Selling your home for the first time is exciting – but it can also feel overwhelming if you’re not sure where to start.  To make things easier, here are the most common questions first time sellers ask… along with clear, helpful answers you can trust.

How do I know what my home is worth?

A home’s value depends on your location, property condition, recent comparable sales, upgrades and current market trends.  I provide a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) that gives you an accurate value – not the guesswork you get from online estimates.  A CMA looks at homes similar to yours in size, age, condition and neighborhood so we can price your home competitively and strategically.

Do I need to make repairs before selling?

Not necessarily!  Focus on high-impact, low-cost updates:

• Fresh paint
• Decluttering
• Minor repairs (loose doorknobs, scuffed trim, broken fixtures)
• Landscaping touch-ups

Buyers notice cleanliness and condition more than big renovations.  I’ll walk through your home and bring in a stager to help you prioritize only what matters to your bottom line.

How long does the selling process take?

Most sellers can expect:

• 1-2 weeks prepping the home
• 3-10 days of showings
• 30-45 days from contract to closing

Of course, timing varies based on market conditions-but I’ll lay out a timeline that fits your goals.

What should I expect from my listing agent?

As your Realtor, I will:

• Provide pricing strategy backed by data
• Offer staging advice
• Bring in professional photography
• Market your home across online and offline channels
• Communicate consistently
• Negotiate the best price and terms
• Guide you through inspections, appraisal and closing

You should never feel confused or left in the dark.

How do I buy and sell at the same time?

This is one of the biggest concerns for first time home sellers.  Options include:

• Selling your home first (the most common)
• Home of choice/additional time to find a home clause
• Rent back agreement
• Extended closing
• Coordinating closing timelines to align smoothly

With the right planning, you won’t be left without a place to go.

What costs should I expect as a seller?

While every sale is different, here are typical costs:

• Commission – the listing commission and potentially a buyer’s agent compensation
• Buyer closing costs concessions (if agreed to in the contract)
• Repairs after inspection (depending on what is negotiated as part of the inspections)
• HOA fees (if you live in a neighborhood with an HOA)
• Your portion of the closing costs
• Moving expenses

I go through these upfront so there are no surprises.  And when an offer comes in, I go through these again, so you know what you will be netting should you accept the offer!

What makes a listing stand out in today’s market?

Buyers love homes that feel clean, cozy and move in ready.  Key standouts include:

• Professional photography
• Clean, staged rooms
• Clear walkthrough paths
• Highlighting upgrades
• Great curb appeal
• Fair, strategic pricing

Together we’ll make your home shine so it attracts strong offers.

Ready to sell your first home?

I specialize in helping first time home sellers in the Richmond Virginia area navigate the process with confidence, clarity and support.

If you’re thinking about a move, I’m here to walk you through every step.  Let’s talk about your goals and create a plan that gets you the best outcome! 🏡✨