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 — free, no sign-up.

  1. What does a title search confirm before a home purchase closes? → That the seller legally owns the property and there are no liens
  2. True or False: Always go with the agent that offers to list your house for the most money. → False
  3. What elements affect the value of your house? → both of the above
  4. Which listing platform is considered the most important for maximum exposure when selling a home in the US? → The Multiple Listing Service (MLS)
  5. What is a 'buyer's agent rebate'? → When a buyer's agent returns a portion of their commission to the buyer
  6. When a buyer waives the inspection contingency to make an offer more competitive, what risk do they accept? → Buying the home without knowing its true condition
  7. What does a 'comparative market analysis' (CMA) prepared by an agent show a seller? → Recent sale prices of similar nearby homes to help determine the right listing price
  8. What does 'pending' status mean for a home listing? → A purchase contract has been signed but the sale has not yet closed
  9. What is a 'contingent' offer in real estate? → An offer that depends on certain conditions being met
  10. A home listed with poor-quality, dark, or blurry listing photos is most likely to experience what outcome? → Fewer online clicks and showings, reducing competitive offers
  11. What is private mortgage insurance (PMI), and when is it typically required? → Lender protection insurance required when down payment is less than 20%
  12. Which of the following can increase a potential buyer's interest in your house? → a well-cared-for lawn
  13. Which improvement typically offers the HIGHEST return on investment when selling a home? → Minor kitchen remodel
  14. What does it mean when a home appraises below the agreed purchase price? → The lender will base the loan on the appraised value, creating a gap the buyer must cover
  15. How does decluttering a home before showings affect the selling process? → It helps rooms appear larger and allows buyers to focus on the space
  16. What is the average commission rate for real estate agents in the US? → 5–6% total, typically split between listing and buyer's agents
  17. Which kind of clause should you make sure the contract contains if you sign a deal with a buyer's agent? → release clause
  18. Which neighborhood characteristic is MOST likely to negatively affect nearby home values through a concept called 'external obsolescence'? → A nearby industrial plant or waste facility
  19. A home's value can drop significantly if it is located in a flood zone. Which document reveals official flood zone designation to buyers? → A FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)
  20. Which of the following should you carry out before you begin house hunting? → check your credit score
  21. What does FSBO stand for in real estate? → For Sale By Owner
  22. What is a seller's disclosure statement? → A legally required document where sellers reveal known defects or issues with the property
  23. What does 'days on market' (DOM) signal to potential buyers when it is unusually high? → There may be a problem with the home's price, condition, or marketing
  24. A home in a neighborhood with a rising crime rate is likely to experience what effect on its market value? → A sustained decrease as buyer demand drops and risk perception rises
  25. Which of the following is a legitimate reason a seller could keep a buyer's earnest money deposit? → The buyer backed out of the contract without a valid contingency reason
  26. Which kitchen condition most commonly causes appraisers and buyers to discount a home's value? → Highly dated cabinetry, countertops, and appliances from the 1980s–1990s
  27. What is the recommended approach for pricing a home within marketing materials to attract the widest range of online search results? → Price it just below a round number threshold, such as $499,900 instead of $500,000
  28. How does an overpriced listing that sits on the market for months typically affect the final sale price? → It often results in a lower final sale price than if priced correctly from the start
  29. What is the role of escrow in a home purchase? → A neutral third party that holds funds and documents until closing conditions are met
  30. How does the presence of polybutylene plumbing in a home built between 1978 and 1995 affect its value? → It reduces value because the material is prone to failure and expensive to replace
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