The Ultimate Home Seller Checklist: What to Do Before Listing Your Property
Preparing to sell your home can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, following a clear checklist can help you attract more buyers, reduce time on market, and sell for top dollar.
Here’s your step-by-step home seller checklist to follow before putting your house on the market:
✅ 1. Hire a Local Real Estate Agent
A great agent can make or break your sale. Look for someone with:
Local expertise (Bryan-College Station market)
A track record of selling homes like yours
A detailed marketing plan
🗒️ Tip: Ask about their average days on market and list-to-sale price ratio.
✅ 2. Get a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)
A CMA compares your home to similar recently sold properties, helping you set the right price.
🎯 Goal: Price competitively from day one to avoid price drops later.
✅ 3. Review the Local Housing Market
Understand whether you’re in a buyer’s or seller’s market. Your agent can help you determine:
How fast homes are selling
What buyers are currently looking for
Seasonal trends (e.g., Aggie semester shifts)
📈 This helps you time your listing and set expectations.
✅ 4. Declutter Every Room
Remove personal items, excessive furniture, and anything that makes the space feel crowded.
Box up items you won’t need in the next 60–90 days.
Donate or dispose of anything you no longer want.
📦 Less clutter = more space in buyers’ eyes.
✅ 5. Deep Clean Your Home
This goes beyond sweeping floors. Clean:
Baseboards
Windows (inside and out)
Carpets and tile grout
Light fixtures
Appliances (inside and out)
🧽 Consider hiring a professional cleaning service for a full refresh.
✅ 6. Make Minor Repairs and Updates
Fix anything broken or worn out. Common updates include:
Leaky faucets
Squeaky doors
Burned-out lightbulbs
Loose cabinet handles
Scuffed walls or paint touch-ups
🛠️ Small fixes add up to big first impressions.
✅ 7. Boost Curb Appeal
The front of your home is the first thing buyers see. Spruce it up by:
Mowing the lawn
Trimming hedges
Planting flowers
Cleaning the front porch
Repainting or replacing the front door if needed
🌿 First impressions start at the curb.
✅ 8. Stage the Home (Even Lightly)
You don’t have to hire a full staging company to make an impact. Focus on:
Neutral décor and paint
Maximizing natural light
Making each room’s purpose clear
Removing pet items and toys
🛋️ Buyers should be able to imagine themselves living there.
✅ 9. Hire a Professional Photographer
High-quality photos help your listing stand out online. Your agent may provide this service, or recommend a trusted pro.
📸 Homes with professional photos sell faster and for more money.
✅ 10. Gather Important Documents
Have these ready for your agent and potential buyers:
Mortgage payoff info
Utility bills (to estimate monthly costs)
Property survey or plat
HOA documents, if applicable
List of recent updates or repairs
🗂️ Transparency helps build buyer trust.
✅ 11. Plan for Showings
Buyers may request to see your home on short notice. Make a plan to:
Keep the home tidy daily
Secure valuables
Take pets with you or arrange for them to be out of sight
📆 More showings = more chances to sell quickly.
✅ 12. Pre-Inspect (Optional, but Strategic)
A pre-listing inspection can help uncover any hidden issues before a buyer does.
✅ You’ll have time to address concerns
✅ It reduces negotiation surprises
✅ You may use it as a selling point (“pre-inspected!”)
Final Thoughts
Preparing your home for the market takes effort—but it’s worth it. By following this checklist, you’ll ensure your home is clean, priced right, and positioned to attract serious buyers from the moment it hits the market.
Need help getting started? I can walk you through the process, help you prioritize prep work, and connect you with trusted local pros for cleaning, repairs, staging, and more.
📞 Reach out for a no-pressure consultation today!
