Have you ever wondered what NOT to do when getting your home ready for the market?

Before you call an agent to come out and list your property for sale, there are a few things you should do. Of course, if you want personalized suggestions that are tailored to your specific situation, you can always call Wana or her team to come to your property and evaluate what needs to be done before listing. However, there are general principles and guidelines that apply to just about everyone that will help get you prepared to sell your home--without the need for a private consultation.

These "To Do's" are written as "Do Not's"... They are also a fairly exhaustive list, so don't get overwhelmed! Tackle one thing at a time. Get friends and family to help! Don't try to do it all yourself. You don't want to get burnout or overly exhausted. But it is good to know that it can sometimes be a lot of work to get a home ready to put on the market!

Follow this "Do Not" list to avoid common mistakes that can cost you time, money, and leverage when selling your home in East Texas. This guide is designed to help you prepare your home the right way before it ever hits the market.

• Do not leave kitchen countertops crowded with small appliances or décor.
• Do not keep personal items on bathroom countertops.
• Do not overfill closets, cabinets, or storage areas.
• Do not leave personal items, collections, memorabilia, or photos out on display.
• Do not keep excess furniture in rooms.
• Do not assume buyers will "look past" the clutter--they won't.

• Do not ignore dripping faucets, loose handles, or squeaky doors.
• Do not leave cracked outlet covers or missing hardware.
• Do not leave burned-out bulbs unreplaced.
• Do not leave paint scuffs and nail holes unaddressed.
• Do not forget to check all windows, doors, and cabinets for proper opening and closing.
• Do not postpone minor maintenance you have learned to live with.
• Do not underestimate how small issues affect buyer confidence.

• Do not keep bold or highly specific paint colors.
• Do not leave themed-rooms or oversized wall décor.
• Do not decorate or stage the home to feature the furniture instead of the home itself.
• Do not stage rooms in ways other than their intended purpose.
• Do not leave blinds and curtains closed to natural light.
• Do not forget that buyers need to imagine their life in the home.
• Do not forget to create broad buyer appeal.
• Do not confuse neutral with boring--neutral sells.

• Do not leave dead plants, weeds, or overgrown landscaping.
• Do not forget to mow, edge, and tidy the lawn regularly.
• Do not forget to clean walkways, driveways, and the front porch.
• Do not overlook peeling paint or a worn front door.
• Do not leave landscaping areas bare or overgrown.
• Do not underestimate first impressions--they start at the curb.

• Do not rely solely on online home value estimates.
• Do not price higher just to "test the market."
• Do not fail to position your home competitively from day 1.
• Do not forget that strong pricing creates urgency and better offers.
• Do not ignore current Tyler neighborhood trends.
• Do not forget that the first few weeks on the market matter the most.

• Do not assume selling is just putting a sign in the yard.
• Do not skip professional pricing, preparation, and negotiation guidance.
• Do not underestimate the importance of timing and professional presentation.
• Do not work with an agent who is not familiar with the Tyler and East Texas market.
• Do not forget to prepare a pre-listing plan and timeline with your REALTOR.
• Do not ignore feedback that helps your home sell faster and for more money.
• Do not leave money on the table due to lack of planning.

This checklist will help you prepare your home the right way before you put it on the market, maximizing the value of your home and minimizing stress. These proven methods will help sellers attract stronger offers, bringing more money to the table. If you are thinking of selling your home or you want to get your home ready to put on the market, follow these "don't's" and contact Wana or one of her agents today to get started!