Selling your home? Smart preparation leads to a smoother sale, stronger offers, and fewer surprises during closing.
In this Redfin real estate article, whether you’re planning to sell your home in Boulder, CO, or your property in El Paso, TX, we’ll break down the 12 essential things to do before selling your house. This includes what agents look for, how to appeal to buyers, and key financial considerations, like reviewing your mortgage or refinance history, that can directly impact your home’s market value.
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. “Before listing your home, focus on decluttering and depersonalising each room so buyers can easily envision themselves living there,” Apple Suico with Phixer emphasizes. “Small repairs like fixing leaky faucets, repainting scuffed walls, and updating tired lighting can have a big impact on perceived value. Lastly, invest in a deep clean and professional photos; first impressions online drive buyer interest more than ever.”
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 make any repairs necessary
Bold colors, busy wallpaper, or outdated finishes can distract buyers and affect their perception of value. Fresh paint in modern, neutral tones like grey or soft white can instantly modernize a space and provide a clean slate.
“The best thing you can do to help your home sell faster, for top dollar, is to edit your family out of it as much as you can; you want to create a blank slate that potential new owners can imagine their own families in, without evidence of your family’s presence making this impossible,” Flossie with Super Mom Hacks details.
“Start with basic repairs and maintenance; patch those holes in the wall, and repaint those dated or mood-inspired rooms in more neutral colors. Then start packing for your move and place everything except what you need for day-to-day living in an off-site storage locker.”
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 prevent escrow delays.
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 recently 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. This means keeping floors and counters clean, turning on lights and opening blinds for natural light, and being ready to leave the home for last-minute tours. Sellers need to additionally keep the home smelling fresh.
“Before selling their home, owners should take every step needed to make it odor-free,” Will and Laura Realty share. “We have seen buyers refuse to go farther than the entryway because of this. Owners with pets should especially consider this, since their pets become accustomed to these smells. Clean the carpets, wash every throw blanket, and maybe even buy a new pet bed if needed.”
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 the 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.
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Check your home's valueFrequently 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. However, timing is key.
“Even if your home looks amazing. You may not get as many people in the door if you don’t list at the best time,” Erika Albert explains. “Every neighborhood will have its own peak seasons, market trends, and unique nuances that determine when the best time to list your home will be. It’s important to take these into consideration and review historical sales data to determine when to put your home on the market. You will want to time it well on a weekly level, too. Listing your home on a Thursday has proven to lead to quicker and more profitable home sales across the nation.”
