10 Things to Do Before You Even Think About Selling
Prep smart now and you’ll save stress, impress buyers, and move on your terms.
Selling a home isn’t just about putting it on Rightmove — the real prep starts way before that. Start these ten tasks early and you’ll launch stronger, attract better offers, and keep your timeline under control.
1) 🧹 Declutter One Room at a Time
Clutter shrinks rooms in buyers’ minds. Don’t tackle the whole house at once — go room by room.
• Three boxes: keep, donate, bin.
• Focus spots: kitchen worktops, hallways, bathroom surfaces, bedroom floors.
• Storage tip: vacuum bag off season clothes; use under bed boxes.
Result: brighter photos, easier viewings, and a calmer moving day.
2) 🛠️ Tackle Those Small Repairs
Tiny flaws multiply in a buyer’s head. Fixing them signals a well maintained home.
• Touch-up paint, fill hairline cracks, re silicone around baths/showers.
• Fix drips, squeaks, loose handles and cracked sockets.
• Outdoors: weed, edge, oil gate hinges, replace dead plants.
3) ✨ Deep Clean Like a Pro
Clean sells — especially kitchens and bathrooms.
• Degrease oven/hob, descale taps and shower screens, clean grout.
• Dust skirtings, wipe switches and door frames, wash windows inside/out.
• Launder curtains/throws; consider a quick carpet clean in high traffic areas.
4) 🧑🍳 Light Staging That Pays Off
You don’t need a makeover — just small, high impact touches.
• Hallway: mirror + slim console for a bigger feel.
• Living room: simplify cushions/throws; hide cables; add a plant.
• Bedrooms: neutral bedding, matching lamps, clear tops.
• Kerb appeal: fresh doormat, clean house number, tidy borders.
• Lighting: replace dead bulbs; warm light (2700–3000K) photographs best.
5) 📄 Get Your Documents in Order
Buyers and solicitors love organised sellers. Create a labelled digital folder.
• Title deeds, planning/building regs, FENSA, guarantees (damp/roof), warranties.
• Electrical/gas certificates, boiler service, appliance manuals.
• Note meter locations, council tax band, and service dates.
6) 💸 Understand Your Finances
Know your numbers before you list.
• Mortgage balance, portability, any early repayment charge.
• Equity = estimated value – mortgage.
• Budget for: conveyancing, EPC, removals, minor works, agent fees, mortgage costs.
• Speak to a broker for an Agreement in Principle (great for your next offer).
7) 👀 Start Watching the Market Like a Buyer
You’re selling and buying — think both ways.
• Track similar homes listed/sold, price changes, and days on market.
• Do a few viewings to feel demand and see what “good” looks like.
• Note which photos, descriptions and floorplans stand out — and why.
8) 🧭 Decide Your Timing & Strategy
There’s no single “perfect” time. Choose a route that fits your life.
• List after you’ve found (slower but safe).
• List first to be a proceedable buyer (often stronger negotiating position).
• Test off market quietly with pre qualified buyers, then go public when ready.
Control the pace: ask about long completion dates or “pause points” before legal steps.
9) 🧑⚖️ Line Up Your Team Early
The right team removes friction later.
• Conveyancer: request quotes, start ID checks, prep draft contract.
• Agent short list: results, strategy, marketing quality, communication, terms.
• Trades & cleaners: pencil in availability; good slots go fast.
• Photography/EPC: ask about timelines so you can launch smoothly.
10) 🎯 Define Your “Move Story”
Buyers buy the feeling as much as the floorplan.
• Why you’ve loved living here (light, layout, location).
• What daily life feels like (walks, shops, schools, transport).
• What’s included/excluded to avoid haggling.
• Your preferred timeline so buyers can tailor offers.
Thinking of Selling?
Get a free, no pressure valuation and a clear plan for launch.
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