The One Thing Every Seller Should Do Before Listing

If you’re thinking about selling your home, you’re probably asking yourself: How can I get the best price? How fast will it sell? What should I fix or change before listing?

While there are several steps to take when preparing to sell, there’s one crucial thing every seller should do before putting their home on the market—and skipping it can cost you time, money, and potential buyers.

So, what’s the one thing?

Get a Pre-Listing Home Inspection

Most sellers expect the buyer to do a home inspection after an offer is made—but savvy sellers know the value of doing one before the home ever hits the market. Here’s why it matters so much:

1. Eliminate Surprises

Buyers often use inspection reports to renegotiate terms, ask for repairs, or even back out of deals. A pre-listing inspection puts you in control by revealing potential issues early, giving you the opportunity to repair them—or price the home accordingly.

You won’t be blindsided. And neither will your buyer.

2. Build Buyer Confidence

In a competitive market, transparency stands out. A pre-listing inspection shows buyers that you’ve taken the time to maintain your home and that there’s nothing to hide. This builds trust and could even lead to stronger offers.

3. Make Your Home More Marketable

If your home is move-in ready and worry-free, that’s a major selling point. Addressing repairs in advance and being upfront about the condition of the home can give your listing an edge—especially when buyers are comparing similar homes.

4. Speed Up the Sale

Fewer surprises and repairs mean fewer delays. By handling the inspection on your timeline—not the buyer’s—you can keep the process moving smoothly and avoid last-minute complications or re-negotiations.

5. Maximize Your Sale Price

Buyers may try to lower their offer based on inspection findings. When you’ve already addressed potential issues—or factored them into your price—you maintain stronger negotiating power.

Final Thoughts

Selling a home can be a smooth, successful process when you plan ahead—and getting a pre-listing inspection is one of the smartest moves you can make. It allows you to present your home in its best light and gives you the confidence to market it with honesty, clarity, and peace of mind.

At Embry Group Real Estate, we guide sellers through every step of the listing process—from preparing your home to pricing it right and marketing it effectively. Want to know what else you can do to get your home sold fast and for top dollar?

Let’s talk. Contact us today for a free home evaluation and personalized selling strategy tailored to your goals.