Seller's Pre-Listing Checklist

Before putting your home up for sale, here are a few items that you should consider before listing your home. Completing this list early will make the sale process quicker and easier.

Address Repairs

Make a list of all those little (and big) things that need to be repaired or done around the house, then do them. If they bother you, they could bother a potential buyer.

Consider replacement estimates, inspections and certifications

Do you have big-ticket items that will need to be repaired or replaced soon? Find out how much it will cost to repair an older roof, bring a furnace up to safety standards, or replace worn carpeting. If you choose to tackle any repairs before going on the market, you have added value! Even if you do not spend the money before listing, the figures will help buyers determine if they can afford the home, and they will be handy when negotiations begin.

Install Carbon Monoxide detectors

Per Colorado State Statute, when any home is offered for sale or transferred, it is required that an operational carbon monoxide alarm be installed within 15 feet of the entrance to each bedroom (or other room lawfully used for sleeping purposes), or in any location otherwise specified by a state or local building code.

Organize and clean

Pare down clutter and pack up your least-used items, such as large blenders and other kitchen tools, out-of-season clothes, toys, and seasonal items. Store items off-site or in boxes neatly arranged in the garage or basement. Clean the windows, carpets, walls, lighting fixtures, and baseboards to make the house shine.

Stage your home

Statistics show that homes that have been professionally staged sell faster and for more money than competing inventory. Many professional stagers will offer different levels of service from a walk-through consultation that leaves you with a ‘do it yourself’ checklist to a full-service package with furniture rentals to warm up vacant homes.

Spruce up the curb appeal

Walk out to the front of your home, stand on the sidewalk, and pretend you are a prospective buyer seeing the property for the first time. As you approach the front door, what is your impression of the property? Do the lawn and bushes look neatly manicured? Is the address clearly visible? What do you see framing the entrance, if anything? Is the walkway free of snow/ice, cracks and impediments?

Locate warranties

Gather up the warranties, guarantees, and user manuals for the furnace, washer/dryer, dishwasher, and any other items that will remain with the house. It may seem like this task can be left until closing, but you do not want lost paperwork or last-minute scrambling to cause the deal to fall through.

Gather HOA documents

As part of the Colorado real estate contract-to-purchase, the SELLER is responsible for delivering all documents pertaining to any Common Interest Community, if one exists. (i.e. bylaws, covenants, party wall agreements, HOA financials, etc) This obligation can be time consuming and is best tackled before you are under contract when you are facing dates and deadlines. You can also consider hiring an outside agency for a fee to collect all the documents on your behalf.

Prepare for professional photos

Before your home is entered into the local MLS and advertised online, you will want to have professional interior and exterior photos taken of your home. Clear all surfaces and declutter every room for your photos. Straighten rugs and put the toilet seats down! Your photos are your first impression to every potential buyer, and you might be surprised what the camera picks up and shows off. Open all the windows for maximum light. Add a vase of fresh colorful flowers or decorative pillows where appropriate.

Pre-Read your contract paperwork

When listing your home for sale, you will encounter many contracts and disclosures that have legal consequences. It may seem like dry material to read ahead of time, but being knowledgeable and prepared will save time and hassle later during the contract timeline. Ask your Realtor to forward blank copies of all the contracts you will be signing throughout the sale of your home.

Consult with your tax and legal experts

Selling a home has important tax and other legal ramifications. Consult with your tax expert ahead of time and ask how your home sale will affect you. Estate or financial planners should be made aware of your plans so that you can prepare accordingly. Legal counsel is always advised during a home sale. Your Realtor will be happy to cooperate in sharing necessary information with your other hired professionals upon your request.