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.
- True or False: Always go with the agent that offers to list your house for the most money. → False
- What elements affect the value of your house? → both of the above
- Which listing platform is considered the most important for maximum exposure when selling a home in the US? → The Multiple Listing Service (MLS)
- What is a 'buyer's agent rebate'? → When a buyer's agent returns a portion of their commission to the buyer
- 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
- Which of the following can increase a potential buyer's interest in your house? → a well-cared-for lawn
- How does decluttering a home before showings affect the selling process? → 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? → 5–6% 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? → release clause
- Which of the following should you carry out before you begin house hunting? → check your credit score
- What does FSBO stand for in real estate? → For Sale By Owner
- What is a seller's disclosure statement? → 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? → There may be a problem with the home's price, condition, or marketing
- 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
- What is the typical ROI (return on investment) range for professional home staging? → Staging typically returns $2–$5 for every $1 spent
- Which of the following is the PRIMARY benefit of hosting an open house shortly after listing? → It generates buzz and attracts multiple buyers at once
- What should sellers do with oversized furniture when staging a home? → Remove or replace it with appropriately scaled pieces to make rooms feel larger
- What happened to US real estate commission structures following the 2024 NAR settlement? → Sellers are no longer required to offer compensation to buyer's agents through the MLS
- Which kind of home has the best chance of selling quickly and easily? → a house suited to many tastes
- What is an 'exclusive right to sell' listing agreement? → An agreement where the broker earns a commission regardless of who brings the buyer
- When should sellers consider hiring a professional home stager? → Whenever the home is vacant or the owner's style may not appeal to target buyers
- How should closets be prepared before a home showing? → Organize and remove half the contents to demonstrate spaciousness
- What is a deed and why is it important in a home sale? → A legal document that transfers ownership of real property from the seller to the buyer
- Which of the following mortgage conditions offers you the greatest tax benefit? → 30-year fixed rate
- What is a listing syndication service in the context of selling a home? → A service that automatically distributes a listing to multiple real estate websites
- What is the ideal number of professional listing photos recommended for most homes to maximize online buyer interest? → 25–40 photos
- What does a listing agent do for a home seller? → Markets the home, advises on pricing, and negotiates on the seller's behalf
- What does 'closing costs' refer to in a home sale? → Fees and expenses paid at settlement to complete the transaction
- How does a clean home exterior affect a buyer's first impression before they even enter? → It sets a positive expectation that the interior is also well-maintained
- Which of the following best describes the role of drone photography in home marketing? → It showcases the property's lot, neighborhood, and surroundings from an aerial perspective
Turn these facts into recall: