12 Things to Do Before Selling Your House

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Selling a house is kind of like a marathon; you have to pace yourself, strategize and plan ahead for everything you’re going to need to do next. Preparation, just as it is in any race, is essential for winning. You can’t just throw up a “For Sale” sign on your yard and wait for buyers to come. To get your house ready for the market takes a lot and some may surprise you.

Whether you’re a first time seller or highly experienced, there are some things that need to be done before you open the doors of potential buyers with confidence. This list will guide you through the processes.

Declutter and Organize

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If you want to put your home on the market, or if you’re simply ready for a purge, start with the clutter. Clear out anything that makes the space feel too tight or too personal. Buyers want to imagine themselves living there, and it’s hard to do that if there are family pictures on every wall, or closets that are overflowing.

Deep Clean Everything

Whenever it is a spotless home, buyers are attracted much more. Shine every corner of the baseboards, to the windows. And don’t forget about things like light fixtures or ceiling fans that are easy to forget. A deep clean can make an older home look newer and more inviting to buyers. If scrubbing brush makes you want to run, you’re in luck: you can hire a cleaning service to clean everything for you.

Make Small Repairs

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That list of little things we need to get to into fixing around the house, we all have that. Alright then, now’s as good a time as any to do it. Anything from a leaky faucet to a sticky door to a cracked tile is a whole lot of small repairs to a buyer. It demonstrates the home has been lovingly cared for, and reveals no small issue that could become a big red flag in a home inspection.

Stage Your Home

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Staging is simply making your house look its best. You don’t have to buy all new furniture, but rearranging what you have, adding a few accent pieces, or even renting a few items can go a long way. It’s about showing off the best parts of your home and allowing buyers to see themselves living there. If you don’t know where to begin, professional stagers can work their magic.

Set the Right Price

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Pricing your home can be difficult. Of course, you don’t want it to be priced too high because you will scare away buyers or you don’t want to price it too low because you’ll be leaving money on the table. First, research comparable homes in your area and work with a real estate expert who can help you nail down the sweet spot. You can also try some of the tools mentioned by Bankrate.

Have a Pre-Inspection

Most buyers will arrange their own home inspection, but getting a pre-inspection before listing your home puts you ahead. It can also allow you to know early on if there is anything that could use some attention before negotiations or if you will need to fix things yourself during negotiations. It shows to buyers that you are serious about transparency and a smooth process.

Take Professional Photos

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Your online listing photos are probably the first buyers will see your home through, and the quality of them could just be the deciding factor for who gets the deal. Grabbing a buyer’s attention comes down to the images of your home, which is why clear, bright images are really going to help you show your home’s best. It’s worth hiring a professional photographer—they know where to get the right angle and lighting to make your home look best.

Tidy Up Your Yard

A clean yard means the home is also clean. Remove any debris, trim the bushes and remove any unsightly items. Even just adding some potted plants or fresh mulch can make your yard feel more inviting, and that’s a quick landscaping job. Consider it the cherry on the top of your home’s exterior.

Double-Check the Paperwork

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There’s a mountain of paperwork involved in selling a house. Before you start, make sure you’ve got everything you need – deeds, title documents, mortgage details, and any warranties or guarantees on recent home improvements. Having your paperwork organized will make selling easier and less stressful when buyers begin asking questions.

Freshen Up the Paint

Most things can be fixed with a few coats of paint. Keep it neutral and stick with colors that will appeal to the majority. Soft grays, whites and beiges provide rooms that feel larger, cleaner and more inviting. New painted walls can add a new feel to your home on top of that.

Boost Your Curb Appeal

First impressions count. If you want your home to make a good impression since the exterior of your home is the first thing a potential buyer will see, you want it to look good. Trim hedges, mow the lawn, even plant a few flowers, or even a fresh coat of paint on your front door. Don’t forget about the driveway and sidewalk as you don’t want them to look messy and uninviting. Your curb appeal will turn a buyer off or on before they even get in the door.

You Must Be Ready to Show at a Moment’s Notice

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When your house is on the market, it’s show time! Since buyers can ask to see your home at any time, you’ll want to keep your house in tip top shape and ready to show at a moment’s notice. It can also mean getting into the habit of quickly cleaning up after meals, keeping the laundry out of sight, and making sure every room is ready for its close up.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.