14 Projects to Do Before Selling Your House

Are you ready to sell your home? Great! But here’s the thing—it’s not as simple as sticking a “For Sale” sign in the yard and crossing your fingers. Preparation is key to attracting buyers, maximizing the price of the offers, and closing the deal at the best price possible.

Enter the project checklist for sellers. This step-by-step guide helps you put your home on the market with the best possible footing. Set yourself up for selling success. Trust us—home buyers notice the little things.

Here’s your ultimate pre-listing checklist to help you get market-ready, insider tips included.

Assess Your Home’s Condition

Before you do anything to get the home ready to sell, take a good, hard look from top to bottom. It’s understandably your home, and the longer you’ve lived in it, the more likely you have emotional attachments to the house. It’s also easier to accept the scuffs and dings of every day use.

But now it’s time to prepare it to sell. Walk through the house with a fresh perspective. Imagine you’re a buyer. If it’s too hard, do it with your real estate agent. They have seen multiple homes and are less emotionally connected to the home. They also know what buyers will zero in on when seeing the house.

• Visible issues? Make a note of anything that screams, “Fix me!” Look at places where you’ve deferred maintenance. Think scuffed walls, dripping faucets, or that sticky drawer you’ve ignored for months.
• Pre-Listing Inspection: Consider hiring a professional home inspector to uncover hidden issues like faulty wiring or plumbing problems. It’s better to address these now than risk a deal blowing up later.
• Priority List: Make a task list and focus on the home improvements that offer the most bang for your buck or time investment. Ensure that any improvements align with your house’s target price point to avoid overspending on renovations that may not yield a return on investment. See which home projects deliver the best ROI.
• Plan Ahead: Some home upgrades to sell your house require weeks or a few months of work. Factor that in when deciding which makes sense to get the house ready on time for listing.

Deep Cleaning and Declutter

No one wants to walk into a home and feel like they can’t see past the clutter—or worse, last night’s dinner still sitting in the sink. A deep cleaning and a squeaky-clean, clutter-free space create an instant impression of care. It helps the home buyer see all the home’s positive attributes. 

• Deep clean: Scrub floors, steam carpets, wipe inside and outside windows, and polish appliances until they sparkle. If you’ve got tile with grout, give it a solid clean. Knock down spider webs and sweep up those dust bunnies. Give the baseboards a wipe-down, too.
• Neutralize the space: Remove family photos, fridge magnets, and overly personalized decor. This lets buyers imagine their family here, not yours. Plus, less cluttered walls and spaces look cleaner and appeal to more buyers. Consider removing excess furniture to create a more open and inviting atmosphere. Stash personal items out of sight.
• Tidy closets and storage: They will look. Trust us, organized cabinets and closets suggest you’ve cared for every corner of your home. If you have too many items, consider renting a storage unit to keep clutter to a minimum and improve the home’s presentation. Plus, tidying up gives a head start on the moving-out process.

Make Necessary Repairs

Don’t give potential buyers any ammunition to lower their offer. Fix what needs fixing before putting the house on the market.

• Minor repairs: Think of leaky faucets, squeaky doors, loose handles, and chipped paint. If there’s time, seal cracks around the foundation and patio surfaces. None of these are deal breakers, but all make an impression on buyers.
• Major fixes: Address major issues like roof leaks or HVAC problems. Having these in order will allow you to sell your house for more money. Patch holes in the walls, re-seal the chimney, or shore up the foundation. Big-ticket concerns will arise during home inspections, so handle them beforehand. Not fixing essential structural or systemic items may lower the home’s price point.
• Upgrades: Swap outdated fixtures, like old hanging lights or cabinet knobs, with stylish modern alternatives for a fresher look. Energy-efficient new appliances appeal to home buyers, too.

Power Washing

You only get one chance to make a first impression—and for buyers, that starts when they pull up to the home. Sure, they’ve seen the listing photos, but you want the in-person first look to seal the deal.

