Home Seller Checklist: Timeline to Prepare Your Property
While we’re still in a market that favors the home seller, that doesn’t mean your home is guaranteed to easily sell. 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 home seller 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. I 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.
I go the extra mile when it comes to servicing my 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 I’ve found that the earlier I’m brought into the process, the better the result. That often means a faster sale—and more money in your pocket after closing.
I know what buyers want in today’s market and can help devise a plan to maximize your property’s appeal. I can also connect you with my 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.
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 me involved as soon as possible so I can help you assess any necessary repairs.
In the Bay Area market it is customary to order a pre-listing home and pest inspection. The resulting inspection reports can help the home seller avoid potential surprises down the road, fully disclose all known conditions to prospective buyers, and indemnify you against any future liability.
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. That said, not all items that are flagged in an inspection report are worth addressing, so contact me so I can guide you advice on 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 smaller updates that still play a major role in how buyers perceive your home.
Look for any unaddressed maintenance or repair issues, such as strapping down water heaters, addressing pest activity, and repairing rotten siding or decking. This is also the time to take care of those small annoyances like squeaky hinges, sticking doors, and leaky faucets.
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. I 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, 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.
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. 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.” It’s always advisable to do some basic landscaping to clean up the yard, plant colorful flowers, or add some new mulch to your beds.
Details such as the type and placement of 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. Investing in high-end staging is the single most important investment you can make as a home seller and I can refer you to the top local staging vendors in the area to ensure you get the maximum return when listing your property.
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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.
I’ll connect again to make sure we’re aligned on the listing price, marketing plan, and any remaining prep. I will be there every step of the way, ensuring that, as a home seller, you’re fully prepared to maximize the sale of your home.
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. Again, I have great vendors to refer if you don’t want to perform this work by yourself in the midst of a stressful move.
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 that I always take care of on the day of showings or open houses. I perform a final walk-through and take care of these finishing touches to give potential buyers the best possible impression.
Happy and comfortable buyers are more likely to submit offers! I try to make them feel at home by adjusting the thermostat to a comfortable temperature. I will also open any blinds and curtains throughout the house, and turn on all lights so buyers can see all the potential in your home.
If needed, I’ll do a last minute vacuuming and floor sweeping, emptying (or hiding) trash cans, and wiping down countertops. In the bathrooms, closing toilet lids and hanging clean hand towels (although our top notch stagers will have performed many of these tasks already).
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.
Contact me soon if you’re thinking about selling your home, even if you’re not sure when. As a home seller it’s never too early to seek the guidance of your real estate agent and start preparing your home to sell.
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