The Ultimate Home Seller Checklist | 100 Things

Selling your home is more than putting a sign in the yard and waiting for offers. It’s a project. It’s a strategy. It’s a process that, when done right, becomes an opportunity to maximize your return. That’s exactly why we’ve created The Ultimate Home Seller Checklist—a highly practical, field-tested guide based on decades of successful transactions and the real-life work we do every day with sellers across Texas.  If you’re searching for a checklist for selling a home that goes far beyond the obvious, you’re in the right place. This isn’t fluff. This is what actually works.

And if you’re wondering who’s behind this guide, let me introduce myself. I’m Robbie English, Broker and REALTOR at Uncommon Realty. My team and I live and breathe real estate strategy. I’m also a national real estate speaker and instructor, teaching thousands of agents nationwide how to better serve clients like you. I’ve spent decades mastering the details of selling homes so that you don’t have to. Let’s make that expertise your competitive advantage.

Let’s get into it.

TLDR: The Ultimate Home Seller Checklist in 5 Key Points

1. This page provides The Ultimate Home Seller Checklist and a complete breakdown of how to prepare your home for market—step-by-step and fully actionable.
2. You’ll learn what not to overlook, how to elevate your home’s appeal, and what buyers quietly notice (and judge).
3. Forget generic advice—this is real-world, boots-on-the-ground expertise from Robbie English, Broker and REALTOR at Uncommon Realty.
4. Selling a home involves much more than cleaning—strategy, timing, pricing, and negotiation all matter deeply.
5. If you’re serious about results, Robbie English and his team are your competitive edge—decades of experience, national recognition, and client-first strategy.

First Impressions Aren’t Just Nice—They’re Everything

Before a potential buyer even steps inside, their mind is already at work. What they see from the street shapes their perception instantly. A cracked walkway, overgrown shrubbery, peeling paint—these things don’t just turn people off; they silently lower your home’s value in their eyes.

Start with your curb appeal. But don’t just mow the lawn and trim the bushes. Pressure wash the exterior. Repair what’s broken. Paint what’s tired. Plant fresh flowers. Replace the worn-out doormat. Make your front door shine. Buyers should feel invited before they even step inside.

When it comes to executing The Ultimate Home Seller Checklist, never underestimate the power of the first glance.

Cleanliness is Non-Negotiable

Let’s be clear: clean doesn’t mean tidy. Clean means immaculate. Every baseboard, ceiling fan, and closet corner matters. Buyers open everything. And if they find dust, grime, or strange smells, their interest falters.

Start with a deep cleaning. Yes, that means behind the fridge and under the sinks. Steam clean the carpets. Recaulk bathrooms. Polish floors. Wipe down every surface. Consider hiring a professional cleaning service—this is the time to invest in your outcome.

A home that looks clean feels well-cared for, and that sends a powerful message.

Decluttering Makes Rooms Feel Larger—And Buyers More Comfortable

You know those extra chairs, piles of mail, and personal photos lining the mantle? They’ve got to go. Buyers aren’t buying your life; they’re buying a space where they can see their life unfold.

The goal is to create openness and possibility. Rooms should feel spacious but not empty. Tasteful but neutral. Emotional detachment is key—this is now a product, not your personal sanctuary.

Pro tip: rent a small storage unit. Pack away seasonal décor, extra furniture, and anything that visually clutters the space. Your home will breathe easier—and so will your buyers.

Repairs Aren’t Optional—They’re Strategic

Don’t wait for a buyer to ask. Anything broken, outdated, or suspicious will invite negotiation—or worse, lost offers.

Fix that dripping faucet. Replace burned-out bulbs. Patch drywall holes. Repair that squeaky door. If you think “they won’t notice,” trust me, they will.

If you’re following this checklist for selling a home with intention, then preemptively fixing issues gives you more control over the sale. It tells buyers, “This home has been cared for,” and that kind of confidence is worth real money.

Neutral Doesn’t Mean Boring—It Means Opportunity

Colors and décor speak loudly. While your bright orange accent wall might scream personality, it might also scream “extra work” to a buyer. Repainting in neutral, modern tones like soft grays, beiges, or warm whites creates a blank slate. It makes the space feel larger, more open, and ready for anyone.

