How to Prepare Your Harford County Home to Sell

by Josh Tessier

The short answer: Fix what's broken, clean and declutter, gather your permits and paperwork, fill out Maryland's seller disclosure form, then get great photos. You don't need a remodel. Call me at (443) 617-2099 and we'll talk about what's worth doing.

By Josh Tessier, Lee Tessier Team of eXp Realty. 500+ homes sold personally (5,800+ for the Lee Tessier Team)

Buyers decide fast. Your job is to make the first look easy. Here's the exact checklist I give my sellers.

The 10-Step Checklist

Get your home value first. Know your range before you spend a dollar. It tells you which fixes make sense. Ask on my home value page and you get an automated value by email right away, then I call you to set up an appointment.
Walk the house like a buyer. Go outside, come in the front door and look. Write down every drip, crack, stain and burned-out bulb.
Fix what's broken. Leaky faucets, sticky doors, loose railings, missing outlet covers. Small stuff buyers notice and inspectors write up.
Deal with safety items. Smoke detectors, handrails and anything that could hurt someone. These come up in inspections every time.
Pull your permits and records. If you finished a basement or added a deck, find the permits. If you're not sure work was permitted, check with Harford County before you list, not after a buyer asks.
Check your well and septic, if you have them. Buyers or their lender may ask for tests. Find your records and service dates now. The Harford County Health Department handles well and septic questions.
Fill out your disclosure. Maryland sellers must give buyers either the disclosure statement or the "as is" disclaimer statement on the current state form. Even with the disclaimer, you must list hidden defects you know of that are a health or safety risk.
Declutter and deep clean. Clear counters, thin out closets, take down most family photos. Clean like your mother-in-law is coming. Then clean again.
Boost curb appeal. Mow, edge, trim bushes, sweep the walk, and wash or paint the front door. First impressions start at the street.
Get pro photos. Lights on, blinds open, toilet seats down. Great photos get clicks, and clicks get showings.

What Not to Spend Money On

Skip the big remodel. A brand-new kitchen right before you sell rarely pays you back. Skip trendy colors. Skip fixing things that work fine but look a little dated. Buyers like to make those choices themselves.

My advice

Spend your money where buyers look first: the front of the house, the kitchen, the main bath, and anything an inspector will flag. Everything else, clean it and leave it.

Printable Checklist

Home value done
Walk-through list written
Broken items fixed
Safety items fixed
Permits and records found
Well and septic records found (if you have them)
Disclosure or disclaimer form filled out
Decluttered and deep cleaned
Curb appeal done
Photos scheduled

Prepare to Sell FAQ

What should I fix before selling my house?

Fix anything broken, unsafe, or that a buyer will notice in the first minute. That means leaks, loose railings, bad outlets and worn-out bulbs. Skip big remodels. When we meet, I'll tell you which jobs pay you back and which don't.

Do I have to fill out a disclosure form in Maryland?

Yes, for most home sales. You give buyers either the Maryland disclosure statement or the "as is" disclaimer statement, on the state's standard form. Even with the disclaimer, you must tell buyers about hidden defects you know of that are a health or safety risk.

Should I stage my house?

At the very least, declutter, deep clean and arrange your furniture so rooms feel open. Empty homes can feel cold in photos, so a few key pieces help. I'll tell you what your house needs after I see it.

Get Your Free Home Value

Call or text me at (443) 617-2099 or email Joshua@leetessier.com. See how selling with me works, what selling costs, or our recent sales. Watch me on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JoshTalksHarford