The Ultimate Sell Home Checklist: Step-by-Step Guide to Selling Your Home

Turning that “For Sale” sign into a successful closing is no small feat. Preparation is key when selling your home, whether you team up with a real estate agent or go solo as a “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO) seller. That’s where a home seller checklist comes to the rescue. It organizes the lengthy process into manageable steps. Stay organized throughout the stages of selling, from preparing the home for the market to closing the sale.

Work through each stage of this home seller’s checklist:

1. Preparing Your Home for Sale

Your home only gets one chance to make a first impression. Make it count by getting your home ready for prospective buyers! Start the preparation phase as soon as you commit to listing the house for sale. Along the way:

Decluttering and Depersonalizing

Buyers want to picture themselves living in your home, not admire your kid’s soccer trophies. The decluttering process creates a neutral canvas for potential buyers to envision themselves living there. Tackle decluttering by:

• Removing personal items, such as family photos and memorabilia.
• Organize belongings, creating “donate,” “sell,” and “trash” boxes to cut down on what you own. Look at storing extra items.
• Remove any bold artwork or furniture that may be distracting.
• Declutter surfaces, particularly in the kitchen and bathrooms, to create a clean, inviting space.
• Consider hiring a professional organizer or stager to help with the process.

Repairing and Improving

Well-maintained homes sell for more. Make necessary repairs and strategic upgrades to increase the home’s value and appeal. To do it:

• Decide if you’ll have a professional home inspection.
• Examine the home for any signs of damage.
• Prioritize fixes that will make a good first impression or boost the property’s value before your targeted listing deadline. For example, fixing leaky faucets or patching holes.
• Hire professionals to perform repairs and upgrades as time and budget allow.
• Do strategic upgrades, like a fresh coat of paint or new flooring, to increase the overall appeal.

Deep Cleaning

Scrutinize your home like a potential buyer would. Look high to remove spider webs and down low to clean carpets and tiles. Some cleaning tasks:

• Dusting all shelves, knickknacks, ceiling fans, and tops of cabinets
• Carpet shampooing or grout cleaning. Wood floors require different treatments, so check with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Wiping down all crown moldings and baseboards
• Cleaning windows inside and outside
• Vacuuming and wiping inside drawers and cabinets
• Removing mildew stains in bathrooms and kitchens or re-caulking
• Get rid of lingering odors from pets or smoke

Another option is to hire professional cleaners to do the deep cleaning. They’ll tackle areas you may not have considered, like degreasing the oven hood or dusting the ceiling fans.

Boost Curb Appeal

Your home’s exterior is the first thing buyers see, so make it shine. What you do may depend on your environment and the time of the year. Ways to uplift the outside include:

• Tend to the garden beds. Plant fresh flowers and add new mulch.
• Keep the lawn freshly mowed. Seed bare patches.
• Clean around the entry. Add touches like a new doormat or fresh paint on the front door. 
• If time allows and it’s warranted, a fresh paint job can enhance your home’s exterior. At the very least, address any chipped or worn paint to make a positive first impression.
• Pressure wash siding, walkways, and decking.

Consider Professional Staging

Home staging done right does lead to faster and higher offers. Hiring a professional helps highlight your home’s strengths and downplay its weaknesses.

When getting the house ready for listing, prioritize tasks based on their importance and urgency. Include deadlines and reminders to help you stay on track.

2. Choosing How to Sell

Homeowners have two options when selling a home: hire the right real estate agent or sell on their own, which is known as “For Sale By Owner.” There isn’t a right or wrong answer, but about 92% of home sellers choose to hire an agent.

Why Work With A Real Estate Agent?

Hiring a great real estate agent is wise if you’re not up for wrangling buyers and handling purchase agreements solo. The benefits of working with a listing agent include:

• Market Expertise: Agents know your local market inside and out, helping you set the right price and listing strategy to attract buyers.
• Network of Buyers: They can access more potential buyers than you’d reach alone.
• Negotiation Pros: Agents handle intricate negotiations and legal paperwork, so nothing falls through the cracks. 
• Marketing Tools: They utilize real estate technology and knowledge to present your home in the best light online and in print. That includes hiring professional photographers and videographers.

