Preparing to Sell Your Home!

What are the some of the things homeowners should do before listing their homes?

Most homeowners simply decide to sell their home, call a real estate agent, then list their home for sale. This is how most real estate agencies like to do business. It’s easy and it’s simple. Unfortunately, what is easy and simple often isn’t the best way to do business for your clients.

Landmark Real Estate Services is “different,” but in a good way. We care about our clients. We want them to not only sell their home quickly but also at the highest possible price. To ensure we serve our clients and potential clients in the most professional and helpful manner, we provide them with our free, detailed Pre-Listing Checklist. We have discovered that homeowners who follow this checklist sell their homes more quickly and receive more money at closing than homeowners who don’t. Below are a few of the items off Landmark's detailed Pre-Listing Checklist to help seller's get their homes ready.

Clean/De-clutter Your Home

One of the most important things a homeowner can do before listing his or her home is to clean and de-clutter. The home needs to be neat, clean, and organized. Organizing and pre-packing items that are not used regularly will give your home a more spacious feel. Remove unnecessary furniture, knickknacks, and any extra “stuff” so that potential buyers can picture themselves living in your home.

Schedule a Pre-listing Home Inspection Most homeowners never even consider scheduling a home inspection until later in the process--or leave it up to the buyers to do this. Scheduling a home inspection before listing a home can save homeowners a lot of money and aggravation. Imagine buyers scheduling a home inspection, only to discover that your home needs repairs. This becomes a bargaining “chip” the buyers can use in negotiating a lower purchase price, meaning less money in your pocket. Even if a home inspector finds issues before you list it, it shows buyers that you have been proactive – and it also provides you time to make any needed repairs before the home sells and closes.

Perform Routine Maintenance/Make Small Fixes

Before listing your home--and even after your home is listed--complete routine maintenance projects. Buyers want to fulfill their “wish list” with a home purchase; they don’t want to add a lengthy “to do” list to their lives. If your home is poorly maintained, it immediately raises concerns with potential buyers. Present them with a home that is “move-in ready”--a home they can be comfortable and happy to live in. Even minor flaws can become issues potential buyers will use to justify offering you less for your home.

Enhance Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Completing a minor landscaping project, adding a few flowers to your front yard or even trimming your grass will give your home enhanced curb appeal. Remember, it’s difficult to change a first impression, so you want your home to stand out from the minute a potential buyer drives up your street and sees your home. When buyers see an attractive exterior, they will be excited to see the interior, as well. A little money and effort spent on curb appeal will typically result in a quicker sale and more money in your pocket. Just as you want potential buyers to have a wonderful first impression of your home, you also want your listing agent to have that same great first impression so he or she will feel comfortable listing your home at the highest possible price.

Now that you’re ready to list your home, what should you do next?

Call Landmark Realty Services!

Call Landmark Realty Services at 304-842-5298 for a free market analysis. We will conduct market research on similar homes in your neighborhood or community to ensure that your home is priced appropriately for current market conditions.

We are always happy to share our free, detailed Pre-Listing Checklist with our clients and potential clients.

Give us a call at 304-842-5298 to experience the Landmark difference!