Are you thinking of selling your home? If so, you’ll want to take the necessary steps to prepare it for sale. In this blog post, you'll obtain a complete home seller's checklist to help you get started.
Clean it up
The first step on your home seller's checklist should be to clean up your house from top to bottom. This includes both the inside and outside of your property. If potential buyers of Charleston properties see that your home is well-maintained, they will be more likely to make an offer.
When cleaning, make sure you:
- Vacuum all carpets.
- Mop tile floors.
- Scrub any grout lines.
- Dust all surfaces (don't forget the baseboards, blind slats, and window sills!).
- Wipe down appliances.
- Clean the bathrooms.
- Check the floors and walls for scuff marks and touch them up accordingly.
- Make sure the windows are clean inside and out.
- Clear the gutters.
- Trim the bushes and trees.
- Mow the lawn.
Sort your belongings
The next step is to go through your belongings and sort them into three piles: things you want to keep, things you want to donate/sell, and things you want to throw away. This decluttering process will make your home appear larger and more inviting to potential buyers. You'll also have less to pack for your move if you declutter first.
Clothes
It’s easy to accumulate a lot of clothes over time, especially if you have a family. If your closets are overflowing, it's time to do some purging! Get rid of anything you haven't worn in the past year. You can donate these items to a local charity or even sell them online.
- Donate items you haven't worn within the past year.
- Check for proper fit. If something feels too snug or loose, it may be time to part with it.
- Pack the items you plan to keep, but leave enough clothing for use until you have moved into your new property.
Shoes
If you have too many shoes, it can be difficult to keep your closet organized. Not to mention, it can be hard to find the pair you're looking for when they're crammed into a tiny space!
When going through your shoes:
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Keep a pair for each of the usual circumstances you enjoy, such as boots for winter, sandals for summer, sneakers for outdoor activities, etc.
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Pack away the shoes you plan to keep, but leave out the ones you will use between now and when you move out.
Accessories
As for accessories, such as jewelry, hats, belts, and scarves:
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If you have any that you rarely or never wear, consider selling them on consignment or giving them to a friend or family member.
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Pack away the accessories you plan to keep, but leave out the ones you will need to use before you are settled in your new home.
Media
If you're an avid reader or film buff, it may be difficult to get rid of any books or movies. If you have not read a book or have not watched a film in the past year or two, chances are you won't again.
- Donate books and movies to your local library or used bookstore.
- Recycle old magazines and newspapers.
- Pack away films and books you intend to keep.
Electronics
It can be tempting to hang on to old electronics "just in case," but chances are you'll never use them again. If an item is more than five years old or no longer works, it's time to get rid of it.
- Recycle old electronics at your local electronics store or through a mail-in recycling program.
- Sell working electronics online or via a buy-back offer or donate old electronics to a local school or charity.
- Pack away any electronics you plan to keep, such as your computer, printer, and television.
Photographs and artwork
You may want to scan or photograph sentimental items to keep a digital copy. This will help you save space and reduce the risk of damaging these precious memories.
- Pack away family photos.
- Store fragile art pieces with care.
- Leave out some art to help with staging, but pack the majority.
Children's items
It can be difficult to keep your home tidy and organized when there are toys everywhere. When going through your child's belongings:
- Get rid of any broken toys or clothes.
- Donate clothes that no longer fit and toys that your child has outgrown.
- If you have sentimental items, such as their baby clothes or art projects from elementary school, consider packing them away in a keepsake box.
- Pack away most of the toys, but leave out a few for use before the move.
Knick-knacks and other decor items
We all have decor items we've collected over the years. Whether it's a vase you got on your last vacation or a knick-knack given to you by a friend, it can be hard to let go of these things.
When going through your decor:
- Get rid of anything that is cracked, chipped, or broken.
- Donate items that are out of style or you no longer enjoy seeing on your shelves.
- Pack away decor items you plan to keep, but leave out a few pieces to help with staging your home.
