Maybe you’re relocating within the city. Maybe you just inherited a property that’s seen better days and aren’t sure what to do with it. Whatever the reason, if you’re thinking about selling a house in Atlanta, it helps to have a clear plan.
This home-selling checklist walks you through what to expect when working with a real estate agent, how to sell without an agent, steps to get your property ready for market, and why choosing a direct home buyer like We Buy Ugly Houses® can be a smart solution.
Working with a real estate agent
A traditional home sale often starts by choosing the right agent. You’ll likely go through the following process:
-
Select your agent carefully. Look for someone with local experience and knowledge of the Atlanta area. You can look at their past sales before making a decision.
-
Understand your agreement. Before moving forward with a real estate agent, review the listing contract. Most listing agreements last between 3 and 6 months, and agent fees vary by state.
-
Team up to sell your home. Most agents will help you:
-
Price the home strategically
-
Advertise your property
-
Arrange photography and open houses
-
Manage buyer requests
-
Working with an agent adds professional support, but it also involves commissions and may take longer than other options. Choose someone you trust who understands the Atlanta real estate market.
Selling FSBO
If you're selling on your own, you’ll be responsible for everything from marketing to closing. Be prepared to:
-
Review neighborhood comps to determine a competitive price
-
Take photos yourself
-
Advertise on digital platforms
-
Host showings
-
Review purchase contracts
-
Connect with a title company or a real estate attorney, since it’s required in Georgia
Selling FSBO can cut out agent fees, but it also means more research, preparation, and paperwork.
Getting your Atlanta house ready to sell
Whether you go with an agent or sell FSBO, preparing your Atlanta property can boost its appeal. Start with the basics:
Clean up the house and get rid of clutter
Remove unneeded items and deep clean bathrooms, kitchens, and floors. A clean space helps buyers imagine themselves living there.
Fix issues
Patch holes, touch up paint, replace broken fixtures, and address visible wear. Even small fixes can add value.
Spruce up the exterior
Mow the lawn, repaint doors, and plant flowers. Buyers notice the outside first.
Arrange furniture strategically
Keep decor open and welcoming so buyers can picture themselves living there. Make sure each room has a purpose.
Get an inspection before listing
Spot potential issues in advance to smooth out the sale.
Depersonalize and deodorize
A fresh-smelling, neutral home helps buyers focus on the space and envision their life there.
Lock away important items
Whether the house is empty or still lived in, it’s best to store valuable items safely during showings.
Understand required disclosures
In Georgia, sellers aren't required to disclose most property defects—but you can’t hide known issues if asked directly. It’s still smart to talk with a real estate attorney about what you should share and how to handle buyer questions honestly and legally.
Different ways to sell in Atlanta
There’s no one right way to sell a house. The best approach depends on your goals and situation. Here are your main options:
A traditional sale with an agent
-
Pros: Visibility to many buyers, guidance from a licensed pro, possibility of a higher sale price
-
Cons: Agent fees, it may take months to sell, staging and cleaning expenses
Selling FSBO
-
Pros: You keep more of the sale price, you set the pace
-
Cons: Requires lots of effort, you manage the details
Selling to an off-market home buyer in Atlanta
-
Pros: Fast, streamlined sale, sell “as is” without staging, skip real estate agent fees
-
Cons: Could receive less than with a traditional sale
Auctioning your home
-
Pros: Defined timeline, offers may exceed expectations
-
Cons: Final sale amount isn't guaranteed, platform or auctioneer charges may apply
How to decide which route to take when selling your Atlanta house
Think about your ideal move-out date, your house’s repair needs, and your willingness to manage the process.
-
Need to move quickly? Off-market buyers and auctions might work best.
-
Home needs work? Traditional buyers may expect updates, while off-market buyers purchase homes “as is.”
-
Want the highest price? Listing on the open market may help—but it can take longer.
-
Need help with forms and contracts? An experienced real estate agent or attorney can guide you.
Skip repairs and sell quickly with We Buy Ugly Houses®
If you’re ready for a quick, no-stress way to sell a house in Atlanta, We Buy Ugly Houses® can help.
We buy houses “as is,” which means no renovations, no repairs, and no staging. We don’t charge commissions, and we cover typical closing costs.† We may even be able to give you an offer the day of the consultation and can sometimes close in as little as 3 weeks.
We Buy Ugly Houses has been buying houses across the U.S. for over 29 years and has earned a 95%* nationwide customer satisfaction rating. Our local property buyers are here and ready to help—whatever your situation. Contact us today to schedule your consultation—no obligation, no pressure.
This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.
