Home Selling Checklist
Your complete guide to preparing, pricing, and selling your home for maximum value in Orange County and Los Angeles.
Quick Navigation
1. Preparation Phase
Get your home ready to hit the market and attract top-dollar offers.
Deep Cleaning & Decluttering
Essential Tasks:
- Deep clean entire home (carpets, windows, baseboards)
- Declutter every room - remove 30-50% of personal items
- Organize closets and storage spaces
- Remove family photos and personal memorabilia
- Clear countertops and surfaces
- Clean garage and organize tools
- Remove excess furniture to make rooms feel larger
Pro Tip: Consider renting a storage unit for items you want to keep but don't need during showings.
Repairs & Maintenance
Must-Fix Items
- ✓ Leaky faucets and pipes
- ✓ Broken windows or screens
- ✓ Loose doorknobs and handles
- ✓ Cracked tiles or grout
- ✓ Peeling paint
- ✓ Broken appliances
- ✓ Loose railings or steps
Value-Add Improvements
- ✓ Fresh paint (neutral colors)
- ✓ Update light fixtures
- ✓ Replace worn carpeting
- ✓ Update hardware (cabinet pulls, etc.)
- ✓ Landscaping refresh
- ✓ Power wash exterior
- ✓ Replace outdated fixtures
Gather Important Documents
- Property deed and title
- Homeowners association (HOA) documents
- Warranty information for appliances and systems
- Recent utility bills
- Property tax records
- Home improvement receipts (for tax purposes)
- Survey or property plat
- Homeowners insurance information
2. Pricing Strategy
Price it right to sell quickly and maximize your return.
Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)
Your agent will provide a CMA comparing your home to similar properties that have recently sold, are currently listed, or failed to sell.
CMA Considers:
- Recent sales of similar homes (comps)
- Current market conditions
- Location and neighborhood trends
- Home size, age, and condition
- Unique features and upgrades
- Days on market for similar properties
Pricing Strategies
Competitive Pricing
Price at or slightly below market value. Attracts multiple offers, often results in bidding wars in hot markets.
Market Value Pricing
Price at exact market value. Good for balanced markets, may take longer to sell.
Overpricing
Price above market value. Risky - can lead to extended time on market and lower final sale price.
Remember: The first 2-3 weeks on the market are critical. Overpricing can cause your home to sit, making it appear "stale" to buyers.
3. Staging & Presentation
Make your home irresistible to buyers with professional staging.
Professional Staging vs. DIY
Professional Staging
- ✓ Expert eye for design
- ✓ Access to furniture/accessories
- ✓ Typically costs 1-3% of sale price
- ✓ Can increase sale price by 5-15%
- ✓ Faster sale (often 50% faster)
DIY Staging
- ✓ Lower cost
- ✓ Personal touch
- ✓ Requires time and effort
- ✓ May need design guidance
- ✓ Can still be effective
Room-by-Room Staging Checklist
Kitchen
- Clear countertops completely
- Organize pantry and cabinets
- Replace outdated hardware
- Add fresh flowers or fruit bowl
- Ensure all appliances are spotless
Living Room
- Arrange furniture to maximize space
- Remove personal photos and items
- Add neutral throw pillows and blankets
- Ensure good lighting
- Create conversation areas
Bedrooms
- Make beds with fresh linens
- Remove clutter from nightstands
- Organize closets (buyers will look!)
- Add subtle decor touches
- Ensure adequate storage is visible
Bathrooms
- Deep clean all surfaces
- Remove personal items
- Add fresh towels and soap
- Fix any leaks or drips
- Replace outdated fixtures if needed
Exterior & Curb Appeal
- Power wash siding and walkways
- Fresh mulch and trimmed landscaping
- Repaint front door if needed
- Clean windows inside and out
- Ensure porch/entry is welcoming
- Remove any yard clutter
4. Marketing & Listings
Get maximum exposure to attract qualified buyers.
Professional Photography
High-quality photos are essential - 90% of buyers start their search online.
