HOME SELLING
Seller Preparation Checklist
A manageable plan before listing. Start with the essentials and discuss costly work before committing.
Plan before spending
- Discuss your moving timeline, preparation budget, and any limits on showings.
- Separate essential repairs from optional cosmetic updates. Major renovations are not a standard requirement for every sale.
- Get estimates for significant issues. Discuss costs, timing, and whether to repair or address them in the sale terms.
Gather the documents
- Collect available maintenance records, repair invoices, permits, and warranties.
- Gather mortgage information, association documents, and records for leased equipment such as solar panels, if applicable.
- Write down known property issues and past work. Ask your agent or broker which disclosures apply; this checklist is not a disclosure form.
Clean and make space
- Clean kitchens, bathrooms, floors, and windows where practical; address odors rather than masking them.
- Clear counters and walkways. Arrange existing furniture so rooms are easy to see and move through.
- Secure personal documents, valuables, and medications. Plan for pets during photography and showings.
Check repairs and presentation
- List leaks, damaged surfaces, and equipment that is not working. Use qualified professionals for technical or safety concerns.
- Keep records of completed work and ask about any required permits before starting a project.
- Discuss accurate listing photographs, access arrangements, and whether simple staging is useful for your home.
Ask before listing.
- Which preparation tasks matter for this home, and which can wait?
- What supports the proposed price and estimated selling costs?
- Which documents and disclosures need to be completed?
- What marketing, showing, communication, and compensation terms will we agree to?
Further reading: NAR: Preparing to sell (opens in a new tab) ↗ · Preparing for showings (opens in a new tab) ↗ · California DRE: Property disclosures (opens in a new tab) ↗.
General education only. Your contract, property, loan, and circumstances determine the details. Ask qualified professionals about legal, tax, lending, and insurance questions.