Are you thinking about selling your home soon but aren’t sure where and how to get started? In this video, I’m going to walk you through the 3 stages of the home selling process. By understanding this timeline and the steps involved, you’ll be better prepared and will have less stress through each stage.
The Pre-Listing Stage
The very first stage we start with is the pre-listing stage. This is your preparation stage, as we don’t just go and put a sign in the yard and list your home. We have to get it ready. Before we can even start marketing your house, we have to make sure it looks good.
The very first thing we do in the pre-listing stage is walk through your home and look at it with a buyer’s eye. We want to see what they’re going to see. We look at the paint, decide whether we need to declutter, and maybe stage your home. After our walkthrough, we’ll let you know what we think is going to make your house sell ready. The reason for this is that a good-looking house is going to get a lot more showings than a run-down one.
Once your home is looking its best, we’re going to order professional videos and pictures. Once these are done, we’re going to get your home ready for marketing.
The Active Stage
Once your home is ready to be listed, we’re going to go to the second stage: the active stage. The active stage is when your home is listed, showing, and buyers are coming and going. We’re simply looking for the right buyer to close on your home.
I’m going to warn you: the first two weeks of having your home active is going to be the busiest time. You’re the new kid on the block as far as the market is concerned, which will get you plenty of attention. We don’t control when the buyers want to come and see the home, but we do accommodate them when they request it. Because of this, my biggest piece of advice is that your home is always ready to be shown during this time. I know this will be an inconvenience for you, but it’s going to pay off in the end.
Entering Escrow
If we do a good job during the first two weeks, we’re going to get into the third stage of listing your home: entering escrow. Most people don’t know what goes on while your home is under contract. The truth is there’s still a lot to do. Just because your home sale is pending does not mean your home is sold.
There’s still a set of steps that we need to take care of. First of all, we need to make sure the inspections are getting done. We also need to make sure that the appraisal got done and that the buyer is on top of their lending. There’s paperwork, disclosures, and so much more. If everything works out and goes according to plan, it’ll take 30 to 35 days to get to closing. After that, you will be on your way to the purchase of another home here or out of state, depending on your plans.
Understanding The Home Selling Timeline
I hope this simplified the home selling process and timeline for you. If you have any additional questions about selling your home, please give us a call. We’re here to help you in any way we can, and we’d be happy to connect.
This information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
You should rely on this information only to decide whether or not to further investigate a particular property.
BEFORE MAKING ANY OTHER DECISION, YOU SHOULD PERSONALLY INVESTIGATE THE FACTS (e.g. square footage and lot size) with the assistance of an appropriate professional.
You may use this information only to identify properties you may be interested in investigating further.
All uses except for personal, non-commercial use in accordance with the foregoing purpose are prohibited.
Redistribution or copying of this information, any photographs or video tours is strictly prohibited.
This information is derived from the Internet Data Exchange (IDX) service provided by San Diego Multiple Listing Service, Inc.
Displayed property listings may be held by a brokerage firm other than the broker and/or agent responsible for this display.
The information and any photographs and video tours and the compilation from which they are derived is protected by copyright.
Compilation © 2025 San Diego Multiple Listing Service, Inc.