Your Pre-Market Checklist For Listing Your Home

Preparing your home to list on the market might initially seem overwhelming, but fear not! To help you stay on track, I’ve assembled a comprehensive pre-market checklist with a step-by-step guide to readying your home. This checklist ensures you won’t overlook anything crucial, and remember, I am here to support you every step of the way.

1. SCHEDULE A HOME INSPECTION: Prior to listing your home on the MLS, it’s vital to arrange a professional home inspection – which I, as your realtor will order. A thorough inspection will pinpoint any potential issues that could affect the sale. Addressing these concerns beforehand can prevent surprises and instill confidence in potential buyers regarding your home’s condition.
2. DECLUTTER AND DE-PERSONALIZE: How we live in and how we present a home to buyers are two very different things. Buyers want to envision themselves in your home, not amidst your personal belongings. While I highly suggest staging your home to get the best possible price, if you are living in the home I will assist you in decluttering and de-personalizing your space before listing. This entails removing family photos, personal mementos, valuables, and excess clutter that might detract from your home’s features. Consider renting a storage unit if you need temporary storage until the sale concludes.
3. MAKE NECESSARY REPAIRS Buyers want a turnkey home, so it’s crucial to address any required repairs prior to listing. Prior to going on the market, I’ll coordinate a home inspection. Once we receive that back, I’ll help you tackle minor issues like leaky faucets and squeaky doors.
4. ENHANCE CURB APPEAL The exterior of your home sets the initial impression for potential buyers, so it’s essential to make it count. Enhance curb appeal by adding flowers, mulch, and maintaining a well-manicured lawn. Consider painting the front door or upgrading the mailbox to freshen up the look – and my skilled vendors excel at this!
5. THOROUGHLY CLEAN YOUR HOME A pristine home is non-negotiable when listing on the MLS. Ensure every corner of your home receives a deep clean, including carpets, walls, and windows. Don’t overlook areas behind appliances and inside cabinets. Your goal is to present a spotless and inviting environment for potential buyers. When you work with me, I typically schedule a deep cleaning with one of our trusted vendors before photos, videos, and listing.
6. STAGE YOUR HOME Staging your home aids potential buyers in envisioning themselves living in the space. This involves arranging furniture, adding decor, and creating an inviting ambiance. Whether you’re vacating the premises or staying put, my stager is available to work their magic and make your home feel like a haven.
7. PRICE YOUR HOME STRATEGICALLY Lastly, ensure your home is priced appropriately for the market. Conduct thorough research on comparable homes in your area and adjust your price accordingly. Overpricing can lead to prolonged market exposure, while underpricing might result in lost profits. Fortunately, pricing expertise is a hallmark of mine – I’ll ensure your home is competitively priced.

In conclusion, while preparing your home for the MLS may seem daunting, my pre-market checklist ensures you won’t miss any vital steps. By completing a home inspection, decluttering, cleaning, making repairs, enhancing curb appeal, staging, and pricing appropriately, you’ll be poised for success. Have questions or eager to learn more about our listing agreement? Call me at 408-495-1185. I’m excited to embark on this journey with you!