Pre-Listing Checklist: What to Fix Before You Sell

Damon Wofford
Jan 15
2 min read

Thinking about selling your home? Here’s the reality: buyers decide what they think your home is worth within the first few minutes. If the right things aren’t handled before you list, you either lose money—or your home sits.

At Damon Wofford Realty, we don’t guess. We prep homes with a purpose.

1. Fix the Issues Buyers (and Inspectors) Will Find

Small problems turn into big leverage for buyers.

Before listing, we recommend addressing:

Leaky faucets and plumbing issues
Doors that stick or won’t close
Cracked tile, loose flooring, or damaged trim
Minor electrical or HVAC concerns

Fixing these upfront protects your price and shortens negotiations.

2. Use Paint to Add Value—Not Personality

Fresh, neutral paint makes homes feel newer, brighter, and larger.

Best options:

Light gray
Warm white
Soft gray

Bold colors cost you buyers. Neutral colors bring more offers.

3. Declutter Aggressively

Clutter shrinks rooms and distracts buyers.

We advise sellers to:

Remove 30–50% of visible items
Clear countertops completely
Pack up personal photos and collections
Thin out closets and storage areas

Less stuff = more perceived space.

4. Deep Clean Like You’re Competing

Buyers compare your home to every other listing they’ve seen.

Priority areas:

Kitchens and bathrooms
Floors, grout, and baseboards
Windows, blinds, and ceiling fans

Professional cleaning is often one of the highest ROI moves you can make.

5. Maximize Curb Appeal

Your home is judged before the front door opens.

Quick upgrades that matter:

Fresh landscaping and mulch
Pressure washing driveway and siding
A clean, welcoming entry
Updated or freshly painted front door

Strong curb appeal creates instant confidence.

6. Eliminate Odors Completely

Odors kill deals—period.

Common issues:

Pet smells
Smoke residue
Moisture or mildew

Clean, neutral air sells homes faster than any air freshener.

7. Brighten Every Room

Light sells space.

Before showings:

Replace dim or mismatched bulbs
Open all blinds and curtains
Use lamps where needed

A bright home feels larger and newer.

8. Stage for Flow and Function

You don’t need luxury staging—just smart presentation.

We focus on:

Clear room purpose
Furniture arranged for space and flow
Clean, simple décor

Staging helps buyers emotionally connect

9. Get a Real Pre-Listing Strategy

This is where working with the right agent matters.

At Damon Wofford Realty, we provide:

A walkthrough with clear, honest advice
Guidance on what’s worth fixing, and what isn’t
A pricing strategy designed to attract strong offers, fast

No guesswork. No wasted money.

Ready to Sell the Smart Way?

If you’re considering selling your home in Jackson, Brandon, Flowood or Madison, let’s get it market-ready the right way from day one.

📞 Call or text Damon Wofford directly: 601-850-9596