Receiving PCS orders kicks off a whirlwind of activity. Amidst arranging movers, school transfers, and farewells, you also need to prepare your house for sale. Selling during peak PCS season often means tight timelines and added stress. As a real estate professional experienced with military moves, I understand these pressures. This checklist helps you focus your efforts to get your home market-ready efficiently, aiming for a quick sale at the best possible price.
Start with De-Personalizing and Decluttering
Buyers need to envision themselves living in your house. Help them by making it a neutral canvas.
- Pack Up Personal Items: Remove family photos, collections, and personalized decor. This allows buyers to mentally place their own belongings in the space.
- Declutter Ruthlessly: Go room by room. Box up items you don’t need daily. Thin out closets, cabinets, and bookshelves. Less clutter makes rooms feel larger and more organized.
- Sort as You Go: Use the decluttering process to sort items for your move: keep, donate, sell, or discard. This saves time later. Consider renting a temporary storage unit if needed.
Deep Clean Everything
A sparkling clean home signals good maintenance and care. Buyers notice the details.
- Kitchen and Bathrooms: These areas get the most scrutiny. Clean appliances inside and out. Scrub grout, re-caulk tubs and showers if needed, and polish fixtures.
- Floors: Have carpets professionally cleaned or clean them thoroughly yourself. Mop hard floors until they shine.
- Windows: Clean windows inside and out to let in maximum natural light. Clean blinds and window treatments.
- Walls and Baseboards: Wipe down walls and baseboards to remove scuffs and fingerprints.
Tackle Necessary Repairs
Address small issues before they become buyer objections. Minor fixes can have a major impact.
- Fix Leaks: Repair leaky faucets or running toilets. Check under sinks for any signs of water damage.
- Check Doors and Windows: Ensure they open and close smoothly. Tighten loose handles and hinges.
- Touch-Up Paint: Neutral, fresh paint is ideal. At a minimum, touch up scuffed walls or chipped paint. Pay attention to high-traffic areas and trim.
- Replace Burned-Out Bulbs: Ensure all light fixtures work and have bright, matching bulbs.
- Consider a Pre-Inspection: Identifying potential issues early allows you to address them on your terms, potentially avoiding stressful negotiations later.
Boost Curb Appeal
First impressions are critical. Many buyers decide whether to look inside based on the exterior.
- Landscaping: Mow the lawn, trim hedges, weed flower beds, and add fresh mulch. Plant some colorful flowers for an inviting look.
- Exterior Clean-Up: Power wash siding, walkways, and driveways. Clean gutters.
- Front Door: Ensure the front door looks welcoming. Consider a fresh coat of paint or washing it thoroughly. Add a new welcome mat.
- House Numbers: Make sure house numbers are clean and easy to read.
Consider Staging (Even Light Staging)
Staging helps define spaces and showcase your home’s potential.
- Furniture Arrangement: Arrange furniture to maximize flow and highlight each room’s purpose. Remove oversized or excess pieces that make rooms feel small.
- Accessorize Simply: Use neutral towels in bathrooms, set the dining table simply, and add a few tasteful, neutral decor items.
- Professional Staging: If your home will be vacant after you move, or if you need extra help, consider professional staging for key areas like the living room, dining room, and primary bedroom.
Gather Important Documents
Having paperwork ready streamlines the process once you accept an offer.
- Utility Bills: Gather recent copies of utility bills (gas, electric, water).
- Warranties: Collect manuals and warranties for appliances or systems staying with the house.
- HOA Documents: If applicable, locate your Homeowners Association documents, rules, and fee information.
- Repair Records: Keep records of major repairs or upgrades (e.g., new roof, HVAC).
Preparing your home for sale during a PCS requires planning and effort, but it’s achievable. Tackling this checklist systematically can reduce stress and help you attract buyers quickly. As your real estate partner, I’m here to guide you through every step. Wishing you a smooth sale and a successful move!
