Prepare to Sell!

  • Fix small things around the property.  First impressions are vital when potential buyers arrive!  Fix your squeaky doors and cabinets, clean the carpet stains, patch any holes and paint scuffed walls, pressure wash your home and work on that curb appeal!
  • Choose an agent. Bring experience to the table!  It’s important you meet your agent before hand and you both are on the same page.  View our awesome team here.
  • Decide if you want appraisals and inspections done pre listing.  Doing inspections later can send all parties back to the negotiation table and gives the buyer the upper hand.  Keep the sale in your control and take charge now.
  • Choose a price.  Do your research and lean on your agent for advice.  Ask your agent what homes (like yours) have been selling for.  What is more important, time or price?  Throughout the process, communicate with your agent about your listing reports, how often it’s being shown, what feedback buyers are giving, or if you need to adjust price.  They are here for YOU!
  • Declutter! This is a big one. No clutter. No clutter. No clutter.
  • Get rid of excess furniture. This includes knick knacks and unneeded decor.  Whether you decide to sell it, store it, or donate it, it has to go.  We need to make your home look spacious and comfy.
  • Start with small projects and then go big!  Don’t overwhelm yourself with the biggest areas.  Make a goal list and knock it out.
  • Clear off flat surfaces in a room first. Then move to drawers and shelves.  Clean countertops leave a crisp, clean look.  Have a box for “keep” and a box for “donate/trash” handy.  Place like things with like things to keep packing up later much easier on you.
  • Do one room at a time.  Don’t miss any rooms or closets!  Hit the garage and the laundry room last.  The 80/20 rule states that we only use 20% of the clothes in our closets.  Don’t be afraid to get rid of things you don’t use.
  • Maintain.  How is your home looking from a buyer’s view?  Once your home is in order to sell, continue to check up on things.  How is the lawn? How are the countertops?  Are things still clutter free?  Set an alert in your phone or write on a calendar to check on these things weekly.  Look into our “Staging Your Home Checklist” to stay on point!
  • Prepare for the move.  Below we’ve found a list that prepares you as far as 2 months out from moving date.  Once you have a closing date, be aware they are subject to change.  Turning off utilities and scheduling moving companies too far out in advance can be risky.  Focus on the things you can control now.  Start collecting boxes and packing up things you won’t need.  Check out our “Get Ready to Move“ list for more!