If you've never sold a home before, the process can feel overwhelming. It doesn't have to be. Here's every step explained in plain English — what happens, when it happens, and what you need to do at each stage.
Zillow's "Zestimate" is an algorithm-generated estimate based on public data. It is not a comparative market analysis. It frequently misses recent interior updates, overestimates condition, or lags market shifts. A free CMA from a local agent — based on actual recent comparable sales — is a more reliable starting point for pricing.
A cash offer $20,000 below your best financed offer might net you more if it comes with no contingencies, a 21-day close, and zero inspection renegotiation. Your agent will model out the realistic net of each offer — not just the headline number. Understanding this before offers arrive saves frustration.
New York law requires you to complete a Property Condition Disclosure Statement (NY RPL §462) or give the buyer a $500 credit. For homes built before 1978, lead paint disclosure is federally required (42 U.S.C. §4852d). Not disclosing known defects can expose you to liability after closing. If you know about it, disclose it.
A CMA is a detailed analysis of recent sales of comparable homes in your immediate area. It's different from an appraisal (done by a licensed appraiser for a lender) and very different from a Zillow estimate. A good CMA looks at homes that closed within the last 3–6 months, within a reasonable distance, with similar size, condition, and features. We provide free CMAs — no obligation to list with us.
Interview at least 2–3 agents. Ask: How many homes have you sold in my neighborhood? What's your average days on market? Can I see examples of your marketing? How do you handle offer evaluation and negotiation? What do you think my home is worth — and why? Be skeptical of an agent who immediately tells you an unrealistically high number. That's a tactic to win your listing, and it typically costs you money in the long run.
Ask your agent for a net sheet — a document showing your estimated proceeds after all costs: commission, transfer taxes, attorney fees, inspection credits, and mortgage payoff. This should be prepared before you sign a listing agreement, not after. Knowing your realistic net number lets you make informed decisions about price, timing, and whether selling now makes sense.
Declutter thoroughly — buyers mentally subtract twice the cost of anything they see. Deep clean, including windows, appliances, and bathrooms. Make small repairs: fix dripping faucets, patch nail holes, replace burned-out bulbs. Ask your agent what (if anything) is worth spending money on before listing — not every repair generates a return, and some expensive renovations don't move the needle at all.
Buyers make initial decisions online, based on listing photos. Professional real estate photography — ideally with natural light staging, wide-angle shots, and accurate color representation — dramatically affects how many showings your home generates. This is not a place to cut costs. Any serious listing agent will include professional photography as part of their service.
When offers arrive, your agent will review each one in detail. Key factors beyond price: mortgage vs. cash; contingencies included (mortgage, inspection, appraisal — each is a potential exit for the buyer); the proposed closing date and whether it aligns with your timeline; the size of the earnest money deposit; and the buyer's pre-approval strength. A well-qualified buyer with a clean offer is often worth more than a higher price with shaky financing.
After you sign a contract, New York law allows a 3-business-day attorney review period. Your attorney and the buyer's attorney review the contract and either approve it, propose modifications, or cancel. This is standard practice in New York and not a cause for alarm. Once both attorneys sign off, the contract is binding. Hire a real estate attorney before you list — not after you have an offer — so you're ready to move quickly.
The buyer's inspector will walk through your home for 2–4 hours and produce a detailed report. In Queens older housing stock, common findings include: outdated electrical panels, older plumbing, roof wear, and foundation or drainage issues. The buyer will then make requests: repairs, a price reduction, or a closing credit. Your agent will help you respond strategically — overcorrecting gives away money unnecessarily; refusing everything can kill the deal.
If the buyer is financing, their mortgage contingency period (typically 30 days from contract signing) is when the lender processes the loan, orders an appraisal, and completes underwriting. This is the waiting phase. Your attorney will track contingency deadlines. If the appraisal comes in below the purchase price, there may be renegotiation. If the buyer can't get financing, the contract may be voided and they'll receive their deposit back.
The buyer does a final walkthrough 24–48 hours before closing to verify the property is in substantially the same condition as when they inspected it. On closing day, bring: your government-issued ID; keys to all locks, mailboxes, and garage openers; appliance manuals and warranties; and any documents your attorney requested. Both parties sign documents, funds transfer, you hand over keys. The sale is complete.
Zillow's Zestimate is often off by 5–10% in Queens neighborhoods. Overpricing based on Zillow leads to extended days on market, price reductions, and a final sale price often lower than a correctly-priced listing would have achieved from the start.
Cash offers are often below asking price, but they may net you more after factoring in saved inspection credits, faster closing, fewer contingency risks, and no appraisal gap risk. Always model out the realistic net of competing offers.
The Property Condition Disclosure Statement (NY RPL §462) requires disclosure of known material defects. Failing to disclose and selling "as-is" without the $500 credit can expose you to post-closing liability. When in doubt, disclose.
Some first-time sellers are alarmed when the buyer's attorney proposes contract modifications during attorney review. This is completely normal. Work with your attorney to evaluate what's reasonable versus what's overreaching — don't panic or walk away from a good deal over standard negotiation.
First-time sellers get a free CMA and a full walkthrough of costs and process — no obligation. Nitin will call you within 2 hours during business hours.
Nitin will call you within 2 hours during business hours. Your information is never shared.
While not legally mandated, using a real estate attorney to sell in New York is strongly advisable and is the standard practice. Your attorney drafts or reviews the contract of sale, handles title issues, coordinates with the buyer's attorney throughout the transaction, and attends closing. Budget $1,500–$2,500 for your attorney's fee.
An offer includes more than just the price. Key elements: the offered price; contingencies (mortgage, inspection, appraisal — each is a potential exit for the buyer); the proposed closing date; the deposit amount; the buyer's pre-approval letter; the down payment percentage; and whether it's subject to inspection repair requests. Your agent will walk you through each element of every offer.
After a buyer and seller sign a contract of sale in New York, each party's attorney has 3 business days to review, approve, reject, or propose modifications. This is standard practice in New York State. During attorney review, either party can cancel the contract without penalty. Once both attorneys approve and sign off, the contract is binding.
Yes, sellers typically remain in the home until closing day. You're expected to deliver the property vacant and in substantially the same condition as when the buyer inspected it. If you need extra time after closing, you can negotiate a post-closing occupancy agreement with the buyer, typically involving a daily or monthly occupancy fee.
When you receive multiple offers, your agent will typically ask all interested buyers to submit their 'highest and best' offer by a deadline. You then compare not just price but: contingencies, closing timeline, pre-approval strength, and down payment amount. Your agent will model out the realistic net of each offer. The highest price is not always the best offer.
Call Nitin directly. We'll walk you through the entire process, give you an honest CMA, and help you understand exactly what to expect — at no obligation.
(917) 705-0132Available 7 days a week. Evening appointments available.
Nitin K. Gadura, NYS Lic. #10401383405 · Supervised by Vinod K. Gadura, NYS Broker Lic. #10991238487 · Gadura Real Estate LLC