Listing Checklist: 7 Steps to Get Your Home Ready to Sell

So you’ve decided it’s time to move on and sell your current property. Now what? It’s no surprise that preparing to sell a home requires a thoughtful plan, so I’ve put together a list of tasks to consider prior to putting your home on the market.

 

Familiarize yourself with the local housing market

Real estate is very localized and market conditions fluctuate from city to city. If your timing is flexible, ask yourself if it makes sense to sell in the current market or if you should wait. What is the demand like in your area? Is your area experiencing a seller’s market or a buyer’s market? What do mortgage interest rates look like? These are all factors that help determine the sales price and likelihood of selling your home for top dollar.

 

Hire a listing agent

When it's time to sell, working with someone who has expert knowledge and knows your market inside-out will make your life a whole lot easier. An agent will guide you in preparing your home, effectively and extensively advertise your home to prospective buyers, help you negotiate the purchase contract, oversee the inspection period, handle all necessary paperwork, and supervise the closing.

 

Repair any wear and tear

Addressing minor repairs and wear and tear will make your home more desirable to prospective buyers. Most buyers want a turn-key, move-in-ready home so it’s important to address any issues before actively listing your property. Neutral paint throughout the home will also increase desirability and help the home sell. 

 

Give your home a deep clean

Clean the carpets, polish the hardwoods, sanitize the bathrooms and kitchen, clean out the refrigerator (you’d be surprised how many buyers open the fridge), dust the ceilings fans, wipe the baseboards, pressure wash the exterior, and make your home sparkle. As funny as it seems, some buyers can’t look past mess and clutter. Set your home up for success with a deep clean prior to listing and daily/weekly surface cleaning throughout the active listing.

 

Stage your home for showings

Declutter and depersonalize your space. This will allow potential buyers to envision themselves living in your home. Don’t forget about those closets! Buyers will open all closet doors to see what kind of space they’re working with. Once you’ve organized the interior of your home, shift your focus to the exterior. Make sure the curb appeal is also dressed to impress as this is a prospective buyer's first impression of a home.

 

Price to sell

Using market research and recent sales data, your listing agent will put together a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) providing insight into comparable properties in your area including which ones recently sold, failed to sell, or are currently still available. Using those comps, your agent will suggest a competitive price range that will sell your home quickly and for top dollar.

 

Let your agent work their magic

Once you’ve completed all the steps above and landed on a sales price, your agent will begin marketing the property and make the listing active. Be sure to hire an agent with a proven, in-depth marketing strategy designed to attract as many potential buyers as possible.

 

Are you ready to sell your home? Let CLT Realty help you every step of the way. If you’re ready.

 

• Home Seller’s Guide
• Free Home Valuation Report