The Ultimate Checklist for Selling your Home

Are you ready to make a move? With the real estate market ever changing, now may be the perfect time to list. As you embark on this exciting journey, remember that selling your home for top dollar requires careful planning and preparation. From boosting curb appeal to staging your interiors and setting the right price, every detail matters. Understanding current market trends, and showcasing your home’s best features can make all the difference in attracting serious buyers and securing the best possible offer.

Declutter, Depersonalize and Deep Clean

Buyers want to envision themselves living in the space, so begin by removing personal items like family photos, personal knick-knacks and excess furniture to create an airy, open environment, think of staging ideas before actually doing the staging. Be sure to clean carpets, wash windows, scrub bathrooms and polish hardwood floors. Fix any leaky faucets, cracked tiles or chipped paint so the beauty of your home shines through. Potential buyers will be look around the home for anything that stands out so you want to make sure your home is show ready.

Hire a Real Estate Agent

While it’s certainly possible to sell your home on your own, working with a real estate agent like myself can make the process far less stressful and much more efficient. I bring a proven track record, deep knowledge of the market, and hands-on experience selling homes. My goal is to understand your unique needs, maintain open and consistent communication, and guide you every step of the way—from listing to closing. I’m here to ensure your selling experience is smooth, strategic, and successful.

Set the Right Price

Pricing your home correctly is one of the most important aspects of selling. If you ask too much, you might scare off buyers; too little, and you risk leaving money on the table. As your agent I will pull a list of comparable homes in your area to determine a competitive price that attracts the largest possible pool of buyers.

Market for Maximum Exposure

The vast majority of motivated buyers are searching online, so it’s crucial that your property appears across high-traffic websites and social media platforms. As your agent I will arrange for quality photography and video to be used in both digital and print advertising, your listing will be on my personal agent website to get as much traction as possible.  Open houses are another great way to generate wide-scale interest for a quick sale.

Negotiate Offers

Once offers start coming in, I will help you review them. You want to consider the full terms of each offer, not just the price, and be prepared to counter-offer. Some buyers may ask for contingencies, such as credit for upgrades or repairs. Weigh these requests carefully, as they may delay the sale and may put pressure on other potential offers. If an offer needs some adjusting, let me know and I can navigate you through the process and find a mutually agreeable solution that will benefit all parties.

Prepare for Closing

Once you’ve accepted an offer, the buyer will likely schedule an inspection and appraisal. If any issues are revealed, we may have to renegotiate the terms and price. As these details are being ironed out, you can focus on putting your moving plan in place. Consider the timing of the closing date to ensure a smooth transition as you prepare to also move.

Seal the Deal

On closing day, you’ll meet with the buyer, the buyer’s agent and possibly the title company to finalize all terms. You’ll sign the final documents, and the buyer will transfer the funds. Once the paperwork is complete, the property officially changes ownership, and you can hand over the keys!

If you’re thinking about listing your home, I’d love to connect with you. Whether you’re curious about the current market in your area or just have a few questions, I’m here to help. I understand that selling a home is a big decision, but with the right strategy and someone you can count on by your side, it can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Let’s work together to make your next move a great one!

_{^{Original Article by Carma Stahnke of Blue Matter}}