Preparing your home before putting it on the market is very essential if you are looking into maximizing your sale price. 

The first step to ensure this is to immediately connect with a real estate agent. A real estate’s expertise is a great help in catching the buyer’s attention. In addition to this, an early start in the preparation process will give you time to boost your home’s appeal by tackling upgrades and repairs needed before putting your home on the market. 

We have compiled a checklist below to guide you on what you should do leading up to the listing of your home. Although there is no one size fits all process, this checklist will be helpful to make sure your home is ready for sale, come listing time. If you still need further assistance after going through this list we’d be more than happy to walk you through a customized plan that fits you. 

 

DECISION TO SELL

Whether you are someone who wants to plan your future move or is ready to pack up on short notice, these initial steps will keep you ahead of the listing game. 

Get In Touch With Your Real Estate Agent

We make sure to provide service beyond expectation when it comes to our client's needs. We have a series of complimentary, pre-listing consultations to advise you on how to best prepare your home for the market.

Delaying this step and waiting for your home to be ready for listing can be a big mistake. In our years of experience, we have observed that the earlier we are brought into the process, the faster the sale. This also benefits you financially as it will mean more money for you after closing.

As real estate agents, we have the connection and expertise to devise a plan to boost your property’s appeal. We not only provide VIP treatment but moreover, we can help alleviate stress in the preparation leading up to the listing.

Address Necessary Repairs and Upgrades

With our experience, we can give you insights into your home’s condition. There are instances where we may suggest a pre-listing inspection. A pre-listing inspection may not be that common in a seller’s market but it can help you avoid any surprises along the process of listing your home. 

During our discussion of the pros and cons of selling your home, we can list structural, systems or cosmetics issues that could hurt the sale of your home in the future. We can identify problems that can make the home unsafe which can be flagged on an inspection report. In some cases, the home’s design feature is also a factor for the sales potential.

Repairs and renovations will take time, so it’s best to start them right away. With this, our knowledge will help you identify which updates are worth your time and investment.

 

PRE-LISTING (A MONTH OR MORE) 

After addressing major repair issues, it’s now time to check on what needs minor updating which can still influence a buyer’s perspective in purchasing your home.

Make Minor Repairs

Look for any unaddressed maintenance or repair issues, such as water spots, pest activity, and rotten siding. This is the time to take care of those small annoyances like squeaky hinges, sticking doors, and leaky faucets, too.

Most of these minor repairs can be addressed going the DIY route, using a few simple tools. Whatever you can’t handle on your own, be sure to call a professional and we can recommend some reliable local service providers to assist you. 

These minor issues are often not noticed by homeowners since you’ve been living with them but when you work with us we can give you a fresh perspective so you don’t miss any important repairs that need to be done. 

Redesign

Paint and landscaping are two upgrades that are worth your investment. They spruce up your home and increase the value of your home.

Another easy redesigning thing to do is to reposition your furniture, you can DIY the staging or we can refer a local stager to you.

Declutter and Depersonalize

The key to decluttering is doing it daily rather than doing it all at once nearing listing. The best route to take is to do it one room at a time. Aside from this, you can start discarding or donating some items that you no longer need. This way it will also make moving easier for you.

1 WEEK BEFORE LISTING

This last week before your home is available for sale is crucial. Focus on the small details and key areas.

Check-In With Your Agent

We’ll finalize the listing price, marketing plan, and the remaining preparations that are for discussion. We will help you each step of the way to make sure you maximize the sale of your home.

Tidy Your Exterior

It’s time to focus on your home’s exterior! Mow the lawn, trim the hedges and make sure flower beds are weeded. Additionally, power wash your siding, wash all windows and screens and empty the gutters.

Deep Clean Your Interior

Your interior should match the tidiness of your exterior. Make sure to deodorize and steam clean all carpets. For this the DIY route might not be the best idea, consider hiring a professional cleaning company to make sure every space smells and looks fresh.

We also recommend tidying up your closets, pantries, and cabinets. Some buyers check on this to see if they’re all neat and organized. 

SHOWING DAY

It’s an open house at last! But before showing your house here are some finishing touches that will surely impress potential buyers.

Pre-Showing Prep

Make the buyers feel at home by ensuring the thermostat is set to a comfortable temperature. Lighting also plays a part so open all curtains and blinds and turn on all lights so potential buyers can see the beauty of your home.

Tidy up the floor, empty or hide trash cans and wipe clean all countertops. Make the bathroom presentable by closing toilet lids and hanging clean hand towels.

You also need to secure jewelry, sensitive documents, prescription medications, and any other items of value in a safe or store them off-site.

Lastly, it’s best to have pets out of the house during showings. If possible, you should also remove evidence of pets (litter boxes, dog beds, etc.), some buyers are turned off by this.

Remember, when potential buyers are happy and comfortable they will likely submit offers right away. 

 

PREPARE YOUR HOME BEFORE SELLING

Preparation is the key to selling your home. Keeping it in top condition will attract potential buyers.

Give us a call if you think of selling your home, even if you are still unsure when. Nothing beats being prepared and no one can help you more than us!