You can sell your home at any time of the year, although some seasons are better than others. In most areas, the spring and fall months are the hottest homebuying seasons of the year, while sales slow down in the summer as families are busy with sports and vacations. Winter is the other season sales can be slow due to the holidays.

Your real estate agent will provide a detailed market analysis, highlighting current local trends and how they might impact your home sale.

Your agent will provide you with a CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) for homes in your area that will demonstrate to you an approximation of your homes’ value.

Most of the costs come out of escrow at the closing of the sale, not out of pocket. Agents and brokerages typically have an industry standard that is charged as a commission. Remember, you get what you pay for and great agents earn their commissions.

Determining what repairs are needed to get the price you expect is another topic your agent can help advise you on. The more "move-in" ready your home is, the more likely it will draw potential buyers.

Once an offer has been accepted, the clock starts running. The home inspection is part of that process and your agent will work with the buyer's agent to schedule the home inspections.

If the appraisal comes in lower than expected, it can affect the sale. For all-cash offers, it won't matter unless the buyer asks for a price reduction. For financed purchases, lenders can't loan more than the appraised value. Your agent will negotiate and guide you through this process.

If you need to stay in the house after the closing date, your agent can negotiate a rent-back agreement to meet your needs.