How to Select the Right Agent

• Ask the listing agent about their local selling experience, marketing plans, and commission fees.
• Read reviews and research their sales history.
• Make sure you’re comfortable with their communication style and approach.

FSBO Considerations

If you want to sell your home without a real estate professional’s help, you certainly can. Like any decision, there are pros and cons to managing the home sale yourself:

• Pros: You’ll save on commission fees and can have complete control over the process. It could make sense if you know the buyer, such as selling a house to your family.
• Cons: You’ll do extra work, including reviewing contract legalities, marketing, and negotiations. It also doesn’t eliminate fees like transfer taxes or marketing costs.

A solid For Sale By Owner checklist will be your best friend here!

3. Setting the Right Price

Pricing your house correctly is crucial. The right number hooks buyers while ensuring you don’t leave money on the table. Listing prices are one part science, one part art. Options include:

• Research Comparable Sales: To gauge the market, look at recently sold homes in your area with similar features and square footage. Your real estate partner can provide a comparative market analysis (CMA). 
• Get a Professional Appraisal: Hire an appraiser to set an unbiased estimate of your home’s value. This is a wise idea in the FSBO transaction.
• Check Market Conditions: A hot seller’s market vs. a cooling buyer’s market can make a huge difference in pricing and marketing strategy. A competitive market for buyers works in your favor as a home seller. But if closed transaction volume is slowing, and the amount of inventory is on the rise, that means either fewer buyers or those buying can take their time to wait for the right deal. 
• Consulting with a real estate agent: Real estate can be hyperlocal. Your neighborhood may be “hot,” with houses selling in an average of two weeks, while your city may be closer to six weeks. Current trends influence your pricing strategy, and a real estate professional can tell you what’s happening with market trends down to your neighborhood.

4. Marketing The House

The best homes are marketed like stars. Potential buyers are out there; your marketing makes them want to buy your home. Here’s how to attract attention:

• High-Quality Photos and Virtual Tours: Professional photos and 3D tours make your home stand out online. High-quality visuals make an impression on potential buyers by effectively showcasing the property and helping them form emotional connections. Virtual tours and videos are compelling for this reason. 
• Engaging Listing Description: Visualize your house in words. Use a positive tone and highlight its best features and recent upgrades in a clear, enticing way. Use neutral language that is appealing to all potential home buyers. 
• List Wisely: Most real estate agents utilize a Multiple Listing Service (MLS), giving your home the most exposure. The local MLS may push your listing to our high-traffic platform, among others. When you sell your home yourself, you can pay to add the home to the MLS and other sites.

Creating a Captivating Listing

A well-written listing description and high-quality photos lure potential buyers to see the property in person. If you hire a real estate agent, they will use their expertise to package the right description and photos. For anyone handling the marketing package themselves, a few tips:

• Research the property against others and identify its standout qualities. Location can be a determining factor (ex: cul-de-sac, walking distance to schools, backing to park).
• Craft a well-written description that showcases these features while avoiding fluffy language like “gorgeous” or “lovely” and complies with fair housing rules.
• Invest in professional photography to showcase the property’s best features.
• Focus on capturing the essence of each room, the exterior, and any noteworthy features.
• Use relevant keywords and phrases to help your listing appear in search results.

