: www.AgentCoachAi.comOR comment ‘AI’ and I’ll show you how it works.”  
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By Dennis Neal, Your Home Sold in 21 Days or We Sell It For Free
(Exp Realty of Southern California, Inc.)
Timing the Peak: A Strategic Guide to Big Lake’s Real Estate SeasonsIn a market as dynamic as Big Lake, timing your listing isn't just about picking a date on the calendar—it’s about engineering a moment where buyer demand and property presentation intersect perfectly. While many markets follow a standard spring-to-summer trajectory, our mountain community operates on its own unique rhythm.To maximize your exit strategy, you have to look past the weather and analyze the psychology of the high-performance buyer.The Summer Surge: Capturing the Lifestyle BuyerFrom June through August, Big Lake isn't just a location; it’s a solution for those looking to escape the heat of the valley. This is the prime window for properties that feature expansive outdoor living spaces, lake views, or proximi...
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By Dennis Neal, Your Home Sold in 21 Days or We Sell It For Free
(Exp Realty of Southern California, Inc.)
Selling Big Bear: Maximizing Your Home’s Digital Market ReachSelling a home in Big Bear Lake, whether a cozy cabin or a luxury mountain estate, is fundamentally a competition for attention. This isn't your primary residence—you are selling a unique vacation experience, a mountain escape. While there will always be a local market, the vast majority of our buyers are coming from "down the hill," in Southern California and beyond. They are dreaming of mountain breezes and cozy winters from their couches in Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego. To sell your property for top dollar, you must meet them where they are looking: online.In my 25 years in the Big Bear market, the most significant shift has been the explosion of digital exposure. Simply listing on the MLS is just the starting ...
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By Rhonda Gustitus, Real Estate's A Dream With Rhonda Gustitus Team!
(The Rhonda Gustitus Team)
RARE opportunity in one of Southwest Florida’s fastest-growing areas! This beautifully maintained 3 BEDROOM + 2 BATH + 2-CAR GARAGE home sits at the END OF A QUIET CUL-DE-SAC on an oversized HALF-ACRE pie-shaped homesite — PLUS the OVERSIZED ADJOINING LOT NEXT DOOR is available separately! 🌴✨ Imagine the possibilities:✅ Extra privacy✅ Future new build potential✅ RV / boat parking✅ Long-term investment opportunity✅ Multi-property family compound Opportunities like this are getting HARDER TO FIND! Step inside and fall in love with the soaring cathedral ceilings, modern lighting, plank tile flooring throughout, and bright open split-bedroom floor plan designed for easy Florida living. The spacious great room opens directly to the screened HEATED in-ground pool area — perfect for entertaini...
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By DANIEL PATTON, Real Estate agent serving Hampton Road VA.
(Prodigy Realty)
Selling a home is already a major transition, but listing your property while living with pets adds another layer of preparation. Whether you own dogs, cats, birds, or other furry family members, properly preparing your home can dramatically improve your showings, buyer impressions, and overall sale price. In today’s competitive Hampton Roads real estate market, small details matter — and buyers notice everything. If you’re considering selling your home in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, or the surrounding areas, understanding how pets impact showings can help your home sell faster and for more money. Why Pets Matter When Selling a Home Pet owners often become nose-blind to odors, stains, scratches, and pet hair because they live with them daily. However, buyers immediately notice...
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By Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®, Giving Back With Each Home Sold!
(REMAX Preferred)
Oconomowoc WI Condo Sales Market Report April 2026   Oconomowoc Condos For Sale, Oconomowoc Realtor Kristin Johnston RE/MAX My name is Kristin Johnston with RE/MAX Platinum.  My market report gives you the real estate activity for Condos in  Oconomowoc WI. Are you looking to buy a condo in Oconomowoc?  Wondering what your Oconomowoc condo is worth? Call/text me at 414 254 6647 or email me at kjohnston@remax.net. I specialize in Waukesha County Real Estate, and have a lot of experience with Oconomowoc Real Estate. Check out my website www.waukeshahousesforsale.com! Review my many happy client testimonials too! In the Oconomowoc, Wisconsin Real Estate market 13 condos sold; 0 were listed and sold by the same company, and 13 were sold by a co-broke. In Oconomowoc, Wisconsin Real Estate mar...
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By Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®, Giving Back With Each Home Sold!
(REMAX Preferred)
Brookfield WI Condo Sales Market Report April 2026  Brookfield Condos for Sale My name is Kristin Johnston with RE/MAX Platinum.  My market report gives you the real estate activity for Condos in Brookfield WI for the last 30 days. Are you looking to buy a condo in Brookfield?  Wondering what your Brookfield Condo is worth? Call/text me at 414 254 6647 or email me at kjohnston@remax.net. I specialize in Waukesha County Real Estate, and have a lot of experience with Brookfield Real Estate. Check out my website www.waukeshahousesforsale.com. Review my many happy client testimonials too! Average List Price: $372,418 Average Sale Price: $373,363 Sale price to List price ratio: 99.72% DOM: 26 In the Brookfield, Wisconsin Real Estate market 11 condos sold; 1 was listed and sold by the same co...
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By Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®, Giving Back With Each Home Sold!
(REMAX Preferred)
Waukesha County Home Sales Market April 2026Waukesha County Homes For Sale, Waukesha County Real Estate, Kristin Johnston, REMAX Real Estate Market Report for Waukesha County, WI for April 2026.  Waukesha County Real Estate, Waukesha County Homes For Sale My name is Kristin Johnston with REMAX Platinum.  My market report gives you the real estate activity for Waukesha County, WI for the last 30 days. Are you looking to buy a house in Waukesha County?  Wondering what your Waukesha County Home is worth? Call/text me at 414 254 6647 or email me at kjohnston@remax.net. I specialize in Waukesha County Real Estate, and have a lot of experience with Waukesha Real Estate and Pewaukee Real Estate.  In fact, I have lived in Waukesha, WI since 1997. Review my many happy client testimonials too! Av...
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By Kathy Streib, Retired Home Stager/Redesign
Home Staging Tips…So What Am I Supposed to Do With All My Stuff?! One of the first questions sellers asked me at the conclusion of our consultation was, “Ok…so what am I supposed to do with all of the things I still need?!”It’s a good and expected question. It’s easy to walk through a home and suggest that the owner remove two of the extra chairs for now and pack up two-thirds of the treasures that will accompany them to their new home.  You and I don’t have to deal with with it!  After the homeowner has tossed and donated what they no longer need, there are still items they’ll take with them. Placing extra boxes and furniture in the spare room or garage doesn’t allow the buyers to see the space. Mention off-site storage facilities, and often the buyer rolls their eyes. Too much money! ...
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