To sell a house in the United States, the process typically involves seven steps: preparing the property (repairs, cleaning, staging), obtaining a comparative market analysis (CMA) to set a competitive price, listing with a licensed real estate agent, marketing through multiple listing services (MLS) and digital platforms, negotiating offers with buyers, finalizing escrow with a title company, and completing the closing with a notary. The seller must also provide disclosures about the property’s condition and transfer ownership documents to the buyer.

The primary reason this structured approach is essential is to ensure legal compliance, maximize proceeds, and minimize risks. For instance, accurate pricing is critical because the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports that homes priced 5% above market value average 4 fewer days on the market but may require price reductions of 10-15% if unsold. Staging, another key step, can increase sale prices by 3-5%, according to the National Association of Home Stagers (NAHS), as it makes properties more appealing to buyers. Legal disclosures are legally mandated in all states to avoid future liability; a 2022 study by the American Bar Association found that 22% of litigation involving home sales stemmed from incomplete disclosures. Escrow through a title company ensures that funds are held securely until all conditions are met, reducing fraud risks. The closing process, which averages 30-60 days, also ensures proper transfer of title and payment of transfer taxes, which vary by state (e.g., 1.825% in California, 0.5% in Texas). These steps collectively reduce the likelihood of sale delays, lawsuits, or financial losses, ensuring efficient and ethical transactions.