How to Get Your House Ready to Sell: 11-Step Checklist

Pop quiz! Which one of these do home sellers find most stressful?

1. Not knowing if they can sell within their desired time frame
2. Getting a house ready to sell
3. Not knowing if buyers are seriously interested

You might guess “B” — after all, getting your house ready to sell can create all types of anxiety and stress.

But according to a Zillow survey, the correct answer is A.

And this makes complete sense.

Many sellers worry they won’t be able to sell their home quickly (and for top dollar) because they’re unsure whether buyers will find their home appealing.

In some cases, their house sits on the market longer than expected, and they end up accepting an offer for less than they hoped.

There are things you can do before putting your house on the market that can help prevent that from happening to you.

Here are 11 key steps to getting your house ready to sell.

1. Walk your home like a buyer would

Buyers will notice things about your home that you’ve probably overlooked for years.

That’s why it’s smart to catch potential problems before your house hits the market.

But this step isn’t about deciding which repairs or improvements to make.

It’s about seeing your home through a buyer’s eyes and making a list of anything that looks damaged, dated, or neglected.

Stand across the street and look at your home’s exterior:

• Is the front yard clean and inviting?
• Does the front door or garage door need fresh paint?
• Does the roof have leaves, moss, or debris that should be cleared?
• Does the backyard look overgrown or poorly maintained?

Walk around the rest of the property and note anything that needs attention.

Then step inside and go room by room:

• Check for wall scuffs, chipped paint, and damaged fixtures.
• Open and close windows and doors to test how they work.
• Run faucets and flush toilets to check for leaks or low water pressure.
• Check lights, switches, appliances, and smoke detectors.
• Look for worn or outdated finishes in the kitchen and bathrooms.

Once you’ve finished, you’ll have a list of potential repairs and improvements to evaluate in the next steps.

You can take care of the simple fixes now, such as tightening loose doorknobs and replacing burned-out light bulbs.

But don’t start bigger repairs or upgrades just yet.

2. Research your local real estate market

Researching comparable properties now can help you understand where your home stands out and where it may need work.

Search sites like Zillow and Realtor.com for three to five recently sold homes and a few active listings.

Look for properties near yours with similar square footage, bedrooms, bathrooms, and other important features. 

And give more weight to homes with the most recent sale date.

Review the photos, property details, and listing descriptions alongside the notes from your walkthrough.

Consider the following:

• Condition: Are similar homes updated, well-maintained, or still in their original condition?
• Improvements: Which upgrades are common? Are homes without those upgrades selling?
• Presentation: How do their landscaping, interiors, and overall appearance compare with yours?
• Days on market: How long are comparable homes taking to sell? Are active listings reducing their asking prices?

You can also check market trends for your ZIP code or neighborhood, including whether the number of homes for sale is increasing and properties are taking longer to sell.

These trends can help you understand how much competition you might face when you’re ready to list.

Look for patterns rather than drawing conclusions from one property.

For example, a renovated home selling for more doesn’t necessarily mean the improvements caused the price difference. 

Its location, lot size, or other features could explain it.

Save the most relevant listings and note any differences that could matter to buyers.

You can review those findings with your listing agent before deciding which repairs or improvements are worth making.

3. Get advice from your listing agent

Some sellers wait to reach out to an agent until their home is almost ready to list.

That delay can cost you.

I saw this many times when I was selling homes.

Sellers would call after spending months on work they didn’t need.

Did the home look better?

Yes.

But some of the updates were a waste of time and money.

The right listing agent can help you avoid making that mistake.

They can evaluate your home’s condition and help you distinguish between work that’s worth considering and work you can skip.

But the guidance is only as good as the person giving it.

That’s why choosing the right real estate agent matters.

Share the notes from your walkthrough and the comparable properties you researched.

