Seller Do’s and Don’ts

Published By: , January 7, 2025

DO

Financially Prepare

Discuss all expenses and strategies for listing and marketing your home with your agent. The commission rate you pay an agent is negotiable, so consider the options and what it means for your bottom line. Be cautious of deep discounts, as they may reflect less experience. A reputable agent will be upfront and highly detailed, helping you make confident and well-informed decisions.

Clear Out & Clean Up

Help potential buyers envision your house as their own by removing clutter. Pack away collectibles, excess decor, and kids’ toys. Eliminate pet evidence unless the home features pet-friendly amenities. Clean thoroughly from baseboards to ceilings and maintain a comfortable room temperature without strong scents.

Enhance appeal with simple updates. Replace outdated light fixtures, apply neutral paint, and upgrade flooring where necessary. Outside, trim trees, mow the lawn, clear weeds, and add greenery for a welcoming first impression.

Update & Upkeep

Enhance appeal with simple updates. Replace outdated light fixtures, apply neutral paint, and upgrade flooring where necessary. Outside, trim trees, mow the lawn, clear weeds, and add greenery for a welcoming first impression.

Organize & Categorize
Arrange furniture to highlight the space, light, and flow of each room. If unsure, consult a professional stager. Organize paperwork like inspection reports, disclosures, and manuals into a binder for easy access.

Respect & Respond
Listen to feedback from professionals and buyers, and be open to making suggested changes. Don’t take low offers personally—work with your agent to negotiate effectively.

DON’T

Fall Behind
Stay up-to-date on payments and maintenance responsibilities until closing. Continue caring for the property to avoid last-minute issues.

Get Impatient
Selling takes time. Avoid rushing into negotiations with unqualified buyers and listen to your agent’s advice on pricing to prevent your home from sitting on the market.

Hide or Hover
Make your home available for showings without delays. Avoid lingering during tours, as buyers need space to discuss openly. Inform your agent of any audio or video equipment in use to comply with legal requirements.

Forget To Think Beyond the Sale
If you’re purchasing another home, consult your mortgage professional before making big financial changes that could impact your financing.

Do It All or Leave It All
While working with a real estate agent provides expertise, sellers still have responsibilities. Collaborate to ensure the best results.

CLEAN UP THE CLUTTER
When preparing for showings, organize your space using three categories: pack it, donate it, or junk it.

Pack It
Consider renting portable storage containers to store items until you’re ready to move into your new home

Donate It
Schedule donation pickups through local charities to help declutter while supporting good causes.

Junk It
Check with your municipality for guidelines on disposing of materials. For larger quantities, renting a dumpster may be a convenient option.

SIX STAGING SUGGESTIONS

1. FIX minor flaws and maintenance issues to avoid turning off buyers.
2. REMOVE excess furniture and clutter to make rooms feel larger.
3. CLEAN and organize all spaces, including closets, storage rooms, and garages.
4. WASH windows, brighten rooms with lighting, and open curtains to maximize natural light.
5. PAINT walls in neutral tones and remove personal photos to help buyers visualize their style.
6. MANAGE curb appeal by maintaining the yard, planting flowers, and keeping pathways clear.

MOVE-UP BUYER STRATEGIES

SELL FIRST, BUY LATER
Ideal for buyers who need proceeds from their current home to purchase a new one. Reduces financial risk and gives clear budgeting.

TIME AND ALIGN YOUR PURCHASE AND SALE
Coordinating closing dates between transactions can be challenging, so plan ahead and remain flexible to avoid stress.

BUY FIRST, THEN SELL
In a competitive market, buying first may help secure the right property without settling. Be prepared for financing options like a bridge loan if needed.

Home Seller’s Glossary

1. Asking Price – The listed price for a property, which may differ from the final selling price.
2. Balanced Market – Equal balance of buyers and sellers, leading to stable prices and reasonable selling timelines.
3. Bridge Financing – Short-term loan to cover costs when buying a new home before selling the current one.
4. Buyer’s Market – More homes than buyers, resulting in longer selling times and stable or declining prices.
5. Chattels – Removable items like curtains, not attached to the property, unless specified in the sale agreement.
6. Closing – Final step in transferring ownership and completing the home sale.
7. Contingencies – Conditions in the purchase agreement, such as financing or inspections, that must be met.
8. Counter Offer – A seller’s response to an initial offer with modified terms or pricing.
9. Curb Appeal – The attractiveness of a home’s exterior and landscaping when viewed from the street.
10. Current Market Assessment (CMA) – Analysis by an agent to determine the home’s value based on market data.
11. Fixtures – Items attached to the home, like light fixtures, that are typically included in the sale unless specified otherwise.
12. FSBO – “For Sale By Owner”—selling without an agent.
13. Home Value Estimator – Online tool to approximate home value, different from a CMA provided by an agent.
14. MLS – Multiple Listing Service database for property listings.
15. Offer – Legal agreement to purchase a home, often conditional on financing or inspections.
16. Seller’s Market – More buyers than homes, leading to faster sales and potentially higher prices.
17. Staging – Preparing a home to appeal to buyers through cleaning, decluttering, and decorating.

By following these strategies and tips, home sellers can prepare their property for a smooth and successful sale.