Getting ready to sell your home is kind of like prepping for a first date—it’s all about making a great impression and smoothing out any little quirks before someone new walks through the door.

One of the smartest things you can do? Handle repairs before your home is listed.

If you’ve already done a pre-market inspection, awesome—we’ve got a head start. You likely have a list of things that need attention, and now’s the time to tackle it. If not, and your dishwasher hasn’t worked in three years or your AC makes that weird clunking noise every time it kicks on, it’s time to be upfront. The goal here is to fix anything that might raise a red flag during a buyer’s inspection. Because here’s the truth:

A simple repair now is a whole lot cheaper (and less stressful) than watching a deal fall apart later.

Here’s a Pre-Listing List to Get Your Home Ready to Shine:

Start with touching up paint—especially in high-traffic areas and around trim. A fresh coat makes your home feel clean and well cared for.

Re-caulk tubs and showers. It’s an inexpensive update that instantly makes bathrooms look cleaner and newer.

Hire a professional HVAC company to clean and service both the furnace and AC unit. Buyers love knowing these big systems are in good shape.

Bring in a carpet cleaning company to breathe new life into well-worn carpet.

Check every light fixture and replace bulbs with the highest safe wattage. Brighter rooms feel more open and welcoming.

Have chimneys professionally swept, and add a rain cap. If there’s any loose brick, now’s the time to fix it.

Consider updating cabinet hardware in kitchens and bathrooms. A small, inexpensive change that can have a big impact on the overall feel of the space.

Fix broken window screens—a local hardware store can usually repair them quickly.

Test every smoke and carbon monoxide detector to make sure they’re functioning properly.

Inspect downspouts on single-family homes to make sure they’re not damaged or sloped the wrong way.

And finally, repair any damaged or missing roof shingles. A clean, solid roof gives buyers peace of mind—and may prevent issues during inspection.

Bonus: You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

Finding the right repair people can feel overwhelming—but I’ve got a network of trusted professionals I work with regularly. From handymen to HVAC pros, I can help schedule repairs, meet them at the house, and even oversee the work if you’re juggling work or out of town.

The bottom line: a well-prepared home not only sells faster—it often sells for more. So let’s get your place looking its absolute best before that “For Sale” sign goes up.

Thinking about listing your home? Reach out—I’m happy to help you build a custom game plan.