Have your agent walk through the home with you and discuss:

• Which repairs could raise concerns with buyers
• What improvements, if any, might be worth considering
• How your home would compete if you sold it as-is
• What you could realistically complete within your budget and desired listing timeframe

A good agent shouldn’t just tell you what to do. 

They should be able to explain why they’re recommending certain repairs or improvements.

Take note of their recommendations, especially the projects they think you can skip.

4. Gather key selling documents

Gathering important paperwork before listing can help you answer questions buyers may have about your property.

Here are the documents to collect:

• Repair and maintenance records: Collect receipts, invoices, and service records for major repairs or maintenance. Showing these upfront can give buyers confidence that the home has been properly maintained.
• Permits and improvement records: Find permits and final approvals for any additions, renovations, and other major improvements. Buyers may want to verify that the work was properly permitted.
• Previous inspection reports: Locate any past home, roof, or pest inspection reports. These may identify problems with your property that need to be addressed or disclosed.
• Warranties: Check if you have warranties for your roof, HVAC system, appliances, or other major components. Any coverage that can transfer to the new owner can be used when marketing the property.
• HOA documents (if applicable): Gather information about dues, rules, and special assessments. Your agent can help determine which official documents need to be ordered.
• Solar and leased equipment agreements: Locate any contracts for solar panels or other leased equipment. Review the payment obligations and requirements for transferring the agreements to a buyer.
• Trust or estate documents (if applicable): Find the paperwork establishing who has the authority to sell the property. Your title or escrow company may need these documents.

Also make a note of any known defects, previous damage, insurance claims, or work completed without permits, even if you don’t have paperwork for them.

This information can be important when completing your seller disclosures.

5. Declutter and depersonalize your home

Too much furniture and clutter can make your home feel smaller than it actually is.

Personal photos and other belongings can also distract buyers and make it harder for them to picture themselves living there.

How you approach decluttering depends on whether you’ll still be living in the home when it’s listed.

If you’ll be living in the home

You don’t need to empty your house, but removing things you won’t need before moving can make a big difference.

Here’s what to do:

• Pack what you won’t need: Box up seasonal items, books, and extra decorations. Set aside anything you plan to donate or throw away.
• Clear countertops and surfaces: Remove unnecessary items from kitchen counters, bathroom vanities, nightstands, and shelves. Keep everyday essentials tucked away when you’re not using them.
• Organize closets and cabinets: Buyers will want to see how much storage your home offers. Overstuffed closets and cabinets can make that space seem limited.
• Remove unnecessary furniture: Extra chairs, tables, and oversized pieces can make rooms feel cramped. Keep walkways clear and avoid blocking windows, fireplaces, or other attractive features.
• Put away personal items: Pack family photos, personal collections, and decorations that draw attention away from the home itself.
• Store what you’ve packed: You can keep neatly stacked boxes in the garage, but avoid filling it to the point where buyers can’t appreciate the space. Make sure the electrical panel, water heater, and other important areas remain accessible. And consider renting a storage unit if you’re running out of room.

If the home will be vacant

Preparing a vacant home is a little different because you’ll need to remove everything that won’t be used for staging.

• Remove furniture and other belongings: Clear out beds, chairs, tables, and anything else you don’t plan to use for staging.
• Empty storage areas: Check closets, cabinets, drawers, and under sinks for anything left behind. Don’t forget the attic, garage, sheds, and side yard.
• Get rid of unwanted items: Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, and local Buy Nothing groups can help you sell or give away furniture, tools, and other belongings. A garage sale is another option if you have a lot to remove.

6. Schedule a pre-listing inspection

Do you need to get a home inspection before selling your house?

No.

But a pre-listing inspection can be one of the smartest moves you make as a seller.

It can uncover problems with your roof, plumbing, electrical system, foundation, and other parts of your home before buyers discover them.

That’s important because buyers who discover unexpected problems after you’ve accepted their offer may:

• Ask for repairs or a price reduction.
• Back out of the sale if the purchase agreement allows it.

Finding these issues early gives you time to consider your options.

