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ownFSBO

Printable toolkit

Checklists & templates

Five printable worksheets for the parts of the sale where a blank page is the enemy. Print just the ones you need — each checklist starts on its own page.

Pre-listing checklist

Everything to do in the two weeks before going live.

  • Pull 3 sold comps within 0.5 mi, 90 days, ±10% sqft
  • Adjust comps for bed/bath, condition, lot
  • Pick a price that ends in $X,900
  • Declutter every surface — aim for 50% empty
  • Deep clean (floors, grout, windows inside and out)
  • Paint any yellowed walls ceiling-white or warm off-white
  • Replace burned-out bulbs, match color temperature room to room
  • Take 10 photos on a cloudy-bright day (hero, kitchen, living, beds, baths, yard)
  • Draft a 150–250 word listing description — lead with the best feature
  • Order a yard sign and rider with your phone number
  • Decide on flat-fee MLS ($100–$400) or FSBO sites only
  • Set up a call-screening number or Google Voice line

Showing-day checklist

Lights, scents, what to hide, what to leave out.

  • All lights on — every lamp, every closet, every range hood
  • Temperature 68–72°F regardless of season
  • Fresh coffee or citrus on the counter (nothing floral)
  • Pets off-site, bowls and crates hidden
  • All valuables, medication, and mail locked away
  • Blinds up, curtains open, interior doors open
  • Counters cleared to two items max per surface
  • Print 3 copies of the listing sheet at the entry
  • Have a signed Buyer Pre-Qualification or proof of funds on file
  • Never show alone — buddy, neighbor, or open house only
  • After each showing: log who came and their feedback in a notebook

Offer comparison worksheet

Fillable columns: price, financing, contingencies, close date, earnest money, net-to-seller.

  • Buyer name: ______________________
  • Offer price: $____________________
  • Financing type (cash / conventional / FHA / VA): ______
  • Pre-approval attached? ___ Lender: ______________________
  • Earnest money amount: $____________________
  • Inspection contingency days: ______
  • Financing contingency days: ______
  • Appraisal contingency (yes / no / waived): ______
  • Seller concessions requested: $____________________
  • Requested close date: ______________________
  • Net-to-seller (price − concessions − payoff − closing): $____________________
  • Notes / red flags: ______________________

Counter-offer template

A clean paragraph you can copy, paste, and fill in.

  • Thanks for your offer on [address].
  • We've reviewed it carefully and would like to counter at the following terms:
  • Price: $__________
  • Close date: __________
  • Earnest money: $__________
  • Inspection contingency: __________ days
  • Seller concessions: $__________
  • All other terms of your original offer remain unchanged.
  • This counter is open until [date, time, time zone].
  • If it works, reply with a signed copy of this counter and we'll move to escrow.
  • Thanks again — we think this home is a great fit.
  • — [Your name]

Closing-week timeline

Day-by-day tasks for the final 7 days before keys transfer.

  • Day 7 — Confirm buyer's loan is cleared to close; email the lender for written confirmation
  • Day 7 — Finalize all disclosures and send to escrow / attorney
  • Day 6 — Schedule movers and utility transfers (electric, gas, water, internet)
  • Day 5 — Cancel homeowner's insurance effective the close date (not before)
  • Day 4 — Gather all keys, garage remotes, mailbox keys, gate fobs, appliance manuals
  • Day 3 — Request closing disclosure or settlement statement; verify net-to-seller
  • Day 2 — Final walkthrough with the buyer; repair any broken items promised in inspection
  • Day 1 — Confirm wire instructions directly with escrow or attorney by phone
  • Day 1 — Sign closing documents (in-person or remote)
  • Day 0 — Hand over keys once the title records and funds are confirmed received