Repair and Prepare: Our Complete Pre-Listing Checklist
When you work with our team, we take a comprehensive approach to getting your home ready for the market. We start with a pre-listing inspection to identify any necessary repairs or touch-ups, giving us a clear roadmap for our preparation strategy. This allows us to assess your home’s overall condition and fine-tune our efforts to maximize buyer interest and ensure a smooth transaction. Whether you're selling a starter home or a luxury estate, our goal is to help you attract top offers and get the best return on your investment. In this guide, we’ll walk you through our complete pre-listing checklist, focusing on repairs, updates, and preparations that will position your home to attract top-dollar offers.
1. Declutter and Deep Clean
Before tackling any repairs, the first step is to declutter your home. Buyers want to envision themselves living in the space, and the best way to facilitate that is by creating a clean, open environment. Personal items and overcrowded rooms can easily distract and disengage potential buyers, making it difficult for them to imagine the home as their own. By clearing out the clutter, you remove a common barrier to a quick and successful sale.
Start with the Basics: Go room by room, removing unnecessary items, including old furniture, personal photos, or excess decor. Consider putting items in storage if needed.
Kitchen and Bathrooms: Pay special attention to countertops in the kitchen and bathroom. These spaces should be clear of debris, with only essential items like soap dispensers or a few decorative pieces.
Closets and Storage Spaces: Buyers are often interested in storage, so ensure that closets, attics, and basements are organized. Clear out seasonal items and neatly arrange remaining belongings.
Deep Clean: Hire professional cleaners or dedicate time to cleaning every nook and cranny. This includes washing windows, cleaning carpets, scrubbing grout, and wiping down baseboards. We have several trusted cleaning services we are happy to coordinate for you.
2. Repairs and Maintenance: Address the Essentials
After the pre-listing inspection, we will have a clear idea of essential maintenance that needs to be tackled before the sale. Our team will then make additional recommendations on additional value-adding repairs that we can complete before listing in order to increase your overall return on investment. Some of the common repairs we recommend include:
Fix Leaks: Check for leaky faucets, running toilets, or any water damage. Address these issues as they can cause long-term damage and are often deal-breakers for buyers.
Patch Holes and Cracks: Inspect walls for any dents, cracks, or holes. Use caulk or spackle to fill in imperfections, and consider repainting to refresh the space.
Service HVAC Systems: Make sure your heating and cooling systems are in working order. Clean filters, check the furnace, and have your HVAC serviced if it’s been a while.
Repair Windows and Doors: Ensure that all windows and doors open, close, and lock properly. Replace any broken window panes or fix drafty areas.
Check Electrical and Plumbing: Replace burnt-out light bulbs, fix faulty outlets, and ensure plumbing is in good condition. If you notice any issues with your plumbing or electrical systems, consider hiring a professional for an inspection.
3. Exterior Updates: Enhance Curb Appeal
The outside of your home is the first thing potential buyers will see, so it’s important to make a great first impression. Enhancing curb appeal can boost your home’s attractiveness and signal to buyers that the property is well cared for.
Landscaping: Mow the lawn, trim bushes, and remove weeds. Consider adding seasonal flowers or fresh mulch for a pop of color. If your garden is overgrown, hire a landscaper to give it a tidy and appealing look.
Front Door: A freshly painted front door can significantly enhance your home’s appeal. Opt for a welcoming color that complements your home’s exterior.
Clean Gutters: Ensure gutters are clear of leaves and debris. Clogged gutters can signal neglect and may raise concerns about water damage.
Power Wash: Clean exterior siding, decks, patios, and sidewalks using a power washer to remove grime and mildew. A sparkling clean exterior can make the home feel new again.
Exterior Lighting: Check that outdoor lighting is functional. Consider adding new fixtures to highlight pathways or provide security lighting for an added touch.
4. Interior Updates: Focus on High-Impact Areas
Certain areas of the home carry more weight in the eyes of buyers, particularly the kitchen, bathrooms, and living spaces. You don’t have to do a complete remodel to make these areas stand out, but small updates can have a big impact.
Fresh Paint: A fresh coat of neutral paint can make your home feel new, modern, and clean. Stick to shades like light grays, soft taupes, or classic whites, as these appeal to the broadest range of buyers.
Cabinet Hardware: Swap out old cabinet handles and drawer pulls in the kitchen and bathrooms for updated hardware. This is a cost-effective way to modernize the space.
Upgrade Lighting Fixtures: Replace outdated or dim light fixtures with modern, energy-efficient options. This can instantly update a room and make it feel brighter and more inviting.
Flooring: If your flooring is damaged or outdated, consider replacing it with cost-effective options like vinyl plank or carpet. For hardwood floors, refinishing can restore their beauty without the need for replacement.
Bathroom Refresh: Minor upgrades like replacing showerheads, re-grouting tiles, or adding new mirrors and fixtures can transform a bathroom without a major renovation.
5. Setting Up For Your Photoshoot
Once your home is decluttered, cleaned, repaired, and staged, it’s time to showcase it to the world. We bring in top tier local photographers to showcase your home in it’s best possible light. Through the years, we’ve learned many tips and techniques to ensure your home is fully prepared for it’s photoshoot.
Attend To The Details: The day before your photoshoot, be sure to mow your yard, edge any pathways, wash all windows/glass fixtures, and do a final pass to tidy up.
Lighten & Brighten: When possible, use white towels, linens, and comforters.
Remove Excess Items: Remove floor rugs, carpet runners, and bathroom mats. Be sure to open all curtains and blinds to let light in.
8. Final Touches: Preparing for Showings
Now that your home is prepped, it’s time to get it show-ready. Preparing for showings means more than just maintaining a spotless home—it’s about creating a welcoming and stress-free experience for buyers. This extra attention can help them feel comfortable and envision themselves living in the space, increasing the chances of a successful sale.
Daily Clean-Up: Before showings, do a quick tidy-up by vacuuming, wiping down counters, and making the beds. Empty trash bins and take out any lingering food to avoid odors. Be sure any money, prescription drugs, and valuables are securely stored out of sight.
Remove Pets and Pet Items: We love pets, but it’s best for them to be out of the house during showings. If you are able, take pets out of the home and store their toys, beds, and food bowls. If pets are not able to be fully removed, be sure they are kept in a separate area like the backyard or garage.
Set the Mood: Create a welcoming atmosphere by opening curtains to let in natural light, turn on soft background music, add a ground up lemon to the garbage disposal, and set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature. If you have a fireplace, be sure to light it to create a cozy ambiance.
Conclusion
Preparing your home for sale takes time and effort, but with the right pre-listing preparation, you can make the process smoother and more successful. By focusing on decluttering, repairs, curb appeal, and staging, you’ll create a home that attracts buyers and stands out in. Click here to learn more about the Go With Ro process for Sellers, or get the process started by reserving your free home market analysis today.