Getting your home ready for the market involves much more than taking photos for an online listing. There are a number of things we recommend to complete before listing your home on the market. After coaching clients for years in getting their homes ready, I wrote my first Ebook — The Arth Real Estate Seller’s Guide. Check it out here for free and get a full rundown of what to expect during a home sale, getting your home (and quite frankly your heart) ready, a workbook, and much more.
Here are some main projects you should tackle in your home before listing:
Make a plan
Get in touch with your agent to discuss a plan. You will want to map out a timeline of all your home projects, a deadline of when to list, and when you need to be out of the home for showings.
Paint Everything
I recommend just about every room, especially the main living areas, get a fresh coat of paint. Paint all trim and baseboards, paint your exterior if it is looking dated. Consider painting your ceilings.
Go Above and Beyond
Finish up all home projects and enlist a professional to help you deep clean. Apart from the typical chores you do around the house, have carpets shampooed and conditioned, vents and filters cleaned out. Have a professional run an air neutralizer or purchase one.
Add Curb Appeal
Edge and define beds, trim shrubs, and gather yard debris. Freshen pots with flowers and greenery, and make sure porches are tidy with new rugs. Pressure wash home exterior, driveway, and sidewalk. Add fresh mulch and pine straw.
Organize and Declutter
Go beyond usual decluttering and clear all home surfaces. The only personal item that should be left out is furniture. I recommend packing up as much stuff as possible and placing it in storage during the showing and selling process.
Follow This Checklist Before Listing Your Home:
DECLUTTER THESE AREAS
- Fridge/Freezer
- Books/Media
- Clothing
- Kitchen items
- Holiday decorations
- Toys
- Office paperwork
PAINT THESE AREAS
- Paint rooms a neutral tone
- All trim and doors
- Paint Ceilings
CLEANING
- Store away personal items
- Clear all surfaces and counters
- Clean carpets
- Vents, air ducts
- Windows cleaned
- Run air neutralizer
OUTDOORS
- Edge, mulch beds
- Clean limbs, debris
- Pot plants, add flowers
- Pressure wash siding, walkways, driveway
