How to Put a House on Sale the Right Way (Most Homeowners Get This Wrong)

Selling a home can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. You may be asking yourself questions like how to put a house on sale, what steps to take, or how to attract buyers without spending a fortune. Don’t worry—you’re not alone.

This guide is here to walk you through the process in a way that’s easy to understand, even if English isn’t your first language. We’ll cover everything from prepping your home to closing the deal, with tips to help you feel confident every step of the way.

1. Understand Why You’re Selling

Before listing your house, it’s important to understand your reason for selling. Are you relocating for work? Downsizing now that the kids have moved out? Looking for a bigger place for a growing family?

Knowing your “why” helps guide the entire process. For example, if you need to move quickly, you might accept a slightly lower offer for a faster sale. If you’re not in a rush, you may wait for a higher price.

Make sure your goal is clear:

• Do you want to sell as fast as possible?
  
• Are you trying to get the most money out of your home?
  
• Are you looking for a buyer who will take the property “as-is”?
  

2. Get Your Home Ready

First impressions matter. You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars renovating your home, but doing a few basic things can go a long way.

Declutter and Deep Clean

Pack up anything you don’t use every day. Less clutter helps the space look bigger. Clean everything—floors, windows, bathrooms, and kitchens especially.

Small Repairs Make a Big Difference

Fix broken lights, leaky faucets, or peeling paint. These small details might seem minor, but they can make buyers think the home isn’t well maintained.

Boost Your Curb Appeal

The outside of your home is the first thing buyers see—make it count. Trim the bushes, sweep the porch, and consider a fresh coat of paint on the front door. Even something simple like adding a welcome mat can make a difference. First impressions matter, and a neat exterior sets the tone for what buyers expect inside.

If you’re residing in Grand Rapids, Wyoming, Kentwood, Rockford, or anywhere in Kent County, boosting your curb appeal can really help your home stand out. Buyers in these West Michigan communities appreciate a well-kept yard and clean exterior. Take a look at other homes in your area and try to match—or beat—their presentation for a stronger impact.

Pro Tip: According to Homelight, staged homes sell 88% faster and for 20% more than non-staged homes.

3. Price It Right: How to Sell Your Home Faster Without Losing Money

One of the biggest mistakes home sellers make is setting the wrong price. If you go too high, your house could sit on the market for months. Too low? You might lose out on the money you deserve. The sweet spot is somewhere in the middle—where buyers feel like they’re getting a good deal, and you still walk away happy.

Do Some Research

Start by checking out homes similar to yours in your area—same size, number of bedrooms, condition, and location. Websites like Zillow and Redfin are great tools for this. Look at both listings and recently sold properties to get a good idea of what your home might be worth.

Want to Skip the Guesswork?

If you’re in Kent County or the West Michigan area, Hometown Development can help. We buy homes in any condition and give you a fair cash offer—fast. No listings, no repairs, no hassle. It’s a great option if you want to avoid the pricing game altogether and sell on your terms.

👉 Visit HometownDev.com to see how easy it can be to sell your home today.

4. Decide How You Want to Sell

You have two main options when it comes to selling your house:

1. Hire a Real Estate Agent

A real estate agent can help you:

• List your home on multiple sites
  
• Handle paperwork
  
• Market the home
  
• Negotiate offers
  

They usually charge a commission, often around 5–6% of the sale price, but they handle much of the stress for you.

2. Sell the Home Yourself (For Sale By Owner – FSBO)

Selling your home on your own—often called For Sale By Owner (FSBO)—can sound like a smart way to save money. And in many cases, it is! Real estate agents typically charge a commission of 5–6% of the home’s final selling price. On a $300,000 home, that’s up to $18,000 in fees. So, it’s understandable why some homeowners consider handling the sale themselves.

But before you decide to go this route, it’s important to understand what FSBO really involves.

You’re the Boss—But Also the Whole Team

When you sell your home yourself, you’re in charge of everything. That includes:

• Pricing the home correctly
  
• Taking professional-quality photos
  
• Writing the listing description
  
• Posting it on websites like Zillow, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist
  
• Scheduling and conducting showings
  
• Answering buyer questions
  
• Negotiating offers
  
• Handling all paperwork and legal requirements
  

It’s a lot—but it’s doable if you’re organized, confident, and ready to put in the time.

The Pros of Selling FSBO

• Save Money on Commission: This is the #1 reason people choose FSBO. You keep more of the sale price.
  
