Maybe you’re changing neighborhoods. Maybe you just inherited a fixer-upper and aren’t sure what to do with it. Whatever the reason, if you’re thinking about selling a house in Minneapolis, it helps to have a clear plan.
This home-selling checklist walks you through what to expect when hiring an agent, how to handle a sale on your own, 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.
Listing your home with a real estate expert
A traditional home sale often starts by finding the right agent. Here’s what to expect:
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Choose your agent carefully. Look for someone with local experience and a strong reputation in the Minneapolis area. Ask for references and review their past sales before signing a contract.
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Understand your agreement. Before moving forward with a real estate agent, review the terms of service. Most listing agreements last between 3 and 6 months, and commission fees vary by state.
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Team up to sell your home. Most agents will help you:
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Determine a strong listing price
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Advertise your property on the MLS
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Coordinate promotional efforts, including showings and photography
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Manage buyer requests and handle contingencies
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Working with an agent adds professional support but also involves fees and may take longer than other options.
Going ‘for sale by owner’
If you're selling on your own, you’ll be responsible for everything from marketing to closing. Be prepared to:
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Review neighborhood comps to set a competitive price
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Create a compelling listing with quality photos
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Advertise on digital platforms and use signage
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Host showings and respond to buyer inquiries
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Negotiate offers and review purchase contracts
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Work with a title company or attorney to complete the sale
Selling FSBO can cut out agent fees, but it also means more time, effort, and responsibility.
Prepping your home for the market
Whether you go with an agent or sell FSBO, preparing your property can help you attract more buyers.
Clean up the house and get rid of clutter.
Remove unneeded items, clean every room, and focus on kitchens, bathrooms, and floors. A clean space feels more welcoming to potential buyers.
Handle repairs.
Patch holes, tighten loose handles, and repair leaks. Minor fixes can go a long way in making a good first impression.
Spruce up the exterior.
Trim shrubs, power-wash walkways, and add fresh mulch. Curb appeal can make a big difference in Minneapolis’ competitive market.
Arrange furniture strategically.
Keep decor simple and open to highlight each room’s best features.
Get an inspection before listing.
Address potential issues before negotiations to avoid surprises during closing.
Neutralize the space.
Depersonalize rooms to create a blank slate that buyers can imagine making their own.
Store valuables securely.
Whether the house is vacant or still occupied, keep valuables out of sight during showings.
Know required disclosures.
In Minnesota, sellers must disclose known issues like roof leaks, mold, or electrical problems.
Different ways to sell in Minneapolis
There’s no one right way to sell a house. Here are your main options:
Listing with a real estate agent
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Pros: Visibility to many buyers, expert guidance, potential for a higher sale price.
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Cons: Commission costs, longer sale timeline, upfront prep expenses.
Selling FSBO
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Pros: You keep more of the sale price, full control over the process.
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Cons: Time-consuming, you handle everything.
Selling to an off-market home buyer in Minneapolis
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Pros: Quick, streamlined sale; no repairs or showings needed; no agent commissions.
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Cons: Offer may be under market value.
Auctioning your home
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Pros: Defined timeline, potential for competitive bidding.
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Cons: Unpredictable final sale amount, auction fees apply.
How to decide which route to take when selling your house
Consider your timeline, your home’s condition, and your willingness to manage the sale process.
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Need to move quickly? Off-market buyers and auctions may be your best options.
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Home needs work? Traditional buyers may expect repairs, while direct buyers can purchase “as is.”
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Looking for top dollar? Listing on the open market may attract higher offers but can take longer.
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Worried about paperwork? An experienced agent or attorney can guide you through contracts and disclosures.
Avoid the hassle—sell “as is” with We Buy Ugly Houses® in Minneapolis
If you’re in need of a quick, hassle-free way to sell a house in Minneapolis, We Buy Ugly Houses® can help.
We buy houses “as is,” which means no cleaning, no updates, and no showings. We don’t charge commissions, and we cover typical closing costs.†
We may even be able to make an offer the same day we visit 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 in Minneapolis are ready to help. Reach out today to get started—no obligation, no pressure.
This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.