5. Navigating Showings and Open Houses

Once the home goes live in the market, prepare for showtime! Your home is about to be in the spotlight. At this stage in your home selling checklist:

• Maximize Early Interest: The first two weeks on the market are critical, as the house will receive the most interest from potential buyers. Set the right price and keep the home presentable to make the most of this period.
• Schedule Showings Strategically: Balance private showings and open houses to reach as many potential home buyers as possible. The majority of home tours will occur during the initial two-week period. An open house invites buyers to tour the home during a set time of day. They may not be needed in hot markets or with specific properties.
• Keep the House Ready: Impressions matter. Show off a well-maintained home with tidy rooms and a neatly manicured yard. It’s extra work, but it helps potential buyers focus on the home’s best features, not clutter. Remember to maintain that curb appeal, too, especially in markets where the home may be listed for a few months.
• Respond Promptly to Buyers: Sell your home fast with professional and quick responses to questions or offers. Timely answers let prospective buyers know you’re serious about selling and attract more interested people. 

6. Reviewing Offers and Negotiating

When a purchase agreement rolls in, don’t just rejoice—be strategic.

• Understand the Terms: Evaluate offers based on price, contingencies, and closing timelines. In a multiple-offer scenario, one may have a lower price but more favorable contingencies. Involving a real estate attorney can ensure the accuracy and legality of the purchase agreement documents, protecting the interests of both the buyer and the seller.
• Counteroffers: Don’t hesitate to negotiate to get the best price and terms when selling a house. If the terms aren’t to your liking, make a counteroffer.
• Watch Out for Contingencies: Be clear about the home appraisal, inspection, and financing contingencies. They impact your deal. In some cases, the results of an inspection or appraisal may require more negotiation. Each state has specific language around “as-is” designations, so get clarity on that, too. Your real estate agent can explain.

7. The Home Inspection and Appraisal Process

Before popping the champagne to celebrate, the home has to pass the buyer’s scrutiny.

• Inspection Reports: Common issues can include roofing, plumbing, or electrical problems. Be prepared to address them quickly. Any requests for remedy should center around structural or safety issues, not cosmetic items.
• The Appraisal’s Role: A low appraisal could lead to renegotiations; ensure your pricing aligns with the market.

8. Closing the Sale

The final step requires you to dot every “i” and cross every “t.” Home sellers and home buyers have their own responsibilities when closing the sale. 

• Documents You’ll Need: Gather your mortgage payoff statement, property deed, and tax records. The escrow agent will also want a government-issued ID the day you sign the documents.
• Understand Closing Costs: Discuss expenses like purchasing a home warranty for the buyer, escrow fees, and taxes with your agent or attorney. Your negotiations may also mean contributing funds to the buyer’s closing costs.
• Final Walkthrough: Ensure the home is clean and intact for the buyer before transferring ownership. The buyers want to see the house is in the same general condition as when they first viewed it, and any requests for remedy from the home inspection have been fixed.

9. Sell Home Checklist For By Owner (FSBO-Specific)

If you’re taking the FSBO route, the home selling process changes only slightly as you near the closing table. Keep in mind you must:

• Meet legal requirements for selling in your state, which may require a real estate attorney or an escrow agent.
• Handle all negotiations clearly and professionally during the due diligence phase.
• Weed out serious buyers with the right financial qualifications to see the home purchase through.

10. Preparing to Move Out

While your home sale nears the closing day, it’s time to transition to your next adventure. That means your dining table, clothes, and plates must be packed and moved out. 

• Plan Your Move: Create a timeline with the closing date in mind. That includes when you want a professional moving company to pack up your belongings or when you’ll need to rent a truck for a do-it-yourself move.
• Declutter and Pack: Start packing well before move-out day to save time and stress later. Packing up a home takes longer than you’d think. Donate or toss items you no longer need and pack efficiently. Sell any excess furniture. 
• Set Up Utilities and Forward Mail: Get the utilities updated or in your name for your new address, and mail is forwarded. Do this in advance, as some utility companies want a deposit before starting services. 
• Final Cleaning: Leave the home in tip-top condition for its next occupants. You can clean it yourself or hire cleaners for the move-out cleaning.

The Home Selling Checklist

Selling a house doesn’t have to feel like running a marathon. With this sell home checklist, you can stay organized, save time, and set yourself up for success. Help your house sell in no time with all these steps.

Want to make things even easier? Consult with a real estate expert today!