Top 5 Things to Do Before Listing Your Home for Sale

Thinking about selling your home? It’s exciting—but also a bit stressful. Between packing, paperwork, and prepping your place to look its best, it’s hard to know what to tackle first. The good news? A little upfront effort makes a big difference. Buyers love homes that feel clean, cared for, and move-in ready.

If you’re hoping to sell quickly and for a great price, there are a few things you should do before your real estate agent puts up that “For Sale” sign. Here’s a list of five important steps to help you feel confident and prepared before you list.

1. Declutter and Start Prepping for the Move

Before anything else, take time to declutter. Buyers want to imagine themselves living in your home. That’s easier to do when it looks clean, open, and spacious. Remove personal items like family photos, trophies, and busy wall art. Box up seasonal clothes, extra kitchen gadgets, and anything you don’t use regularly.

Decluttering not only helps your home show better, it also gets you a head start on packing. If you’re planning to list soon, this is the perfect time to think about how you’ll manage your move.

Once you’ve packed some boxes, you’ll need somewhere to keep them. That’s where Solomon & Sons moving companycomes in. They offer flexible short-term storage and full-service moving options. Whether you’re downsizing or just need a temporary place for your stuff during showings, their team can handle the heavy lifting and logistics. It’s one less thing to worry about while you’re juggling real estate appointments and open houses.

If your garage or closets are overflowing, placing a few things in storage can help your space feel bigger and more organized. Buyers are drawn to homes that feel easy to move into, and nothing says “easy” like a clutter-free space.

2. Take Care of Minor Repairs

Small things might not bother you, but buyers will notice them right away. Think about squeaky doors, leaky faucets, loose knobs, and scuffed walls. These little details can give buyers the wrong impression and make them wonder if bigger issues are hiding under the surface.

Walk through your home as if you were seeing it for the first time. Make a list of anything that needs a quick fix. Paint touch-ups, patching holes, replacing burned-out bulbs, and tightening drawer handles are all simple jobs that go a long way.

If you’ve been putting off small repairs, now’s the time to handle them. Even little updates like changing outdated light fixtures or switching to modern cabinet pulls can help your home look more current without spending a lot.

You don’t need to do a full renovation, but showing buyers that the home has been well maintained gives them confidence in what they’re buying.

3. Boost Curb Appeal

You want potential buyers to fall in love with your home the moment they pull up. That starts with curb appeal. First impressions count, and the outside of your home sets the tone for the rest of the showing.

Mow the lawn, trim the bushes, and remove weeds. If you have garden beds, add fresh mulch or simple flowers to brighten things up. Clean your windows from the outside and consider pressure-washing walkways and siding.

Pay attention to your front porch or entryway, too. A clean doormat, a working light fixture, and a freshly painted front door can make your home feel warm and inviting before anyone even steps inside.

Curb appeal doesn’t have to be expensive. Even a few small changes can make your home stand out and make buyers feel good about what’s to come.

4. Deep Clean Every Room

This step is often overlooked, but it matters. A deep clean makes your home feel fresh, airy, and ready to move into. Dusty shelves, grimy windows, or stained baseboards can be distracting, even if the rest of your home looks great.

Make a checklist and work room by room. Vacuum behind furniture, scrub bathrooms and kitchens, wipe down walls, and mop floors. Don’t forget closets and the inside of appliances—they’re often opened during showings.

If deep cleaning feels like too much to handle on your own, it’s worth hiring professionals. A cleaning service can give your home that hotel-like feel that buyers love. It’s especially helpful right before your first showings or before photos are taken.

The goal is to make your home look and feel its best. When everything shines, buyers are more likely to linger and picture themselves living there.

5. Work with a Trusted Real Estate Agent

Selling your home is a big step, and having the right agent on your side can make the process smoother from start to finish. A good agent will guide you on pricing, marketing, and negotiating offers. They’ll also help you decide which updates are worth doing and which ones aren’t.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions before hiring someone. How well do they know your neighborhood? What’s their communication style? How do they plan to market your home? Choose someone who understands your goals and makes you feel supported.

A trusted agent can help you avoid costly mistakes and sell your home faster. They know what buyers in your area are looking for and can help your listing stand out from the rest.

Selling your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with a solid plan and take it one step at a time. Decluttering gives your home space to shine. Small repairs show buyers you’ve cared for the place. Curb appeal gets them through the door, and a deep clean helps them imagine staying. A smart agent makes sure the rest of the journey goes smoothly.

The better prepared your home is, the better your chances of a faster sale and a strong offer. So, grab that checklist, start with what you can, and get ready to make a great impression. Your next chapter is just around the corner.