Here's a typical timeline for selling a home in the Bay Area.
Pre-Listing (2-4 weeks)
Week 1-2
- Meet with agent, discuss strategy
- Get preliminary market analysis
- Decide on pricing approach
- Order pre-listing inspection (optional)
Week 3-4
- Declutter and deep clean
- Make repairs and improvements
- Stage the home
- Take professional photos
- Write listing description
On Market (1-4 weeks typical)
Week 1
- List goes live
- First showing weekend
- Open houses
Week 2+
- Continue showings
- Review offer deadline approaches
- Evaluate offers and negotiate
- Accept offer
In Escrow (30-45 days typical)
Days 1-3
- Open escrow
- Buyer deposits earnest money
Days 1-17
- Buyer conducts inspections
- Negotiate repair requests
- Buyer removes inspection contingency
Days 17-21
- Appraisal ordered and completed
- Buyer removes appraisal contingency
Days 21-30
- Final loan approval
- Buyer removes loan contingency
Days 30-45
- Sign closing documents
- Buyer does final walkthrough
- Funds transfer
- Deed records
- Hand over keys
After Closing
- Cancel utilities
- Notify mortgage company of sale
- File tax records
- Forward mail