Selling Checklist

August 1, 2024

What to Do Before You Sell Your Home

We’re thrilled to help you get your home ready for the market! By putting a little time and effort into the following tips, you could end up with a much higher sale price.

When you list with the Roenspie + Johnson Real Estate, your home gets top-notch exposure thanks to our innovative online marketing strategies. If you haven’t scheduled a meeting with us yet, we’d love to show you our marketing process, market insights, and how we use technology and social media to make your listing stand out.

Many of our listings have set neighborhood records for sale prices. Since most buyers will see your home online first, it’s crucial to have it looking its best for the photo and video shoot.

Preparing Your Home:

First Meeting: Don’t worry if your home isn’t “show-ready” before our initial walk-through. Homes are rarely perfect on day one, and we’ve seen it all—from laundry piles to Lego scattered floors. It’s okay—let us see your home as it is!
Walk-Through: If needed, our team will walk through your home with you, room by room, to discuss affordable improvements that can shorten your time on the market and boost your profit. We only suggest changes that will make a difference.
Light It Up: Replace any burnt-out light bulbs and update old fixtures. A bright home looks more inviting and fresh. Make sure all lights, including lamps and exterior lights, are working and on for the photo shoot.
Declutter: Start boxing up items you don’t need. Use free boxes from local Facebook pages if you can. A clutter-free home helps buyers envision themselves living there. Organize closets and pantries, and think minimalistic, like in model homes.
Storage Solutions: Consider renting a storage unit or clearing out your garage for extra furniture and clutter. If furniture is worn, it might be better to remove it. We’ll help create a plan for what to do with it.
Keys and Showings: Make an extra set of keys for the digital lockbox. Showings are usually arranged through the listing agent.
Bathroom Prep: Clear off counters and remove toiletries. Invest in some new white towels and a light, neutral shower curtain to make your bathrooms look clean and fresh.
Laundry Room: Keep it clean and organized. Use matching bins for storage if needed. Pinterest has great ideas for laundry room organization.
Kitchen: This is a major selling point, so make it shine. Clear counters, clean appliances, and consider fresh flowers or a bowl of fruit for a welcoming touch. Remove old magnets and photos from the fridge.
Bedrooms: Aim for an inviting feel. Invest in a neutral duvet cover or a fluffy white comforter. Add crisp white sheets and a few pillows. Remove any bulky furniture to make the space feel larger.
Closets: Go through your clothes and shoes. Pack up or donate items you haven’t worn in over a year. Less clutter makes your closet look bigger.
Plumbing and Repairs: Fix any leaks and update outdated faucets. Small upgrades can make a big difference.
Living Room: Clean your sofa and chairs, and maybe add some new throw pillows. Hide clutter and wires for a neat appearance.
Dining Room: Clear off the table and hutch. A simple centerpiece can make the space look elegant and clean.
Sort and Donate: Don’t pack anything you won’t use in your new home. Donate or sell items you don’t need. Consider a garage sale or posting items online.
Entrance: Make a great first impression. Clean and declutter the front yard. Freshen up the door with paint if needed, add new throw pillows, and maybe a new welcome mat.
Backyard: Keep your yard neat and inviting. If you have a pool, make sure it’s clean and clear.
Personal Touches: Buyers need to imagine their own lives in your space, so depersonalize your home. Remove family photos and personal items.
Paint and Touch-Ups: A fresh coat of paint can work wonders. Stick to neutral colors for broad appeal, especially in common areas. Don’t forget baseboards and ceilings!
Fix Small Issues: Address minor repairs like leaky faucets and picture holes. If you’re not handy, a professional can help.
Window Cleaning: Clean windows let in more light and look great in photos. Consider hiring professionals to get them sparkling.
Carpet and Floors: Clean carpets and grout to refresh your home. If carpets are too worn, we can discuss replacing them.
Final Clean: A professional cleaning service can tackle all those tricky spots. Keeping up with cleaning while your home is on the market will make a big difference.
Pets and Kids: Plan to have pets out during showings and hide any pet-related items. Organize or store kids’ toys to keep the focus on the home.
Smell: Make sure your home smells fresh. Address any sources of bad odors and opt for neutral scents like vanilla or citrus. Avoid strong cooking smells before showings.
Staging: We might recommend staging depending on your home’s needs. We’ll discuss this in detail during our walk-through.
Photo and Video Shoot: When your home is ready, we’ll schedule a shoot to capture its best features. Good lighting is key, so we’ll aim for the best weather. Your home’s website will be live soon after!
Final Touches: Do one last walk-through to catch any distractions or issues before showings.
Showings: Consider leaving out some bottled water and snacks for potential buyers. Keep the home bright and welcoming with lights on and blinds open.
Final Note: We’ve helped clients complete this list in as little as four days. We’re here to support you through every step. If you have any questions or need referrals, we’ve got you covered!