10 Things You Should Do Before Listing Your Home

Selling your home in Arizona—especially in the competitive East Valley market—takes more than just putting up a “For Sale” sign. To attract the right buyers and get top dollar, preparation is key. Here are 10 essential steps to take before your home hits the market.

1. Find the Right Realtor
Hire a local, experienced Realtor who knows your neighborhood and market trends. A great agent helps with pricing, marketing, and negotiating.

2. Get a Pre-Listing Home Inspection
Uncover issues before buyers do. Fixing problems ahead of time avoids surprises in escrow and builds buyer confidence.

3. Upgrade Lighting Fixtures
Swap outdated fixtures for modern, energy‑efficient lighting. Brighter spaces photograph better and feel more inviting during showings.

4. Deep Clean from Top to Bottom
A spotless home signals great care. Don’t skip windows, carpets, grout, fans, and baseboards.

5. Make Minor Repairs
Fix leaky faucets, squeaky doors, loose handles, and cracked tiles. Small issues can make buyers question overall maintenance.

6. Boost Curb Appeal
Refresh landscaping, trim bushes and trees, add fresh gravel or mulch, and paint the front door. First impressions matter.

7. Neutralize Your Color Palette
A fresh coat of neutral paint makes rooms brighter and helps buyers imagine their own style in the space.

8. Stage Your Home
Highlight the best features, maximize light and space, and create an inviting flow. Consider professional staging for high‑impact rooms.

9. Get Professional Photography
High‑quality photos are critical for online visibility. Schedule photos after prep and staging for the best results.

10. Price It Strategically
Work with your Realtor on a data‑driven pricing strategy using a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to attract strong offers quickly.

A well‑prepared home not only sells faster but often for a higher price. If you’re thinking about selling in the East Valley, my sister Linda and I can guide you from prep to closing so your home stands out in the Arizona market.

Ready to sell? Visit AZRealtorSisters.com to schedule your free home selling consultation.