Do you know how to prepare your home for the market?

Here are 10 things you can do to get set up for success. 

10. Gather documentation of home improvements and upgrades. Organized documentation accelerates negotiations and reduces questions for buyers.

9. Pack up and store personal items on applicances, walls, and shelves. You want the buyer to picture their family in your home.

8. Consider cost efficient updates to kitchens and bathrooms (ex. light fixtures, outlet covers, faucets, caulk, and paint). Kitchens and bathrooms strongly influence buyer decisions.

7. Do a deep clean or hire a cleaning service to do one. Ensure sinks and showers are free of mineral build-up. Clean windows, fans, baseboards, and grout.

6. Move or remove furniture to ensure space, flow, and movement through the home. Your agent can help with suggestions or hiring a professional staging service if needed. Staged homes generate more buyer interest.

5. Make minor repairs to patch nail pops, repair torn screens, squeaky doors, leaky faucets, loose door handles, etc.. Replace all burned out light bulbs.

4. Consider removing heavy, patterned, or dated window treatments. No window coverings are better for increasing light and desert views.

3. Increase curb appeal by trimming dead or dry desert landscaping, removing yard debris, power-washing patios, and painting or staining your front door. Some buyers will drive right on by, if the home looks like it has not been cared for or maintained.

2. Hire a licensed home inspector to identify any issues a buyer might use to negotiate down on price. Understanding and prioritizing repairs will eliminate last minute surprises.

Drum roll please.....the first and most important thing you should do is.....

1. Hire an agent, and set a timeline. Consider marketing your house earlier in the busy season or even before. Listing too late can lead to reduced buyer interest and activity.