“Just list it” doesn’t cut it anymore. If you want top dollar for your home, you need more than a lawn sign these days. Buyers are more digitally savvy now, and small details can make or break your deal. That’s why we’ve rounded up this home-selling checklist—backed by the latest market trends and buyer behavior insights. This will help you sell faster and for more. Ready to make your move? Let’s check all the boxes.
Invest In Curb Appeal
Well-kept exteriors attract glances and boost your bottom line. In fact, homes with standout curb appeal sell for around 7% more—that’s based on industry data cited by the National Association of Realtors in 2022. Even something as simple as mulch or a bold black front door could raise the perceived value by $6,000.
Get A Pre-Listing Home Inspection
With 1 in 4 deals collapsing due to late-stage discoveries, waiting to uncover issues is a risky bet. A pre-listing inspection shifts the power back to the seller and offers time to resolve major concerns before buyers ever walk through the door. Eventually, that transparency builds trust and keeps escrow on track.
Refresh Paint In Neutral Tones
Paint color directly influences both buyer perception and photo quality. Soft neutrals like beige and light gray enhance light and give rooms a cleaner, more inviting look. Zillow’s 2023 research also found that homes with light gray walls were sold for $2,500 more on average.
Hire A Professional Photographer
Listing photos act as your home’s first impression in today’s digital market. Since nearly 90% of buyers rely on images to make their decisions, quality matters more than ever. Homes with professional photos and videos often sell faster, and those with twilight or aerial shots attract even more attention.
Optimize Listing Description With Keywords
What you write matters just as much as what you show. Strategic keywords like “move-in ready” or “updated kitchen” can drive more clicks, while mentioning local highlights, like top-rated schools or nearby parks, boosts engagement. Zillow’s keyword data also confirms that well-written listings perform measurably better on buyer platforms.
Declutter Every Room Before Taking Photos
The camera doesn’t lie—and when a room is cluttered, the lens captures every distraction. Instead of spotlighting a home’s strengths, messy photos tend to exaggerate flaws. Moreover, HomeLight’s 2023 survey showed that cluttered homes remained on the market much longer than those with a clean look.
Deep Clean The Home
Surface-level tidying isn’t enough when buyers are making fast judgments based on smell, shine, and detail. The National Association of Home Builders also shared that almost every buyer’s interest is heavily influenced by cleanliness. So, a professional deep clean, costing $400–$500, can help your home grab attention much quicker.
Price It Right The First Time
Starting with the wrong price can stall interest and cost you more than just time. Homes listed even 5% above market value linger 60% longer, according to Zillow’s 2024 report. Just price realistically from day one. It will invite competition and avoid mid-listing reductions that send the wrong signal.
Stage To Highlight Space
A well-staged home can have more impact than square footage alone. It draws buyers in by helping them picture a lifestyle, not just a layout. That connection translates into real value: the National Association of Realtors (2023) reports that staged homes sell for up to 10% more and hold interest longer during showings and in listing photos.
Hire A Local, Experienced Realtor
Selling solo might sound appealing until the numbers roll in. On the other hand, agent-assisted homes sell for more than owner listings. After all, a local pro knows your market’s nuances and buyer habits, which gives you an edge from pricing to closing.
