My Step-by-Step Process for Listing a Home in DeSoto County, MS

DeSoto County MS Real EstateSelling Your Home

Mar 11

Selling a home is a big decision. You’re not just moving; you’re dealing with one of your biggest financial assets. The last thing you need is a mystery process where you’re constantly wondering, “What happens next?”

Here’s my step-by-step process for listing and selling homes in DeSoto County, MS — from Hernando to Southaven, Olive Branch, Nesbit, and surrounding communities — so you know exactly what to expect.

Step 1: Initial Consultation and Property Walkthrough

We start with a relaxed, no-pressure meeting at your home.

During this visit, I will:

Walk through the property with you
Ask about updates, improvements, and the age of major systems
Listen to your timeline, goals, and concerns
Point out anything that could positively or negatively impact your sale

You’ll get honest feedback so you can decide if now is the right time to sell and what we need to do to get you ready.

Step 2: Market Analysis and Pricing Strategy

Next, I prepare a comparative market analysis (CMA) using real data from DeSoto County.

This includes:

Recent sales of similar homes in your area
Active listings that will be your competition
Days on market and pricing trends
Seasonal factors that may affect buyer activity

We’ll review different pricing strategies, such as:

Pricing at market value to attract strong early activity
Pricing slightly under to encourage multiple offers
Pricing slightly over with a clear plan for adjustments if needed

You’ll see the numbers, and we’ll choose a strategy together based on your priorities.

Step 3: Preparation Plan and Staging Guidance

Before photos and showings, we create a practical prep plan.

This can include:

Decluttering and depersonalizing so rooms feel open and inviting
Minor repairs or touchups that give buyers confidence
Simple staging or furniture adjustments for better flow
Curb appeal improvements like fresh mulch, trimmed bushes, or a cleaned-up entry

You’ll get a clear checklist so you know exactly what to focus on — and just as important, what not to waste money on.

Step 4: Professional Photography and Media

Online is where most buyers will see your home first, so presentation matters.

For most listings in DeSoto County, I arrange:

Professional interior and exterior photography
Detail shots that highlight your home’s best features
Drone photos when appropriate
Floorplans and/or a 3D tour for properties where layout is a major selling point

These assets are what buyers see on the MLS, major real estate websites, and social media — so we make them count.

Step 5: Crafting the Listing and Going Live

Once your home is prepped and photos are ready, we build a strong listing.

This includes:

Writing a clear, compelling listing description
Highlighting features that matter most to buyers in DeSoto County
Verifying square footage, lot size, and key details
Confirming showing instructions and any special notes

After you approve the details, we:

Go live in the MLS
Syndicate your listing to major real estate websites
Feature it on my website and social media
Notify local agents who may have buyers looking in your price range and area

The first 7–10 days on the market are crucial, and we treat that launch window very strategically.

Step 6: Showings, Feedback, and Strategy Adjustments

Once your listing is live, the focus shifts to showings and feedback.

During this phase, I:

Coordinate showings with buyers’ agents
Gather feedback from each showing when possible
Track activity compared to expectations and the broader DeSoto County market
Keep you updated on what we’re hearing and seeing

If we’re not getting the level of activity or interest we expect, we’ll talk through options — from minor adjustments to more meaningful changes in price or presentation.

Step 7: Reviewing Offers and Negotiating

When offers come in, we break them down in plain language.

We’ll review:

Offer price
Requested closing date
Financing type and down payment
Contingencies (inspection, appraisal, sale of buyer’s home, etc.)
Any seller-paid closing costs or repair requests

It’s not always about the highest offer — it’s about the best combination of price, terms, and likelihood of closing. I’ll give you my professional recommendation, but the decision is always yours.

Then we respond strategically:

Accept
Counter
Or decline and wait for a stronger offer

Step 8: Under Contract to Closing

Once your home is under contract, there’s still a lot happening behind the scenes. My job is to manage those moving parts so you don’t have to.

I’ll help:

Coordinate inspections and any necessary access
Navigate repair requests or concessions
Monitor the appraisal process
Communicate with the buyer’s agent, lender, and title company
Keep you updated on key dates and deadlines

You’ll know where things stand and what’s coming next, instead of constantly wondering.

Step 9: Closing Day and What Happens After

On closing day:

You’ll sign the final documents
The buyer’s lender funds the loan (when applicable)
The title company records the transfer

Once everything is complete, the sale is officially closed.

My goal is for closing day to feel like a celebration — not a stress test. And even after closing, I remain a resource for you if you have questions, need referrals, or start planning your next move in or out of DeSoto County.

Ready to Talk About Listing Your Home in DeSoto County?

If you’re thinking about selling in Hernando, Southaven, Olive Branch, Nesbit, or anywhere in DeSoto County, I’d be happy to walk through this process with you in more detail and see if we’re a good fit.

I’m Lori Philley, a REALTOR® based in Hernando, MS. I combine local market data, strong marketing, and a clear, step-by-step system to help my clients sell with confidence.