Seller guide
What to do before listing your home
A focused plan can make preparation and showings more manageable. Start with what buyers will see and what you will need to organize.
Walk through with fresh eyes
Tour the home with your agent and make a room-by-room list. Separate cleaning and simple maintenance from larger projects. Discuss likely impact, cost and timing before starting work; not every renovation makes sense before a sale.
Gather useful documents
Locate records for repairs, warranties, permits and any association information you have. Ask your agent which disclosures and documents apply. Virginia DPOR provides official disclosure forms, but a form alone does not answer every property-specific legal question.
Plan showing logistics
Discuss notice, available times, pets and how access will be managed. Secure valuables, medicines and personal documents before photos and showings. Ask what will appear online so you can remove identifying items in advance.
Set a realistic preparation calendar
Work backward from your intended listing window. Allow time for cleaning, photography and any professional work you choose. Agree with your agent on priorities and check progress before setting a public launch date.
Further reading
General education, not personal financial, legal or tax advice. Bring situation-specific questions to an appropriate professional.