Preparing to Sell Your Home

How do I find the right agent to sell my home?

You should feel empowered to find and work with the
agent who is the best fit for your needs. To guide this process, NAR has a dedicated resource with
questions to consider when selecting a seller’s agent. When you work with an agent who is a
REALTOR®, you are working with a professional guided by ethical duties under the REALTOR® Code of
Ethics, including the pledge to protect and promote the interests of their clients.
Do I need to have my home inspected before putting it up for sale?

No, a pre-sale inspection is not
required. However, an inspection can be used to identify potential issues in your home that you can
consider repairing before showing your home to potential buyers and use as a differentiator for your
property. If you choose to conduct a pre-sale inspection, an inspector will assess your home’s condition,
including its structure, exterior, roof, plumbing, electrical systems, heating and air conditioning,
interiors, ventilation / insulation, and fireplaces. It may also include tests for problems that can affect
human health like mold, radon gas, lead paint, and asbestos. Sometimes buyers may also conduct their
own inspection as a contingency in their purchase agreement. If you uncover possible issues that may
appear during a buyer’s inspection, you will have time to make any necessary changes that could
impact your home’s asking price. You should also talk to your agent about disclosure requirements in
your state if a pre-sale inspection uncovers an issue.
What should I do if something in my home needs to be fixed or replaced soon?

If something in your
home requires a significant repair—such as a roof, a system such as HVAC, or an appliance like a
dishwasher or washer / dryer—you should determine how much the repair will cost, even if you do not
plan to fix it before selling the home. These estimates will help sellers determine the costs that buyers
might take into consideration when negotiating a purchase agreement.
Am I required to make any cosmetic updates to my home before putting it up for sale?

No, but you
may want to clean the windows, carpets, lighting fixtures, and walls, and store away clutter before
showing your home to potential buyers. Sellers may also look for ways to improve “curb appeal”—how
the home looks to a potential buyer when viewed from the street—by updating aspects such as
landscaping, the front entrance, and paint jobs. These steps may help improve the home’s appearance
in photos, which can play an important role in attracting potential buyers.
Do I need to provide information about appliances that will stay in the home after it’s sold?

You
should locate warranties, guarantees, and user manuals for the furnace, washer / dryer, dishwasher, and
any other appliances or systems that will stay in the house with a new buyer. It is recommended that
you find these items now to avoid any lost paperwork causing an issue with a potential buyer when you
reach the time of finalizing, or “closing,” the transaction.
What does it mean to stage my home?

Staging is the process of cleaning a home and temporarily
filling it with furniture and decorations that may help buyers better see themselves living in the home.
While it is not required, some sellers may work with a stager to focus on certain key areas of their home
that are important to buyers. Some agents may also include staging in the services they provide you.

Practices may vary based on state and local law. Consult your real estate professional and/or an
attorney for details about state law where you are purchasing a home. Please visit facts.realtor
for more information and resources