Seller’s Checklist: A Timeline to Prep Your Home for Sale
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 agent 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.
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 call us if you’re not sure
where to start or what to tackle first. We 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’ll be ahead
of the listing game.
● Contact Your Real Estate Agent
We 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.
Some sellers make the mistake of waiting until
they are ready to list their home to contact a real estate agent. But we’ve
found that the earlier we’re brought into the process, the better the result.
That often means a faster sale—and more money in your pocket after closing.
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’ll be sure to get the 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.
● 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.
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 our 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
rampant labor and material shortages, starting right away can help you avoid
costly delays.2 Contact us so we can guide you on the updates that
are worth your time and investment.
1 MONTH (OR MORE) 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. This is the time
to take care of those small annoyances like squeaky hinges, sticking doors, and
leaky faucets, too.
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 us, 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.
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.”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 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.
In addition to cleaning, take some time to tidy
up. 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 adjusting the thermostat to a
comfortable temperature. Open any blinds and curtains throughout the house, and
turn on all lights so buyers can see all the potential in your home.
Then 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.
Finally, it’s best 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 turn-off for some buyers.
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 an agent.
Call our team if you’re thinking about selling
your home, even if you’re not sure when. It’s never too early to seek the
guidance of your real estate agent 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
