Checklist to Sell a House: Who to Hire, How to Prep, What to Gather

If you’re a homeowner facing a life change that involves moving, the moment will come when you ask yourself, “What do I need to sell my house?”

Selling a house often goes something like this: You’re halfway through sorting a random box of clutter when your real estate agent calls and reminds you that she needs a copy of your property survey. Where on earth is it?

Meanwhile, the doorbell rings, and it’s the painting crew who has arrived to freshen up your front entryway. Later, you come across a family photo album and are hit with a flood of emotions and memories made in the very house you’re about to leave forever.

The process will be chaotic at times. Given the sheer volume of details involved, frustrations are bound to occur. However, it helps to stay organized with a clear plan of what you need to sell a house using a comprehensive checklist, like the one we’ve put together here!

Professional services

Contractors’ schedules fill up quickly, so it’s important to take stock of the professionals you may need to hire — the earlier, the better. Refer to this list to keep track of: Who do I need to call again?

Contact a real estate agent about one to three months in advance of when you want to list. Look for agents with positive reviews, impressive statistics, and experience selling homes near where your property is located.

Arrange for a dumpster rental if you have an excess amount of items to clear out, such as with an inherited property or years of accumulated clutter.

Make plans to arrange for any of the following services you’ll need assistance with: landscaper, paint crew, window washer, carpet cleaning service.

Call a reputable local home inspector for an optional pre-listing home inspection to get ahead of any issues or necessary repairs.

Hire a professional whole-home cleaning service. Schedule the service to come after you’ve decluttered and before the house is photographed.

Sellers may opt to hire a real estate attorney to represent their interests, and some states consider licensed attorneys to be “essential” for closing. A real estate attorney may draft and review closing documents, transfer property titles, resolve legal barriers, and mediate contract disputes. You can usually arrange for this after your house goes on the market.