How to sell your house checklist.

Selling a house requires attention to detail, strategic planning, and effective marketing. Here’s a comprehensive 100-point checklist to guide you through the process like a top 1% realtor:

Initial Preparation

1. Research Local Market Trends: Understand current home prices and sales trends in your area.

2. Set a Realistic Price: Analyze comparables (comps) to set a competitive yet realistic price.

3. Hire a Professional Realtor: Choose a top-performing real estate agent with a proven track record.

4. Get Pre-Sale Home Inspection: Identify and fix any major issues beforehand.

5. Gather Important Documents: Collect warranties, manuals, repair records, and previous inspection reports.

Decluttering and Cleaning

1. Declutter Every Room: Remove unnecessary items to make spaces appear larger.

2. Deep Clean the House: Ensure every nook and cranny is spotless.

3. Organize Closets and Storage Spaces: Show off ample storage space.

4. Clean Windows Inside and Out: Let natural light in and enhance views.

5. Steam Clean Carpets and Rugs: Eliminate stains and odors.

Repairs and Upgrades

1. Fix Leaks and Plumbing Issues: Repair any dripping faucets or running toilets.

2. Patch Holes in Walls: Ensure walls are smooth and free of imperfections.

3. Repaint in Neutral Colors: Use light, neutral colors to appeal to a broad audience.

4. Upgrade Lighting Fixtures: Install modern, energy-efficient fixtures.

5. Service HVAC System: Ensure heating and cooling systems are functioning properly.

6. Repair or Replace Flooring: Address any damaged or outdated flooring.

7. Update Kitchen Hardware: Install new cabinet handles and drawer pulls.

8. Modernize Bathrooms: Replace outdated fixtures and re-grout tile if needed.

Staging

1. Hire a Professional Stager: Enhance the home’s appeal with professional staging.

2. Maximize Curb Appeal: Mow the lawn, trim bushes, and plant flowers.

3. Power Wash Exterior: Clean the siding, walkways, and driveway.

4. Stage Outdoor Spaces: Set up outdoor furniture to show off potential.

5. Remove Personal Items: Depersonalize the home by removing family photos and personal memorabilia.

6. Arrange Furniture for Flow: Ensure furniture placement enhances room flow and space.

Marketing

1. Hire a Professional Photographer: Capture high-quality images of your home.

2. Create a Virtual Tour: Offer a 3D tour for online viewers.

3. Develop a Marketing Plan: Utilize a mix of online and offline marketing.

4. List on MLS: Ensure your home is listed on the Multiple Listing Service.

5. Promote on Social Media: Share the listing on Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms.

6. Create a Dedicated Website: Develop a website specifically for your property.

7. Print High-Quality Brochures: Create brochures to distribute to potential buyers.

8. Host an Open House: Schedule and promote an open house event.

9. Distribute Flyers Locally: Spread flyers in your neighborhood.

Showings

1. Be Flexible with Showings: Accommodate potential buyers’ schedules.

2. Keep the Home Clean and Tidy: Maintain cleanliness during the listing period.

3. Enhance Ambiance with Lighting: Ensure all lights are on during showings.

4. Create a Welcoming Atmosphere: Use scented candles or air fresheners sparingly.

5. Provide Shoe Covers: Keep floors clean by offering shoe covers to visitors.

6. Highlight Unique Features: Make sure to point out special features or upgrades.

7. Offer Refreshments: Provide small snacks and beverages during open houses.

8. Secure Valuables: Ensure all personal and valuable items are stored securely.

Communication

1. Regularly Update Listing: Keep the listing current with any changes or updates.

2. Provide Feedback from Showings: Share feedback from potential buyers with your realtor.

3. Communicate with Your Realtor: Stay in regular contact with your agent.

4. Respond Quickly to Offers: Act swiftly when you receive an offer.

Negotiation

1. Evaluate Offers Carefully: Consider all aspects of each offer, not just the price.

2. Negotiate Terms: Work with your realtor to negotiate the best possible terms.

3. Be Open to Counteroffers: Be prepared to counteroffer if needed.

Closing Preparation

1. Hire a Real Estate Attorney: Ensure all legal aspects are covered.

2. Schedule Appraisal: Arrange for the buyer’s appraisal in a timely manner.