You can make certain repairs, account for the home’s condition when pricing it, or sell the property as-is.

But you’re not obligated to fix something just because it appears in an inspection report.

To schedule an inspection, you can contact a qualified home inspector directly or ask your listing agent for a recommendation.

You might also consider specialized inspections for the roof, termites, sewer line, or pool.

Buyers can still conduct their own inspections, whether you get one or not. 

But sharing your report upfront can give them more confidence when making an offer because they know more about your home’s condition.

7. Decide which repairs and improvements to make

Now it’s time to decide what to fix, what to improve, and what to leave alone.

Use the notes from your walkthrough, your agent’s recommendations, and any inspection findings to help make those decisions.

Prioritize the repairs worth making

Not every problem needs to be fixed before selling.

Some deserve more attention because they could concern buyers or create problems after you accept an offer.

Here are the types of issues to prioritize:

• Safety and major defects: Faulty electrical wiring, roof leaks, plumbing leaks, and other significant problems can raise concerns about your home’s condition. Some may also affect a buyer’s ability to obtain financing or insurance.
• Functionality: Windows that won’t open, doors that don’t lock, running toilets, and broken fixtures are worth evaluating. Many of these problems can be relatively inexpensive to correct.
• Visible damage: Rotting trim, damaged siding, broken railings, and other signs of neglected maintenance can make buyers question how well the property has been cared for.

But that doesn’t mean you need to repair every scratch, scuff, or minor defect.

Some things are better left untouched.

Knowing what not to fix when selling a house can help you avoid spending money on things that aren’t worth doing.

Consider whether improvements are worth the cost

Improvements are a different decision.

The question isn’t whether new countertops, flooring, or appliances would make your home look better.

It’s whether buyers would pay enough more to justify the cost.

For example, fresh interior paint, replacing stained carpet, or updating dated light fixtures can be worthwhile investments.

But replacing functional cabinets, countertops, or appliances might not be.

Think back to the comparable properties you researched earlier.

Are homes with similar finishes selling without upgrades? How much more are buyers paying for updated properties?

You may find that your home doesn’t need any upgrades to compete.

Finalize your preparation plan

Once you’ve narrowed down the projects you’re considering, get two or three estimates for any larger jobs.

Find out what the work will cost, whether permits are needed, and how long it will take.

Then compare those estimates with your budget and desired listing date.

Decide which projects you’ll handle yourself, which you’ll hire professionals for, and which you’ll skip.

If you’d rather not take on costly repairs, selling your house as-is may be a better option.

Once you’ve made your decisions, schedule the work so it’s completed before the final cleaning, staging, and listing photos.

8. Improve your home’s curb appeal

Much of the work involved in improving your curb appeal is basic maintenance.

Take care of anything that looks neglected before spending money on decorative improvements.

Here are some inexpensive ways to improve your home’s exterior:

• Clean up the landscaping: Mow and edge the lawn, pull weeds, and trim overgrown bushes and tree branches.
• Refresh flower beds: Remove dead plants, add fresh mulch, and consider planting seasonal flowers or low-maintenance shrubs.
• Clean exterior surfaces: Pressure-wash suitable walkways, driveways, and patios. Remove dirt and debris from the siding where needed.
• Touch up worn paint: Address chipped or peeling paint on the front door, garage door, trim, and other visible areas.
• Update exterior details: Clean or replace faded house numbers, worn mailboxes, and outdated light fixtures.
• Tidy up the entrance: Sweep the porch, remove cobwebs, and clean the front door and surrounding windows.
• Remove outdoor clutter: Put away hoses, tools, toys, trash cans, and other items that make the yard or driveway look messy.

9. Deep-clean your home

Put yourself in the shoes of a buyer for a moment.

You walk into an open house and immediately notice a few things.

Dirty floors.

Dusty baseboards.

Smudged mirrors.

Lingering pet odors.

And grimy sinks.

