Seller’s Checklist To Selling A Home

Seller Checklist

When you put your house on the market it is important to pick the right real estate agent. An experienced agent can tell you how to prepare your home for sale, price it right and market it for the best exposure. Your agent should represent your interests during negotiations with the buyer.

 1. Choose the Right Realtor

A licensed real estate agent can guide you through the process and help you avoid pitfalls when it is time to sell your home. Your agent can help you evaluate offers to buy and help you choose a serious, qualified buyer.

Your realtor should be:

• A state licensed Listing Agent
• Knowledgeable about the local real estate market
• Proficient in using digital and other marketing methods for your property
• Available to show your home when asked
• Experienced in negotiating

2. Determine How Much your Home is Worth

In a hot market, you may be tempted to put a high price tag on your home in an attempt to maximize your profit. But keep in mind that the lender will look at the appraisal value of your home when your buyer applies for a mortgage. Here are some considerations for pricing your home for sale.

• Ask your realtor for a CMA (Comparative Market Analysis)
• Study the “comps,” the price of recent sales of similar homes in the neighborhood
• Look at current market conditions and trends
• Take note of your competition
• Consider the condition of your home as well as the amenities, upgrades and curb appeal

3. Fix Up your Home

A neat, clean and well-kept house is attractive to homebuyers, but a house where even small things are amiss can become a “red flag” to buyers. Whether you make minor repairs yourself or hire a professional, it is a good idea to get the job done. As for major repairs, ask your agent if it is likely to be worth the investment.

• Remember that small changes can make a bit difference
• Take care of minor repairs like leaky faucets or malfunctioning windows and doors
• Clean the carpet or replace it with wood or tile flooring
• Get rid of strong colors and replace them with an updated neutral color palette
• Give the interior a fresh coat of paint if needed

4. Clear the Clutter

Look at your home through the eyes of the buyer. Get rid of clutter and get a head start on your move by packing things away. Store the boxes neatly in the basement or the garage.

• Depersonalize your home so it appeals to the broadest possible audience of buyers
• Store your cute little decorative items, books and family photos
• Take a good look at your artwork and remove it if necessary
• Clear away furniture that makes the space look cramped
• Organize and declutter your closets

5. Increase Curb Appeal

Keep in mind that you never get another chance to make a good first impression when buyers come to see your house. Make changes to increase your home’s curb appeal when necessary.

• Pay special attention to the front door. Paint or stain it, and make the entry more welcoming with colorful flowers.
• Clean or paint the exterior and wash the windows
• Make sure the roof is clean and in good repair
• Clean up your landscaping and replace dead bushes
• Pressure wash walkways, patios and decks
• Stow garbage pails out of sight

 6. Stage your House for Sale

Emphasize a lifestyle that appeals to a broad range of buyers. Rid your home of distractions that can turn buyers away and remember that “less is more,” especially for today’s modern tastes.

• Make your home light, bright and airy and set the mood with lighting
• Highlight the best features like a fireplace and hardwood flooring
• Demonstrate how a space can be used by setting the dining room table, putting snacks on a living room accent table and placing lounge chairs on the deck.
• Move living room furniture away from the walls and rearrange seating into inviting, conversational groupings
• Make sure your home passes the “sniff test.” Bake bread or cookies before a showing to make it particularly inviting.
• Use seasonal touches such as a fall fire in the fireplace, flowers in spring and winter hot chocolate

Tips for Showing your Home

• Remove pets when you are having a showing and hide pet food and litter
• Set the thermostat to a comfortable setting
• Replace wilted houseplants
• Avoid foods with strong smells
• Secure your valuables and prescription medication
• Make the bed, clean daily and empty trash cans