Are you getting ready to list your property this season? Now is the time to start preparing. Here are a few items you should check off your list prior to putting your home on the market.

Before Listing Your Home…

Do a Once-Over & Address Issues Early

With the winter season being prime listing time in Sarasota, this is a good time of year to go through your home and see what you are working with: Are baseboards dirty? Does a doorknob need to be replaced? Realtors will point out aesthetic shortcomings before you list and buyers will catch functional ones in an inspection.

Depersonalize & Declutter

Prospective buyers need to be able to see themselves in a home, and what really helps is when they look around, they should see somewhat of a blank canvas. It’s a good idea to simplify before listing, especially if you enjoy cozier surroundings with lots of furniture and tchotchkes. Leave the basics and pack up the rest — you’re getting a jump on packing for your move anyway. 😉

Add Some Curb Appeal

The first thing potential buyers are going to see is the approach to your residence. If you live in a house, make sure gardens are pruned and tidy, grass is cut, and the entry is free of cobwebs and debris. In a condo, you might be limited in what you can do for your external door, but many allow you to have an attractive mat in the hallway and a wreath on the door; both of these items provide a welcoming entry while usually staying in line with condo association restrictions. (Check your restrictions to be sure.)

Consider a Pre-Listing Inspection

A pre-listing inspection provides you, as the seller, with the most information possible prior to listing your home, because it answers the question upon which every real estate transaction hangs: What are they going to find in the inspection??? The results of the buyer’s inspection provides them with leverage to negotiate a better price if everything doesn’t check out.

A few benefits of a pre-listing inspection may be that:

• You are able to more accurately price your home based upon its condition.
• You understand fully your home’s true condition.
• You have remove the unknowns and have time to make changes if needed.
• You reduce the likelihood of down-the-line negotiations.

Get an Expert Opinion

It’s never too soon to invite me in for a pricing evaluation. If you are considering selling, I am a certified Price Strategy Advisor (PSA) and can do a market analysis for your house to help you price it appropriately. I can also assist with many of the above tasks by reviewing your property with you and making suggestions of items to address prior to listing.