If you’re planning to sell your home within the next few months, you may be thinking of a million things to do before listing. Here’s a helpful guide to pre-listing tasks that are worth your while.
1 – Get rid of clutter
It’s never too early to declutter your home before selling it. You may be storing more items than you realize, and they may be things that you don’t want to take with you to your new home. Tidy homes with clear floors and countertops appear inviting to potential buyers – and may even entice them to make a stronger offer.
Here are a few ways to declutter:
- Sort through old stacks of paperwork, mail, pens, and notepads that can take up space in kitchens or home offices.
- Clear miscellaneous items away from the floors & countertops.
- Pack up small appliances that you don’t use everyday, like an air fryer or toaster.
- Pack away any nick nacks, family photos, or anything extra that may be taking up shelving space.
2 – Tackle neglected maintenance
Before you make any major repairs, like replacing your roof, talk to your agent and evaluate according to your budget. But, there may be small repairs that you can make to ensure that everything is in working condition before buyers visit.
These are things like:
- Having your HVAC serviced if it’s been more than a year.
- Patching holes in the drywall.
- Change your air filters.
- Replace burned out light bulbs.
- Fix leaky faucets.
3 – Deep clean
While you may get in a routine of quick spruce-ups before showings, you’ll want to deep clean before listing your home. Focus on these areas so that you’re not deeling with them at crunch time:
- Dust all ceiling fans.
- Wipe down the doors and interior of closets and cabinets.
- Clean under your appliances.
- Clean your baseboards.
4 – Gather any repair or renovation records
If you’ve lived in your home for a while, chances are you may have the receipts or records for any renovations and appliance repairs or upgrades. Collect those and have them ready for your agent, home inspector, and appraiser.
5 – Make a few updates
Buyers tend to lean towards homes that are move-in-ready, so you may what to do a few light renovations. This includes:
- Replacing dated fauces, light fixtures, ceiling fans, and cabinet hardware.
- Remove old wallpaper and paint walls in neutral colors.
- Replace unsalvageable flooring with a neutral & affordable selection.
5 – Consider a pre-sale inspection
If there are any hidden issues with your home, you don’t want to find out during the buyer’s inspection. Consider a pre-listing inspection so that you aren’t surprised with issues after you’ve accepted an offer.
An inspection can cost between $200-$400, but it can give you peace of mind if you are suspicious of big problems lurking. Get an inspection with plenty of time to make repairs in the event that there are issues you want to address before listing your home.
6 – Obtain a preliminary title report
A preliminary title report is a document that tells you if there’s anything outstanding on your property before you list your home. If you find any liens against the property for unpaid taxes, HOA fees, child support, another lender, or any other reason, you won’t be able to sell the home until you’re in the clear.
Titling and deed issues delayed 10% of contracts in September 2021 and were related to 4% of canceled contracts. So, give yourself plenty of time to resolve any issues.
7 – Spruce up your curb appeal
Focus on outdoor projects to clean up your home’s exterior. This includes things like:
- Install fresh mulch in your landscaping.
- Add simple landscaping if your home doesn’t have any.
- Powerwash any grime off of siding, sidewalks, or patios.
8 – Plan your next move
In today’s market, sellers may accept offers sooner than planned. So, it’s best to get ahead of where your next move will be. Due to low housing inventory, this may take longer than you think.
While it takes time to calculate all of the moves of selling your home, knowing what’s ahead and preparing your home before listing can help relieve some stress of the process.
Team Melton has over 50 combined years of real estate experience to assist you through every step of the process. Contact us today to get started on selling your home!
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