Updating light fixtures, cabinet hardware, and faucets? Small upgrades, big impact. They modernize your home without over-investing in major renovations.

Every inch of your house should whisper, “move-in ready.”

Staging: Sell the Lifestyle, Not Just the Square Footage

Here’s where many homeowners fall short. Staging isn’t decorating—it’s merchandising. It’s about creating mood, scale, and flow.

Arrange furniture to open up walkways. Place fresh towels in the bathrooms. Add greenery in living spaces. Set the dining table like company’s coming. Light a soft-scented candle. Play gentle music during showings.

You’re not just selling walls and windows. You’re selling a life people want. And staging brings that to life in a buyer’s mind.

Robbie English and his team offer expert guidance here too—our staging strategies are customized, not canned. Because what works for a downtown condo doesn’t work for a suburban two-story. We know the difference, and we guide you accordingly.

Pricing: The Sweet Spot is Everything

Pricing a home isn’t a guessing game. It’s a strategic move that can either attract the right buyers fast—or leave your listing stale and overlooked.

Our approach isn’t just about running comps. It’s about market timing, buyer psychology, local demand, and your specific goals. We don’t believe in overpricing just to “see what happens.” We price to sell with strength, not desperation.

When we guide sellers through The Ultimate Home Seller Checklist, we ensure the price reflects the full picture: condition, improvements, buyer sentiment, and market positioning.

Marketing That Actually Reaches Buyers

Once your home looks its best and is priced to compete, marketing becomes the engine of your sale. But not all marketing is created equal.

Forget phone photos and lazy listings. We invest in professional photography, powerful copywriting, virtual tours, and customized promotion strategies that get seen—and get results.

At Uncommon Realty, we don’t do ordinary. And as your listing partner, I don’t hand off your sale to an assistant. You work with me directly. Every word, every photo, every showing—we tailor it to win.

Showings: The Buyer’s First Real Experience

You’ve prepped. You’ve staged. You’re on the market. Now it’s time to welcome buyers.

Keep the home spotless and accessible. Leave during showings. Let buyers explore freely. Keep scents light and appealing. Make sure lights are on and blinds are open. Create warmth, light, and space.

You’ve got one chance to make a lasting impression.

Negotiations Aren’t Just About Price

When offers start coming in, the real work begins. There’s more to a deal than the number on the page. Timing, contingencies, financing, repairs—these can all make or break your bottom line.

This is where having a skilled negotiator makes all the difference. I’ve trained agents nationwide on the art of negotiation. I understand leverage, motivation, and timing. And I use every tool to put you in the strongest possible position.

When you partner with me, you don’t just get a REALTOR—you get a strategist.

Inspections, Appraisals, and Closing Prep

Once you’re under contract, the process doesn’t slow down. It speeds up. Inspections bring surprises. Appraisals test your price. Buyers make requests. Paperwork multiplies.

We guide you through it all.

Need repairs handled fast? We know reliable contractors. Appraisal came in low? We’ve got rebuttal strategies. Paperwork confusion? We break it down clearly. With us, nothing falls through the cracks.

Closing the Loop (And the Sale)

On closing day, the reward is more than a signed contract—it’s knowing every step of the process worked in your favor.

We coordinate the logistics, ensure you’re protected legally, and tie up every detail. From handing off the keys to collecting your proceeds, we handle it like pros—because we are.

And yes, we’ll even remind you to leave the garage door openers.

Why Robbie English is the Smart Seller’s Advantage

You have a choice when it comes to who helps you sell your home. But not all agents bring the same experience, insight, or results.

I’ve spent decades mastering real estate. I teach it at the national level. I coach other agents. But more than that—I help you win.

I built my business by doing what other agents wouldn’t take the time to learn. I don’t cut corners, and I don’t treat homes like a commodity. I treat your goals with the seriousness they deserve.

At Uncommon Realty, we don’t do average. We build strategy around you, not the market. We turn preparation into profit. And we follow through, all the way to closing.

If The Ultimate Home Seller Checklist feels overwhelming, we’re here to simplify every step and sharpen every opportunity.

Ready to sell with purpose, precision, and power?

