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To achieve the highest and best offer for your home, three critical components must work together: adhering to the Marketability Checklist, following the Pre-Listing Checklist, and setting the right asking price. Each of these factors is essential to your success. A well-prepared home attracts attention, smart marketing enhances exposure, and proper pricing ensures buyers see the value. No amount of marketing can overcome a home that isn't ready for market or priced appropriately. When all three elements are in place, you're creating the best possible opportunity for a fast sale at top dollar.
Marketability Checklist
Marketability Checklist
Making Your Home More Marketable
The more items a seller can check off, the higher the chances of selling faster and for more money.
The more items a seller can check off, the higher the chances of selling faster and for more money.
Before Listing & Photography
Complete the Pre-Listing Checklist (see below) to ensure your home is fully prepared.
Price strategically—stay competitive and don’t overprice compared to similar homes.
Install a yard sign for maximum visibility and drive-by exposure.
Showings & Accessibility
Make showings easy—use a lockbox, provide alarm codes, and keep walkways clear.
Offer open showing availability between 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM daily to accommodate buyers.
Keep pets off-site for all showings to avoid distractions and allergies.
Presentation & Marketing
Use professional photography & a virtual tour to make a strong online impression.
Follow the Staging Checklist and consider professional staging to showcase the home in the best possible way.
Ensure the home is move-in ready—inside and out.
Complete all obvious repairs before listing to avoid buyer hesitation.
Enhance curb appeal with fresh landscaping and exterior improvements.
Essential Documents To Leave Out For Buyers To View
Pre-Listing Home Inspection Report – Shows transparency and reassures buyers about the home’s condition.
Pre-Listing Appraisal Report – Helps justify the asking price and gives buyers confidence in the home’s value.
Recent Tax Bills & Utility Bills – Gives buyers a clear idea of monthly costs and affordability.
Warranties for Major Items – Include warranties for appliances, HVAC systems, roof, and other major components.
List of Recent Upgrades & Renovations – Helps buyers see the added value in your home.
Smart Home & Security System Instructions – If applicable, provide details on thermostats, cameras, alarms, or automation features.
Feature Sheet or Home Brochure – A professionally designed flyer highlighting key selling points.
Providing Buyers with Confidence
Commit to a full-term listing (90-180 days) to give the home a real chance to sell.
Offer flexible possession options to appeal to more buyers.
Pricing & Offer Strategies
Include appliances & extras to make the home more attractive.
Avoid seller contingencies (e.g., probate, seller needing to buy first) to streamline the process.
Plan pre-scheduled price adjustments (e.g., every 3 weeks if there are no offers).
Consider offering an attractive buyer’s agent commission to increase interest.
Ensure the expected sale price aligns with recent comparable sales.
Consider vendor financing options if applicable.
Additional Selling Boosters
Review the feature sheet and MLS information with your Realtor to ensure all of the property's top-selling features and selling points are mentioned and available for buyers.
Remember:
The more you do to prepare, present, and price your home correctly, the easier and more profitable the sale will be. Let’s make your home stand out!
Pre-Listing Checklist
Pre-Listing Checklist
Making Your Home More Presentable
Selling your home is about making a great first impression and ensuring buyers see it at its best. Follow this checklist to prepare your home, maximize its appeal, and help secure a successful sale at the best price.
1. Declutter & Pre-Pack
Remove items you don’t use daily to make rooms feel more spacious.
Clear countertops, shelves, and closets to showcase storage space.
Pack away personal items, such as family photos, religious items, and collectibles, to create a neutral space buyers can picture themselves in.
2. Deep Clean & Maintain
Keep your home spotless—clean floors, windows, appliances, and bathrooms.
Pay attention to odors (pets, cooking, smoke) and ensure fresh air circulation.
Keep surfaces tidy, and make beds every morning.
3. Boost Curb Appeal (First Impressions Matter!)
Mow the lawn, trim bushes, and remove weeds.
Clean up the porch, add fresh doormats, and consider a new coat of paint on the front door.
Ensure outdoor lighting is working and pathways are clear.
4. Address Minor Repairs
Fix any leaky faucets, squeaky doors, or loose handles.
Patch up scuffs, scratches, or holes in walls.
Replace burnt-out light bulbs and ensure all fixtures work.
5. Neutralize & Depersonalize
Keep décor neutral—avoid bold colors or highly personalized spaces.
Convert hobby rooms back into standard bedrooms if possible.
Minimize seasonal decorations and personal memorabilia.
6. Focus on Key Selling Areas
Kitchen: Clear countertops, organize cabinets, and make sure appliances are spotless and working.
Living & Dining Rooms: Arrange furniture to maximize space and highlight natural light.
Bedrooms: Keep them neat, inviting, and clutter-free.
Bathrooms: Make them feel fresh—clean grout, replace old towels, and declutter countertops.
Basement & Garage: Keep these areas organized and well-lit.
7. Freshen Up Paint & Flooring
Touch up scuffed walls or consider repainting in neutral tones.
Replace or clean worn carpets and refinish scratched hardwood floors.
8. Improve Lighting & Ambiance
Open blinds and curtains to let in natural light.
Use warm, inviting lighting in darker rooms.
Consider adding modern light fixtures where needed.
9. Check Home Systems & Appliances
Ensure heating, cooling, and plumbing systems are in working order.
Service your furnace and air conditioner if needed.
Make sure included appliances are clean and functioning properly.
10. Prepare Important Documents
Gather warranties, manuals, and maintenance records for the home and appliances.
Ensure all permits, zoning documents, and property information are organized.
11. Consider a Pre-Listing Inspection
Identifying and fixing issues early can prevent surprises during negotiations.
Your Team Monty agent can recommend a reliable home inspector if needed.
12. Final Touches Before Showings
Remove pet items, clean litter boxes, and hide food bowls.
Adjust thermostat for a comfortable temperature.
Add fresh flowers, light candles, or bake something small for a welcoming scent.
Once Completed, You’re Ready to List!
Once these steps are complete, we’ll schedule professional photos, video, and marketing to get your home listed and sold fast.
Your Team Monty agent will guide you through each step—let’s get started!
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