The Pre-Listing Home Selling Checklist: Get Your Home Ready for the Market

Selling a home is a significant life event that requires thorough planning and preparation. Your actions before listing your property can profoundly impact the speed of the sale and the price you ultimately receive. Here is a comprehensive pre-listing checklist to get your home market-ready.

1. Assess Your Finances

• Review Mortgage Terms: Understand your current mortgage terms to determine any pre-payment penalties or if your mortgage is portable.

• Estimate Selling Costs: Calculate the costs you will incur, including real estate agent commissions, staging, repairs, and other closing costs.

2. Research the Market

• Check Neighborhood Comps: Look at similar properties in your neighborhood that have sold recently to get an idea of pricing.

• Determine Market Conditions: Is it a buyer's or a seller's market? This will influence your pricing strategy.

3. Choose a Real Estate Agent

• Interview Agents: Speak to multiple agents and ask about their marketing plan, fees, and track record.

• Check References: Make sure to check reviews or ask for client references.

4. Home Inspection

• Pre-inspection: Optional, but strongly recommended to preemptively catch any issues that might deter buyers.

• List of Repairs: Create a list of essential repairs and improvements based on the pre-inspection.

5. Home Improvements

• Minor Repairs: Fix small issues like leaky faucets, loose handles, and minor wall damage.

• Major Repairs: Consider whether larger repairs, such as a new roof or HVAC system, will offer a good return on investment.

6. Declutter and Stage

• Declutter: Remove personal items and unnecessary furniture to make your home appear more spacious.

• Stage Your Home: Consider hiring a professional stager to arrange your home in a way that appeals to a broad audience.

• Deep Clean: Hire professionals to clean carpets, wash windows, and ensure your home is spotless.

7. Curb Appeal

• Exterior Cleanup: Keep lawns mowed, plant some flowers, and ensure the entryway is inviting.

• Paint: A fresh coat of neutral paint inside and out can make a big difference.

8. Professional Photography

• Hire a Photographer: Professional photos are essential in online listings to present your home in the best possible light.

• Virtual Tour: A 360-degree virtual tour can offer an interactive experience for potential buyers.

9. Legal and Paperwork

• Property Disclosures: Prepare a list of disclosures required by your jurisdiction, such as age of the home, any known defects, or past repairs.

• Consult a Real Estate Lawyer: Preemptively deal with any legal matters that could arise during the selling process.

10. Final Touches

• Replace or Clean Carpets: Stained or old carpets can be a turnoff for buyers.

• Update Lighting: Consider upgrading outdated light fixtures to modernize the space.

• Smell Test: Address any odors, especially pet-related, that could deter potential buyers.

By ticking off each item on this pre-listing home selling checklist, you'll be putting yourself in a strong position for a successful, stress-free sale. Each step prepares your home to look its best and attract the right buyers, setting the stage for a smoother transaction once you list your property.

Other Resources For Sellers

Top 10 High ROI Sellers Checklist:

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After over a decade of experience our team has perfected the highest ROI prep tips that mean more money in your pocket! Here is a quick checklist to get you started with prepping your home for sale. These tips are designed for high impact and low effort!

• Don't get personal. It’s time to move out emotionally—and physically. Survey each room, and pack away personal items such as family photos, bric-a-brac, medicine, etc

• Declutter and Update. Take out bulky furniture, old electronics; clear off desks, tabletops, shelves. Keep rooms (especially bedrooms) decluttered and minimal.

• Paint a fresh perspective. Whites, neutral, pale grays, can make your house feel fresh and new again— and the buyer feel calm and at home.

• Shed some light. Make sure every light bulb is energy- efficient, and at the highest wattage the light fixture will allow. Give all fixtures a deep clean for maximum sparkle.

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