7 Things to Do Before Listing Your Home for Sale

Decided to sell your home? You may be wondering whether to make repairs, how to choose a price, and where to begin.

Here are seven steps that can help you prepare—and avoid spending money where you don’t need to.

1. Determine your home’s market value

Before choosing a listing price or starting major repairs, get a comparative market analysis (CMA). A useful CMA looks at similar homes that recently sold, homes currently competing for buyers, and your property’s condition and features.

I can prepare this analysis for you and explain how I arrive at a recommended listing price.

2. Make a list of repairs

Walk through your home and note anything broken, leaking, or damaged. Small issues can draw a buyer’s attention away from the home’s best features.

Show me the list before you start spending. I can help you decide which repairs may matter to buyers and which ones may be unnecessary before listing.

3. Think carefully before renovating

A new kitchen or bathroom can be expensive, and you may not recover the full cost when you sell. Sometimes a few smaller improvements are enough; sometimes it makes more sense to sell the home in its current condition.

I can compare your home with recent sales to help you weigh those choices.

4. Make the space easy to see

Clear crowded counters, hallways, and rooms. Buyers should be able to see the size and layout of the home, especially in listing photos.

You don’t need to remove everything. I can walk through the home with you and point out what to move, store, or leave as it is.

5. Clean and brighten the home

Focus on the kitchen, bathrooms, floors, windows, and front entrance. Open the blinds and replace burned-out bulbs. These simple steps help the home look its best in photos and during visits.

6. Gather information about the property

Find records of improvements, repairs, warranties, and HOA fees, if applicable. Write down any property issues you know about so you can address the required disclosures.

If your property has an unusual feature, a large lot, or possible redevelopment value, tell me about it. My experience with real estate and zoning work helps me recognize details that may matter to a different type of buyer.

7. Set a plan for photos and showings

Once we’ve agreed on the price and preparation, I can arrange listing photos and build a marketing plan around your home. We’ll also set a showing schedule that works for you.

You don’t need to figure it all out before calling a broker. If you’re considering selling in Chicago or the northern suburbs, send me your property address. I’ll prepare a CMA and help you decide what to do before your home goes on the market.

Natalie Novikova
Illinois Licensed Real Estate Broker | CENTURY 21 Circle

224.517.5507