Then it’s time to work with Robbie English at Uncommon Realty.

Let’s make this move the one you look back on with zero regrets—and a lot of satisfaction.

Here’s The List To Check Off Items

1. Declutter every room
2. Clean out closets and storage spaces
3. Deep clean carpets and floors
4. Wipe down walls and baseboards
5. Repair any cracked or peeling paint
6. Fix leaky faucets
7. Replace any burned-out lightbulbs
8. Clean windows inside and out
9. Trim trees and shrubs
10. Weed and mulch flower beds
11. Power wash exterior siding
12. Touch up exterior paint
13. Repair any damaged siding or roofing
14. Clean out gutters
15. Patch any cracks in the driveway or walkways
16. Remove any old or broken outdoor furniture
17. Stage outdoor living spaces
18. Have the HVAC system serviced and filters replaced
19. Test smoke detectors and replace batteries
20. Inspect and repair any plumbing issues
21. Replace outdated fixtures
22. Clean and organize garage
23. Clear out any clutter in storage spaces
24. Remove personal items from walls and surfaces
25. Repaint any bold or outdated paint colors
26. Update light fixtures
27. Repair or replace any damaged flooring
28. Steam clean carpets
29. Fix any squeaky doors or cabinets
30. Replace outdated cabinet hardware
31. Deep clean kitchen appliances
32. Update kitchen backsplash
33. Replace worn-out countertops
34. Add a fresh coat of paint to kitchen cabinets
35. Declutter countertops
36. Organize pantry
37. Clean and organize bathroom cabinets
38. Update bathroom fixtures
39. Replace shower curtains and bath mats
40. Add fresh towels and accessories to bathrooms
41. Fix any leaky faucets
42. Deep clean tubs and showers
43. Re-caulk tubs and showers
44. Replace outdated vanities
45. Clean and organize laundry room
46. Replace outdated window treatments
47. Create a welcoming entryway
48. Add a fresh coat of paint to the front door
49. Stage living spaces with neutral decor
50. Repair any cracks in walls or ceilings
51. Fix any loose or squeaky floorboards
52. Polish hardwood floors
53. Replace worn-out carpeting
54. Add fresh flowers or plants throughout the home
55. Clean and organize closets
56. Rent a storage unit for excess belongings
57. Remove anything with eyes (family photos displayed and animal heads)
58. Clean and organize outdoor living spaces
59. Stage outdoor living spaces with furniture and decor
60. Make necessary repairs identified in a pre-listing inspection
61. Remove any signs of pets
62. Eliminate any odors
63. Set a competitive price based on market analysis
64. Hire a real estate agent with experience in your area
65. Create a comprehensive marketing plan
66. Clean and organize the shed or storage building
67. Provide detailed information about the home to potential buyers
68. Respond promptly to any inquiries or offers
69. Consider staging your home with professional staging services
70. Keep the home clean and organized during showings
71. Be flexible with scheduling showings
72. Consider offering a home warranty
73. Provide a list of recent updates and improvements
74. Highlight any unique features of the home
75. Consider offering a home inspection to potential buyers
76. Disclose any known issues with the home
77. Respond promptly to requests for repairs or concessions
78. Negotiate offers with the help of your real estate agent
79. Review and sign the closing paperwork
80. Prepare for the final walkthrough with the buyer
81. Clean out the home before closing
82. Clean and organize any outdoor play areas or swing sets
83. Transfer any warranties or service contracts to the new owner
84. Leave instructions for new owners on operating systems and appliances
85. Provide contact information for service providers
86. Leave keys and garage door openers for the new owners
87. Close any open permits or violations
88. Test and replace any faulty electrical outlets or switches
89. Repair any loose or broken stair railings
90. Repair any loose or broken door handles
91. Deep clean and organize the laundry room
92. Organize all linen closets and pack up excess linens.
93. Do a final walkthrough with your real estate agent
94. Update your address with the post office and other service providers
95. Transfer or cancel any subscriptions or services
96. Start planning your move
97. Hire a reputable moving company
98. Pack and organize your belongings
99. Turn off utilities
100. Celebrate the successful sale of your home!
Bonus… 101. Write a testimonial for your real estate agent