🏠Getting Ready to List Your Home – First 5 Steps

Selling a home successfully starts with preparation. While market conditions play a role, what you do in the weeks leading up to the listing can directly affect how quickly your home sells — and for how much.

Here are five smart steps every homeowner should take before listing:

1. Declutter and Depersonalize
   Buyers want to envision themselves in the space. Remove personal items, excess furniture, and anything that distracts from the home’s features.

2. Schedule a Pre-Listing Walkthrough
   Realtors often walk through your home and suggest simple updates — like fresh paint, minor repairs, or curb appeal improvements — that deliver strong returns.

3. Deep Clean Every Corner
   Clean homes photograph better and feel more spacious. Consider professional cleaning before listing day.

4. Gather Paperwork
   Collect documents like survey reports, recent utility bills, roof and AC service records, HOA rules, and warranties. Your agent may include these in the listing package.

5. Decide on a Timeline
   Are you relocating? Buying another home? A clear timeline helps your Realtor plan a launch strategy — whether it’s a “coming soon” campaign or a quick-list approach.

Pro Tip: Homes that are “show-ready” from day one often receive stronger offers and spend less time on the market. It’s not about perfection — it’s about presentation.

When sellers take the time to prep properly, they set the stage for smoother showings, stronger offers, and less stress during negotiations. A seasoned Realtor will guide this entire process and help you list with confidence.