Interactive For-Sale-By-Owner Checklist

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1. Decide & plan 0/6

Take the sell-by-owner readiness quizKnow where you'll need help before you start. Pull your mortgage payoff estimateCall your servicer or check your online account. Estimate your net proceedsUse the net proceeds calculator with realistic costs. Choose your target listing dateWork backward 3–4 weeks for prep. Decide on support: attorney, title company, flat-fee MLSGet two quotes for each service you want. Check HOA rules and required resale documentsSome HOAs take 10+ days to produce them.

2. Prepare the home 0/7

Declutter and depersonalize every roomRent a small storage unit if needed. Fix small, visible defectsLeaky faucets, cracked switch plates, sticky doors. Deep clean, including windows and grout Boost curb appealMow, edge, mulch, paint the front door, new house numbers. Consider a pre-listing inspectionFind problems before a buyer's inspector does. Gather receipts for upgrades and repairsBuyers love documented improvements. Collect warranties, manuals and utility averages

3. Price it right 0/5

Pull 3–6 comparable sales from the last 6 monthsSame area, similar size, age and condition. Calculate price per square foot from the comps Adjust for differences (beds, baths, garage, condition) Consider an independent appraisalStrong evidence when buyers push back. Set your list price and your walk-away numberWrite both down before the first offer.

4. Paperwork & disclosures 0/5

Get a copy of your deed and confirm how title is held Complete your state's seller disclosure formDisclose known material defects honestly. Lead-based paint disclosure for pre-1978 homesFederal requirement, plus the EPA pamphlet. Choose your purchase agreement (state form or attorney-drafted) Prepare a property fact sheetTaxes, HOA, utilities, updates, inclusions.

5. Market the listing 0/7

Shoot bright, wide photos in daylight (or hire a pro)25–40 photos covering every room. Write a headline and description that sellsLead with the top 3 features. List free on ByOwners.com Add a flat-fee MLS listing if you want wider reach Put up a yard sign with a QR code to your listing Share on social media and with neighborsNeighbors often know someone who wants in. Print flyers with the fact sheet

6. Showings & open houses 0/5

Set showing hours and confirm buyers are pre-approved Secure valuables, medications and documents Use a sign-in sheet at open houses Never show alone — have a friend or neighbor present Follow up with every visitor within 24 hours

7. Offers & negotiation 0/5

Compare offers on net, not just priceContingencies, financing, closing date, credits. Verify the buyer's pre-approval with the lender Counter in writing with clear deadlines Have your attorney review the contract before signing Deposit earnest money with the title company or attorneyNever accept it personally by wire.

8. Under contract to closing 0/9

Schedule the buyer's inspection and appraisal access Negotiate repair requests (repair, credit or price) Order the payoff statement and HOA documents Confirm wiring instructions by phone with a known numberWire fraud targets closings. Review the settlement statement line by line Schedule utility transfers and mail forwarding Do the final walk-through prep: clean and empty the home Sign closing documents and hand over keys Keep copies of all closing documents for taxesYour gain is reported for the year of sale if required.

Requirements vary by state. Use this checklist alongside advice from a local real estate attorney or title company.