Power washing blasts away years of dirt from walkways, patios, and siding for an instant facelift. It’s truly amazing how it can make a home sparkle. If the weather and timing allow, rent a power washer or hire it out.

Landscaping Improvements

Don’t overlook the power of landscaping. A lush, green lawn makes potential buyers fall in love before they step inside!

Start with lawn maintenance. Prospective buyers love seeing well-maintained lawns as it hints at the care you’ve put into the entire property.

Here’s a quick list of landscaping tasks to boost curb appeal:

• Grass Seeding for a full, healthy lawn. Pay attention to bare spots.
• Trimming Shrubs for a tidy appearance, especially near walkways.
• Planting Colorful Flowers in garden beds to add bursts of color.
• Fresh mulched garden beds to keep the look clean and weeds down.

Investing time in these simple landscaping improvement projects can lead to a quicker sale and potentially even a better sales price.

Fresh Exterior Paint

A new exterior paint job revitalizes your home’s facade. Prospective buyers see that the property is well cared for.

Choosing the right colors is essential. Opt for neutral paint that appeals to a broader audience. Homes in some HOAs may be limited to specific colors. Otherwise, soft grays, beiges, or whites can create a welcoming blank canvas for the right buyers to envision themselves in the house.

Before beginning the paint job, check for any water damage or other issues. This ensures the durability and longevity of the fresh coat. 

The right exterior paint can be a quick sale game-changer, making it a smart and cost-effective improvement project before listing your home.

Other Paint Projects

Painting before listing makes a lot of sense. A new coat of paint makes any room or exterior look well-kept and rejuvenated. In older homes, where there’s been a lot of picture hanging and wall patching, sometimes repainting walls is the best way to make a room match.

Bold colors are a personal preference for the home buyer to add later. Either repaint in existing colors so the walls look neat or consider a change to neutrals to appeal to more buyers. Neutrals work because they coordinate better with multiple decor preferences. 

Beautify the Front Door

Short on time to get the house ready? Concentrate on the front door area. A well-maintained entranceway enhances the first impression of your home. Consider painting it or adding a new doormat to make the entrance more inviting. A quick paint job on doors, shutters, or trim does wonders. Bonus points for sprucing up around the mailbox. 

Kitchen Renovations: Modernize for Maximum Impact

Renovating your kitchen increases your home’s appeal and the final sale price. Undertaking a kitchen remodel doesn’t mean breaking the bank or delaying listing for weeks. Instead, focus on strategic improvements that create a lasting impact.

• Fresh Coat of Paint: Newly painted cabinets or walls can brighten the space and make it look more inviting. It’s also faster and less expensive than a full cabinet replacement.
• Update Kitchen Cabinets: Consider painting, refacing, or replacing the doors for a more modern look. Swapping out outdated knobs and pulls for sleek new hardware can also transform your cabinets.
• Upgrade Light Fixtures: Install modern lighting to enhance the kitchen’s ambiance.
• New Countertops: Replace dated surfaces with materials like granite or quartz for a luxurious touch.
• Focus on Flooring: Refinishing might be a wise investment if you have well-loved hardwood floors. Otherwise, look at new tiles or patching existing cracked tiles.

These improvement projects can create a modern, appealing kitchen that attracts buyers. Consult your real estate agent for tailored advice and potential ROI on upgrades.

Upgrading Flooring

New flooring might just be the trick you need when selling a house! Flooring sets the foundation of style in a home. Making the right updates can lead to a quick sale and a boosted sales price.

Here’s why you should consider it:

• Appeal to Buyers: New flooring, such as hardwood, can instantly catch the eye of potential buyers. It’s a great way to make a positive first impression and highlight the home’s square footage and natural light.
• Fix Squeaky Floors: No one wants to tiptoe through their potential new home!
• Pick Durability: Resilient flooring options mean fewer worries for your buyers down the road.

Lighting Fixtures

With thoughtfully selected lighting, illuminate the house’s best features. A well-lit space gives the illusion of larger square footage, floods rooms with natural light, and makes decor pop.

