8 Steps To Sell Your Lexington Home Faster in 2025

By Bob Sophiea

Founder and CEO of New Home Collective, established the company in 2014 with a mission to revolutionize the real estate industry.

Some people think selling a home is easy. Others don’t even know where to start. It can be simple if you understand the steps, follow the right strategy, and know what to expect. But when we’re just guessing our way through it, things get stressful fast.

A lot of people wonder, “Can I do this on my own?” or “What does a real estate agent even do?” In this guide, we’ll walk you through eight major steps in the home-selling process so you feel prepared, whether you’re going solo or considering professional help.

Step 1: Decide to sell. Before doing anything else, get clear on why you’re selling. Are you relocating for work? Need more space? Going through a life change that’s shifting your priorities? Your reason matters because it affects your timeline, the type of offer you’ll accept, and how much prep you’re willing to do.

Ask yourself:

• What’s my timeline?

• What do I need to make from this sale?

• Am I emotionally ready to leave this home?

Selling isn’t just about the property; it’s about where you’re headed next, physically, financially, and emotionally.

Step 2: Get the house ready. This is the step most people skip or rush, and it shows. Preparing your home is about helping buyers imagine their life in this space, not showing off how you lived in it. Here’s what you need to do:

• Deep clean everything—like spring cleaning, times ten.

• Patch walls, fix leaky faucets, tighten doorknobs, and touch up paint.

• Repaint bold colors with neutral tones.

• Declutter and depersonalize—remove photos, collections, and distractions.

• Trim the landscaping and clean up the entryway.

If you’re unsure what needs attention, try walking through your home like a first-time visitor. Look for anything that stands out, feels worn or outdated, or might make a buyer think twice.

Step 3: Understand the market and price it right. This is where emotions can cloud judgment. Of course, we want a high price when we sell our home. But it’s the market that determines value, not memories.

We look at recent sales of comparable homes within the last 3–6 months, adjust for condition and features, and consider how fast homes are selling locally. Overpricing often backfires: homes sit too long, price drops follow, and we end up settling for less. Strategic pricing from the start helps us move faster and with fewer headaches.

Step 4: Market your home. You’ve got seconds to make someone fall in love with your home online. Marketing isn’t just about posting on a few websites—it’s about positioning your home to attract attention, get showings, and create urgency. Here’s what works:

• High-quality, professional photos (not phone pics—you can always tell).
• A clean, engaging listing description.
• Sharing across real estate websites, social media, and local groups.
• Printed materials like flyers or brochures.
• Hosting open houses or private showings.

Most buyers start their search online, so photos are your first showing. Lighting, angles, and staging really matter, so don’t cut corners here.

Step 5: Showings and buyer interest. Now that buyers are touring your home, they’re imagining what it would be like to live there.

Expect showings on weekdays or weekends, and be ready to step out while they happen. You’ll need to keep everything clean and show-ready at all times, which can feel like a lot, but it’s worth it. After each visit, you may get feedback—some helpful, some not.

It’s a tiring stage, but if your home is priced well and presented right, this is when real interest builds and offers start coming in.

Step 6: Offers and negotiation. When an offer comes in, don’t focus only on the number. Each offer includes terms such as:

• Sales price
• Preferred closing date
• Contingencies (inspection, financing, appraisal)
• Requests for repairs or seller-paid costs
• Type of financing (cash or loan)

The best offer isn’t always the highest; it’s the one most likely to close with terms that suit you. Negotiation isn’t just about price; it’s about understanding the buyer’s priorities while protecting your own.

Step 7: Navigate the contract period. Once an offer is accepted, the real work begins. This phase usually lasts 30 to 45 days and involves several critical steps:

• The buyer schedules inspections, which may result in repair requests
• An appraiser determines the home’s value; if it comes in low, renegotiation may be needed
• The title company checks for liens or ownership issues
• The buyer’s loan goes through underwriting, often with a lot of paperwork

It’s essential to stay organized and responsive during this time. Monitor deadlines, reply quickly, and coordinate repairs as needed. This part can be stressful, but attention to detail keeps everything on track.

Step 8: Closing day. Finally, it’s closing day—when all your hard work pays off! You’ll meet at the title or attorney’s offices to sign the closing documents and officially transfer your home ownership.

Before you leave, make sure utilities are scheduled for transfer or shut off. Remember to leave behind keys, garage openers, and any pertinent paperwork regarding the home’s mechanics. Double-check that nothing is left behind, including personal belongings and responsibilities.

Once everything is signed and funds are transferred, the sale is complete!

Should you sell on your own? Here’s the honest truth: Yes, you can sell your home yourself. Many people do, and some do it well. But it takes time, focus, and confidence to manage the process from start to finish.

Hiring a real estate agent is a smart move if you’re looking for less stress, a stronger strategy, and someone in your corner. A good agent does more than put a sign in the yard—they help you price right, avoid costly missteps, handle negotiation, and keep everything running smoothly.

Whatever you decide, it’s your home, process, and timeline. We just hope this guide helped you feel more prepared. If you need more guidance, book a call with us atcallnhc.com, or reach out directly at (859) 721-2200 or bob@nhc.com. Happy selling!