Top Must-Do’s Before Listing Your House on the Market
May 11, 2023
Thinking of finally putting your house up for sale? Congratulations, you’re one step closer to that new beginning! But before you call the real estate agent and put up a “For Sale” sign on your front lawn, there are a few must-dos that can help make your selling experience smoother and more profitable. From fixing minor repairs to staging your home just right, we’ve rounded up the top things you need to do before listing your house on the market. So grab a pen and paper – or bookmark this page – because we’re about to spill all the secrets!
Perform Necessary Repairs and Home Improvements
Start by walking around your home and making a list of any repairs that need to be made. These could be anything from fixing a leaky faucet to replacing worn-out carpeting. Once you have a list of repairs, start tackling them one by one. Depending on the severity of the repair, you may be able to do it yourself or you may need to hire a professional.
In addition to repairs, there are also some minor cosmetic improvements you can make that will help increase your home’s value. These could include painting walls, updating light fixtures, or even planting some flowers in the front yard.
Cleaning and Decluttering
To start, go through each room in your house and make a list of any repairs that need to be made. This could include anything from fixing a leaky faucet to repainting walls or ceilings. Once you’ve made your repair list, take care of those items right away.
Next, it’s time to give your home a good cleaning from top to bottom. This means cleaning every nook and cranny, including places you might not normally think to clean (like baseboards, light fixtures, and windows). If you don’t have time to do a thorough cleaning yourself, you can always hire a professional cleaning service to do it for you.
Invest in Curb Appeal
Curb appeal is an essential element when we are looking for potential buyers for our home. Having great curb appeal can help your home stand out from the crowd and make a good first impression on potential buyers. Curb appeal is the overall enticing look of your home’s exterior, and it can play a significant role in how quickly your home sells.
Investing in curb appeal can be well worth your time and money.
1. Start with the front door. A fresh coat of paint or new hardware can really make a difference.
2. Add some color with flowers or other plants. This is an easy way to add instant curb appeal.
3. Make sure your lawn is green and well-manicured. This will be an indicator of the fact that the home was in good hands.
4. Pressure wash sidewalks, driveways, and siding to freshen up the look of your home.
5. If needed, refinish or paint any worn-out furniture or fixtures outside of your home.
Know the Market for Your Property’s Value
If you’re planning to sell your house, it’s important to have a good understanding of your local real estate market with the help of a good real estate agent.
There are a few key things to keep in mind when evaluating your property’s value:
1. know the recent sales prices of similar homes in your area. This information is readily available online and can give you a good starting point for pricing your own home.
2. Be aware of any trends in the local market. This could include the market condition and status of prices fluctuating. This knowledge can help you adjust your asking price accordingly.
3. Have a realistic idea of what improvements (if any) need to be made before putting your house on the market. These repairs can also impact the final selling price of your home.
Hire a Real Estate Agent
When you’re ready to list your house on the market, one of the first things you should do is hire a realtor. A good real estate agent will be familiar with your local market and can help price your home correctly from the start. They can also help market your home to potential buyers and handle all the paperwork involved in the sale. If you’re in Houston, then search online for “Houston Texas Real Estate Agents,” and boom you’ll know what link to hit!
Have Documents Ready
As a seller, you will be asked to provide a number of documents to your real estate agent and/or buyer.
- A copy of the home’s deed
- A recent appraisal or CMA (comparative market analysis)
- Utility bills
- Property tax information
- Homeowners insurance information
- Any warranties or manuals for major appliances or systems
- Receipts for any recent repairs or renovations
Setting the Right List Price
When you’re ready to list your home on the market, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is setting the right price.
There are a few different factors to consider when pricing your home:
1. The current market conditions in your area. Are homes selling quickly or slowly? Are prices rising or falling?
2. The competition. What other homes are currently on the market that are similar to yours in terms of size, features, and location? Pricing your home competitively will help it stand out from the pack.
3. Your own motivation. Are you looking to sell quickly or do you have more time to wait for the right buyer? Pricing your home accordingly will help you to meet your own personal goals.
Conclusion
If you want to ensure that your house stands out from the competition and attracts potential buyers, a well-thought pre-listing plan is essential with hiring a realtor to help you with the process.
Jay Thomas Real Estate Team is one of the most trusted real estate agents in Houston, Texas you might want to call before getting into any house-related transactions!
Hello! I’m Jay Thomas, a REALTOR in Houston, Texas. Chances are you and I share a similar passion, Real Estate! I also have a passion for building businesses, working out, inspiring others, technology, sports, and people. Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram!
Hello! I'm Jay Thomas,