🏡 The Ultimate St. Louis Home Seller Checklist: What to Do Before You List
Thinking of selling your home in the Greater St. Louis area? You’re in the right place. Selling a house isn’t just about putting a sign in the yard—it’s about preparing strategically to get the best possible price in the shortest amount of time.
Use this home seller checklist to avoid common pitfalls and make your property irresistible to today’s buyers.
✅ 1. Choose the Right Real Estate Agent
Start by interviewing experienced agents who:
-
Know the St. Louis and St. Charles markets
-
Have a proven track record of strong list-to-sale price ratios
-
Offer a clear marketing strategy and frequent communication
📞 Need one? Contact us—we’ve helped thousands of St. Louis sellers move with confidence.
✅ 2. Get a Professional Home Valuation
Online tools are fun, but inaccurate. Request a comparative market analysis (CMA) from a real agent—not just an algorithm.
This gives you:
-
A realistic sale price
-
A pricing strategy to avoid sitting on the market too long
-
Local data from recent St. Louis area sales
✅ 3. Make Necessary Repairs
Minor issues can lead to low offers or buyers walking away. Fix:
-
Leaky faucets and running toilets
-
Broken tiles, railings, or doors
-
Stained carpet or scuffed floors
-
Burnt-out lights and scratched paint
💡 Pro Tip: Consider a pre-listing home inspection to catch surprises before the buyer does.
✅ 4. Deep Clean and Declutter
Buyers want to picture their life in your home—not yours.
-
Declutter countertops, closets, and shelves
-
Deep clean every surface (including baseboards and windows)
-
Remove personal photos and excess furniture
-
Consider professional staging or virtual staging
✅ 5. Boost Curb Appeal
First impressions matter—especially online.
-
Power wash siding and sidewalks
-
Freshen landscaping with mulch and flowers
-
Repaint or replace the front door
-
Make sure house numbers are visible and lighting works
📸 Remember: Buyers see your home online before in person, so curb appeal counts!
✅ 6. Gather Key Documents
Before you list, have these ready:
-
Utility bills
-
HOA rules and fees (if applicable)
-
Manuals and warranties for appliances
-
Survey or plat map (if available)
-
Any repair receipts or permits
✅ 7. Plan for Showings
Flexibility = faster sale. Make your home:
-
Easy to show (via lockbox or agent access)
-
Always clean and ready (yes, even with short notice)
-
Vacant during showings—buyers stay longer when the owner’s not home
✅ 8. Understand Closing Costs
Selling isn’t free! Typical seller expenses in Missouri include:
-
Agent commissions
-
Title insurance
-
Closing fees
-
Repairs or credits from inspection negotiations
-
Remaining mortgage payoff
💡 Tip: Your agent can provide a net sheet showing what you’ll walk away with.
🚀 Ready to List Your St. Louis Home?
Selling your home is a big step—but it doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right preparation and a trusted agent by your side, you’ll get the best price in the shortest time.
📞 Call us today to schedule your free home valuation and listing consultation:
St. Louis: 314-ST-LOUIS (785-6847)
