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Things Real Estate Agents Wish You Did Before Listing Your Home

Before listing your home, it is important to get things done in order to present your home in the best light and fetch top dollar.

However, there are many things that agents wish you would do before listing your home for sale that are not always obvious. In this post, we ask several agents what their tip is for sellers prior to listing.

“Preparing your home for a 4 point inspection. Any home that is 20 years old or older must have a four point inspection for insurance purposes. It makes for a much smoother home inspection and overall transaction if the seller prepares in advance by taking care of any obvious 4 point issues. Examples of recommended repairs to do in advance would be fixing any plumbing leaks, covering exposed wiring, verifying your AC and heating operate within temperature range, etc. “

–Crystal Brady, Homeward Real Estate

“De-Home the House! It’s harder for a buyer to imagine themselves living in a house when you have pictures of the whole family tree all over the place. Especially when you you have Great Grandma Sally’s clown collection displayed in the family room! De-clutter and put most personal belongings in storage.”

–Anelys Quintero, Out Fast Realty & Investements

“Before listing your home, make sure to deep clean, de-clutter and organize as best as you can; It will make a big difference when it comes to showings. First impressions are lasting impressions!”

–Tiia Cartwright, Cartwright Realty

“One of the items I see potential sellers look past or forget to address when putting their home on the market are “new & bright” smoke detectors/carbon monoxide devices. We often see new counters/baths/kitchens/flooring – and “old or yellowing” (which were once white) devices in the home. Besides the aesthetics of fresh and clean devices, they serve a more important aspect – Safety! The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends homeowners change these devices out every 10 years. Many of the homes I see, have ones older than this in them! Check with your local licensed contractor for more safety advice & installation! Many recommend smoke detectors in specific bedrooms & combination smoke/carbon detectors in the main living areas of your home! A bright & fresh device can do more than just look great too!”

–Charlie Bodine, RE/MAX ACR Elite Group

“I ask the sellers, if they would buy their home if they saw it for the first time themselves, I wait for the answer. If it is no I ask what would it take to make you want to buy it. Then we start from there.”