Do these things before selling your house in Georgia GA

Selling your home is a big move—and the prep you do before the first showing can decide how quickly you sell and how much you keep. Below is a practical, Georgia-friendly checklist we use at Middle Georgia Cash Homes to help sellers in Georgia move faster with fewer surprises.

1) De-clutter & de-personalize (buyer’s-eye test)

Pack away 30–40% of visible items: family photos, kids’ artwork on the fridge, hobby gear, extra countertop appliances. You’re not erasing personality—you’re creating space for a buyer to picture their life in your rooms. Label boxes and stack them neatly in the garage or a storage unit.

Speed tip: Clear kitchen/bath counters, primary closet top shelf, and nightstands first. These three zones change buyer perception the most.

2) Price with data—not feelings

A buyer compares your home to what closed in the last 90–180 days and what’s active/pending right now. Build a mini CMA, then decide on a price band:

List at $X with a Day-10 reduction to $Y if you’re not under contract.
Price to the search filter (e.g., “under $300k”) to capture more eyeballs.
Model your net, not just the sticker price.

Simple Net Sheet (use this):
Estimated sale price
− Repairs/credits you expect
− Commissions/fees (if listing)
− Seller closing costs
− Carry costs (mortgage/tax/insurance/HOA × months on market)
= Your estimated net

3) Knock out “speed fixes” that move the needle

Skip renovations. Do safety + first impression:

Safety: Replace missing GFCIs, tighten loose handrails, fix drips, replace burnt bulbs, secure loose pavers.
Curb appeal (90 minutes): Fresh mulch, edged lawn, trimmed shrubs, pressure-wash walk, new doormat, clean house numbers.
Mini refresh: Magic-eraser scuffs, fresh caulk in kitchen/baths, new white shower curtain/liner, one neutral throw + two pillows per main room.

4) Pre-inspection lite (and termite clarity)

If you suspect issues (roof leak, old HVAC, moisture), get a focused contractor opinion or pre-inspection on just the big systems. In Georgia, a termite/WDO letter is often requested by buyers or lenders—know where you stand so you can price or credit once, not negotiate twice.

“As-is” still requires you to disclose known, material defects. If your home is pre-1978, include the federal lead-based paint disclosure and EPA pamphlet.

5) Assemble a clean info packet (buyers love this)

Put these on the dining table (and as PDFs):

Utility averages (12 months if available)
Roof/HVAC/plumbing ages + receipts
HOA/condo fees, rules, assessments
Survey/plat if you have one
Any permits/warranties/manuals
Your stance on repairs vs. a credit (clear beats vague)

6) Photos, floor plan, and a 60-second walkthrough

Daylight photos > any paragraph you’ll write. Add a quick app-generated floor plan and a 60-second silent walkthrough (steady and slow). In your description, use:

3 headline wins (location, updates, lot)
3 bullets (what makes it special)
1 crystal-clear CTA: your two showing windows this week

7) Control showings (and your sanity)

Stack showings into two blocks (e.g., Thu 5–7 pm, Sat 11–1). Back-to-back activity creates healthy urgency without living in “show-ready” mode every day. At the door: shoe covers, lights on, interior doors open, disclosures ready.

8) Get ahead of closing logistics (Georgia-specific)

In Georgia, closings are handled by a licensed real-estate attorney (not an escrow company). Do this early:

Order mortgage payoffs and check property tax/HOA status
Ask the attorney about any liens or title quirks
Decide on a post-closing possession plan (2–7 days, if you need to move once)
Always verify wire instructions by phone with the attorney—wire fraud is real

9) Decide your path: MLS vs. Direct Sale to Middle Georgia Cash Homes

MLS (retail fast-track)
Best if you’re show-ready and willing to juggle inspection/appraisal. Potential for higher top-line price, but more moving parts.

Direct, as-is sale to Middle Georgia Cash Homes
No showings, no repairs, no appraisal. We purchase with cash and close on your date (subject to title/attorney scheduling). Often, your net + time saved beats a drawn-out retail path—especially if the house needs work.

7-Day Launch Plan (pin this)

Day 1–2: De-clutter & mini repairs; gather docs.
Day 3: Curb appeal + interior shine.
Day 4: Photos, floor plan, 60-sec video.
Day 5: Publish + announce two showing windows.
Day 6: Show; verify proof of funds/true preapproval with offers.
Day 7: Choose the best Net + Certainty + Timeline and send to the closing attorney.

Want a faster, simpler option?

Skip showings and repairs. Middle Georgia Cash Homes will make a written, as-is cash offer for your Georgia home and close on your timeline (subject to title/attorney schedule). Clear numbers up front, no commissions on our side, and a smooth attorney-led closing.

Call/Text 478-216-1795 or send us a message for your no-obligation offer and a side-by-side Net Sheet you can trust.