5 Projects To Do Before Listing Your House

Planning to sell your house this year? Now’s the perfect time to prep it for listing! The little things make all the difference when it comes to making a great first impression. Here are five projects to get your house ready to list this spring!

Declutter and Organize

Not only will decluttering make your house look amazing when buyers come, but it will also prep you for moving out. Purging your house of unwanted and unnecessary items will make the packing process a lot easier in addition to making your home look more appealing. Remember that potential buyers will also want to evaluate the storage space in your house, so make sure those closets and cabinets are looking neat and organized.

Deep Clean Everything

If you plan to live in your house while you sell it — as most sellers do — performing a focused deep clean makes it easier to keep your home in good shape before buyers pop in for showings. Dusting ceiling fans, cleaning under appliances, washing windows, and wiping baseboards are just a few places to get started. Consider what other areas of the house have not been cleaned in a while and tackle those places now. It also pays off.

Handle Small Easy Repairs

If you are noticing some small easy-to-fix issues around the house, now is the time to get them fixed. Items such as leaky faucets, squeaky doors, loose handles/doorknobs, damaged screens, or burned-out lightbulbs need your attention before buyers arrive. You may also want to consider replacing caulk around tubs, showers, and sinks, freshen up or repair grout, or repair and repaint walls in a neutral color.

Gather Repair and Renovation Records

If you have lived in your home for a significant length of time, chances are you have the records or receipts for appliance repairs and upgrades, renovations big and small, as well as services to your HVAC and fireplace. Collect those now to have them ready for your real estate agent, home inspector, and property appraiser.

Boost Your Curb Appeal

A house’s exterior is the first feature prospective home buyers will see during their visit, and the spring season is a crucial time to ensure your house’s curb appeal is up-to-date. Your yard will be coming back to life, so trim up any bushes, shrubs and trees and freshen up any flower beds or areas with mulch. Repair any broken downspouts and gutters, clean and repair concrete areas, update any outdoor lighting, and fill any holes or cracks in your driveway with asphalt patch. Freshen up your doorstep with a new welcome mat and make sure the house numbers are easy to see.