Seven Questions to Ask Yourself Before Selling Your House

Selling your home can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! By answering these seven questions, you can prepare yourself—and your house…

For a smooth, successful sale…

1. Do I Have All Necessary Documents?

Things tend to go more smoothly when you start by gathering the key paperwork:

• Deed in your name: Essential to confirm ownership of the property. Without this, the sale cannot proceed.
• Mortgage payoff letters: Request these for any liens on the property. This is necessary for clear title transfer.
• Home upgrades and repairs: Collect receipts or warranties for appliances, roof work, and improvements. This is not mandatory but helpful to showcase the value of recent investments in the home and address buyer questions confidently*.
• Utilities: Start tracking heating/utility expenses— Buyers often request recent bills to estimate ongoing costs. This is optional but beneficial for transparency.
• Property survey and taxes: Verify taxes are paid and locate any property surveys that you may have.

* Ask Andrea for a sample “Property Data” form to help organize your preparation. Speak with your Real Estate Attorney with any questions on how to fill this out.

2. Do I Know My Home’s Value?

• Get a free Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) from a licensed agent—it’s easy. (Ask Andrea, it’s free!)
• Use public sale data to compare recent SOLD prices in your school district (NOT “for sale” prices).
• Track pricing trends—ask your agent for updates when you are closer to listing.
• Consider a pre-listing inspection to address potential issues upfront.

3. What Repairs Should I Make?

• Fix small issues like leaky faucets, squeaky doors, or chipped paint.
• A pre-sale inspection can help prioritize repairs that might impact offers.

4. Does My House Look Cluttered?

• Declutter to make rooms feel larger and brighter.
• Pare down belongings and organize closets/storage spaces for a clean, spacious vibe.

5. How’s My Curb Appeal?

• Make your entryway feel welcoming—first impressions matter!
• Keep the exterior tidy: trim bushes, add fresh mulch, and refresh landscaping.

6. Should I Stage My Home?

• Sell, donate, or store extra furniture—less is more.
• Arrange remaining furniture to show off the space and remove personal items to help buyers imagine living there.
• Ask your agent about virtual staging for showing the house, or even simply for the listing photos.

7. Does My House Smell Inviting?

• Clean carpets (or remove them if needed, especially with pets).
• Clean or hire professional cleaners to ensure your home sparkles before listing.

Remember: Selling Your Home is a Team Effort

Preparing to sell isn’t just about the house—it’s about you, too.

Take a moment to check in with yourself. Are you emotionally and financially ready to take this next step? It’s easy to focus on the logistics, but your feelings matter just as much. Give yourself permission to listen closely—not just to what you think you should do, but to what truly feels right for you.

A good realtor will guide you through every step, from planning to closing. If you’re curious about your home’s value or unsure where to start, don’t hesitate to call me for a free consultation with a Comparative Market Analysis. Together, we can make this process stress-free and successful! Call me with any questions, no obligation at all.