What Should Homeowners Know Before Selling Their Home?
LOUISIANA REALTORS • May 23, 2017
Making the decision to sell your home
is an important one. There is a lot of time, energy, emotion, and money at stake in this process, so being prepared is crucial. But how do you prepare and what do you need to know in order to achieve your goal of successfully selling your home? Here are 5 things every homeowner should know before selling their home.
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1.) Hire a REALTOR®
First and foremost interview and hire a REALTOR®. This is arguably the most important step in any real estate transaction. In your interview, look for expertise and knowledge about the market, gauge the REALTORS’ character for education experience along with a high moral and ethical guideline. Using a REALTOR® will help you arrive at the best price for your home and attract qualified buyers to ensure that you get what you need from the transaction.
2.) Consider a Pre-Listing Inspection
Having your home looked over by a professional can give you great insight into what type of work may need to be done. Having this information available before you list can help in the decision making process and allow you to remedy anything that could become an issue down the road. You may also want to consider these other types of inspections: pest, radon, septic, chimney, etc.
3.) Improve Curb Appeal
First impressions are vitally important when it comes to real estate. Any potential buyer’s initial interaction with your property will be from the outside. Fresh landscaping, a coat of paint, a neatly kept lawn, and other aesthetic features can only help ensure a positive impression while your home is on the market.
4.) Gather All Documents
Any documents and paperwork you have amassed over the years relating to your home can be a great resource for your REALTOR®. The history, upkeep, upgrades, and mechanics of your home allows for compelling information to be created, as well as the pertinent information buyers need and want. HVAC records, roof documents, appliance warranties, remodeling information, and other documents are all valuable throughout the selling process.
5.) Prepare Your Home for Showings
This is an essential part of the process. Clearing the clutter, organizing the different spaces of your home, and creating a positive environment for potential buyers can greatly impact the speed and price at which your home will sell.
While there is much to do and consider when preparing to sell your home, your top priority should be to hire a REALTOR® to guide and advise you through the process.
2025 Extraordinary Legislative Session Wrap-up
Discover how real estate professionals can use technology to enhance client relationships, streamline transactions, and stand out in a digital market.
Louisiana REALTORS® wraps up 2025 and looks forward to 2026! Louisiana REALTORS® gathered in Baton Rouge from October 7–8 for the 2025 Fall Governance Meetings, a dynamic two-day event filled with professional development, strategic planning and member engagement. The day before the conference offered the conclusion to the 2025 LR Leadership Program with participants graduated from the yearlong program after a half-day session. The 2025 graduates include: Torri Byrd, Shawn Carter, Bradley Cook, Stefany Deroche, Mignon Richard Díaz, Alfra Dixon, Thaddeus Dixon, Glen Elliott, Yvonne Graham, Charlotte Johnson, Michelle LaBanca, Slagle McGuffee, Ellen Monroe, Matt Noel, Ros Pack, Tiffany Pellerin, Latonia Riggs, Shannon Rodi Nash, Trish Skellham, Rebecca Slone and Charlotte St. Romain. Additionally, a sold-out, full-day AI-Powered Real Estate Professional Certification course led by industry expert Matthew Rathbun blew away attendees and had them leaving the session with such invigoration. The first official day of the conference held focus on professional development and networking. Tuesday opened with an informative session entitled Professional Liability 101 from Rice Insurance Services Center, offering critical insights into E&O and risk management. RPR's session brought a wealth information to attendees and offered a hands-on learning experience for the tools offered online. Targeted sessions like the Local AE Meeting and the YPN Advisory Council Open Meeting provided space for peer exchange and innovation. The day concluded with a festive Opening Reception sponsored by Louisiana YPN, bringing members together to celebrate and connect. The next day offered collaboration and celebration with Closing the Affordability Gap, presented by the Louisiana Housing Corporation, equipping REALTORS® with tools to better serve clients in today’s market. Regional caucuses followed, allowing members from across Louisiana to discuss local issues and share best practices. The Board of Directors Meeting brought the governance portion of the event to a close with strategic decisions for the year ahead. At the Board Meeting, Chris Brock, Northeast REALTORS® of Louisiana; Trish Leleux, Greater Central LA REALTORS® Association; Synde Devillier, Bayou Board of REALTORS®; Scott McCubbin, Bayou Board of REALTORS®; Amber Morrow, Greater Fort Polk Area REALTORS®; and David Moses, Greater Central LA REALTORS® Association; were elected as 2026 At-Large Directors. The grand finale? A spirited LSU Pregame Fan Experience and the highly anticipated Installation Ceremony, where new leadership was formally welcomed in a celebration of community and commitment. Louisiana REALTORS® looks forward to hosting REALTORS® from around the state at the Winter Leadership Conference, March 3-4, 2026, at the Live! Casino & Hotel in Bossier City. We would like to thank our sponsors Greater Baton Rouge Association of REALTORS® (GBRAR) , Zillow , Dax Roy Appraisals, Supra, American Home Shield, Guard Home Warranty fo r their generous support in helping make this conference happen!
