If I Were Selling My Home Today, Here’s What I’d Do First

After 37+ years in real estate and over $1 billion in sales, I’ve learned that the biggest wins for sellers come down to what’s done before the home ever hits the market.

If I were selling my own home today, these are the exact steps I’d take—not because they’re flashy, but because they’re smart, strategic, and reduce stress during the most important financial transaction most people make in their lives.

Let’s walk through it.

1. Hire the Right Real Estate Professional

This is where everything starts. And no, I wouldn’t just hire a neighborhood agent or someone I know—I’d hire the best strategic advisor available.

Someone who knows how to protect me, position my home correctly, negotiate at a high level, and oversee the entire process from start to finish like a well-run business.

What would I look for?

• Single agency representation (no dual agency—ever)

• Strong prep and pricing strategy

• Market expertise with a professional, ethical approach

• A full support team, including transaction coordinator, marketing, design, lender, legal, escrow, and vendor relationships

At Avant ONE, that’s exactly how we represent our clients—like we’d represent ourselves.

2. Get Ahead of the Paperwork

I’d want all the foundational pieces in place before a buyer ever sets foot inside my home.

That means:

• Ordering the Preliminary Title Report early to uncover and resolve any issues that could delay or derail escrow.

• Choosing the most professional escrow company and officer—someone who is responsive, detail-oriented, and experienced with my property type. Escrow isn’t just paperwork—it’s the backbone of the closing process.

• Verifying my mortgage payoff amounts, HOA docs, and any other known conditions or assessments.

Most agents don’t talk about this, but a clean and confident transaction starts with being prepared. I want to know what I’m signing—and so should you.

3. Do a Pre-Listing Inspection

Yes, even if I think my house is in great shape. A licensed home inspector will always see things I might miss.

Why? Because when you address issues up front, you remove negotiation leverage from the buyer. You also eliminate surprises. And that means fewer delays, fewer credits, and stronger offers.

I’d fix the right things—not everything—and price accordingly with transparency.

4. Strategically Prepare the Home

This isn’t about remodeling—it’s about positioning. I’d bring in professionals to make the home feel open, clean, light, and well cared for.

That might mean:

• Touch-up paint or full repainting

• New flooring if the current one dates the home

• Updated lighting or hardware

• Exterior pressure washing and landscaping refresh

At Avant ONE, we even offer sellers access to pre-sale improvement services paid through escrow. That way, your home shows at its best without upfront expense.

And yes, professional photography, videography, floor plans, and digital assets are non-negotiable.

5. Launch With Full Market Exposure

Here’s what I wouldn’t do: sell off-market, rely on “coming soon” status for weeks, or let a buyer’s agent double-end the deal.

Instead, I’d make sure:

• The home is listed on the MLS with maximum visibility

• It’s priced based on real data and condition—not just hopeful comps

• Marketing includes targeted digital exposure, agent networking, and luxury-level materials

• Open houses and private showings are scheduled with the right cadence to build demand

The more buyers that see your home, the more competitive your offers. Period.

6. Create an Offer-Ready File

Lastly, I’d make sure my listing is as easy to say "yes" to as possible.

That means:

• Complete seller disclosures

• Pre-inspection report

• Insurance claim history

• Any documentation that answers common buyer questions in advance

When buyers trust the process, they write stronger, cleaner offers.

Final Thoughts:

If I were selling my own home today, I wouldn’t wing it. I’d have a strategic plan, a strong professional team, and a client-first mentality leading every decision.

That’s exactly what we offer at Avant ONE Real Estate. We live and work in the communities we serve—and we sell homes like we’d sell our own.

If you're thinking about selling, let's talk. I'll walk you through everything I’d do for myself—and then do it for you.