What to Include:
- Exterior shots (front, back, different angles)
- All main rooms (living, dining, kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms)
- Unique features (fireplace, built-ins, views)
- Outdoor spaces (patio, deck, yard)
- Garage and storage areas
- Virtual tour or 3D walkthrough (highly recommended)
Listing Description
Your listing description should be compelling and highlight key features:
- Start with a compelling headline
- Highlight unique features and upgrades
- Mention neighborhood amenities
- Include square footage and lot size
- List recent improvements
- Use keywords buyers search for
- Be honest about the property
Marketing Channels
Online Presence
- ✓ MLS listing
- ✓ Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin
- ✓ Social media (Facebook, Instagram)
- ✓ Agent's website
- ✓ Virtual tours
Traditional Marketing
- ✓ Yard sign
- ✓ Open house events
- ✓ Agent network
- ✓ Print materials (if applicable)
- ✓ Direct mail to neighbors
5. Showings & Open Houses
Make every showing count with proper preparation.
Pre-Show Checklist
- Open all blinds and curtains for natural light
- Turn on all lights (even during day)
- Set thermostat to comfortable temperature
- Remove pets and pet items
- Light scented candles or use air freshener (subtle)
- Play soft background music (optional)
- Make beds and fluff pillows
- Clear dishes from sink
- Empty trash cans
- Ensure bathrooms are spotless
During Showings
Important: Leave during showings! Buyers feel uncomfortable with sellers present and won't stay as long or ask questions.
- Take pets with you
- Leave for at least 30-45 minutes
- Let your agent handle the showing
- Don't return until agent confirms buyers have left
Open House Preparation
Before Open House
- Deep clean entire home
- Remove all personal items
- Prepare refreshments (optional)
- Print property flyers
- Ensure all lights work
During Open House
- Agent should be present
- Keep home accessible
- Have information packets ready
- Collect visitor information
- Answer questions professionally
6. Evaluating Offers
Not all offers are created equal - consider the whole package.
Offer Components to Consider
Purchase Price
The offered amount - but don't stop here!
Earnest Money
Shows buyer's commitment. Higher is better (typically 1-3% of price).
Financing
Pre-approved buyers are stronger than pre-qualified. Cash offers are strongest.
Contingencies
Fewer contingencies = stronger offer. Common: inspection, appraisal, financing.
Closing Date
Consider your timeline. Faster closings can be worth accepting slightly less.
Requested Concessions
Buyer asking for closing costs, repairs, or credits reduces net proceeds.
Net Proceeds Calculator: A $500,000 offer with $10,000 in concessions is effectively $490,000. Always calculate your net!
7. Negotiation & Contracts
Work with your agent to negotiate the best terms.
Negotiation Strategies
Counter-Offer
Respond with your terms - price, closing date, contingencies, etc.
Multiple Offers
In competitive markets, you may receive multiple offers. Your agent will help you evaluate and respond.
Best and Final
Ask all interested buyers to submit their best offer by a deadline.
Purchase Agreement Components
- Purchase price and earnest money
- Closing date and possession date
- Contingencies and deadlines
- Items included/excluded (appliances, fixtures)
- Repair requests and credits
- Home warranty (if applicable)
- Seller disclosures required
Important: Once you accept an offer, you're typically under contract. Review all terms carefully with your agent before signing.
8. Closing Process
Final steps to complete the sale and transfer ownership.
Pre-Closing Checklist
- Complete any agreed-upon repairs
- Provide required disclosures and documents
- Schedule final walkthrough with buyer
- Cancel or transfer utilities
- Cancel homeowners insurance (after closing)
- Forward mail to new address
- Pack and prepare for move
- Review closing statement (HUD-1 or Closing Disclosure)
Closing Costs for Sellers
Typical seller closing costs (usually 6-10% of sale price):
- Real estate agent commissions (typically 5-6%)
- Transfer taxes and recording fees
- Title insurance (buyer's policy, sometimes seller's)
- Property taxes (prorated)
- HOA fees (prorated)
- Home warranty (if provided)
- Attorney fees (if applicable)
- Outstanding liens or judgments
On Closing Day
- Sign all closing documents
- Provide keys and access codes
- Receive proceeds (typically via wire transfer)
- Transfer ownership officially
- Complete final walkthrough (if not done earlier)
Congratulations! Once closing is complete, you've successfully sold your home. Funds typically arrive within 24-48 hours.
Ready to Sell Your Home?
Let our experienced team help you navigate the selling process and maximize your home's value.