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Writer's pictureJordan Ellis

A Checklist for Preparing Your Property to List for Sale

A Checklist for Preparing Your Property to List for Sale

Selling a property can be overwhelming, but preparing your property for sale is a crucial step in the process. Whether you're selling a home or a piece of land, it's important to have a plan in place to ensure that your property is ready for the market. The goal is to be able to put your listing on a marketplace where potential buyers see the appeal of your property and offer top-dollar deals. 


LandGate’s marketplace allows property owners and land agents to list their properties for sale and reach a high-intent buyer pool of investors and other property owners. This generates receiving potential offers faster and for more money. The reason is that LandGate provides unique data sets to curb appeal toward a property's potential!




Inspect Your Property

Before you begin the process of selling a property, it's important to have a property inspection completed by a licensed inspector. A property inspection will give you a detailed assessment of the condition of the property and identify any repairs or improvements that need to be made before listing. This will help you avoid any surprises during the sale process and ensure that your property is in top condition for potential buyers.


If you have any buildings on the property, it is important to have a home inspection to make sure the condition of the building is documented. Also, any repairs or hazards can be addressed and fixed before listing the property.


Yard & Building Preparation

Once any necessary repairs or improvements have been made, it's time to focus on enhancing the property's appeal. This includes decluttering, depersonalizing, and staging the property to make it more attractive to potential buyers, especially if you have a building on the property. 


When preparing a home for staging, removing excess items and personal belongings creates a blank canvas that allows buyers to envision their furniture and decor, making the space feel larger and more inviting. Consider using neutral colors and minimal decor to create a fresh and versatile backdrop that appeals to a wide range of tastes.


For the surrounding acreage of land, it is important to make sure there are no hazards and if there are, they should be cleared when potential buyers come to tour the property. It can be useful to use your free property report from LandGate to understand the property’s potential flood zones and types of soils present in case there are areas to be mindful of.




Understanding the Uniqueness of Your Property

It's crucial to ensure that the online listing accurately reflects the property's features and amenities. Take the time to create a compelling and informative listing description that highlights the property's most desirable attributes. Include specific details about the layout, upgrades, and any special features that set the property apart from others in the market. By providing comprehensive and accurate information, you can attract serious buyers who are genuinely interested in your property.


Another uniqueness that is never touched upon on other online marketplaces is the potential of the property’s resources. LandGate’s free property report can shed light on the potential uses for the property especially if the property is just an investment purchase and not a home purchase. If your property has the potential to be used as farmland, solar or wind farm development, or even mining, that could sway a potential buyer to want your property more!




Creating an Online Listing

In addition to the physical preparation of the property, it's important to also focus on online listing preparation. This means going beyond basic property descriptions and investing in professional photography. Hiring a skilled photographer can make a significant difference in capturing the property's best features and creating visually stunning images that stand out among the competition. High-quality photos not only attract more attention but also give potential buyers a better sense of the property's unique selling points.


To determine the appropriate listing price, it's essential to assess the current market conditions and understand the competition. Research similar properties in the area that have recently sold or are currently listed. This will give you a better understanding of the market value and help you price your property competitively. Consulting with a real estate agent who can provide a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) based on recent sales data will further assist you in determining the optimal listing price.


List for Sale With or Without a Land Agent

Property owners can hire a reputable real estate agent if they choose to. It can be crucial to guide you through the selling process and also help understand the local market. An experienced agent can provide valuable insights, assist with pricing strategy, develop a comprehensive marketing plan, and negotiate offers on your behalf. Their expertise and network can significantly increase the visibility of your property and attract qualified buyers.


However, LandGate’s marketplace has made it easy for property owners to take on the listing process themselves! The step-by-step listing process walks you through everything you need to do when listing your property for sale. LandGate also provides property owners with countless resources to review before publishing their listings live!




Preparing a property for sale can be a daunting task, but by taking the necessary steps to prep your property both physically and online, you can increase your chances of a successful sale. From conducting a thorough property inspection to hiring a professional photographer and working with an experienced real estate agent, these factors contribute to a successful sale. By following these tips and investing time in properly preparing your property, you can ensure that it is ready to sell and attract potential buyers who appreciate its unique qualities.


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