The work you do before your home hits the market has a big effect on how fast it sells and for how much. Here’s the checklist I give my sellers.
The weeks before your home goes on the market matter more than most people expect. Buyers form an opinion in the first few seconds, often from the listing photos, and a well-prepared home tends to sell faster and for more. Here’s the checklist I go through with my sellers.
Start packing early
You’re moving anyway, so get a head start. Put extra things in storage and clean out the basement, garage and closets. Take down family photos and personal items. The goal is for buyers to picture themselves living in your home, not to feel like guests in yours.
Make small fixes
- Touch up paint inside and out. Fresh paint in a neutral color is one of the least expensive ways to make a home feel new.
- Clean or replace worn carpet, especially in high-traffic areas.
- Fix the little things: dripping faucets, sticky doors, burned-out bulbs and loose handles.
Deep clean everything
Keep the inside and outside clean and odor free. Windows, baseboards, grout and appliances all show up in photos and showings. A professional cleaning before photos is usually money well spent.
Boost your curb appeal
The front of your home is the first thing buyers see, in person and online. Trim overgrown bushes, mow the lawn, and keep walkways clear of leaves and snow. A clean front door, fresh mulch and a few potted plants go a long way.
Find problems early
Buyers will hire a professional inspector, so it can pay to hire one first. A pre-listing inspection lets you find and fix issues on your own schedule instead of negotiating them under pressure after you’re under contract.
Consider professional staging
Staging helps buyers see how a space can be used and makes your listing photos stand out. Even partial staging of the main rooms can make a big difference. I help my sellers stage their homes, and I can recommend stagers when a home needs more.
Let Compass Concierge cover the upfront cost
If your home needs updates before listing, you don’t have to pay for them out of pocket. Compass Concierge fronts the cost of services like painting, flooring, staging and landscaping, with no interest, and you pay it back when your home sells.
While your home is listed
- Plan somewhere to be during showings so buyers can take their time.
- Keep the house show-ready: beds made, counters clear, lights on.
- Don’t dismiss early offers too quickly, even if they’re lower than you hoped. There may be room to negotiate.
- If a few weeks go by with little interest, we’ll look at the feedback together and adjust.
Not sure where to start?
Every home is different, and not every project is worth doing. I’ll walk through your home with you, tell you honestly what will pay off and what won’t, and prepare a free home value report so you know where you stand. Request your home value report or send me a note.
