12 Things to Do Before Selling Your House: Home Selling Checklist

Selling your home is an exciting journey, but making sure it’s ready to hit the market is key to a successful sale. The first impression your home makes when listed is crucial. Whether you aim to sell quickly or get the highest price, preparing your home properly will make all the difference. Waiting until after your home is listed to make improvements can result in missed opportunities. Take time now to prepare and ensure your home stands out.

Here are 12 essential tips to help you get your home ready to sell:

1. Find a Great Real Estate Agent

While it might be tempting to sell your home on your own, working with an experienced real estate agent gives you a major advantage. An agent can help with:

• Negotiating offers

• Preparing and reviewing contracts

• Managing buyer inquiries

• Coordinating with other agents and service providers

Their expertise ensures a smooth process from start to finish, so you can focus on getting your home in top shape.

2. Improve Your Curb Appeal

First impressions matter! Buyers often form an opinion about your home’s value before they even step inside. Enhance your curb appeal with these tips:

• Prune bushes and plants for a neat, healthy look

• Keep shrubs from blocking windows and walkways

• Remove weeds and dead plants

• Add flowers or colorful plants for a welcoming touch

If you're unsure what works best in your area, consult with your agent or ask neighbors for ideas.

3. Declutter Living Areas

Buyers need to envision themselves in your home, and clutter can make this difficult. Here’s how to declutter:

• Clear off counters, windowsills, tables, and shelves

• Organize closets, drawers, and cupboards

• Donate, sell, or store excess items off-site

Less clutter makes rooms feel larger and more inviting, while also making your eventual move easier!

4. Depersonalize Your Home

Create a blank canvas for potential buyers by removing personal items like family photos, bold artwork, and unique furniture. This allows buyers to imagine their own life in the home, without distractions.

5. Repaint Walls with Neutral Colors

Neutral tones appeal to a wide range of buyers. Freshly painted walls in light colors will make rooms feel larger, brighter, and more welcoming. It’s a simple and effective way to add value.

6. Touch Up Scuff Marks

Even if you’re not repainting, a quick touch-up on scuff marks, doors, baseboards, and trim can make a significant difference. A well-maintained home looks cared for and reduces buyers’ concerns about long-term maintenance.

7. Fix Loose Handles & Replace Missing Lightbulbs

Little details matter when selling a home. Loose door handles, broken light fixtures, or missing lightbulbs may make buyers wonder about hidden issues. Repairing these small problems will help reassure them that your home is move-in ready.

8. Add Some Plants

Plants breathe life into any space. Consider adding:

• A houseplant in the living room or entryway

• A bouquet of flowers or bowl of fruit in the kitchen or dining room

• Greenery on outdoor patios or decks

Not only do plants add color and freshness, they also make your home feel warm and inviting.

9. Check for Odors

Unpleasant smells can turn off potential buyers. Identify any pet odors, lingering cooking smells, or mustiness. Deep clean your home, especially carpets and upholstered furniture, to eliminate these odors. Avoid masking smells with candles or sprays—buyers might not like the scent, and it can raise red flags.

10. Clean Everything

A clean home is a welcoming home. Make sure your home sparkles, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms. Buyers will notice the details, so:

• Clean counters, floors, tiles, and fixtures until they shine

• Polish windows and mirrors

• Wash walls, especially in high-traffic areas

A spotless home signals that it’s been well cared for and is ready to move into.

11. Hide Valuables

During showings or open houses, it’s safest to remove or secure valuables such as jewelry, electronics, and important documents. While most buyers are honest, it's always better to be cautious and prevent accidents or theft.

12. Consider Staging Your Home

Staging can be a game-changer. A professional stager can highlight your home’s best features and offer suggestions for improvements to boost buyer interest. They may:

• Rearrange furniture for better flow

• Recommend additional furnishings or accessories

• Create an inviting, stylish atmosphere that appeals to a broad audience

Staging can help your home sell faster and for a higher price by showcasing its potential.

Ready to Get Started?

Selling your home takes preparation, but following these steps will set you up for success. By making these improvements, you’ll not only create a welcoming environment for buyers but also increase the chances of a quicker sale and a better price.

Call Today: (520) 675-0000