9 Things To Do Before Selling Your House

Preparing to sell your house? It's time to roll up your sleeves and dive into a comprehensive to-do list because there's a multitude of tasks that need attention before listing your home!

Selling a home involves much more than simply displaying a "For Sale" sign on your front lawn or uploading a few random photos online, especially if you're aiming for the best possible sale price. (And let's be honest, who isn't?) To help you navigate the process successfully, we have compiled the ultimate checklist for selling a house.

Before you officially enter the market, take a look at this comprehensive guide outlining essential steps. While some of these tips are surprisingly straightforward, others may require some extra effort. However, the payoff will be worth it when potential buyers begin expressing their admiration and, hopefully, presenting you with compelling offers.

1. Find a real estate agent

Think you can handle selling your home yourself and keep the money that would typically go to a real estate agent? It might seem enticing, especially in a competitive market, but it's crucial to resist the urge, but "for sale by owner" transactions almost always end up as disasters, resulting in both financial losses and wasted time. That's why one of the most vital steps before selling your house is to find an exceptional real estate agent.

However, it's important not to hastily hire the first agent who sends you a flyer or the one recommended by a distant acquaintance. Take the time to research and find a real estate agent who possesses in-depth knowledge of your specific market. Once you have a shortlist, interview them to ensure they are a suitable fit for your needs.

Your chosen real estate agent should be someone you feel comfortable collaborating with and trust to sell your house at the best possible price. Don't hesitate to speak with multiple agents before making your final decision.

Whether we like it or not, buyers often judge a home by its exterior appearance. It's crucial to create a positive first impression that motivates potential buyers to attend open houses or schedule tours, giving them the opportunity to explore further.

By dedicating some effort to simple yet effective enhancements such as planting vibrant flowers and giving your front door a fresh coat of paint, you can entice prospective buyers to step inside your home.

If you're uncertain about how to enhance your home's curb appeal, don't hesitate to seek advice from your real estate agent. They can provide insights into how others in your area have successfully improved the exterior of their homes prior to selling.

Begin by thoroughly tidying up visible areas such as counters, windowsills, and tables. Then, don't neglect the spaces behind closed doors, including closets, drawers, and cupboards, as potential buyers tend to be curious and explore every nook and cranny.

If your house is cluttered and overflowing with belongings, buyers may worry about limited space for their own possessions. The prospect of needing to rent additional storage might discourage them from committing to a mortgage.

Consider donating or packing away your excess items to be stored off-site. Not only will decluttering make your house more appealing to buyers, but it will also make your own moving process smoother once you've accepted an offer. Having some of your belongings already packed will facilitate the transition to your new home.

The next crucial step on your selling checklist is to eliminate any distractions that might hinder buyers from envisioning themselves and their families residing in the property.

Removing personal items, family photos, as well as bold artwork and furniture that may not appeal to the general public. The objective is to establish a neutral backdrop that allows buyers to imagine their own future in the space, fostering a sense of attachment and admiration.

Even though you may adore that vibrant orange accent wall, it could be a potential turnoff for your prospective buyers if it happens to be their least favorite color.

Opting for a neutral color scheme instead, as it is less likely to elicit strong dislikes. Additionally, a light color palette enables buyers to envision how the walls would appear with their preferred colors, enhancing their ability to connect with the space.

As the seller, your responsibility is to assist buyers in visualizing themselves in the house. If they don't feel a sense of belonging, they will likely explore other real estate options.

Even if you're not embarking on a complete repainting project, it's crucial to give special attention to scrubbing and touching up baseboards, walls, and doors. This extra effort will make your house shine and convey a sense of care and maintenance.

Selling any home can pose challenges, but selling a home with numerous minor issues and repair needs can be particularly difficult. When potential buyers step into an open house or embark on a home tour, their intention is to fall in love with the property, not compile a list of small repairs to tackle later.

To impress buyers and ensure a swift sale, it's important to address any necessary fixes and improvements before listing your house on the market. By presenting a home that is meticulously repaired and ready for immediate occupancy, you are likely to attract more interest and possibly even receive multiple offers.

Foul odors, even subtle ones, can deter potential buyers, and the challenge is that you may not even notice them. To address this, we suggests bringing in an unbiased third party to identify any pet odors or lingering smells in your kitchen.

If the odors are pervasive, be prepared for thorough cleaning, as buyers are often aware of sellers' attempts to mask smells using candles or air fresheners. Additionally, masking odors with stronger scents may have an adverse effect if the buyer does not appreciate the smell of lavender or artificial citrus.

Don't stop at just cleaning your house; keep cleaning even more. Even if you're not concerned about the scent of your home, it's essential for your property to appear immaculate.

Consider this: You'll likely have professional photos taken of your house when it looks its absolute best. Naturally, you'd want your home to always maintain that picture-perfect appearance.

When selling your home, it's crucial to maintain tidiness at all times for potential buyers. You never know when a buyer might request a last-minute tour. Pay special attention to the bathroom, ensuring that the tiles, countertops, shower, and floors gleam with cleanliness.

Is your house stuck in the past, reminiscent of the 1985 era? There's nothing quite like new furnishings or a carefully chosen mirror to breathe life into a home. The key lies in enlisting the expertise of a professional home stager.

Home stagers possess the ability to assess the current condition and contents of your house and identify areas for improvement. They may suggest purchasing or renting certain items or simply reorganizing your knickknacks and bookshelves in a more appealing manner.

With their knowledge of the real estate market and what resonates with buyers, it's crucial to heed their advice and not take offense when they propose significant changes. Their objective is to generate interest from potential buyers, which ultimately benefits the seller.