To get your house ready to sell, fix known problems, declutter and deep clean every room, improve curb appeal, and gather your paperwork before the listing photos are taken. Start by walking the property with your listing agent, who can tell you which repairs and updates are worth doing and which you can skip.
What should I do first?
Start with a walk-through and a written list. Go through the house room by room, inside and out, and note anything that is broken, worn, dirty or unfinished. Then go over the list with your listing agent and sort it into three groups: things to fix, things to clean or freshen, and things to leave alone.
Doing this early matters because some items take time to schedule. Contractors, landscapers and cleaners are not always available on short notice, and the work should be finished before the photographer arrives.
Which repairs are worth making before I list?
The repairs most worth making are the ones a buyer or a home inspector will notice right away. Small, visible defects can make buyers wonder what else has been neglected, and they often come up again during the inspection period.
- Leaking faucets, running toilets and slow drains
- Doors, windows and cabinets that stick or do not latch
- Burned-out bulbs, broken switches and missing cover plates
- Damaged screens, cracked tiles and holes in walls
- Stains from past leaks, once the cause has been repaired
- Heating and air conditioning service, and a fresh filter
Larger items, such as a roof, old flooring or a dated kitchen, are a judgment call. Sometimes it makes sense to do the work, and sometimes it is better to price the home with the condition in mind. Whether a project pays for itself depends on the house and the current market, so ask before you spend. Repairing something does not remove the duty to disclose a known issue or past repair.
How much cleaning and decluttering is enough?
Enough that every room looks larger, brighter and easy to walk through. Buyers look closely in person and even more closely in photos, so the goal is clean surfaces and clear floors.
- Clear kitchen and bathroom counters down to a few items
- Thin out closets, the pantry and the garage, since buyers open them
- Remove extra furniture so walkways are open
- Put away most personal photos and collections
- Deep clean floors, windows, baseboards, grout and appliances
- Deal with odors from pets, smoke or cooking at the source
If you are moving anyway, packing early does two jobs at once. Boxes can go into a storage unit or be stacked neatly in the garage.
Does curb appeal really matter?
Yes, because the front of the house is the first photo online and the first thing a buyer sees from the street. Mow, edge and weed, trim back plants that block windows or walkways, sweep the driveway and entry, and make sure the front door, house numbers and porch light look cared for.
On larger lots and rural properties, such as those in La Cresta or De Luz, the same idea applies to driveways, gates, fencing and outbuildings. Buyers will walk the land, so clear brush and debris and make access easy.
What paperwork should I gather before listing?
Gather anything that documents the home’s condition, improvements and ongoing costs. Having it ready makes the disclosure forms easier to complete and helps answer buyer questions quickly.
- Permits and receipts for remodels, additions and major repairs
- Warranties and manuals for the roof, appliances and systems
- Solar agreements, whether the system is owned, leased or financed
- HOA contact information and recent statements, if there is an association
- Recent utility bills and the property tax bill
- Septic, well or propane service records, if the property has them
If you would like a second set of eyes on your list before you start, you can contact Aimee to set up a walk-through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get a home inspection before listing?
A pre-listing inspection is optional. It can reveal problems early so you can fix them or factor them into the price, but anything material you learn must be disclosed to buyers. Ask your listing agent whether it makes sense for your property.
Do I need to stage my house to sell it?
Staging is not required. Many occupied homes show well after decluttering and rearranging the furniture already there. Vacant homes sometimes benefit from staging because empty rooms can be hard to judge in photos.
Should I repaint before selling?
Fresh paint is often one of the less expensive ways to make a home look clean and cared for, especially where walls are scuffed or colors are very bold. Touch-ups may be enough if the existing paint is in good shape. Your agent can tell you which rooms would benefit.
How far ahead should I start getting ready?
Start as soon as you know you plan to sell. How long preparation takes depends on the condition of the home and how quickly contractors can be scheduled, so an early walk-through gives you the most choices.
Thinking About Selling?
Aimee Ghafouri is a real estate agent based in Temecula who grew up in Murrieta and works with buyers, sellers and investors across the Temecula Valley and southwest Riverside County.
Aimee Ghafouri, 951 Properties, CAL DRE #02193341. This page is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Equal Housing Opportunity.
