Preparing to Sell Your Home

Gathering any and all information on your home is a crucial first step in getting ready to sell your home. Not only will this ensure your listing agent accurately markets your property, it will also help answer any potential buyers’ questions immediately (the less surprises, the better).

You will want to gather the following:

• Deed
• Previous survey
• HOA restrictive covenants (if applicable)
• Outstanding assessments (if applicable)
• Mortgage payoff information
• Repair and service receipts and documentation
• Information on warranties, paint colors, appliance guides, etc.

• Make repairs. If you have been putting off needed repairs, it is best to address those repairs prior to listing your home. You may also want to consider a pre-inspection to identify unknown needed repairs. Again, the less surprises the better.
• Declutter. Often when preparing your home for listing, less is more. Clutter or excess furniture and décor is distracting and prevents would-be buyers from imagining themselves in your home.
• Remove personal items. Personal photographs, religious symbols and other personal information should be stored prior to your home coming on the market. Not only can these items be distracting, but also as photos of your home will likely be online, they will give home browsers access to your private information.
• Neutralize. Again, it is vital that buyers can envision themselves in your home. Specific paint and décor should be neutralized so that your home photographs and shows well.