How to Sell a House: Your Complete Checklist
✅ 1. Boost Your Curb Appeal
First impressions matter—especially when buyers are swiping through listings or pulling up for a tour.
- Mow the lawn, edge pathways, and trim bushes
- Power wash the exterior and driveway
- Paint or polish the front door
- Add seasonal plants or flowers
- Update your house numbers and outdoor lighting
✅ 2. Declutter and Depersonalize
Buyers need to see their future in your space—not your past.
- Remove excess furniture to create space
- Pack away family photos, diplomas, and kids’ artwork
- Organize closets and cabinets (buyers will peek!)
- Use neutral tones to make rooms feel brighter and bigger
- Store or sell items to simplify the layout
✅ 3. Consider Professional Staging (or DIY Accents)
Staged homes in today’s market often sell faster and for more.
- Rent or borrow furniture for key rooms if the space is empty
- Add fresh, modern touches like throw pillows or greenery
- Use mirrors to reflect light and add depth
- Light candles or diffuse subtle scents before showings
✅ 4. Complete Repairs and Minor Renovations
Don’t give buyers a reason to hesitate.
- Touch up paint, baseboards, and trim
- Fix leaky faucets and running toilets
- Replace outdated light fixtures or cabinet hardware
- Repair any flooring issues
- Schedule a pre-listing home inspection to catch red flags early
💡 Pro Tip: Homes with pre-inspections often feel more trustworthy to buyers and allow you to fix issues on your timeline.
✅ 5. Take Security Precautions During Showings
Safety first—always.
- Lock up valuables, including jewelry, passports, and medications
- Remove visible electronics or small collectibles
- Consider installing a video doorbell or temporary smart lock system
- Never leave spare keys out during open houses
✅ 6. Hire a Local, Full-Time Real Estate Agent
In today’s fast-moving Central PA market, the right agent can help you net significantly more.
- Interview agents with experience in your area (like Hershey, Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, etc.)
- Ask for a comparative market analysis (CMA) to price competitively
- Look for strong marketing strategies: professional photos, virtual tours, social media reach
- Confirm MLS access, staging support, and open house plans
📊 Fun Fact: Homes in Central PA listed with a licensed agent sold for an average of 18% more in Q1 2025 than FSBO listings.
✅ 7. Prepare for the Listing Launch
Now it’s time to go public—and make a splash.
- Invest in high-quality listing photos and 3D walkthroughs
- Create a compelling listing description highlighting key features
- Confirm your home is listed on the MLS and major real estate sites
- Share the listing on neighborhood groups and your social media
- Consider offering a buyer incentive (e.g., seller credit, home warranty)
✅ 8. Be Ready for Showings and Open Houses
Flexibility wins in a competitive market.
- Keep the home clean and smelling fresh at all times
- Create a checklist for a quick tidy-up before each showing
- Be ready to leave the house during tours
- Provide printed feature sheets for in-person visitors
✅ 9. Review Offers and Negotiate Strategically
Don’t just accept the highest offer—review terms, too.
- Evaluate contingencies, timelines, and financing types
- Work with your agent to craft counteroffers if needed
- Consider escalation clauses or appraisal gap coverage
- Choose an offer that aligns with your financial and timing goals
✅ 10. Prepare for Closing
You're almost there!
- Complete any agreed-upon repairs
- Gather necessary documentation (warranties, manuals, receipts)
- Coordinate your move-out date
- Review and sign closing documents with your agent and title company
✅ BONUS: Plan What’s Next
Whether you're moving locally or relocating, don’t forget:
- Schedule movers early (especially during peak seasons)
- Forward your mail and update utilities
- Notify your bank, employer, and insurance providers of your address change
- Celebrate your next chapter! 🎉
Let Hershey Real Estate Group connect you with top-tier agents who understand today’s market—and how to help you thrive in it.
👉 Start your journey at Hershey Real Estate Group
