We’re still in a seller’s market, but that doesn’t mean your home is guaranteed to easily sell.¹ If you want to maximize your sale price, it’s still important to prepare your home before putting it on the market.

Start by connecting with a real estate advisor 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 increase your property’s value. 

You can use the checklist below to figure out what other tasks you should complete in the months leading up to listing your home. While everyone’s situation is unique, these guidelines will help you make sure you’re ready to sell when the time is right. Of course, you can always contact me if you’re not sure where to start or what to tackle first. My team and I can help customize a plan that works for you.

THINKING 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’ll be ahead of the game when you’re ready to list.

• Contact A Real Estate Advisor

My team and I go the extra mile when it comes to servicing our clients, and that includes a complimentary, pre-listing consultation to help you prepare your home for the market.

Some sellers make the unfortunate mistake of waiting until they are ready to list their home to contact a real estate advisor. We’ve found that the earlier a real estate advisor is brought into the process, the better the result. That often means a smoother, more profitable sale—which means more money in your pocket.

We study and understand what buyers want in today’s market, and we can help devise a plan to maximize your property’s appeal. You will have access to our trusted network of contractors, vendors, and service professionals, so you’ll be sure to get a VIP treatment. This network of support can alleviate stress and help ensure you get everything done in the weeks or months leading up to listing your home.

• Address Major Issues and Upgrades

In most cases, you won’t need to make any major renovations before you list. But if you’re selling an older home, or if you have any doubt about its condition, it’s best to get us involved as soon as possible so we can help you assess any necessary repairs -vs- unnecessary updates.

In some instances, we may recommend a pre-listing inspection. Although it’s less common in a seller’s market, a pre-listing inspection can help you avoid potential surprises down the road. We can discuss the pros and cons during an initial meeting. 

This is the time to address major structural, systems, or cosmetic issues that could hurt the sale of your home down the line. 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. 

Remember, when you’re dealing with major repairs or renovations, it’s best to give yourself as much time as possible. Given widespread shortages of labor and material, starting right away can help you avoid costly delays.²  My team and I can guide you on the updates that are worth your time and investment. 

TIMELINE OVERVIEW

– 1 MONTH (OR MORE) BEFORE YOU LIST

Once any large-scale renovations have been addressed, you can turn your attention to the smaller updates that still play a major role in how buyers perceive your home’s value.

• 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.

We’ve found that hiring a professional to take care of these items is always best, but if finances are limited, many of these issues can be handled by going the DIY route and using a few simple tools. Tackle the ones you can and be sure to call a professional for the ones you’re not comfortable doing yourself. We can refer you to local service providers who can help.

Remember that it’s easy to overlook these small issues because you live with them. When you work with me and my team, 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. One survey found that interior paint offered a 107% return on investment.³ For broad appeal, opt for warm, neutral colors.

Also, never underestimate the importance of curb appeal. On average, homes with curb appeal sell for 7% more than similar homes with an “uninviting exterior.”⁴ If weather permits, lay fresh sod where needed, plant colorful flowers, and add some new mulch to your beds.

Even just repositioning your furniture can make a huge difference to buyers. A survey by the Real Estate Staging Association found that staged homes sold faster, and 73% sold over list price.⁵ We can refer you to a local stager or offer our insights and suggestions if you prefer the DIY route. 

• 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. 

Start by donating or discarding items that you no longer want or need. Then pack up any seasonal items, family photos, and personal collections you can live without for the next few weeks.

Bonus: This will give you a head start on packing for your move!

1 WEEK BEFORE YOU GO TO MARKET

With just one week before your home is available for sale, all major items should be crossed off your to-do list. Now it’s time to focus on the small details that will really make your home shine. Here are a few key areas to focus on during this last week. 

• Check-In With Your Agent

We’ll connect again to make sure we’re aligned on the listing price, marketing plan, and any remaining prep. We will be there every step of the way, ensuring you’re fully prepared to maximize the sale of your home.

• Tidy Your Exterior

You’ve already done the major landscaping—now it’s 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 if you haven’t already. Power wash your siding, empty gutters, and wash 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. 

Remember to take some time to tidy up prior to showings. Buyers will look inside your closets, pantries, and cabinets, so make sure they are neat and organized. Small appliances and toiletries should be cleared off the countertops.

DAY OF SHOWING

Now you’re 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 keeping the thermostat at a comfortable temperature. Open any blinds and curtains throughout the house, and turn on all lights so buyers can see all the potential your home has to offer.

Tidy up by vacuuming and sweeping floors when necessary, emptying (or hiding) trash cans, and wiping down countertops. In the bathrooms, closing toilet lids and hanging clean hand towels can make your space look clean and neat. 

It’s best practice to secure jewelry, sensitive documents, medications, firearms and any other items of value in a safe or store them off-site.

Last thing to remember is to have pets out of the house during showings. If possible, you should also remove evidence of pets (litter box, dog beds, etc.), which can be a big turn-off for many buyers.

PRO TIP

Don’t wait to prep your home for selling. If you want to get top dollar for your home, don’t put it on the market before it’s 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 wait to speak with a real estate advisor.

Call/text or email me if you’re considering selling your home, even if you’re not sure when. It really is never too early to seek the guidance of your real estate advisor and start preparing your home to sell.

Sources:

1. Fortune –
   https://fortune.com/2022/02/08/should-i-buy-house-sellers-market-housing-real-estate-fannie-mae/
2. Forbes –
   https://www.forbes.com/advisor/home-improvement/labor-materials-shortage-impacts-renovations/
3. PR Web –
   https://www.prweb.com/releases/2012-homegain/home-improvement-survey/prweb9433460.htm
4. Realtor Magazine –
   https://magazine.realtor/daily-news/2020/01/27/how-much-does-curb-appeal-affect-home-value
5. Real Estate Staging Association –
   https://www.realestatestagingassociation.com/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=304550&module_id=164548