Consider replacing outdated or dingy lights with modern, energy-efficient options. Whether pendant lights over the kitchen island or a statement chandelier in the dining room, new lights turn a bland room into a showstopper. Here’s a quick checklist for lighting refresh:

• Swap Outdated Fixtures: Choose styles that complement the home’s decor.
• Enhance with LED Bulbs: Energy-efficient and long-lasting.
• Add Dimmer Switches: Set the room to the preferred ambiance.
• Maximize Natural Light: Remove heavy drapes and add mirrors to reflect daylight.

Smart Home Technology

Add significant value and convenience with the latest in integrated home technology. It’s a feature that helps when selling a house to modern buyers. Here’s why investing in these upgrades may make sense:

Benefits of Smart Home Technology

• Enhanced Appeal: Potential buyers like the modern convenience smart homes offer. Coming already equipped is one less thing to do to make the house move-in ready.
• Energy Efficiency: Smart thermostats and lighting reduce energy bills, a big plus for buyers concerned about sustainability.
• Security Features: Smart security cameras and doorbells provide peace of mind.

Key Smart Home Upgrades

• Smart Thermostats: Automatically adjust the home’s temperature for comfort and energy efficiency.
• Smart Lighting: Allows control over mood and ambiance from a smartphone or voice command.
• Smart Locks and Cameras: Enhance security around the property’s exterior with remote access.

Stage Your Home

You don’t need to hire a Hollywood set designer to stage your house, but a little effort thinking about furniture and decor placement goes a long way. 

• Furniture placement: Arrange furniture to maximize space and showcase your home’s best features. Is there a fireplace? Center the seating around it. Tall windows with great light? Highlight them through seating or dramatic curtains. Pay special attention to the dining room, as a well-staged dining space can create a positive first impression and help buyers envision gatherings.
• Add light: Add lamps or switch out bulbs for brighter ones. Natural and warm light creates a welcoming vibe. For photography and showings, open all the curtains and blinds. Incorporate natural elements like plants or flowers on the dining table to create a welcoming atmosphere.
• Hire a stager: If you want to go the extra mile, a professional stager can help your house look magazine-ready.

Gather Important Documents

Be prepared! Have your paperwork ready before putting the house on the market. When buyers have questions, being able to present the documents makes you look like an invested homeowner and trustworthy.

• Appliance records: Collect warranties, repair records, and manuals for appliances and home systems. Some buyers will want to know the age of the dishwasher or refrigerator. However, the age of the major home systems is usually the most frequently asked question. That’s the HVAC, furnace, and water heater.
• Proof of repairs or upgrades: Have you recently had roofing, plumbing, or electrical work done? Keep receipts with the dates of work and any workmanship warranties that transfer with the house.
• Other essentials: Include your HOA (Homeowners Association) details if applicable. Buyers will want to know what amenities they get for their fees.

Find the Right Real Estate Agent

Finding the right real estate agent is crucial to a successful home sale. A great real estate agent provides insights and knowledge on every aspect of a real estate transaction, from pricing and staging to negotiating offers and closing the deal. To find the right real estate agent for you:

• Research local agents: Look for real estate professionals with experience in your community. They will better understand the local market and typical buyer.
• Check reviews and referrals: Online reviews and referrals from friends and family can help find trustworthy agents.
• Interview potential agents: Discuss their marketing strategies, communication style, and fees. Make sure they align with your expectations and needs.
• Look for expertise: Choose agents knowledgeable about the neighborhood with a successful track record. Their experience can significantly affect the sale of your home.

A great real estate agent can make a significant difference in the sale of your home, so take the time to find the right one for you.

Picking Projects To Do Before You Sell Your House

Getting your house ready to sell doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With a clear pre-listing task list prioritized based on time and budget, you can tackle the process step by step. Each project brings you closer to attracting the perfect buyer and scoring the best price for your home! Plus, all those fixes will help it shine in your listing photos.

If you’re ready to get started, don’t wing it. When in doubt, team up with a knowledgeable agent to guide you through every step. The key to a smooth, successful sale starts right here.