Preparing your Flagstaff home to sell

Start with a walkthrough

Before spending anything, walk the property with Melissa. Some items genuinely affect buyer confidence and appraisal; others are invisible in photographs and in person. Knowing which is which is the whole point.

Usually worth doing

• Fix anything that leaks, sticks, squeaks or does not latch
• Address deferred maintenance a buyer's inspector will find anyway
• Neutral paint touch-ups where walls are marked
• Professional deep clean, including carpets and windows
• Declutter and remove roughly a third of furniture and personal items
• Fresh, simple landscaping and a clean approach to the front door
• Replace failed light bulbs and dated fixtures in prominent rooms

Usually not worth doing

• Full kitchen or bath remodels immediately before listing
• Highly personal finishes or bold color choices
• Major landscaping projects that will not establish in time
• Improvements a buyer is likely to redo to their own taste

Northern Arizona specifics

• Clear gutters, check drainage and document roof service
• Have heating serviced and keep the invoice
• Show winter access clearly — driveway, parking, snow storage
• Stack firewood tidily and clean the fireplace or stove
• Photograph the property in a favorable season when timing allows

Paperwork to gather

• Permits for additions or major work
• Appliance and system warranties
• Service records for heating, roof, well or septic
• HOA documents and assessment information
• Utility provider details and typical costs