Updated November 2026
If you are thinking about selling this year, you probably have a lot of questions. What is my house worth? What should I fix? How long will it take? Here is how the process usually goes when you sell your home with me in Sioux Falls and the Sioux Empire, without the hype.
1. The First Conversation and Walkthrough
We start by talking about your goals and timing. Are you buying another home here, relocating, or downsizing? Your timeline shapes everything else.
Then I walk through your home. I am looking at condition, updates, layout, and anything a buyer or inspector is likely to notice. I first studied architectural engineering before real estate, so I tend to look closely at how a house is put together, not just the finishes.
2. Pricing Based on Real Comparable Sales
Pricing is the most important decision you will make. I prepare a market analysis using recent comparable sales, active competition, and homes that are pending in your area and price range. We look at what buyers have actually paid, not what someone hopes to get.
A home priced right from day one usually gets the most attention in its first couple of weeks on the market. A home priced too high can sit, and buyers notice.
For a deeper look at pricing strategy, see my guide to pricing high or pricing to sell in Sioux Falls.
3. Preparing Your Home
You do not need to remodel. Most of the value comes from simple, practical steps:
Declutter and depersonalize so buyers can picture themselves there
Deep clean, including windows and carpets
Handle small repairs like dripping faucets, loose handles and burned-out bulbs
Touch up paint where it is scuffed
Tidy up the yard and front entry
If there are bigger items, like an aging roof or a furnace near the end of its life, we will talk honestly about whether to fix, disclose and price accordingly, or offer a credit.
4. The Property Disclosure
South Dakota requires sellers of residential property to provide a written property condition disclosure statement to buyers. The form asks about things like the roof, water intrusion, mechanical systems and other known conditions. Fill it out honestly and completely. If you are unsure about a question, ask. For legal questions, please talk with a real estate attorney.
5. Photos, Marketing and Listing Week
Once the house is ready, we schedule professional photos and, when it fits the home, video. I write the listing description, set up the MLS listing, and plan showings. The first week tends to be the busiest, so plan for a clean house and flexible schedule.
6. Showings and Feedback
Buyers and their agents will tour your home. I share feedback with you so we can adjust if needed. If showings are steady but offers are not coming, that usually tells us something about price or presentation, and we will discuss it.
7. Reviewing Offers
When an offer comes in, I go over every part of it with you, not just the price:
Financing type and pre-approval
Earnest money
Inspection and appraisal contingencies
Closing date and possession
Any requests for items or concessions
Sometimes the highest number is not the strongest offer. We weigh certainty and terms too.
8. Inspection and Negotiation
Most buyers will have the home inspected. It is normal for the report to list items. We will decide together which requests are reasonable, whether to repair, offer a credit, or decline. My goal is to keep the deal together while protecting your bottom line.
9. Appraisal and Closing
If the buyer is financing, their lender orders an appraisal. After that, the title company coordinates the closing paperwork. On closing day you sign, the funds transfer, and the keys go to the new owner.
How Long Does It Take?
It depends on price, condition, location and the time of year. I would rather show you current numbers for homes like yours than give a blanket answer. During your market analysis, I will pull recent days on market for comparable homes so you have a realistic picture.
Thinking About Selling?
If you would like to know what your home might sell for, start with my selling page or request a free market analysis. If your home is in a higher price range, see how I market luxury homes.
Call or text me at 605.999.3522 or email tyler@amystockberger.com. I will walk you through what to expect for your home and your timeline.
Tyler Stunes, Amy Stockberger Real Estate. This post is general information, not legal or tax advice. Please consult an attorney or tax professional for your situation.
Sources
South Dakota Codified Laws, Chapter 43-4 (seller property condition disclosure): https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/43-4
South Dakota Real Estate Commission: https://dlr.sd.gov/realestate/