If you're thinking about selling your home this fall, July is the perfect time to start prepping. Why wait until September when you can get ahead of the game and beat the rush? Fall is a fantastic time to list, especially in Tennessee where cooler temps bring out serious buyers—but timing and preparation are everything.
Here’s your July To-Do List to help you get market-ready before the leaves start to turn.
🧼 1. Declutter and Deep Clean
You can’t market a home that feels cramped or chaotic. Use these hot summer days to start decluttering each room—closets, kitchen cabinets, garages, and even outdoor spaces. Then, deep clean everything. A sparkling clean home photographs better and gives buyers the impression that it’s been well cared for.
🧹 2. Start Minor Repairs Now
Have that leaky faucet you’ve been ignoring? Or cracked tile in the hallway? Now is the time to fix the small stuff. These seemingly minor issues can leave a lasting negative impression. July is ideal for securing handymen before the busier fall season.
🌳 3. Tame the Landscaping
Southern summers can wreak havoc on yards. Trim overgrown bushes, weed garden beds, and keep the lawn watered and green. A tidy landscape in July gives you a solid base to transition into fall curb appeal—think mulch touch-ups and mums in late August.
🖼️ 4. Neutralize and Depersonalize
Buyers need to picture themselves in your home, not you. Start removing family photos, personalized décor, or bold paint choices. If needed, repaint rooms in neutral, light-reflecting colors to appeal to a broader audience.
📸 5. Schedule Listing Photos Early
Photographers book up fast in fall. Secure your photographer now while availability is high and your landscaping is still lush. Getting photos taken in late summer lets you list the moment you're ready—without delays.
📦 6. Begin Pre-Packing
You’re moving anyway—why not start now? Pre-pack off-season items, like holiday decorations or winter clothing. This makes your move smoother and helps reduce visual clutter in your closets and storage areas.
🧾 7. Request a Pre-Listing Walkthrough
Invite your realtor to do a walk-through and offer honest feedback. An experienced eye can point out potential red flags for buyers and help you prioritize where to focus your energy. This can also help guide pricing strategy and timeline.
Final Thoughts
The fall real estate market can be a golden opportunity—but only if you’re ready. By tackling this to-do list in July, you’ll position your home to stand out to serious buyers when the season changes. Preparation now means less stress (and potentially more profit) later.
Thinking about listing this fall? Let’s talk timing, pricing, and staging strategy! Drop your questions in the comments or reach out directly—we’d love to help.
🍁 Partners Realty Group
(865) 789 – 6677
“Your future home starts with today’s preparation.”
Ready to take the next step? Call us now for your personalized home prep plan!