Naturally, you’d question how well the home has been maintained.

That’s exactly why deep-cleaning is a must when getting your home ready to sell.

Schedule the cleaning after you’ve finished any repairs or improvements and removed unnecessary belongings.

You’ll want everything clean before staging and listing photos.

You can do the work yourself or hire a professional cleaning service.

Here’s what to tackle:

• Dust from top to bottom: Clean ceiling fans, vents, light fixtures, shelves, baseboards, and corners that are easy to overlook.
• Wipe down surfaces: Clean countertops, cabinet fronts, bathroom vanities, doors, and other surfaces that collect dust or fingerprints.
• Scrub the kitchen and bathrooms: Remove soap scum, mildew, hard-water stains, and grime around sinks, faucets, shower doors, and grout.
• Clean appliances: Degrease the stovetop, clean the oven and microwave, and wipe down refrigerator shelves and drawers.
• Wash windows and mirrors: Remove streaks from glass and clean window tracks, sills, and screens.
• Deep-clean the floors: Shampoo carpets where needed, mop tile, and clean hardwood floors with products suitable for the finish.
• Eliminate odors: Address pet smells, smoke, and lingering cooking odors at their source rather than covering them up with air fresheners. Ask someone who doesn’t live in your home to check for smells you might not notice anymore.

10. Stage your home for the right buyer

Staging makes it easier for buyers to picture themselves living in your home.

But the best approach depends on the type of property you’re selling, the buyers it’s likely to attract, and whether you’ll still be living there.

Before spending money on staging, ask your listing agent to arrange a consultation or recommend a trusted local stager.

They can help you determine whether full or partial staging makes sense and which rooms deserve the most attention.

Some agents also include staging consultations or contribute toward staging costs, so find out what’s included in their services.

If your home will be vacant, you can stage the entire property or concentrate on a few important rooms.

Here are the rooms you should prioritize if you’re working with a limited budget:

• Living room
• Dining area
• Primary bedroom

If you’ll still be living in the home, you may be able to use most of your existing furniture.

A professional stager can recommend how to arrange what you already own and whether renting a few additional pieces or accessories would be worthwhile.

If you’re renting furniture, get a quote that includes delivery, setup, removal, and the rental period.

And find out what it costs to extend the rental.

Have your home staged before your professional listing photos are taken.

11. Prepare for listing photos and showings

Listing day is your home’s debut.

But you’ll need professional photos and a plan for keeping it ready for showings before it hits the market. 

Schedule the photography once your cleaning and staging are complete.

Here’s what to do before the photographer arrives:

• Do a final clean: Wipe down counters, remove fingerprints and smudges, and clean up any dust that’s accumulated.
• Put away everyday items: Remove toothbrushes, dish racks, pet bowls, trash cans, and anything else you don’t want appearing in the photos.
• Straighten everything up: Make the beds, fluff pillows, straighten rugs, and arrange furniture and accessories.
• Check the lighting: Replace burned-out bulbs and open blinds and curtains to let in natural light.
• Tidy up the exterior: Sweep the entrance, put away trash bins, and move cars out of the driveway if they’re blocking the view of your home.

You’ll need to keep your house looking this way for showings and open houses.

If you’re still living there, establish a quick routine for putting away belongings, making beds, and wiping down surfaces before buyers arrive.

If the property is vacant, arrange for periodic cleaning and yard maintenance.

You should also secure valuables and prescription medications and make arrangements for your pets during showings.

And plan to leave during appointments so buyers can tour your home freely without feeling watched.

Get your home ready without overspending

You don’t need to make your house perfect before putting it on the market.

Some homes need very little work.

Others require more attention to compete with similar properties.

The challenge is knowing where to draw the line.

And remember that buyers aren’t going to pay more just because you spent money getting your home ready.

So your list price needs to reflect your home’s condition and what comparable properties are selling for.

Want help with that?

We can match you with up to three vetted local agents who can help you save time and money.