How do I protect myself when selling my home?
John Johnson
Updated on March 12, 2026
How To Protect Yourself When Selling Your Home
- Be completely honest on your seller disclosure.
- Put everything in writing.
- Only allow preapproved buyers to see your home.
- Clear away personal and valuable items.
- Remove dogs or other pets during showings.
- Provide a home warranty for your buyer.
Do you make a profit when you sell your house?
When you sell your home, you may have to pay both property taxes and capital gains taxes. You can write off up to $250,000 in profit on the sale ($500,000 for married filing jointly) if you meet three tests: You’ve owned the property for at least two years.
Do you have to sell your house as is?
Selling a house “as is” does not relieve you from disclosing known defects once you have an offer; in fact, you are legally required to do so. The term “known” is key in this instance. If you inherited a property, you may not know about the general state of the home and, therefore,…
What’s the best way to sell your house in a seller’s market?
Even in a seller’s market, Lejeune generally recommends that sellers list their house at market value. “You have to forget the noise, especially if you’re looking to sell in a reasonable period of time,” he says. “For most sellers, it’s always the best strategy, regardless of the status of the market.”
Who is the best person to sell your house to?
Successful wholesalers usually have a large list of buyers lined up beforehand and use direct marketing to identify inactive or off-market homes they can buy inexpensively. Individuals or companies who buy houses, renovate them, and then sell them at a higher price are called home flippers.
Can a stranger sell your house for less than its FMV?
If you sell your house to a perfect stranger for less than its FMV, then you can take a loss. It was a bad sale, but the IRS doesn’t care because it’s an arms-length deal. But if you try to sell your house to a relative, aka your child, for less than its FMV, the IRS considers this a gift, and won’t simply let you take a loss on the sale.
