Define what the sale must accomplish

Write down why you are selling, when you need access to proceeds, and where you will live next. Separate a preferred timeline from an immovable commitment. If a replacement purchase depends on the sale, identify that dependency now rather than after accepting an attractive offer with an inconvenient possession date.

Set a decision range for proceeds and uncertainty, not just a desired price. Carrying costs, preparation, concessions, and moving can change how much money remains. An early estimate is useful when its assumptions are visible and it can be updated as facts improve.

  • Identify fixed dates and flexible dates.
  • Set a minimum workable proceeds scenario.
  • Price a delayed-move alternative.

Establish authority and assemble records

Identify the owners and anyone whose authority is needed for the transfer. If ownership involves an estate, trust, divorce, or other shared interest, obtain appropriately scoped legal and title review before assuming everyone can sign. Living in the home or managing its bills does not by itself settle transfer authority.

Collect property identifiers, tax records, relevant association information, work records, and disclosures. Keep private financial documents out of public marketing. Organize the property evidence so reviewers can find a current record instead of working from a seller's recollection.

  • Match the address and property identifiers.
  • Confirm who can approve and sign.
  • Flag missing or conflicting records.

Agree services and spending before work begins

Read the listing agreement and proposed service scope. Clarify duration, compensation, expenses, cancellation terms, and any obligations that survive the agreement's end. Compensation is negotiable; no standard percentage is assumed in this guide. Ask who authorizes marketing, price changes, and preparation expenses.

Build a preparation budget around issues that affect condition, buyer understanding, or presentation. Major improvements need a specific reason and cost assessment. The preparation guide covers that choice in detail; an unverified hope of a higher price is not a budget justification.

  • Request a written scope and payment explanation.
  • Approve spending against a limit.
  • Identify the marketing decision maker.

Choose the launch date after checking readiness

A property is ready when its agreed preparation, records, access, and decision process are workable. Coordinate photos, showing availability, occupant needs, and the move plan before selecting a public start date. Do not describe a planned task as completed or use the launch to obscure unresolved condition information.

Set review points for price evidence, showing response, and changes in your circumstances. A plan should allow a deliberate adjustment rather than a rushed response to one comment or an arbitrary number of days on the market.

  • Confirm preparation and record status.
  • Plan privacy and access for showings.
  • Set evidence-based review dates.

Questions and answers

Start with these

What should I do first when planning to sell?

Define the outcome, timing constraints, replacement-housing plan, and a workable proceeds range.

Read the full explanation

Planning guidance

Sources

How can I estimate whether selling supports my next move?

Request a proceeds worksheet using realistic sale scenarios and actual payoff and expense information where available.

Read the full explanation

Planning guidance

Sources

More questions in this guide

What should I review in a listing agreement?

Read the service scope, duration, compensation, expenses, cancellation process, and any continuing obligations. Ask who authorizes marketing, price changes, and additional spending, and request a concrete explanation of payment under different outcomes. Do not assume a standard commission or automatic cancellation right. Keep the final agreement and amendments together so operational decisions reflect the terms you actually accepted.

Planning guidance

How do I know the home is ready to launch?

Confirm agreed preparation is complete, marketing facts are supported, relevant records are organized, and access can be managed. Identify any unresolved condition or authority question rather than treating the listing date as a reason to ignore it. Coordinate photos and showings with occupants and the move plan. Readiness means the transaction can be explained and operated consistently, not that every feature is new.

Planning guidance

Sources

How can I plan showings while living in the home?

Agree available times, notice expectations, access procedures, pet arrangements, and a place for private documents and valuables. Keep the plan realistic for work, caregiving, and other household needs. Ask how changes will be communicated and avoid promises you cannot maintain. A workable schedule supports reliable access without requiring public disclosure of occupants' routines or unsupported assurances about security.

Planning guidance

When should I review the sale plan?

Review it when new price evidence, consistent showing feedback, contract terms, carrying costs, or household circumstances change a material assumption. Set scheduled checkpoints as well, but avoid reacting to one comment in isolation. Separate problems with exposure, access, presentation, and price so the response addresses the likely cause. Record the reason and expected consequence of a change before implementing it.

Planning guidance

Sources and effective dates

Read the original guidance and use the version applicable to your property and transaction. Practical planning suggestions are distinguished from legal or program requirements.

  • Illinois Residential Real Property Disclosure Act

    Covers residential real property improved with one to four dwelling units, units in residential cooperatives, and condominium units. Section 15 lists exempt transfers, including transfers pursuant to court order such as probate-court transfers in the administration of an estate (15(1)), transfers by a fiduciary in the course of the administration of a decedent's estate, guardianship, conservatorship, or trust (15(3)), and transfers from a decedent pursuant to testate disposition, intestate succession, or a transfer on death instrument (15(5)). Under Section 5, "seller" does not include a beneficiary who has both never occupied the residential real property and never had management responsibility for it. Section 30 requires a written supplement if, before closing, the seller becomes aware of an error, inaccuracy or omission in a prior report. Check scope and exemptions with an Illinois attorney; do not assume every transfer uses the same disclosure.

    Source checked · Illinois
  • Cook County Treasurer: Property taxes

    Use the property's PIN, actual bill and applicable tax year. Seller bills do not establish the buyer's future liability.

    Source checked · Cook County, Illinois
  • Chicago: Full Payment Certificate guidance

    Confirm current application, account clearance and transfer requirements with the City and closing professionals; no fee or processing time is assumed.

    Source checked · Chicago, Illinois
  • IRS Topic 701: Sale of your home

    Federal tax treatment depends on ownership, use, gain and other facts. Obtain individual tax advice and use the current tax-year instructions.

    Source checked · United States
  • Chicago: Building permit records

    Dataset covers issued permits from 2006 and excludes voided or revoked permits. A permit record alone does not prove completion or compliance.

    Source checked · Chicago, Illinois