Selling a home requires proper preparation. Missing a thing or two essential steps can delay or derail a successful sale. Hence, home sellers must create a checklist of all the items to avoid costly errors.
If you’re offering your property on the market, a checklist can help make the task less overwhelming at every stage of the process. The list below contains some of the most critical priorities a seller must have before listing a property.
- Fix Any Problem
Before putting your home up for sale, it’s crucial to check the condition of your living spaces. A big part of your success relies on your home’s condition. While some are willing to purchase fixer-uppers for a low price, most buyers prefer move-in-ready homes.
As such, make the necessary repairs as soon as possible to increase your chances of attracting more prospects. Prioritize urgent fixes like heating repair, especially if winter is coming.
Refer to the checklist below for minor activities that you can do yourself:
- Replace power switches and faulty lights
- Install new doorknobs and handles
- Replace torn window or door screens
- Patch holes and cracks on the ceiling and walls
- Re-grout tiles in the kitchen and bathroom
- Repair or replace cracked flooring
Call professional help for issues needing significant repairs such as the following:
- Plumbing and drainage problems
- Siding replacement
- Faulty electrical systems
- Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) issues
- Roof leaks, repair, or installation
- Garage door replacement
If you’ve got a limited budget, it helps to prioritize repair works to increase your home’s price value. Focus less on the aesthetics and more on the functional properties of your home.
- Enhance Curb Appeal
One of the ways to attract more buyers is to increase your property’s curb appeal. This term refers to the impression your property elicits from onlookers viewing your home outside or across the street.
Driveway repair is one of the more pressing concerns homeowners have, and having it restored needs professional assistance, as with the other major property improvement activities.
Additionally, check the list below for activities that make your outdoor area more enticing:
- Apply a fresh coat of paint
- Replace the front door
- Re-caulk loose windows and doors
- Pressure washes the exterior area
- Re-stain wood on your patio
- Trim bushes and trees
- Plant flowers or re-arrange pots
- Deep clean the area
- Repair broken fence
- Hire a landscaper
The amount of time and effort required will depend on your outdoor space’s current condition and the amount you’re willing to spend for such enhancements. The good news is that you can do most of the abovementioned activities.
- Clean And Declutter
Apart from completing common home repair issues, it’s time to make your home ready for listing. Thoroughly cleaning the interior and exterior sections helps you take better photos for online posting. A tidy home is more visually appealing and can help attract more buyers.
To achieve an immaculate home, refer to the list below:
- Vacuum clean the entire house
- Have your carpets professionally cleaned
- Maximize floor space
- Remove molds and water stains
- Clean the garage
- Get rid of the items you don’t need
- Hold a yard sale
- Pack least used items in advance
- Remove personal photos
- Keep valuables safe
- Hire professional cleaners, if necessary
Cleaning your home before selling it requires more than getting everything in order. De-personalizing your property is also crucial, so buyers will feel that it’s ready for its new owner.
As mentioned, a tidy home makes it more attractive to potential buyers. Seeing a well-kept home will also reduce their chances of buyers negotiating for a lower price, as they don’t need to make significant home rehab activities to improve its condition.
- Learn How To Sell Your Home Faster
Once you’re done with the repair and cleaning, prepare to list your property on online home–buying sites and other platforms. To increase the chances of a successful transaction, ask for valuable advice from professionals or study market insights on the sector, even if you decide to take the “for sale by owner” (FSBO) option.
Tap any or all of the following standard methods to sell your home more quickly:
- List your property online
- For sale by owner (FSBO) scheme
- Hire a real estate agent
- Offer to cash buyers
Your choice will depend on how much money you wish to get and how fast you need it. Approaching cash buyers, for instance, is the fastest yet potentially the lowest price.
Final Thoughts
Once you’re done doing these things, it’s time to get your home ready for viewing. At this stage, you’d want to create a good impression on buyers, whether they’re checking out the property virtually or in person.
Completing most of the checklist ensures your property is in its best condition before the viewing. As such, using this guide can help you prioritize and possibly sell your home faster and with minor challenges.
