The Seller's Prep Checklist: What to Do Before You List

Listing a home isn't just about putting a sign in the yard and uploading photos to Zillow. The sellers who see the strongest outcomes in this market are the ones who show up prepared — and that preparation starts weeks before the first showing.

Here's what I walk every seller through before we go live.

1. Price It With Data, Not Emotion

Your home is meaningful to you. It should be. But buyers are comparing it to everything else on the market in real time. A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) pulls recent sales, active competition, and market trends to identify the range where your home will attract buyers and generate serious offers. Overpricing almost always leads to price reductions — and price reductions signal to buyers that something is wrong, even when nothing is.

2. Condition Is Currency

Small things matter. Fresh paint, clean grout, repaired screen doors, updated light fixtures — these are the details that make a buyer feel confident about a home. I'll walk through with you and give you a prioritized list of what's worth your time and money before we go live.

3. Marketing That Actually Reaches Buyers

A great listing combines professional photography, a compelling MLS description, targeted social media, email campaigns, and open house strategy. I've built a full content workflow for my listings that includes video walkthroughs, Flodesk email campaigns, social media posts, and even door hangers in the surrounding neighborhood. Buyers find homes through multiple channels — your marketing should be in all of them.

4. Know Your Numbers

Before we list, we'll review your estimated net proceeds based on current pricing, expected costs, and the timing of your next move. No surprises at the closing table.

5. Communication Throughout

You'll hear from me — regularly, not just when something happens. I believe showing feedback, market activity, and strategic adjustments should be ongoing conversations, not afterthoughts.

Ready to talk about what your home is worth in today's market? Let's start with a conversation.

Laurel Brandi | REALTOR® & Associate Broker | New Mexico Properties (575) 640-6511 | homes@LaurelBrandi.com | www.LaurelBrandi.com