The Ultimate Checklist for Preparing Your Home for the Market and the Hard Truth on Why these Items are Important

So, you’re thinking about listing your home. And just like everyone else, you want to obtain the most amount of money possible. If this sounds like you, check out this list of to-dos to help you get started in preparing your home. Some may sound unimportant, but trust me, as a Realtor who sees many homes with many buyers, they are. A small investment in time and money can reap huge rewards in the form of positive feedback from buyers and therefore a higher sale price for your home.

General Maintenance

The easiest homes to sell are the ones that have been meticulously maintained. Even if a home is outdated, this sense of pride of ownership immediately makes buyers feel at ease.

1. Touch up walls with mud and paint 

The less work a buyer feels that they need to do when they move in the more they will pay for the home.  People love to paint to personalize their homes, not because they feel like they have to prior to moving it. 

2. Replace burnt out lights

People need to see what they’re buying.  Using a lightbulb that shines white instead of yellow will help give the appearance of natural light and can help the home feel more modern. 

3. Wash the windows and doors, including the tracks 

This makes such a small difference but will help your home shine.  

4. Tighten door knobs, doors and any loose railings 

The first thing buyers do when they see a railing is give it a good shake.  Make sure that when they do there aren’t any comments for them to make. 

5. Repair leaking taps and toilets 

Need I say more?