12 Things To Do Before Selling Your House

Selling your home? Smart preparation leads to a smoother sale, stronger offers, and fewer surprises during closing.

In this Redfin Real Estate article, we’ll break down the 12 essential things to do before selling your house, including what agents look for, how to appeal to buyers, and what can directly impact your home’s market value.

12 things to do before selling your home: A checklist

1. Schedule a pre-listing walkthrough with your agent

Before you touch a paintbrush or call a stager, bring in your real estate agent for a pre-listing consultation. They’ll identify which updates will actually improve value and which to skip, based on your neighborhood, price point, and current market demand.

2. Declutter and depersonalize the space

Buyers need to envision themselves living in the home. That starts with removing personal items, oversized furniture, and anything that distracts from the space itself.

3. Tackle repairs

Your agent will flag items that could be red flags during a buyer’s inspection. Addressing these in advance can reduce renegotiation headaches later. Common ones include:

• Loose handrails or fixtures
• Damaged flooring
• Leaky faucets
• Cracked windows or seals
• Roof or HVAC maintenance

4. Invest in curb appeal

Buyers start judging your home from the street. Simple upgrades like fresh mulch, trimmed bushes, and a painted front door can make your listing stand out in online photos and during drive-bys.

5. Get a pre-listing inspection (optional but strategic)

In hot markets, some sellers opt for a pre-inspection to uncover potential issues and price accordingly. This transparency builds trust with buyers and can lead to stronger offers with fewer contingencies.

6. Stage to sell

Staging isn’t about decorating; it’s a marketing tool. A staged home:

• Photographs better online
• Helps buyers understand scale
• Creates an emotional connection during tours

7. Neutralize paint and finishes

Bold colors, busy wallpaper, or outdated finishes can distract buyers and affect perceived value. Fresh paint in modern, neutral tones like grey or soft white can instantly modernize a space and provide a clean slate.

8. Organize paperwork and disclosures

Buyers (and their lenders) will need documentation. Have these ready:

• Title and deed
• HOA documents (if applicable)
• Property tax history
• Recent utility bills
• Renovation permits or warranties
• Mortgage payoff info
• Seller’s disclosure statement

This makes your agent’s job easier and helps avoid delays in escrow.

9. Understand local market conditions

Your Redfin real estate agent will run a comparative market analysis to set a strategic list price. The factors they’ll consider include recent sold comps in your area, current active listings (your competition), days on market, buyer demand, and seasonality.

10. Capture professional listing photos

In today’s digital-first market, photos are your first showing. 93% of buyers start their home search online, and listings with high-quality photography get more clicks and showings.

Ask your agent if they include professional photos (and video or 3D tours) in their marketing package.

11. Prepare for showings

Once you list, your home needs to be “show-ready” daily:

• Keep floors and counters clean
• Minimize odors (avoid strong cooking or pets)
• Turn on the lights and open the blinds for natural light
• Be ready to leave home for last-minute tours

The easier it is to show, the faster it sells.

12. Know your net proceeds

Work with your agent to calculate a net sheet that estimates sale price, agent commissions (typically 5–6%), seller-paid closing costs, remaining mortgage balance, and estimated profit.

Knowing your bottom line will help you price realistically and plan your next move confidently.

Frequently asked questions about things to do before selling your house

Do I need a real estate agent to sell my home?

While FSBO is possible, working with an experienced agent can net you more money, reduce risk, and save time.

What is the most important thing to do before selling?

Preparing your home for the market, through cleaning, repairs, and strategic pricing, is key to attracting buyers and strong offers.

What sells a home the fastest?

Homes that are clean, well-staged, priced right, and professionally photographed tend to sell quickly.

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