5 Must-Do’s Before You List Your Home

A Real Talk Prep List from Your Local Real Estate Expert

Before you throw that “For Sale” sign in the yard, let’s have a quick heart-to-heart.

Selling your home is a big move (literally), and in the competitive Whatcom County market—Bellingham, Lynden, Ferndale, Birch Bay and beyond—you want your home looking its absolute best from Day One.

Here are 5 must-do’s before you go live on the MLS:

1. Schedule Professional Photography

Your phone is great for selfies—not home listings. Buyers scroll fast and first impressions matter. Clean, bright, high-quality images are what get them to stop and click. Let the pros work their magic.

2. Deep Clean Like You Mean It

We’re talking baseboards, windows, the scary fridge drawer… all of it. If your home shines, buyers feel like it’s been well cared for. Bonus points for hiring a professional cleaner for that showroom sparkle.

3. Declutter & Depersonalize

Clear off those kitchen counters, pack up 80% of the toy bin, and remove personal photos. Think model home meets magazine spread. You want buyers imagining themselves there—not distracted by your Beanie Baby collection.

4. Boost That Curb Appeal

First impressions start before they even walk in the door. Mow the lawn, add fresh mulch, plant a few flowers, and maybe paint the front door a bold-but-friendly color. Hello, curb appeal!

5. Fix the Small Stuff

Loose doorknob? Squeaky hinge? Dead lightbulb? Fix it. Small issues = big red flags for buyers. You don’t want them walking away over a leaky faucet when the rest of the house is a dream.

Bottom Line?

Preparation is everything. Knock these 5 things out, and you’ll hit the market with confidence, clean corners, and maybe even a bidding war. And of course, I’ll be with you every step of the way.

 I’m Tobi Smukler, your go-to real estate expert in Whatcom County and surrounding areas.

Thinking about selling? Let’s chat! I’ll bring the strategy, the checklists, and the top-tier vendors. You bring the house.