Home Selling Checklist: 5 Must-Do Tasks Before Listing
Follow these 5 steps to prepare your home for the market:
Clean and Declutter: Deep clean every corner, remove personal items, and organize storage spaces to create a welcoming, spacious feel.
Complete Repairs: Fix leaks, patch walls, and address major issues like roofing, plumbing, and HVAC to boost buyer confidence.
Stage Your Home: Arrange furniture for flow, use neutral colors, and enhance curb appeal with landscaping and exterior touches.
Set the Right Price: Research local sales, compare similar homes, and consult an expert to price competitively.
Organize Paperwork: Gather deeds, tax records, and disclosure forms to streamline the selling process.
Why it matters: Homes that are staged and well-prepared sell up to 88% faster and often for 5-10% above the asking price. Taking these steps ensures your home stands out in a competitive market.
1. Clean and Remove Clutter
A tidy, clutter-free home makes it easier for buyers to imagine themselves living there. Here's how to get your home ready:
Declutter and Organize
Take out anything overly personal, such as family photos, collections, or decor with political or religious themes. This helps create a neutral space that appeals to more buyers. Focus on these areas:
Clear out storage spaces like closets, garages, and attics to show off how much room is available.
Add organizers or shelves if needed to make storage areas look more functional.
Store extra belongings off-site to avoid overcrowding.
Remove bulky furniture that makes rooms feel smaller than they are.
Keeping these spaces neat and orderly helps showcase the storage options, which is often a big deal for buyers.
Professional Cleaning
Hiring professional cleaners can make your home shine and leave a lasting impression. Key areas to address include:
Deep cleaning carpets to get rid of stains and odors.
Washing windows to let in more natural light and improve curb appeal.
Giving bathrooms a thorough scrub to show they’re well-maintained.
Cleaning kitchen surfaces and appliances to highlight a spotless cooking space.
Keep this level of cleanliness throughout the selling process. Have cleaning supplies on hand for quick touch-ups before showings.
Aim to finish these tasks about two weeks before listing your home. A spotless, clutter-free space not only attracts buyers but also lays the groundwork for further steps like making repairs or staging.
Once your home is in top shape, you can move on to fixing anything that might turn off potential buyers.
2. Complete Home Repairs
Taking care of repairs not only removes potential buyer concerns but also helps you maintain your asking price. It’s a key step to making your home stand out in a competitive market.
Small Repairs
Minor issues can send the wrong message to buyers. Tackle these quick fixes to create a positive first impression:
Fix dripping faucets: Even a tiny leak can suggest plumbing trouble.
Patch and paint walls: Cover up any holes or cracks for a polished look.
Replace broken fixtures: Swap out faulty light switches, loose doorknobs, or worn cabinet hardware.
Quiet squeaky doors: Add lubricant to hinges and adjust doors for smooth operation.
These simple updates show buyers that the home is well-cared for and free of hidden problems.
Big Repairs
Larger issues, especially with major systems, can impact your home's value and turn buyers away. Here's what to focus on:
System Type
What to Check
Why It Matters
Roofing
Look for leaks, missing shingles, or an aging roof.
Buyers want confidence in long-term durability.
Plumbing
Inspect pipes and test water pressure.
Helps avoid costly fixes for buyers.
Electrical
Check for outdated wiring or overloaded circuits.
Safety is a top concern for buyers.
HVAC
Assess efficiency and system age.
Energy efficiency can be a strong selling point.
Once these major repairs are handled, a home inspection can confirm that no critical issues remain.
Get a Home Inspection
Investing in a pre-listing inspection, which typically costs $300-$500, can save you headaches later. Here’s how it helps:
Identifies problems before buyers discover them.
Builds buyer confidence by showing transparency.
Lets you fix issues on your schedule.
Reduces the risk of last-minute negotiation breakdowns.
Keep thorough records of all repairs, including receipts and before-and-after photos. This not only highlights your dedication to maintaining the property but also supports your asking price during negotiations.
With repairs done and inspection results in hand, you’re ready to showcase your home at its best.
3. Set Up Your Home
Once repairs are complete, it's time to stage your home. Staging helps highlight its best features and allows buyers to imagine themselves living there. Done right, it can make a big difference in how buyers perceive your home - and even its final sale price.
Room Layout
Arrange furniture to create an open, inviting flow. Focus on clear pathways and cozy conversation areas to make each room feel spacious and functional.
Here's how to make the most of each room:
Room Type
Layout Tip
Why It Works
Living Room
Keep seating 3-4 feet from walls
Creates a cozy, intimate vibe
Bedroom
Place the bed against a focal wall
Defines the room's purpose clearly
Kitchen
Clear countertops, leave essentials
Highlights workspace availability
Home Office
Add a desk and good lighting
Emphasizes work-from-home potential
Neutral Colors
Stick to neutral shades like beige, gray, or white for walls. Pair them with bright white trim for a crisp, clean look. Add subtle earth-tone accents to give the space depth without overwhelming it.
