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Day 8: Make arrangements with contractors and other professionals
Vet and hire reputable contractors for hire-out jobs on your to-do list. Start by asking your agent if they can refer you to trusted professionals in their network. You can also compare reviews and hire professionals on websites such as Thumbtack, HomeAdvisor, Angi, and Fixr.
Week 2: Prepare the interior of your home
Both Schoepfer and Hudson agree that cleaning, decluttering, and home staging are some of the most impactful pre-listing activities. Dedicate Week Two to getting your home ready for listing photos and in-person showings.
Day 9: Declutter your entire home
Decluttering your home before you take photos and conduct showings could ultimately increase your home’s value by up to 3%-5%.
“Empty the spaces that make you money,” advises Hudson. “I call them the money areas: the main living area, kitchen, front of the home, master bedroom, and bath. We’re looking for clean lines and minimal distractions.”
Trash, donate, or recycle things you don’t need, and then pack up items that you won’t need until you’re in your new home. Hudson recommends storing these boxes in the garage for the listing period, stating that a box-filled garage is not going to make you a penny more or a penny less.
“If the garage is full, take one spare bedroom, the least attractive spare bedroom, and pack that with the contents. People know that you’re moving anyway, so it’s not going to hurt you,” Hudson adds.
Day 10: Depersonalize your home
Remove personal items that may alienate potential buyers, such as family photos, novelty collections, religious decorations, and sports team regalia. By depersonalizing every room, you boost the buyers’ ability to envision themselves living in the home.
Day 11: Replace old lighting fixtures
Old lighting fixtures date your home as fast as popcorn ceilings. For an instant refresh, update worn and dated lighting fixtures, especially those in common areas, such as the living room, dining room, and kitchen.
For broad buyer appeal, opt for transitional-style fixtures that balance contemporary and traditional design. Unless you have previous electrical experience with lighting, hire a licensed electrician to complete this task.
Day 12: Swap outdated hardware
Update dingy hardware, including cabinet knobs, door handles, hinges, and towel racks. Choose neutral designs with a black or brushed chrome finish, like these:
For a quick swap out, choose hardware that fits the existing holes in your cabinets.
Day 13: Tackle DIY repairs throughout your home
Leaky faucet? It’s time to tighten things up and put the drip drop to a quick stop. Dedicate Day 13 to tackling small repairs so buyers trust that your home is in excellent condition. Here is a list of some easy yet essential repairs:
- Clean tile grout using a homemade cleaner with baking soda, dish soap, and vinegar.
- Bleach or remove moldy caulk in showers and bathtubs, recaulking where necessary.
- Replace worn screens and weather stripping.
- Lubricate squeaky hinges and sticky drawers with a spray-dry lubricant, such as WD-40.
- Touch up scratches on stained wood with a wood repair marker.
- Tighten or replace protruding nails on the decking and railing.
- Fill in picture holes on your walls with spackling and a putty knife.
- Spruce up your mailbox, ensuring that the post is straight and the box is free of rust and dirt.
