Checklist for Sellers
Prior to listing your house, the following can be used to prepare:
Curb Appeal
Consider sprucing up the front of your house. This could involve a lot or a little work but remember, you never get a second chance to make a first impression!!! It should feel welcoming and look beautiful.
Declutter
Pack away anything you don’t need and allow the space to feel open and roomy. If you need professional assistance, there are professional organizers or stagers that can help.
De-personalize the Space
Take down your family pictures to remove any distractions to the Buyer. You want the buyer to visualize themselves living in the space.
Paint
Have your walls be a neutral color. Yes, I know you love your orange family room but that will not appeal to every buyer.
General Touch-Up
Make sure you touch-up areas that you are not painting that have scuff marks etc. Tighten all the handles and latches, have working lights with light bulbs. Add some plants as they create a welcoming environment. Do a smell test! Even the slightest odor can turn off a potential buyer.
CLEAN!
Hire a professional if you need to! Clean all the surfaces, windows, baseboards, etc. The professional pictures that are taken with a clean home come out the best.
Hide your Valuables
I always tell my clients to put away their jewelry or anything special. It may be easier to keep a box with these belongings in them that you take with you as showings happen. Remove all your prescriptions as well. Unfortunately, you can’t trust everyone.
We want the Buyer to have a clean slate to work with.
While your house is for sale, you want to:
Maintain the home. Address any issues or problems that come up. Feedback from the agents can help you with those areas.
Keep it tidy for all showings. Make your bed and remove all personal items.
Remove pets from premises. (Not everyone loves dogs; I personally do, but it is a distraction!)
Leave the lights on especially in rooms that may show dark.
If there is a separate out building or garage, allow easy access to view.
