Maybe you’re changing neighborhoods. Maybe you just inherited a home that needs work and aren’t sure what to do with it. Whatever the reason, if you’re thinking about selling a house in St. Louis, it helps to have a clear plan.
This home-selling checklist walks you through what to expect when hiring an agent, how to sell without an agent, steps to get your property ready for market, and why skipping the open market with 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 partnering with the right agent. You’ll likely go through the following process:
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Hire your agent carefully. Look for someone with local experience and knowledge of the St. Louis area. You can ask for references before signing a contract.
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Understand your agreement. Before moving forward with a real estate agent, review the listing contract. Most listing agreements last 90 to 180 days, and agent fees can vary.
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Team up to sell your home. Most agents will help you:
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Post the listing publicly
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Coordinate promotional efforts
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Handle contingencies and closing steps
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Price the home strategically
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Working with an agent means you're not going it alone, but it also involves fees and may take longer than other options. Choose someone you trust who understands the St. Louis real estate market.
Going ‘for sale by owner’
If you're handling things yourself, you’ll be responsible for everything from pricing to closing. Be prepared to:
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Review neighborhood comps to choose a competitive price
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Hire a photographer
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Advertise on digital platforms
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Host showings
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Review purchase contracts
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Work with a title company to close on your house
Selling FSBO can cut out agent fees, but it also means more research, preparation, and paperwork.
Making your property buyer-ready
Whether you go with an agent or sell FSBO, getting your home ready makes a difference. Start with the basics:
Clean up the house and get rid of clutter
Remove personal belongings and deep clean bathrooms, kitchens, and floors. A clean space helps buyers imagine themselves living there.
Fix issues
Patch holes, touch up paint, repair leaks, and clean stained carpets. Even small fixes can improve first impressions.
Spruce up the exterior
Trim shrubs, repaint doors, and plant flowers. Buyers notice the outside first.
Highlight your home’s best features
Keep decor open and welcoming so buyers can picture themselves living there. Make sure each room has a purpose and flows well.
Look for red flags early
Spot potential issues in advance to smooth out the sale. It might help ensure a less complicated process.
Neutralize the space
A fresh-smelling, neutral home helps buyers focus on the space. Let them envision their life there.
Lock away important items
Whether the house is vacant or still occupied, it’s best to store valuable items safely during showings.
Understand required disclosures
Depending on your state, you may be required to disclose things like mold, pest damage, or electrical problems. Check local regulations to stay compliant.
Different ways to sell in St. Louis
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
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Pros: More eyes on your listing, guidance from a licensed pro, possibility of a higher sale price
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Cons: Agent fees, extended time on the market, upfront investment in improvements
Selling FSBO
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Pros: Save on commissions, make decisions your way
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Cons: You’ll manage everything, including all the details
Selling to an off-market home buyer in St. Louis
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Pros: Fast, streamlined sale, no open houses required, skip real estate agent fees
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Cons: Lower sale price is possible
Auctioning your home
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Pros: Defined timeline, offers may exceed expectations
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Cons: No guaranteed value, platform or auctioneer charges may apply
How to decide which route to take when selling your house
Think about your ideal move-out date, your house’s repair needs, and your availability to spend time on selling.
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Want to sell ASAP? Off-market buyers and auctions might work best.
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Home needs work? Traditional buyers may expect updates, while off-market buyers purchase homes “as is.”
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Want the highest price? Listing on the open market may help, but can take longer.
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Need help with forms and contracts? An experienced real estate agent or attorney can guide you.
Avoid the hassle—sell “as is” with We Buy Ugly Houses®
If you’re ready for a quick, no-stress way to sell a house in St. Louis, We Buy Ugly Houses® can help.
We buy houses “as is,” which means no cleaning, 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 is. Get in touch today to schedule your consultation with no obligation, no pressure.
This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.
