Published April 5, 2023

Eight Home Maintenance Tasks Sellers Must Do Before Listing

Written by The Norman Home Team of Keller Williams Gateway

Eight Home Maintenance Tasks Sellers Must Do Before Listing header image.

Let’s face it, when selling a house, buyers really are judging a book by its cover. First impressions sell a home or can make buyers run for the hills! Just like a first date, it's important to make sure the first impression leaves the buyer wanting to see more and staying memorable to stand out from the rest of the crowd.

Here are the top eight places sellers should focus on before listing their house:

Landscaping: A well-manicured lawn and neatly trimmed shrubs can make a great impression. It shows that the homeowner cares about the neighborhood appearance and a freshly cut lawn just looks inviting in the spring and summer. Add black or red mulch to the trees and flower beds for a sharp look. If selling in the fall or winter, make sure to clean up any leaves and clean up the flower beds.
Paint the front door on the house: Studies have shown that houses with black, gray, red, yellow or any brightly colored door, sell for about $6,000 more than houses with white or plain looking doors. While evaluating the door, check the surrounding landing or porch to make sure there is no peeling paint that could be touched up to finish the look.
Clean and repair the gutters: If the gutters are visible and debris can be seen, clean out the gutters and fix any pieces that may be coming apart or are bent. Having a clean appearance helps to show buyers that the house is well maintained.
Painting the interior: A freshly painted room looks clean, bright, and welcoming. Consider neutral colors that appeal to a wide range of buyers. While a splash of color on accent walls can be fun, sticking with neutral colors like agreeable gray, antique white, and beige, are warm, friendly and present a clean canvas for the buyer to imagine their own touches if they put in an offer.
Get rid of odors: If the house smells like smoke or pets, this can be a big turnoff for buyers. They often start to worry about how much it will cost to clean things and remove the odor even if your home is sparkling clean. Odors can be a big turnoff for buyers. If painting hasn’t removed the odors, consider shampooing the carpets or rent an Ozone Machine which can really help with neutralizing the air. Don’t try to cover the odor with other scents as that can make it worse if the scent selected is like heavy perfume.
Clean and declutter: A clean and decluttered house makes a great first impression and helps buyers visualize themselves living there. Clean the windows, dust surfaces, and start packing up all the knickknacks and clutter. When every surface has pictures and knickknacks, it's hard for buyers to visualize their own sense of style. You’ll need to start packing after going under contract so why not start now? Pack up as much as you can that isn’t needed and store the boxes in one room or an unfinished room in the basement.
Clean out the closets: If all of the closets are bursting with clothes and items, remove at least half of what’s in these and pack it away. Buyers will want to look in closets and the more empty the closet, the larger it will appear.
Update lighting fixtures: Replacing outdated lighting fixtures can brighten up a room and make it feel more modern. Lighting kits are inexpensive and the return can be 10 times what it cost just by selecting a more modern feel. Switching to led lighting can also be a great benefit by lowering energy costs.

Completing these eight maintenance tasks before listing can make a big difference in attracting potential buyers and getting the best possible price for your property. Don't wait until the last minute to start – start planning and preparing well in advance.

If you're thinking about buying or selling and would like a no-obligation consult to see how we can serve you, contact The Norman Home Team at 443.489.5225! Visit our website for information on all the services we provide We look forward to hearing from you and helping you achieve your goals