Hiring and estimates

Getting Your House Ready to Sell

The repairs, paint, yard work and cleanouts that matter most before listing, and how to tackle them in the right order.

When you're getting your house ready to sell, small things add up. A sticking door, a dripping faucet and a few holes in the wall might not bother you, but buyers notice. Here's a practical way to prepare your house, from what to do first to what you can probably skip.

Start With a Walk-Through

Walk through your home like a buyer would. Better yet, ask a friend to do it with fresh eyes. Bring a notepad or use your phone, and start at the curb.

Write down everything you notice, then sort it into groups.

Priority 1: Safety and Water

These are the items that can worry buyers and show up on inspection reports:

• Loose or missing stair and porch railings
• Soft or rotted deck and porch boards
• Leaky faucets, running toilets, or drips under sinks
• Water stains on ceilings or walls (fix the source first)
• Soft spots in floors
• Missing or non-working smoke detectors
• Broken windows or doors that won't lock

If you see ceiling stains, soft floors, or wiring problems, have the cause looked at by the right trade.

Priority 2: First Impressions

Curb appeal

• Mow, edge and keep the lawn tidy while the house is listed
• Trim shrubs and hedges away from windows and walkways
• Clear out weeds, dead plants and fallen limbs
• Add fresh mulch to beds
• Wash pollen and red clay stains off siding and walkways
• Repaint or touch up the front door and trim
• Make sure the house number is easy to see and porch lights work

Paint

Fresh paint is one of the most common pre-listing projects. Neutral colors help buyers picture their own things in the space.

• Patch nail holes and dings first
• Prime patches so they don't show through
• Repaint scuffed trim and doors

Our guide on choosing interior paint sheen can help you pick the right finish for each room.

Priority 3: Small Fixes Buyers Notice

• Doors that stick, rub or won't latch
• Loose cabinet doors and drawer pulls
• Missing or broken outlet and switch covers
• Burned-out bulbs
• Cracked or missing caulk around tubs, sinks and windows
• Old, stained toilet seats
• Loose or damaged baseboards and trim
• Wobbly ceiling fans
• Torn window screens

These are each small, but a long list of them can make a house feel neglected.

Priority 4: Declutter and Clear Out

Buyers want to see space, not stuff.

1. Pack away personal photos and extra decor.
2. Clear countertops and closets. Half-empty closets look bigger.
3. Move out extra furniture so rooms feel open.
4. Clean out the garage, attic, basement and shed.
5. Haul away anything you're not keeping.

If a big pile is building up, our cleanouts and haul-off service can help.

What You Can Usually Skip

Talk to your agent, but in general, many sellers skip:

• Major remodels right before listing
• Very personal design choices
• Replacing things that work fine but are just older

Leave Licensed Work to Licensed Pros

Buyers and inspectors often ask who did certain work. Use licensed trades for:

• Roof repairs
• Electrical panel, wiring and new circuits
• HVAC repairs
• Gas lines
• Plumbing beyond the fixtures

How HLM Can Help

Getting a house ready to sell usually means a long list of small jobs on a deadline. That's where our general home repair service fits. We can work through your list: drywall patches, painting, door adjustments, faucet and toilet fixes, trim repair, deck and porch boards, yard cleanup and hauling.

We'll give you an honest look at your list and tell you if anything needs a licensed pro. Once you're under contract, our move-out checklist helps with the last stretch.

Get Your Pre-Listing List Handled

Text your list or your inspection report to (706) 594-5049, or use our free estimate form. Pricing depends on the job, and estimates are free.