Things To Do Before You Sell Your Home

#1. Get your home inspected.
You are required to disclose any problems with your property to prospective
buyers. Failure to do so will lead to further complications, even if you weren’t
aware of the flaws ahead of time. Hire a professional inspector to identify and
document any problems with your property. Also, make sure your home has
a clean bill of health from termites.
#2. Make repairs ahead of time.
A long list of necessary repairs is a major put-off for most buyers, who may decide to move on rather than deal with
the headache of fixing up the home. Do as many repairs yourself as possible, then hire a handyman to complete
the rest. If you decide not to make major repairs beforehand, then hire a reputable professional to provide cost
estimates that you can show to any interested buyers to put their minds at ease.
#3. Showcase your home.
Curb appeal and first impressions are valuable assets when selling your home. Clear unnecessary items from your
yard and maintain the landscape to welcome visitors. Keep the interior of your home clutter-free to maximize your
home’s livable space.
#4. Price it right.
The original asking price of your home has a huge impact on the ultimate sales price. If you price it too high, buyers
will look for better values and your home will remain on the market longer. The longer your home is on the market,
the less desirable it becomes to buyers—even if you eventually lower your asking price—because most buyers will
avoid a home that others are avoiding. Conversely, pricing your home too low may result in a quicker transaction but
will yield you less money in the end.
#5. Hire a Realtor®.
It may be tempting to list your home on your own to avoid paying a sales
commission, but selling your own home is a full-time job in itself. A real estate
professional represents the best opportunity to earn the maximum amount from
your home’s sale. An experienced agent will recommend the best listing price,
market your home effectively and show your home to buyers while recognizing
what they are looking for in a new home.
Putting your home on the market isn’t
as simple as placing a FOR SALE sign
in your yard.
things to do
before you sell your home
There are several steps to take prior to listing your home
that will make the transaction smoother and quicker.
• Install a new mailbox
• Upgrade outdoor lighting
• Replace old doormats
• Plant annual flowers
• Buy new pillows for sofas
• Display gentle potpourri or scented candles
• Replace torn window screens
• Polish or replace your old address plaque
• Fix or replace leaky or outdated faucets
• Buy organizational systems to reduce clutter
• Re-caulk sinks and bathtubs
• Place centerpieces on your large counters
and tables
Other low-cost ways to update your home:
Make Your Home
Attractive
to Buyers.
Once you have taken care of the
prep work to get your home on the
market, you’ll need to present your
home to potential buyers. Even
small cosmetic improvements will
have a major impact on the sale of
your home. The right touches can
get a buyer excited about your
home, but a few poor decisions
may lose their interest completely.
Clean. Clean. Clean.
A tidy home is a loved home. Wipe fingerprints and other smudges from
glass, mirrors and other shiny surfaces. Wax and polish your hardwood
and tile floors and vacuum your carpets often. Keep your oven, stove
and kitchen counters clean and clear of clutter.
Clear up the yard.
Make sure your landscape is well maintained to increase curb appeal.
A more conservative yard is often a better showcase for your home, so
be generous with your trimming and pruning. Pare down bushes and
trees that block windows. Pull weeds out of your flowerbeds, lawn and
sidewalk cracks. Repair minor asphalt and walkway cracks if necessary.
If your home has gutters on the roof, clean them out frequently.
Let there be light.
Natural light is the best light to cast your home in. Replace faded and
heavy curtains with sheer ones or install Venetian blinds. Opening the
shades when showing your house will also make your home seem larger.
Temporarily replace energy-efficient fluorescent lights with high-wattage
incandescent bulbs to give your home a warmer glow. Make sure darker
rooms are well lit.
Add a few little touches.
Replace worn or outdated doorknobs, cabinet handles and light
switches. Buy fresh new towels for the bathrooms, but don’t use them
(keep the towels you use out of sight in a cabinet). Place flowers in
windows that are walked by commonly. Display a seasonal decoration,
such as a wreath or wood ornament.

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