Sell My House Cheat Sheet 2026
The 30 highest-yield Sell My House facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here ā free, no sign-up.
- What does a title search confirm before a home purchase closes? ā That the seller legally owns the property and there are no liens
- True or False: Always go with the agent that offers to list your house for the most money. ā False
- What elements affect the value of your house? ā both of the above
- Which listing platform is considered the most important for maximum exposure when selling a home in the US? ā The Multiple Listing Service (MLS)
- What is a 'buyer's agent rebate'? ā When a buyer's agent returns a portion of their commission to the buyer
- When a buyer waives the inspection contingency to make an offer more competitive, what risk do they accept? ā Buying the home without knowing its true condition
- What does a 'comparative market analysis' (CMA) prepared by an agent show a seller? ā Recent sale prices of similar nearby homes to help determine the right listing price
- What does 'pending' status mean for a home listing? ā A purchase contract has been signed but the sale has not yet closed
- What is a 'contingent' offer in real estate? ā An offer that depends on certain conditions being met
- A home listed with poor-quality, dark, or blurry listing photos is most likely to experience what outcome? ā Fewer online clicks and showings, reducing competitive offers
- What is private mortgage insurance (PMI), and when is it typically required? ā Lender protection insurance required when down payment is less than 20%
- Which of the following can increase a potential buyer's interest in your house? ā a well-cared-for lawn
- Which improvement typically offers the HIGHEST return on investment when selling a home? ā Minor kitchen remodel
- What does it mean when a home appraises below the agreed purchase price? ā The lender will base the loan on the appraised value, creating a gap the buyer must cover
- How does decluttering a home before showings affect the selling process? ā It helps rooms appear larger and allows buyers to focus on the space
- What is the average commission rate for real estate agents in the US? ā 5ā6% total, typically split between listing and buyer's agents
- Which kind of clause should you make sure the contract contains if you sign a deal with a buyer's agent? ā release clause
- Which neighborhood characteristic is MOST likely to negatively affect nearby home values through a concept called 'external obsolescence'? ā A nearby industrial plant or waste facility
- A home's value can drop significantly if it is located in a flood zone. Which document reveals official flood zone designation to buyers? ā A FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)
- Which of the following should you carry out before you begin house hunting? ā check your credit score
- What does FSBO stand for in real estate? ā For Sale By Owner
- What is a seller's disclosure statement? ā A legally required document where sellers reveal known defects or issues with the property
- What does 'days on market' (DOM) signal to potential buyers when it is unusually high? ā There may be a problem with the home's price, condition, or marketing
- A home in a neighborhood with a rising crime rate is likely to experience what effect on its market value? ā A sustained decrease as buyer demand drops and risk perception rises
- Which of the following is a legitimate reason a seller could keep a buyer's earnest money deposit? ā The buyer backed out of the contract without a valid contingency reason
- Which kitchen condition most commonly causes appraisers and buyers to discount a home's value? ā Highly dated cabinetry, countertops, and appliances from the 1980sā1990s
- What is the recommended approach for pricing a home within marketing materials to attract the widest range of online search results? ā Price it just below a round number threshold, such as $499,900 instead of $500,000
- How does an overpriced listing that sits on the market for months typically affect the final sale price? ā It often results in a lower final sale price than if priced correctly from the start
- What is the role of escrow in a home purchase? ā A neutral third party that holds funds and documents until closing conditions are met
- How does the presence of polybutylene plumbing in a home built between 1978 and 1995 affect its value? ā It reduces value because the material is prone to failure and expensive to replace
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