If you are thinking about selling your home, one of the first questions I always get is: “When should I start?” It might sound like the answer is simple, just put the house on the market and wait for buyers, right? Not quite. The truth is, selling your home is a multi-step journey that requires careful planning, preparation, and an experienced agent to help guide you every step of the way.
There are many important actions to take before your home hits the market. These include inspections, getting bids for repairs and improvements, scheduling those projects, and then finally, listing your home. All of this takes time. A realistic timeline to do it right is at minimum 30 days, and often 45 days or more.
This all begins with finding the right agent to start and adhere to your decided timeline.
I want to walk you through what that timeline looks like so you can confidently plan your sale and get the best possible outcome.
Step 1: Understand the Inspections You Need
Before you list your home, it’s crucial to get ahead of potential issues buyers might find. A good real estate agent will walk you through every step and connect you with top-quality vendors from their trusted network. This also means scheduling inspections early, as you’ll need to get the right professionals involved to ensure your home is thoroughly reviewed:
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Home Inspection: This covers the general condition of your property, including plumbing, electrical, HVAC, foundation, and more.
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Roof Inspection: The roof is a major concern for buyers, so having a professional evaluate it upfront helps you plan repairs or be ready to disclose.
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Pest Inspection: This identifies any termite or pest problems that could affect the sale.
These inspections not only help you understand what needs to be fixed, but also give you confidence when you list your home. Buyers want transparency, and it can help prevent surprises that could delay or kill the sale later on.
Keep in mind, the best inspectors have busy schedules, so it’s smart to book these as soon as you decide to sell. It can take 2 to 3 weeks just to get inspections scheduled and reports back.
Step 2: Get Bids for Repairs and Improvements
After inspections, you’ll probably need some work done to make your home more appealing and competitive. But before jumping in, you need to get quotes from contractors to weigh your options.
I always tell my clients to get bids for what I call “The Big Four.” These are the main projects that usually make a big impact on how quickly and for how much your home sells:
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Landscaping: First impressions matter. Curb appeal brings buyers in, so you’ll want to tidy up and add some fresh plants.
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Painting: Fresh paint can brighten a home and make it feel bright and new.
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Flooring: If you have worn or damaged floors, repairing or updating them can add serious value.
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Staging: Sometimes it’s not about fixing, but about presenting your home in the best light. Professional staging helps buyers envision living there.
Getting these bids can take 2 to 3 weeks because good contractors have packed schedules. It’s important to have solid estimates so you can decide what work to prioritize based on your budget and goals.
Step 3: Schedule and Complete the Work
Once you’ve reviewed your bids and decided which projects to tackle, the next step is scheduling the work. This can take another 2 to 3 weeks, depending on contractor availability and the extent of the repairs or improvements.
Be prepared for some delays. Contractors often juggle multiple jobs, so you want to start early and build in some buffer time. If you want to get your home market-ready in a month, you have to start reaching out to vendors now.
This is a key reason why selling your home takes time. Doing these steps quickly, but with quality, ensures your home is in its best condition to attract buyers and secure the highest possible price.
Step 4: List Your Home and Go Into Escrow
After all the preparation, it’s finally time to put your home on the market. Typically, if you follow your agent’s guidance and price your home right, you can expect to go into escrow within about 10 days. This means you have an accepted offer and the buyer’s earnest money is held in trust.
From there, the average close time or escrow period is between 16 and 25 days. This is the period when final inspections, appraisals, and paperwork happen, and ultimately, when you get your money on closing day.
Why Starting Early Matters: The 100-Day Rule
Selling a home can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t have a clear plan or timeline. To simplify things, I often ask my clients one key question:
“When do you want your money?”
This question cuts through the noise. Are you hoping to see a sign in your yard next week, or are you aiming to have the sale proceeds in your bank account by a certain date? The difference matters a lot.
If you want the money 100 days from today, for example, you need to plan backward. That means you should start working with an agent immediately to begin lining up inspections, contractors, and staging.
Because the reality is, the best inspectors and contractors get booked out weeks or even months in advance. Waiting until the last minute means rushing, higher stress, and potentially missed opportunities.
Why This Timeline Isn’t a Guess
Every home and selling journey is unique, so timelines can vary. But the advice I share is based on real-world experience working with buyers, sellers, contractors, and inspectors. With over 1,800 real estate transactions in my career, I have the expertise to help you secure the top dollar for your property.
The process of prepping your home is not just about getting it done quickly. It’s about growing your property’s value so that when you finally list, you are in the strongest possible position.
When you wait to start the process, you might lose the chance to fix key issues or improve presentation, which can result in lower offers or longer days on market.
Final Thoughts: Communicate Early, Plan Smart
If you’re thinking about selling, even if it’s a couple of months down the road, start the conversation today. Reach out to an agent (My cell: (650) 996-0123)) who can help project manage the entire preparation timeline and connect you with trusted vendors.
Remember, you don’t just put a home on the market, you build a plan to sell it.
If you want to get the most from your transaction and reduce stress, give yourself at least 30 to 45 days for the prep phase before listing. This lets you schedule inspections, get bids, complete repairs, stage your home, and then move confidently into escrow.
By starting early and staying organized, you can make your home-selling journey smooth, successful, and rewarding.
Selling Your Silicon Valley Home
Looking to sell real estate in Mountain View or beyond in Silicon Valley? Contact Tori Atwell today. Tori Atwell has sold over 1 billion in real estate sales since 1986 and would be happy to put her experience to work for you! Considered “Downtown Mountain View’s Most Experienced Real Estate Agent” and voted by residents as a “Nextdoor Neighborhood Fave” Realtor, Tori is committed to providing her clients with bespoke representation, customized marketing strategies, and white-glove service.
Tori Atwell, Broker Associate
Phone: 650.996.0123
Email: [email protected]
LIC.# 00927794
The Agency Los Altos
