Seller’s Checklist: A Timeline to Prep Your Home for Sale
We are still in a seller’s market, but that does not mean your home is guaranteed to easily sell. If you want to maximize your sale price, it is still important to prepare your home before putting it on the market.
Start by connecting with me as soon as possible. Having the eyes and ears of an insightful real estate professional on your side can help you boost your home’s appeal to buyers. What’s more, beginning the preparation process early allows you to tackle repairs and upgrades that can significantly increase your property’s value.
Use the checklist below to figure out what other tasks you should complete in the days and weeks leading up to listing your home. While everyone’s situation is unique, these guidelines will help you make sure you are ready to sell when the time is right. Of course, you can always call me if you are not sure where to start or what to tackle first. I can help customize a plan that works for you.
AS SOON AS YOU THINK OF SELLING
Some home sellers want to plan their future move far in advance, while others will be required to pack up on very short notice. Whatever your circumstances, these first steps will help assure you will be ahead of the listing game.
- Contact Me and My Team
My team and I go the extra mile when it comes to servicing our clients, and that includes a series of complimentary, pre-listing consultations to help you prepare your home for the market.
We know what buyers want in today’s market, and we can help devise a plan to maximize your property’s appeal. We can also connect you with our trusted network of contractors, vendors, and service professionals, so you will be sure to get the VIP treatment.
- Address Major Issues and Upgrades
In most cases, you will not need to make any major renovations before you list. But if you are selling an older home, or if you have any doubt about its condition, it is best to get me involved as soon as possible so I can help you assess any necessary repairs.
This is the time to address major structural, systems, or cosmetic issues that could hurt the sale of your home. For example, problems with the frame, foundation, or roof are likely to be flagged on an inspection report. Issues with the HVAC system, electrical wiring, or plumbing may cause the home to be unsafe. And sometimes outdated or unpopular design features can limit a home’s sales potential.
BEFORE YOU LIST
Once any large-scale renovations have been addressed, you can turn your attention to the more minor updates that still play a major role in how buyers perceive your home.
- Make Minor Repairs
Look for any unaddressed maintenance or repair issues, such as water spots, pest activity, and rotten siding/stucco. This is the time to take care of those small annoyances like squeaky hinges, sticking doors, and leaky faucets, too.
Remember that it is easy to overlook these small issues because you live with them. When you collaborate with me, you get a fresh set of eyes on your home—so you don’t miss any important repairs that could make a big difference to buyers.
- Refresh Your Design
This is a great time to think about some simple design updates that can make a significant impression on buyers. For example, a fresh coat of paint is an easy and affordable way to spruce up your home.
And never underestimate the importance of good curb appeal. Homes with good curb appeal sell for 7% more, on average, than similar homes with an “uninviting exterior.”
- Declutter and Depersonalize
Doing a little bit of decluttering every day is a lot easier than trying to take care of it all at once right before your home hits the market. A simple strategy is to do this one room at a time, working your way through each space whenever you have a bit of free time.
BEFORE YOU GO TO MARKET
Just before your home is available for sale, all major items should be crossed off your to-do list. Now it is time to focus on the small details that will really make your home shine. Here are a few key areas to focus on during the last few days.
- Tidy Your Exterior
You already did the major landscaping—now it is time to tackle the last few details. Make sure your lawn is freshly mowed, hedges are trimmed, and flower beds are weeded. In addition, now is the time to clean your home’s exterior. Power wash your siding, empty the gutters, and wash all your windows and screens.
- Deep Clean Your Interior
Your house should be deep cleaned before listing, including a thorough deodorizing of the home’s interior and steam cleaning for all carpets. Consider hiring a professional cleaning company to ensure the space smells and looks as fresh as possible.
SHOWING APPOINTMENTS
Now you are all set to go and there are just a few small things you need to handle on the day of showings or open houses. Do a final walk-through and take care of these finishing touches to give potential buyers the best possible impression.
- Pre-Showing Prep
Happy and comfortable buyers are more likely to submit offers! Make them feel at home by adjusting the thermostat to a comfortable temperature. Open blinds and curtains throughout the house and turn on all lights so buyers can see all the potential in your home.
Tidy up by vacuuming and sweeping floors, emptying (or hiding) trash cans, and wiping down countertops. In the bathrooms, close toilet lids and hang clean hand towels. Don’t forget to secure firearms, jewelry, sensitive documents, prescription medications, and any other items of value in a safe or store them off-site.
DON’T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO PREP YOUR HOME FOR SELLING
If you want to get top dollar for your home, do not put it on the market before it is ready. The right preparation can make all the difference when it comes to maximizing the offers you get. The upgrades and changes you need to make will depend upon your home’s condition, so don’t delay talking with me so I can help you through the entire process.
Please call me at 813-299-2417 if you are thinking about selling your home, even if you are not sure when. It is never too early to seek my guidance and start preparing your home to sell.
Sources: Fortune, Forbes, PR Web, Realtor Magazine, and Real Estate Staging Association.