3. Complete Repairs from Inspection: Address any repairs requested by the buyer.

4. Review Closing Disclosure: Carefully review the closing statement.

5. Arrange Final Walkthrough: Schedule a final walkthrough with the buyer.

Moving Out

1. Plan Your Move: Arrange for movers and start packing early.

2. Disconnect Utilities: Schedule disconnection of utilities and services.

3. Forward Mail: Set up mail forwarding to your new address.

4. Leave Instruction Manuals: Provide manuals for appliances and systems.

5. Clean After Moving Out: Ensure the home is clean for the new owners.

Post-Sale

1. Cancel Home Insurance: Cancel or transfer your home insurance policy.

2. Keep Records: Retain all documents related to the sale.

3. Update Address: Change your address with relevant institutions.

Marketing Follow-Up

1. Follow Up with Potential Buyers: Check in with those who showed interest.

2. Leverage Testimonials: Use positive feedback from previous buyers in marketing.

Detailed Marketing Tactics

1. Create Engaging Video Content: Develop a video walkthrough or lifestyle video.

2. Host Virtual Open Houses: Use live streaming to host virtual tours.

3. Email Campaigns: Send targeted emails to potential buyers and agents.

4. Leverage Real Estate Websites: List on Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com, etc.

5. Invest in PPC Advertising: Use pay-per-click ads to reach a broader audience.

6. Use Professional Signage: Ensure signage is visible and professional.

7. Network with Other Agents: Inform other agents about your listing.

8. Engage Local Media: Get your home featured in local real estate publications.

9. Highlight Energy Efficiency: Promote energy-efficient features if applicable.

10. Showcase Home Upgrades: Emphasize recent renovations and upgrades.

Home Presentation

1. Keep Pets Away During Showings: Ensure pets are out of the house.

2. Minimize Cooking Odors: Avoid strong-smelling foods before showings.

3. Create a Seasonal Atmosphere: Use seasonal decor to enhance appeal.

Finalizing Sale

1. Ensure Clear Title: Resolve any title issues before closing.

2. Prepare for Closing Costs: Understand and prepare for your closing expenses.

3. Review Buyer’s Financing: Ensure the buyer’s financing is in order.

Legal and Financial

1. Understand Tax Implications: Consult a tax professional about the sale.

2. Update Homeowners Association: Inform your HOA of the sale if applicable.

Post-Sale Follow-Up

1. Request Reviews: Ask buyers to leave reviews about their experience.

2. Maintain Contact with Buyer: Offer assistance or information if needed post-sale.

Detailed Preparation

1. Create a Seller’s Disclosure: Complete a comprehensive seller’s disclosure form.

2. Provide Utility Information: Share utility costs and provider information.

Custom Marketing Strategies

1. Highlight Local Amenities: Promote nearby schools, parks, and amenities.

2. Emphasize Community Features: Highlight community features and activities.

Legal Considerations

1. Ensure Compliance with Local Laws: Verify all legal requirements are met.

Advanced Marketing Tactics

1. Use Drone Photography: Capture aerial views of your property.

2. Offer Incentives: Consider offering incentives like home warranties.

Detailed Final Steps

1. Prepare for Inspection: Ensure your home is ready for the buyer’s inspection.

2. Arrange for Home Staging Consultation: Get professional advice on staging.

3. Organize Financial Documents: Ensure all financial documents are in order.

Personal Preparation

1. Prepare Emotionally: Be ready for the emotional aspects of selling your home.

Additional Final Steps

1. Coordinate with Your Realtor: Stay in close communication with your agent.

Post-Closing

1. Celebrate the Sale: Take time to celebrate once the sale is finalized.

Moving On

1. Plan Your Next Move: Start planning your next steps or new home search.

Review and Reflect

1. Review the Process: Reflect on the selling process for future reference.

2. Give Feedback to Realtor: Provide feedback to your real estate agent.

Final Checklist

1. Complete a Final Walkthrough: Do a final check before handing over the keys.

This checklist should cover all aspects of preparing, marketing, and selling your home to ensure a smooth and successful transaction.