• Full Control: You manage the timeline, communication, and decisions without going through a third party.
  
• Personal Touch: No one knows your home better than you. You can highlight its best features in a way that feels genuine to potential buyers.
  

The Cons You Should Know

• Time-Consuming: Marketing, showings, and paperwork can eat up your schedule—especially if you’re working or raising a family.
  
• Legal Responsibility: You’ll need to make sure all the forms and contracts are filled out correctly. Mistakes can delay the sale or even lead to legal issues.
  
• Emotional Decisions: It’s hard to stay objective when negotiating a price for your own home. An agent acts as a buffer, which can be helpful when emotions run high.
  
• Limited Reach: Real estate agents have access to the MLS (Multiple Listing Service), which gives your home more exposure than most FSBO listings get.
  

So, Is FSBO Right for You?

FSBO might be a good fit if:

• You have experience in real estate or sales
  
• You’re comfortable talking to buyers and negotiating
  
• You have the time to dedicate to the process
  
• You’re not in a rush and can wait for the right buyer
  

But if all of that feels overwhelming, it’s totally okay to work with a professional.

A Middle Ground: Sell Without a Realtor—But Not Alone

If you’re in Kent County or the West Michigan area and want to sell your home without a real estate agent but still want help, consider working with Hometown Development. We’re not agents—we buy homes directly, fast and fair, with no commissions or closing costs.

You skip the hassle of listing, showings, and negotiations. Just reach out, and we’ll give you a no-obligation cash offer.
👉 Visit HometownDev.com to learn how easy FSBO can be—with a little help from local experts.

5. Take Great Photos and Write a Strong Listing

Your online listing is often the first time a buyer will see your home. Make it count!

Photos Matter More Than You Think

Use a good camera or hire a professional photographer. Make sure your rooms are clean, well-lit, and look inviting. Take pictures from angles that show off the space.

What to Include in Your Listing Description

Tell potential buyers:

• How many bedrooms and bathrooms the house has
  
• Recent upgrades or renovations
  
• Nearby schools, parks, or shopping areas
  
• Any special features like a big backyard, fireplace, or finished basement
  

Stay honest but positive. You want to highlight your home’s strengths.

6. How to Put a House on Sale: The Actual Listing Process

Now that everything’s ready, it’s time to actually put your house on the market.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. List Your Home Online: Use sites like Zillow, Realtor.com, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist.
   
2. Add Eye-Catching Photos: Choose the best shots that show off your space.
   
3. Use a Catchy Headline: “Charming 3-Bedroom Home Near Downtown” works better than “House for Sale.”
   
4. Set a Competitive Price: Based on your research and/or appraisal.
   
5. Share the Listing: Use your social media channels, email, and even word of mouth.
   

7. Show the House to Potential Buyers

Once people start showing interest, you’ll need to let them see the home.

Open Houses vs. Private Showings

• Open Houses: Let multiple people tour the home at once
  
• Private Showings: More personal and one-on-one
  

Tips for Showing Your Home

• Make sure it’s clean and smells good
  
• Open windows and let in natural light
  
• Keep pets out of the house during showings
  
• Leave the house during the visit so buyers feel comfortable looking around
  

8. Review Offers and Negotiate Smartly

When someone makes an offer, you don’t have to say yes right away.

What to Look For

• Price: Is it close to your asking price?
  
• Conditions: Do they want you to make repairs or cover closing costs?
  
• Timeline: When do they want to move in?
  

Counteroffers Are Normal

You can ask for a higher price, different move-in date, or reject an offer altogether. A real estate agent can help you navigate this process.

9. Closing the Deal

Once you accept an offer, the buyer will usually order a home inspection. If everything looks good, the deal can move forward.

Final Steps:

• Complete paperwork with a lawyer or title company
  
• Sign the necessary documents
  
• Hand over the keys
  

You’re officially done!

Final Thoughts: Selling Your Home Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful

Learning how to put a house on sale might seem like a lot at first, but with the right plan, it can be a smooth and even exciting experience. Whether you’re downsizing, upgrading, or relocating, you deserve a sale that works for you.

Take your time, do your research, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Selling a house isn’t just about bricks and mortar—it’s about your next chapter.

Need Help Selling in West Michigan?

If you’re in Kent County or anywhere in West Michigan, Hometown Development is here for you. We buy homes in any condition, and we make the process simple, quick, and fair.

No stress. No repairs. Just an honest offer.
👉 Visit HometownDev.com to get started today.