✅ The Ultimate Seller’s Checklist: 10 Things to Do Before Listing Your Home
Thinking about selling your home? Before you put that "For Sale" sign in the yard, preparation is everything. The better your home looks — both online and in person — the faster it sells and the more money it can command.
Here’s the ultimate 10-step checklist to get your home show-ready, plus a few personal tips from Fernanda Stucken to help you stand out in today’s South Florida market.
1. 🧼 Declutter Every Room
Buyers need to imagine themselves living in your home — and that’s hard to do if your space is filled with personal items or clutter.
Quick Tips:
Clear off countertops and shelves
Remove excess furniture to make rooms feel larger
Pack away knick-knacks, toys, and anything overly personal
Fernanda’s Tip: “Think of this as the first step in moving. Start boxing up non-essentials now — it’ll make your life easier later.”
2. 🛠️ Handle Minor Repairs
Small things make a big impression. A squeaky door, chipped paint, or loose handle can give buyers the feeling the home wasn’t well maintained.
Checklist:
Fix leaky faucets
Replace burnt-out light bulbs
Touch up paint and patch holes
Lubricate door hinges and sliding doors
3. 🏡 Boost Curb Appeal
First impressions matter — and buyers often make up their minds before they even walk through the door.
Ideas:
Pressure-wash driveway and walkways
Trim shrubs, mow the lawn, and plant fresh flowers
Clean or repaint the front door
Add a new welcome mat or house numbers
4. 🧽 Deep Clean Like Never Before
A spotless home shows buyers it has been well cared for.
Musts:
Clean windows inside and out
Scrub bathrooms and kitchens until they sparkle
Wipe down baseboards, ceiling fans, and vents
Remove pet hair and odors
Fernanda’s Tip: “Consider hiring a professional cleaning crew the week before showings start. It’s 100% worth it.”
5. 🎨 Neutralize and Depersonalize
Buyers need a blank canvas to imagine their future. If your home has bold colors or personal photos everywhere, it’s time to simplify.
Action Steps:
Repaint bold walls with soft, neutral tones
Store family photos, certificates, and artwork
Opt for light, airy curtains and bedding
6. 🛋️ Stage for Success
Professional staging isn’t always necessary, but thoughtful staging absolutely is. You want every space to have a clear purpose.
Staging Basics:
Set the dining room table with simple place settings
Create cozy reading nooks or workspace setups
Use mirrors to open up smaller rooms
Add greenery for warmth and life
7. 📸 Schedule Professional Photography
90% of buyers start their home search online. Your photos are your first showing — make them count.
Fernanda’s Tip:
“I work exclusively with top-tier photographers who know how to make your home shine. Lighting, angles, and editing make a huge difference.”
8. 💰 Price It Right From Day One
Overpricing can cause your home to sit too long on the market — which leads to price drops. Underpricing leaves money on the table. The sweet spot? Right in the middle.
Fernanda’s Strategy:
Run a detailed comparative market analysis (CMA)
Price strategically to drive demand and attract offers
Adapt to real-time buyer feedback
9. 📄 Gather Your Documents
Be ready for serious buyers by having your paperwork organized.
Documents to Collect:
Recent utility bills
Roof, HVAC, or renovation receipts
HOA rules (if applicable)
Property survey or floor plan
10. 👩💼 Hire a Trusted Local Realtor
You don’t have to do any of this alone. A good Realtor doesn’t just list your home — they guide, protect, and maximize your sale.
With Fernanda Stucken, you get:
A full-service experience from prep to close
Local market expertise
Professional marketing and negotiation
Peace of mind every step of the way
🏁 Final Thoughts
Selling your home can feel overwhelming — but the right strategy changes everything. With preparation, the right team, and a little patience, you can sell quickly and for top dollar.
If you’re considering selling your home in South Florida, let’s talk. Fernanda will walk through your property and create a custom plan to get you the best possible result — no pressure, just professional guidance.
📩 Contact Fernanda
📞 (347) 216-6620
📧 contact@fernandastucken.com
🌐 www.fernandastucken.com