Paperwork
One of the most daunting tasks involved in selling your home is going through all the paperwork you've accumulated over time. While it may seem like a time-consuming task, it's important to go through everything so you can shred or recycle what you don't need and keep what's important.
When going through your paperwork:
- Shred any documents that contain personal information, such as your Social Security number or bank account information.
- Recycle anything you no longer need, such as old bills or receipts.
- Pack away important documents, such as tax returns and insurance policies.
Furniture
When it comes to furniture, consider what changes you plan to make as you design your new home's interiors. If any of your current furniture doesn't fit with your vision for the new space, consider selling it or giving it away.
If you plan to sell your furniture:
- Price each piece individually and research comparable sales online.
- Take clear, well-lit photos of each item.
- Create a listing for each piece on a website or app like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or eBay.
If you plan to take your furniture with you:
- Measure each piece to make sure it will fit in your new home.
- Arrange for movers or rent a truck if you plan to move the furniture yourself.
- Pack away any small items or decor items that are currently stored on shelves or in drawers.
- Consider whether you need all of your furniture between now and when you move into your new home. You may be able to put some into storage.
Tackle minor repairs
If you have any minor repairs that need to be made around the house before listing it among Hingham houses for sale, now is the time to do them! You may also want to consider hiring a home inspector to catch any other areas in need of necessary repairs that you haven't yet noticed.
- Patch holes from nails and other hanging materials.
- Repair chips or cracks in wood furniture.
- Tighten loose screws on cabinet doors and other furniture.
- Replace any missing or outdated hardware, such as handles or pulls.
- Paint each room (don't forget the hallways!).
Consider major renovations if time allows
If you have the time for it, now is also a great opportunity to tackle any major renovations. These could be things like refinishing or replacing your kitchen cabinets, updating your light fixtures, or redoing your floors. Not only will these renovations make your home more appealing, but they will also add value to your home.
Kitchen
In the kitchen, consider upgrades like:
- Refinish or replace cabinet facades
- Cabinet handles and other hardware
- Appliances
- Backsplash
- Light fixtures
- Floors
- Pull-down shelving within cabinets
- A pot-filler faucet
- A pull-out step-stool in lower cabinets
- A charging station in a drawer
- A pull-up cabinet door to hide small countertop appliances
Bath
In the bathrooms, updates can include:
- Re-grouting tile
- Repairing caulking
- New smart toilet
- Updating light fixtures
- Replacing mirrors
- Vanity facades and hardware
- Heated flooring and towel rack
- Large soaking tub
- Frameless walk-in shower
- Shower bench
- Recessed nooks for shower accessories
- Storage for additional toiletries
Smart devices
For modern conveniences, consider smart device upgrades like:
- A home security system with cameras
- A whole-home audio system
- A smart thermostat
- Automatic blinds or shades
- Smart locks on all doors
- Automated lighting
Stage your space
In a 2021 study by the National Association of Realtors, sellers saw an increase of 1-5% higher offer amounts when their properties were professionally staged, so from a financial perspective, it's definitely worth considering!At a minimum, be sure you've staged the:
- Kitchen
- Living room
- Master bedroom
Some general tips for staging your home:
- Add fresh flowers or greenery to brighten up each room.
- Arrange furniture to allow for easy traffic flow throughout the space.
- Make sure each room is well-lit with both natural and artificial light.
- Add some cozy throws and pillows to make each room feel warm and inviting.
- In the kitchen, clear off countertops and put away any small appliances.
- In the bathrooms, fold towels neatly and put away used toiletries.
- In the bedrooms, make sure the beds are made with fresh linens.
Work with a real estate agent
Finally, it's time to list your home for sale! But before you do that, it's important to find a real estate agent who is the right fit for you.
You'll want to find an agent who:
- Has experience selling Charleston properties.
- Understands your unique needs and situation.
- Can communicate easily and offers regular updates.
- Is responsive to your questions and concerns.
- Is someone you feel comfortable with and can trust.
Consult with a real estate agent like Martha Toti for assistance. Selling a home can be a daunting task, but with the right preparation and planning, it can be a smooth and successful process.