If you're ready to sell your house, there are some things you should do before putting it on the market. These tips include hiring a good real estate agent, pricing your home correctly, and making necessary repairs.

Remove personal items and clutter before selling your house. This can help buyers see themselves living in the property. If you have too much stuff, consider renting a storage unit.

1. Set a realistic price

Home sellers have a lot at stake. They have spent time and money finding the right house, saved up for a down payment and furniture, and created memories. They don't want to see all of that go to waste by selling their house for less than it is worth.

Real estate comps (home sales similar to yours) and market trends can help you determine the right price for your home. It's also a good idea to get an appraisal, which will give you a more accurate understanding of the value of your home.

2. Hire an agent

In most cases, selling a house is a complicated process. If you do it on your own, you’ll have to handle everything from prepping the home for viewings and marketing to negotiating offers and closing the sale.

When interviewing an agent, look for experience in your area and ask about how they determine a property’s selling price. They should be able to explain how they use comparable homes that sold recently to determine your home’s estimated value.

Also pay attention to their schedule and whether they seem organized. If an agent seems to be overwhelmed, they might not be a good fit for you.

3. Do your homework

Buyers want to walk through a home that feels fresh and exciting — not one that's covered in clutter, personal mementos or outdated decor. If your home doesn't give them that, it can take longer to sell and might end up on the market for months.

Price your house properly, based on comparable homes in the area that have sold recently. A good real estate agent will help you determine the best pricing strategy.

Be willing to negotiate with buyers. Whether it's offering a quick closing or kitchen appliances, having a flexible attitude can help you make the deal.

4. Get ready to move

Many people find it difficult to part with their homes. It’s a long and time-consuming process that can feel emotionally draining. It can also be expensive.

It’s important to get your home ready for the market before you list it. This includes cleaning, staging, and making necessary repairs. You should also consider getting a professional inspection to make sure your home is in good shape.

Selling your house is a large undertaking that requires careful planning and preparation. Start early and set a timeline that you can stick to.

5. Be flexible

Selling a home is a complicated process and it can be stressful. However, you can take steps to reduce the stress and speed up the process by being flexible.

For example, you should be willing to compromise on things such as a closing date. Also, be flexible about showings. It's best to let buyers tour the house on their own rather than scheduling a time around your schedule.

You should also be flexible about cosmetic upgrades. For instance, decluttering and a deep clean are simple projects that can make your house more appealing to buyers.

6. Be prepared to answer questions

Selling your home can be a stressful process. It requires a lot of work, from decluttering to cleaning and staging. It can also involve repairing and updating your house to increase its resale value.

Having a clear understanding of what your home is worth and how to make it market-ready will help you navigate the process smoothly. A Ramsey Trusted real estate agent can guide you through each step and answer any questions you may have along the way.

Buyers will ask how you arrived at your asking price, and the best agents will be able to explain that it's based on a comparative market analysis of comparable homes that have recently sold in your neighborhood.

7. Negotiate

When negotiating with sellers, remember that they have emotional attachments to their homes. Don't try to pick out every flaw the property has in an attempt to lower its price, as this can insult them and cause them to miss out on the sale altogether.

If you're selling your house yourself, be prepared to pay up to 7 percent of the sales price in commission fees to real estate agents. This can quickly add up. It's also important to understand the financial ramifications of selling your home before starting the process.