Your Complete Guide to Selling a Home in the Driftless Region

Selling your home is more than a financial decision — it’s a life transition. Whether you’re downsizing, moving closer to family, or upgrading to your dream property, the process can feel overwhelming. That’s why having the right Realtor by your side matters.

Julie Delap, Realtor with @properties La Crosse, has created a step-by-step Seller’s Guide to help homeowners across Wisconsin and Minnesota navigate the journey with clarity and confidence. From pricing your property right to celebrating at the closing table, Julie ensures you’ll have a trusted partner guiding you at every stage.

In this post, we’ll walk through the 8 essential steps to selling your home successfully — all tailored to the Driftless Region housing market.

Step 1: Define Your Why

Before you put a “For Sale” sign in the yard, take time to understand your motivation. Are you selling because of a job relocation, lifestyle change, or financial goals? Defining your “why” sets the tone for your selling strategy and helps Julie create a customized approach that fits your timeline and priorities.

Read our blog post about the reasons people sell their homes here.

Step 2: Set the Right Price

Pricing your home correctly is the single most important factor in attracting buyers. Julie uses a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), local trends in La Crosse, Onalaska, and surrounding counties, and the unique features of your property to recommend a competitive price. The right pricing strategy can lead to more showings, stronger offers, and faster results.

To read up on the best strategy for pricing your home, read our blog post here on pricing strategy.

Step 3: Make Your Home Shine

First impressions matter. Staging, decluttering, and professional cleaning can help highlight your home’s best features. Julie can connect you with trusted local contractors and stagers who know how to maximize appeal. Small updates — like fresh paint, new lighting, or landscaping — can make a big difference in how buyers perceive value.

For tips and strategies for decluttering and staging a home, read our blog post here!

Step 4: Craft Your Home’s Story

Every home has a story. Julie showcases that story with professional photography, engaging descriptions, and sometimes video tours. These marketing assets are designed to highlight what makes your home unique, whether it’s a charming Driftless bluff view, a modern kitchen, or a cozy backyard patio.

For more information on the Marketing Strategy Julie uses to help position homes in front of the target market at the right time, click here!

Step 5: Your Home Hits the Market

This is where strategy meets exposure. Julie launches a comprehensive marketing campaign that includes:

• Multiple Listing Services in Wisconsin and Minnesota

• Major real estate websites like Zillow and Realtor.com

• Social media advertising and Adwerx campaigns

• Julie’s personal and professional network

With maximum visibility, your home reaches the right buyers quickly and effectively.

We wrote a great article on the process from when your home hits the market until you receive an offer, or offers, check it out here.

Step 6: Choosing the Right Offer

Not all offers are created equal. Julie helps you weigh more than just the purchase price. She reviews contingencies, financing terms, closing timelines, and overall buyer strength to make sure you select the offer that aligns with your goals. With her negotiation experience, you’ll feel confident that you’re making the best decision for your situation.

For more detailed information on what to do after you've received an offer on your home, read this blog post!

Step 7: Navigating the Final Steps

After you’ve accepted an offer, the process moves into inspections, appraisals, and final negotiations. This stage can be stressful, but Julie’s proactive communication ensures you stay informed and ahead of potential issues. She coordinates with lenders, attorneys, inspectors, and the buyer’s agent to keep everything on track.

Here is a helpful article explaining the process from Offer Acceptance to Closing.

Step 8: Celebrate the Finish Line

Closing day is both an ending and a beginning. After signing the final paperwork and handing over the keys, you’ll move forward with peace of mind knowing you had a smooth, well-managed transaction. Julie celebrates this milestone with you and helps you transition into the next chapter of your life.

For more information on what to expect at the closing table, check out this blog post here!

Why Work with Julie Delap?

Julie isn’t just a Realtor — she’s a trusted advisor, negotiator, and resource. With a deep connection to the Driftless Region and a passion for helping clients through life transitions, she blends professional expertise with a personal touch. Sellers appreciate her exceptional communication, tailored strategies, and dedication to achieving top results.

Selling your home in the La Crosse area doesn’t have to be stressful. By following Julie Delap’s 8-Step Seller’s Guide, you’ll gain clarity, confidence, and a clear path to the closing table. If you’re thinking about selling, connect with Julie today to schedule a personalized consultation and start your journey toward success.

Ready to get started selling your home?  Contact Julie Delap, @properties La Crosse here!

For more information on selling your home in our area, check out our Sellers Guide Page.