7 Things to Do Before Listing Your Home

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Getting your home ready for sale can be one of the most distressing events in your life. While listing your home only takes a few clicks of the button, a deal at the best price usually requires research and a bit of hard work. You must ensure your home is well presented before listing it for sale.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take before putting your home on the market to improve your chances of getting a great offer from a buyer. Here are seven things you should do before listing your home for sale.

Hire a professional real estate agent

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Finding the right buyer who meets your asking price isn’t easy on your own, and it can take months before you seal the deal. Hiring the services of a professional real estate agent will take care of several issues and minimize your involvement in the whole process.

For instance, real estate agents have access to the multiple listing service (MLS), a database populated with homes for sale. You can advertise on various online and offline platforms, but you won’t get the widespread visibility necessary to get the best price for your property. Potential buyers will have immediate access to your home when it’s on the MSL through the seller’s agents.

Professional real estate agents also understand the market together with its flows and ebbs. They can help price your home appropriately since they have intimate knowledge of the industry and local market demands.

Get a termite inspection

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Although termites aren’t harmful to humans, they can cause tremendous damage to your home. Most homes are primarily built of wood, so termites can destroy your house from the inside out, which is how they feed on wood. They can cause damage to the joists, insulation, cabinets, walls, and any other part of your home made from wood materials.

Ordering a termite inspection before listing your home helps you know what you are obligating yourself to ahead of time so that you can plan and prepare accordingly. For instance, if your old wood patio cover has termites or dry rot, discovering it before you are under contract can save you money by taking it down.

In some states, homeowners are required by law to have a certified pest control company declaring their home is termite-free. Once the inspection is done, you can continue with the selling process. However, if there are termites on your property, find the best way of treating termites or consult your local pest control company.  

Repaint walls to neutral tones

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While a lime-green living room or a baby-blue bedroom may hold sentimental value, these colors might turn off potential buyers. Therefore, consider repainting particular walls in more neutral tones before listing your home for sale. Neutral color paint throughout your living space can make it look spacious and more cohesive.

Paint trends can also quickly change, and if you have a funky exterior color or a few bold bedrooms, it’s wise to update them before you put your home on the market. This is especially important if your paint has peeled off, is flaked, or shows similar signs of wear and tear. The most attractive options include white and gray shades, earth tones, and beige.

Declutter and depersonalize

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It’s important to declutter and remove your belongings to clear the house of excess items before listing your home. Decluttering and arranging your home will go a long way in attracting potential buyers. Buyers may focus on the actual home when it’s clutter-free rather than the excess junk, accessories, or overflowing closets.

Depersonalizing is also essential, as it allows buyers to imagine their own families moving in. By reducing your visual footprint, you can inspire potential buyers without making them feel like they are snooping around someone else’s home. They will see the space in the most attractive way and get an idea of every room’s purpose without feeling blocked off.

Clean your home

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Scuffed hardwood floors, smeared windows, foul smell, and other traces of dirt and grime may throw off potential buyers. Cleaning your home thoroughly before listing it for sale is essential.

Every person’s idea of a clean home varies in intensity, but you should ensure you clean every element of your home to the best possible. This may include disinfecting your bathroom, wiping countertops, polishing faucets, and scrubbing appliances. You should also be sure to tidy up your home before scheduling showings. Consider hiring a maid service to ensure your home looks perfect before every show, especially if you have pets and kids.

Create a curb appeal

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Buyers judge a book by its cover, so you need to ensure potential buyer’s first impression of your home is good. It should also inspire them to stop by the open house or schedule a visit to see more.

Start by landscaping the glass, trees, and any other foliage near the front of your home. Clear out the driveways and power wash them to give them a new life. Replacing an entire roof may be quite expensive, so you might only need to focus on repairs. Repainting your front doors and planting colorful flowers can beckon potential buyers to come on in. If you are unsure how to increase your home’s curb appeal, consult your local real estate agent for advice.

Get a preliminary title report

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A preliminary title report, also known as prelim, is a summary document that tells you, the seller, whether there is anything outstanding on your property before putting your home on sale. If, for instance, there are liens against your property for unpaid taxes, child support, or HOA fees, you won’t be able to sell the home until you settle up and clear the lien. 

A prelim title search also shows deed limitations or any limits to your property use, including the type and number of cars allowed on the property. Title and deed issues might take a while to resolve, so start digging as early as possible.

Endnote

Preparing your home before listing it is just as crucial as the actual closing process. While it takes time to get your home ready, it can save you the hassle of why it is not selling. Consider these helpful tips before you put your home out for sale.

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