If you’re selling a home for the first time, it might not seem clear where to begin. Preparing for the sale with a home inspection and other recommended steps will ensure a smoother process. Here is a helpful checklist to use before you list your home.

A Homeowner’s To-Do List Before Selling

1. Schedule a Home Inspection

Understanding the state of your home will help you price it accurately and create a sale strategy. During a home inspection, a skilled professional will investigate the core features, including the roof, plumbing and electrical systems, foundation, HVAC, and appliances. 

With their evaluation, you’ll know the property's strengths and weaknesses. For example, potential buyers may worry that a cracked foundation isn’t stable, so repairing it may be a priority before selling. You can also leverage upgraded assets that will appeal to buyers, like a new roof or HVAC system. Sharing the home inspector’s report with prospective buyers will support your information.

Look for an inspector with state-of-the-art tools, like drones and infrared imaging. These help identify the smallest roof leaks and unseen issues like overheating electrical wires in the wall so no aspect of the home goes unchecked.

2.  Clean & Repair

Buyers want to picture their belongings and style in a home, which is easier with a blank slate, so start decluttering and depersonalizing. Take down decor and clear out rooms to bring the home’s architectural features, fixtures, and finishes to the forefront. When buyers tour the home, they'll know exactly what they’re getting.

Minor repairs can drive up your home’s desirability and market value. Paint the walls a neutral color, like white or cream, so rooms look clean and inviting. You may want to replace dated appliances with energy-efficient models or repair damaged flooring and finishes to provide the best first impression to buyers.

3. Set a Sale Price With a Real Estate Agent

The housing market is volatile, and pricing your home correctly will help you sell quickly for the best return. A real estate agent will compare the home inspection report and details of the property with similar homes for sale in your area. This insight helps them determine a fair market value that buyers will pay.

If you're gearing up to sell in Honolulu, turn to the team at Inspect Hawaii for a home inspection. This Better Business Bureau®-accredited company uses cutting-edge tools like infrared scans and drone cameras to deliver detailed, reliable reports. They pride themselves on providing same-day reports and free follow-ups if you decide to make repairs. Call (808) 330-2302 to schedule an appointment, or learn more about their services on their website.