Top 10 Things Before You List Your Home

By: Diane Tuman, Zillow Content Manager | August 6, 2008

Selling your home? Before you list, consider these top 10 things to do before you put your home on the market. Some are no-brainers, but they are all worth your attention if you plan on selling your home.

1. Make a great first impression

Did you know that buyers decide in the first 30 seconds of seeing the home if this is the one? It’s true. Good curb appeal is a must.

2. Clean, Clean, Clean

No-brainer, right? Well, what was this person smoking?

3. Declutter

Knick-knacks + Tschockes + Collectibles = Clutter! Declutter, now.

4. Store it

If a room is open, it looks large and adds square footage to the home; this is $$$ in the real estate market.

5. Let there be light

Open the curtains and let the sunshine in! You may like your privacy, but the buyer doesn’t want to think about that when looking at a home.

6. Neutral background

Neutral walls (not just white) that are clean and have an up-to-date color makes a huge impression. Bright colors on walls can be a turnoff for some.

7. Set the stage

You know that dining room that goes unused most of the time? Spiff it up and make it look like you know how to pah-tee.

8. Empty closets

Empty every closet as much as you can. Remove out-of-season clothes. You want it to look as though there is room for the buyers’ things. Not like this.

9. Pet smarts

You love your dog. But not everyone loves pets! Get some tips on selling a home with pets.

10. Smells good

Check out bullet #3 under “Essential Tasks.”

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Comments

4 Comments so far

  1. Adam on August 7, 2008 6:33 am

    Great ideas, they all make so much sense but are easily forgotten. I especially love the empty close suggestion - the picture looks too much like my closet!

  2. Hitting the Links | Redfin Boston Sweet Digs on August 8, 2008 1:15 am

    [...] Nine other important projects to complete before you try to sell. [Zillow Blog] [...]

  3. rorysiems on August 20, 2008 1:06 am

    the points shown in this entry is really helpful form a sellers and purchaser viewpoint. this kind of thing can surely boost the real estate market to a new height.

  4. Laguna Niguel Real Estate on May 9, 2009 1:12 pm

    What if the buyer does not like either pets or kids. Do you have the tips on selling a home with kids, lol?

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