DDRE 15 Things to consider – Preparing Your Home for Sale

Preparing a home for sale can involve various costs that are essential for making the property more appealing to potential buyers. Not all of these items will pertain to your your specific circumstances but it should provide some things to consider. Here are 15 points outlining some common considerations associated with preparing a home for sale.

1. Repairs and Maintenance: Addressing any necessary repairs, such as fixing leaks, electrical issues, or structural problems, is often the first step in preparing a home for sale.
2. Cleaning Services: Professional cleaning services may be required to thoroughly clean carpets, windows, walls, and other areas to present the home in its best condition.
3. Painting: Freshening up the interior or exterior paint can make a significant difference in the overall appearance and appeal of the home.
4. Curb Appeal: Enhancing the exterior of the home, including landscaping, lawn maintenance, and exterior staging, can attract more potential buyers.
5. Staging: Hiring a professional home stager to arrange furniture and decor can help buyers visualize the property’s potential.
6. Decluttering and Depersonalizing: Removing personal items and excess clutter can make the space feel more open and neutral, helping buyers envision themselves in the home. We recommend an empty home that is then staged to maximize visual impact to a buyer.
7. Home Inspection: Conducting a pre-listing home inspection can uncover hidden issues that may need to be addressed before selling.
8. Professional Photography: High-quality photos and, in most cases, virtual tours or videos may be necessary to create an appealing online listing.
9. Marketing and Advertising: Budget for marketing materials, online listings, and potentially hosting open houses to attract potential buyers.
10. Real Estate Agent Fees: When working with a real estate agent, be prepared for agent commissions, which are typically a percentage of the final sale price.
11. Closing Costs: Depending on the negotiations and market conditions, you may need to cover some of the buyer’s closing costs to facilitate the sale.  There will also be some escrow fees and associated title insurance for you, the owner/seller, which you will be advised  during the process.
12. Home Warranty: Offering a home warranty as an incentive to potential buyers can be a cost, but it can also make the property more attractive and reduce seller liability if something breaks after the sale..
13. Storage Rental: If you need to temporarily store excess furniture or belongings while staging the home, consider the cost of renting storage space. If the garage is not a focal point to the home that might be used for temporary storage during the sale.
14. Utilities and Maintenance: Continue to pay for utilities and general maintenance while the home is on the market to keep it in good condition for showings.
15. Legal and Administrative Fees: Budget for any legal fees related to the sale, such as attorney fees or document preparation costs. Especially if your in a trust or probate sales situation.

Keep in mind that the extent and specific costs of preparing a home for sale can vary greatly depending on the condition of the property, local market conditions, and personal preferences. It’s essential to create a plan to ensure a successful and profitable sale. This is a collaborative process, we work with you and your for the best outcome.

Some of these key services, like marketing (including custom website portal to showcase the home), home staging, professional photography, a seller’s home warranty for your buyer and after move out cleaning may be paid by DDRE as part of our representation of your home, talk to us and learn what’s included for your particular situation*.

*Every home sale has unique parameters and not all services are included at no charge. Please discuss your particular circumstance with us.