Contact Me

Home Selling: Step-by-Step Checklist

I’ve included below a Sell My House Checklist that can help you organize and prepare for selling your home.  

Mike Frey REALTOR® Contact Page | Phone: 858-330-1242 / Email: [email protected] / V-card

First-Time Homebuyer. Check out Mike Frey Realtor coaching youngling's to buy a house. I have found that by creating a checklist, it gives me a platform to add new ideas without forgetting the key points I originally had. Therefore, I recommend using checklists whenever possible.

Sell MY House? 15 Point Checklist

Sell my House Checklist: (1-3)

Pre-Note: Don’t Spend money fixing up your house to sell it. (You may not get the expense back) Please let me advise you first.

Step 1. Determine if your home/property is in a Very High Fire Severity Zone. Send me your address, and I can help you find out. Link to Defensible Space Inspections.

Step 2. Determine the value of your house with an Appraisal. Contact me for a List of Appraisers in San Diego. 

Step 3. Determine what Home Insurance is available for the new buyer and what cost it may be. You’ll want to let the buyer know before they write a contract. (This is the biggest “Deal Killer” in 2025; Solve the problem upfront by disclosing and offering options.) 

Checklist (4-6)

Step 4 Declutter: Start by getting rid of unnecessary items. Could you clear out closets, cabinets, and any other storage spaces to make your home look more spacious? If you want to sell for Top Dollar, the house must be empty and painted white inside. (Not Glossy White, but a flat, light off-white for the rooms and a semi-gloss for the baths.) Your property must be “Turn Key,” ready for immediate move-in, with no “Fix it First” issues. Proper preparation and consulting with me is your “Best plan of attack.”    

Step 5. Deep Clean: Thoroughly clean your home, including carpets, windows, and all surfaces. If needed, consider hiring professionals. (I have plenty of recommended cleaners.) Don’t forget to Clean the Window sash or sliding window tracks! Use calking to seal any window separations inside and out. 

Step 6. Repairs and Maintenance: Fix any visible issues like leaky faucets, chipped paint, or broken tiles. Ensure that everything is in good working condition, including appliances, HVAC systems, and plumbing. For some houses, a home inspection before the house goes to market can save you big bucks if done right. (my Plumber link, bottom of page)

Sell my House Checklist: (7-10)

Step 7.  Think about hiring an appraiser BEFORE you list your house for sale. This way, we can Benchmark our price.  Remember, banks will only lend up to the appraised value. Wouldn’t you like to know this before you list? (I would) 

Step 8.  Pinnacle Program. My home selling strategy is to make Selling your home Easy while increasing the value

Step 9. Enhance Curb Appeal: The first impression matters! Spruce up your home’s exterior by mowing the lawn, trimming bushes, and planting flowers. (Regular Maintenance)

Step 10. Stage Your Home: Arrange furniture and decor to showcase each room’s potential. Consider hiring a professional stager to maximize appeal to potential buyers. (I don’t recommend on two-bedroom homes or townhomes)

Mike Frey REALTOR® Contact Page | Phone: 858-330-1242 / Email: [email protected] / V-card

Sell my House Checklist: (11 to 13)

Step 11. Depersonalize: Remove personal items such as family photos and personal memorabilia to help buyers envision themselves living in the space.

Step 12. Set the Right Price: Could you work with me to determine a competitive listing price based on market trends and sales in your area? Even if I do a great job getting somebody to offer more for your house if it doesn’t appraise. It will cost you tremendously to lose time and Day counts on the MLS. (Something to consider)

Step 13. I will market your home: Utilize various marketing channels, including online listings, social media, signage, Print, Open Houses, Broker Caravans, and a National Syndicated Brokerage like Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices to get the word out and attract potential buyers.

My Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Website in La Jolla, CA

Sell my House Checklist: (14 to 16 Plus Bonus 16-18)

Step 14. Prepare for Showings: Keep your home clean and tidy at all times for scheduled showings. Consider temporarily relocating pets and minimizing odors. If prepared correctly, The potential buyers should never even know a pet was on the property. 

Step 15. Negotiate Offers: Review and negotiate ALL offers to determine your “NET Profit” and the buyer’s likelihood of performing. Be prepared to counteroffer and negotiate terms to achieve the best possible outcome. (Repairs and Maintenance will show up again here) The buyer’s Home Inspector will find everything. 

Bonus

Step 16. Close the Sale: Once you’ve accepted an offer, work with me to complete any necessary paperwork and coordinate the closing process with the buyer’s agent and escrow company. YOU NEED TO LEAVE THE HOUSE EMPTY AND SPOTLESS. The buyer may charge you for not doing this. Possibly hold up escrow. 

Step 17. Plan Your Move: Start packing and organizing your belongings in preparation a week before moving day. Arrange for movers or rental equipment as needed. If you don’t have your movers, I have a list for you to check out. 

🏡🏝️ Step 18. Call Mike Frey, Realtor, to list your house for Sale. (Don’t Skip Step 18, Or you will leave money on the table. 🙂

Mike Frey REALTOR® Contact Page | Phone: 858-330-1242 / Email: [email protected] / V-card

Relocation Guide Download it here. Click Here.

ADVANCED -  Fire and Insurance, New Real Estate Laws for 2025

  • Fire: Determine if your house is in a Very High Severity Fire Zone. (You may be surprised most homes in SD are)  You will need to take care of these pending issues. AND DISCLOSE during the Open House. VHSFZ Map
  • Find out what the property Home Insurance costs are. FOR THE BUYER. (Not your policy, it’s different, including $)  You should disclose the price to the buyer. Like a Sign or Banner staged in the house during an Open House. (Solve this problem ASAP)
  • Offer Names of “OTHER” Buyers Agents for Buyers to Work With during your Open House events: You do NOT want your agent to handle both sides of the deal. (This leads to lawsuits, so you don’t need this. Dule Agency offers NO advantage to the Seller to have their agent handle both sides of the transaction.)
 
  • I use Zillow Showcase Listing Features along with the MLS and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Networks and listing programs. (Quick Video) 
  • I also use Sean Barrett as my Photographer. Website (The guy is a fantastic Artist and wizard with photos) 
  • I use Areal Drones and Video for Social Media and listing programs.
    • For Some Listings, I will use influencers to get the message overseas. 
  • MAP of San Diego Very High Fire Area and Open Spaces. 
Contact Mike Frey Realtor

More Information about Mike Frey?

 

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, 1299 Prospect Street, La Jolla, CA 92037. Mike Frey Realtor  (858) 330-1242 or Click Here.

Pages

Cookies Policy

We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our use of cookies. To learn more about how we use cookies and your options, please see our Cookies Policy

Click here