Outside Appearance
First impressions matter, so focus on curb appeal. Power wash driveways and walkways, paint the front door in sophisticated colors like navy or charcoal, and keep the lawn neatly trimmed. Plant some seasonal flowers and remove any dead plants to give the exterior a welcoming, polished feel.
With your home now looking its best, you're ready to focus on pricing it to attract the right buyers.
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4. Set the Right Price
Once your home is cleaned, repaired, and staged, setting the right price is key to making all that effort count.
Check Local Sales
Use tools like Zillow or Redfin to research recent sales in your neighborhood. Pay attention to these key data points:
Data Point
Why It Matters
What to Look For
Days on Market
Reflects market activity
How long similar homes take to sell
Sale-to-List Ratio
Shows pricing accuracy
Final sale prices compared to list prices
Price Trends
Tracks market direction
Monthly price changes in your area
For example, in San Antonio, the average home price is $265,000, a slight increase of 0.2% from last year - this can serve as a useful starting point.
Compare Similar Homes
Look at homes that match yours in size, style, location, and features, focusing on those sold in the past 3-6 months. Adjust your price based on factors like:
Property condition
Recent renovations or upgrades
Lot size
Unique features or amenities
Consult Scott Peck
Scott Peck, a real estate manager in San Antonio, brings valuable insights to the table, including:
Analyzing current market trends
Strategizing competitive pricing
Tailoring pricing to your property’s condition
Assisting with negotiations
Teaming up with an experienced agent can help you avoid common pitfalls, such as:
Overpricing due to emotional attachment
Undervaluing recent improvements
Ignoring current market trends
Misjudging competition in your area
Once your price is set, the next step is organizing your paperwork to keep the selling process smooth.
5. Organize Paperwork
Getting your paperwork in order is a crucial step in selling your home. It not only makes the process smoother but also reassures potential buyers. Homes with well-organized documentation often sell faster and at better prices.
Gather Key Documents
Make sure you have both digital and physical copies of these important documents:
Document Type
Purpose
Property Deed
Confirms ownership
Mortgage Papers
Reflects financial obligations
Property Tax Records
Shows payment history
HOA Documentation
Outlines rules and associated fees
Keep Track of Home History
Maintain a detailed record of any major upgrades, routine maintenance, and contractor details. Include receipts, warranties, and before-and-after photos where possible. This kind of documentation shows buyers that the property has been well cared for and gives them confidence in its condition.
Complete Disclosure Forms
Fill out all required disclosure forms accurately. These may include details about the property’s condition, any significant repairs, and disclosures like lead-based paint (if your home was built before 1978). These forms help buyers make informed decisions and ensure you meet legal requirements.
Having your paperwork ready sets the stage for a smoother and more efficient home-selling experience.
Conclusion
Getting your home ready to sell takes careful planning, but the effort pays off. Homes that follow a preparation checklist sell up to 58% faster, showing just how important these steps are.
Each step works together to present your home in the best light, leading to quicker sales and better offers. Here's why these tasks matter:
Decluttering and Cleaning: Creates a spacious, welcoming feel.
Completing Repairs: Builds trust with buyers and avoids price haggling.
Professional Staging: Showcases your home's best features and connects emotionally with buyers.
Strategic Pricing: Draws serious buyers and minimizes time on the market.
Organized Documentation: Simplifies the process and reassures potential buyers.
Selling your home isn't just about putting it on the market - it's about presenting it as a place where buyers can see their future. Whether you're tackling the work on your own or partnering with experts, focusing on these key areas ensures your home shines in a competitive market. By following this checklist, you're setting yourself up for the best possible outcome.
FAQs
How should you prepare a house before selling?
A well-prepared home can sell up to 58% faster than one that isn’t ready for the market. Here’s how to get your house in top shape:
Deep Clean and Declutter: A spotless home makes a lasting impression. Consider hiring professional cleaners and aim to remove about 30% of your belongings to create a more open and inviting space.
Handle Key Repairs: Buyers want a home without hidden issues. Fix things like plumbing leaks, water stains, faulty light switches, or loose fixtures. As US Inspect puts it:
"Buyers don't like surprises."
Addressing these problems upfront can help avoid headaches during negotiations.
Boost Curb Appeal: First impressions matter. Power wash the exterior, repaint the front door, tidy up landscaping, and add some seasonal plants to make your home more inviting.
Prepare Important Documents: Have inspection reports, renovation records, and disclosure forms on hand. These documents reassure buyers and can help speed up the sale process.
Consult Professionals: Work with experts for staging, pricing, and paperwork. Their expertise can help showcase your home’s best features and ensure a smoother sale.