{"id":3735,"date":"2021-11-12T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-11-12T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.richmondamerican.com\/blog\/?p=3735"},"modified":"2025-03-10T09:39:20","modified_gmt":"2025-03-10T15:39:20","slug":"sell-your-home-checklist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.richmondamerican.com\/blog\/sell-your-home-checklist\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Sell Your Home: A Checklist"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Start<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Your dream home\u2019s calling your name, but first, you\nhave to sell your current residence. That means you need to get your home in\nthe best condition possible, so it appeals to more buyers as they tour the\nproperty. We all understand that a first impression is important for a job\ninterview, but did you know it\u2019s the same for selling your home? Luckily, there\nare tried-and-true things you can do to enhance the curb appeal and overall\naesthetic of your home to help your buyers better envision the life they can\nhave in the space. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Printable

Here’s a printable checklist for your convenience! <\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The look and feel of your home isn\u2019t the only thing\nyou need to think about before you take the steps to sell your home. Pricing, selecting\nthe right real estate agent and making sure you have all the paperwork in order\nare also on the list. Not quite sure where to begin? Not a problem! The process\nmay seem daunting, but we\u2019re here to help you prepare your home for sale (and\nfind a new one that meets your criteria!). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s where our handy checklist comes in! Regardless of the size, age or location of your abode, there are certain things you can do to help ensure a speedy and successful home sale. Many steps don\u2019t cost a cent, just your time and a little research to set yourself up for success. Our checklist outlines nine simple steps to take before selling your home, townhome or condo. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So without further ado, let\u2019s get started:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Choose a Real Estate Agent. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re planning on buying a new construction home, ask your homebuilder if they have a program to help you sell your current home. If not, it\u2019s time to choose a real estate agent. Ask friends and family members for referrals and take the time to interview several candidates. It\u2019s important to select an agent who understands your home, your community and your expectations. An agent can help with everything from advertising your home and setting a fair price (see below) to scheduling showings and negotiating your sale. For more information, see Choosing an Agent to Sell Your Home: 4 Tips<\/em><\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Set an appropriate price. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Did you know that setting the wrong price can delay your sale? You want your house to be appropriately priced so you draw in buyers who are searching for similar homes in your area. This is where choosing the right real estate agent really starts to pay off. Agents have quick access to sales data and can pull together some numbers. To help set a price for your home, your agent will conduct a market analysis of current listings and recent sales of comparable homes in your area. He or she may also request that you have your home evaluated by a certified appraiser. Factors such as your timeframe and whether or not you\u2019re willing to make necessary repairs (see below), will also play a role in determining your asking price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Get a pre-listing inspection.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many sellers choose to have their home inspected prior to putting it on the market. A pre-listing inspection can help uncover any surprises and allow you to get estimates for repair work well before you reach the final stages of the home sale. Although this step isn\u2019t required, it can save you a lot of time in the long run. Even if you\u2019re unable or unwilling to make the recommended repairs, knowing how much it will cost to fix or replace faulty items (e.g., your water heater or furnace) can help during negotiations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Gather your paperwork.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

What is the average electricity bill for the home? What about the water? Is the dishwasher still under warranty? Buying a new home is a big commitment and prospective buyers will likely have many questions. Think of all the information you will want to know about your next new home, then compile all of your important documents, such as appliance manuals, warranty information, examples of past utility bills\u2014even a list of the home\u2019s paint colors\u2014so you are able to address potential questions from prospective buyers as they arise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Make updates and repairs.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While you don\u2019t have<\/em> to make any updates or repairs before you sell your home, some quick, budget-friendly fixes, such as applying a fresh coat of paint, swapping out the hardware on your kitchen cabinets, fixing that leaky faucet and replacing discolored caulking in the bathrooms, can make your abode seem fresh, functional and more modern\u2014which may help you sell it quicker and for top dollar. As noted above, if you choose not to make even minor repairs and updates, you may have to adjust your home\u2019s price accordingly, especially if it\u2019s a buyer\u2019s market. Even little things like a broken outlet cover or cobwebs can give the buyer the illusion that the house isn\u2019t well cared for and therefore not a great investment. Don\u2019t let the little things give the wrong impression about your home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Boost your curb appeal.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your home\u2019s exterior is the first thing potential buyers will notice. So make sure they remember your residence for the right reasons. Touch up peeling paint, fix cracks in your driveway, pull weeds, plant flowers and, in short, do everything in your power to immediately impress house hunters. Even installing new fixtures, such as door hardware and a mailbox, can go a long way toward making a great first impression. For additional advice, see <\/em>Kick up the curb appeal: 5 ways to give your home a great first impression<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Clean, depersonalize & declutter (a.k.a., stage).<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Prospective buyers must also be able to envision themselves inside your home. The best way to achieve this is to ensure that the home is clean (hire a professional if necessary!), clutter-free (store knick-knacks and kids\u2019 toys safely out of sight) and light on family photos and other personal items. It\u2019s so easy to ignore clutter that you see every day, so consulting a third-party can help shed light onto the objects in your home that will get in the way of potential buyers seeing the its potential. Another wise way to win over prospective buyers? Stage the home by emphasizing stylish, universally appealing color schemes and furniture arrangements (your agent can help!). Make sure your home is ready to be viewed at all times (hint: live like you are a guest in someone else\u2019s home) because you never know how much notice you\u2019ll get before a showing! For additional advice, see: <\/p>\n\n\n\n