Selling a home is a big decision. It’s also a lot of details: repairs, paperwork, pricing, showings, and timelines. A little preparation makes the whole process smoother and less stressful. Here’s how selling works in the Portland area, step by step.
Step 1: Talk to a broker early
The best time to call a broker is a few months before you want to list, not the week before. Early on, we can talk about your goals, your timeline, and what your home might sell for based on recent sales nearby. We can also decide what’s worth fixing and what isn’t.
When you’re ready to work together, you’ll sign a listing agreement. In Oregon, a listing agreement must include things like its term and expiration date, whether it’s exclusive or nonexclusive, and contact information for the broker’s supervising principal broker. Since January 1, 2025, its total term can’t be longer than 24 months. You’ll also receive Oregon’s Initial Agency Disclosure Pamphlet, which explains what your broker owes you.
Step 2: Know your numbers
Before you set a price, it helps to know what you’ll walk away with. Ask your lender for a mortgage payoff amount, and ask your broker for an estimate of your selling costs. These can include broker compensation, escrow and title fees, and any repairs or credits you agree to.
One local note: if your home is in Washington County, which includes Beaverton, the seller pays a real estate transfer tax. It’s also a good idea to talk with a tax professional about how the sale affects you.
Step 3: Prepare your home
Buyers notice condition. A few simple steps can help your home show well:
- Fix the small things. Leaky faucets, loose handles, and burned-out bulbs add up in a buyer’s mind.
- Declutter and clean. Clear surfaces and open space help buyers picture themselves living there.
- Think about our weather. In a rainy climate, buyers and inspectors look closely at gutters, drainage, the roof, and signs of moisture. Taking care of these early can prevent surprises later.
- Consider a pre-listing inspection. Some sellers choose to inspect before listing so they can fix issues or price with them in mind.
Step 4: Get your required paperwork ready
Oregon and Portland have some requirements sellers should know about:
- Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement. Most Oregon sellers must give this form to buyers who make a written offer. You answer questions about the home based on what you actually know. Some sales are exempt, such as certain court-ordered sales. After a buyer receives the disclosure, they generally have five business days to revoke their offer, unless they waive that right.
- Lead-based paint disclosure. If your home was built before 1978, federal law requires a separate lead-based paint disclosure.
- Portland Home Energy Score. If you’re selling most single-family homes inside the City of Portland, you must get a Home Energy Score and disclose it when you list the home. A licensed assessor does the evaluation.
Your broker can help you gather these documents, but the answers on your disclosure must come from you. If you’re unsure about a legal question, for a binding interpretation, consult a licensed real estate attorney in Oregon.
Step 5: Price and market your home
Pricing is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. A price that’s too high can keep buyers away, while a well-researched price helps your home get attention when it first hits the market. We’ll look at recent sales of similar homes nearby and current market conditions together.
Good marketing usually starts with professional photos and a clear, honest description. From there, your home is listed and shared so buyers and their brokers can find it.
Step 6: Review offers
When offers come in, the price is only one part. You’ll also compare the buyer’s financing, earnest money, contingencies, and timeline. Your broker helps you understand each offer and decide whether to accept, counter, or pass.
Under fair housing laws, your decision should be based on the terms of the offer, not on who the buyer is.
Step 7: Inspection, repairs, and closing
Once you accept an offer, the buyer usually schedules a home inspection. If it finds issues, the buyer may ask for repairs or a credit. You can agree, offer something different, or say no, depending on your contract.
Meanwhile, the buyer’s lender orders an appraisal, and an escrow company manages the money and documents. Before closing, you’ll sign your closing documents. Once the sale is recorded, the home belongs to the buyer.
Common questions from sellers
Do I need a Home Energy Score to sell my home in Portland?
If you’re selling most single-family homes within the City of Portland, yes. You need to get the score and disclose it when you list. Homes outside city limits, like in Beaverton or Lake Oswego, are not covered by Portland’s requirement.
Do I have to fill out a seller’s disclosure in Oregon?
Most sellers do. Oregon requires a Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement for most home sales, with some exemptions. Your answers should reflect what you actually know about the home.
Can I work with a Spanish-speaking broker to sell my home?
Yes. I work with sellers in English and Spanish. You can also read this guide in Spanish: Cómo preparar su casa para vender en Portland, Oregon.
Thinking about selling?
Whether you’re planning to sell next month or next year, I’d be glad to help you make a plan that fits your timeline and goals. Reach me at Javier@JavierPDX.com or 503.343.5561, or visit my contact page. If you’re buying your next home at the same time, my buyer’s guide walks through that side too.
Javier Puga-Phillips is a real estate broker with Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s International Realty in Portland, Oregon, and Vice Chair of Pride Connect, a Sotheby’s International Realty affinity group for LGBTQIA+ advisors and allies. He serves buyers and sellers in Portland, Beaverton, and Lake Oswego, in English and Spanish.
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