What Sellers Should Do Long Before Listing Their Home in Redmond, Oregon

Most homeowners start thinking about selling when they feel ready to list. They start looking at what their neighbor sold for, scroll through active listings, and assume the real work begins once the sign goes in the yard.

In reality, the smoothest and most profitable home sales usually start months before a listing agreement is ever signed.

If you are thinking about selling in Redmond, Oregon later this year or even next year, there are a few things worth doing early that can make the entire process feel more manageable and less stressful.

Start the Conversation Earlier Than You Think

Ideally, I like to meet with sellers about three months before they plan to go live on the market. That timeline gives us room to plan without rushing and allows sellers to make decisions thoughtfully rather than reactively.

That said, I am always happy to talk with homeowners who are thinking about selling in the next six to twelve months. Early conversations are not about pressure. They are about information, strategy, and timing.

National organizations like the National Association of Realtors consistently encourage sellers to start preparing well in advance so they are not making major decisions under a deadline. That guidance aligns closely with what I see locally. Sellers who plan early tend to feel more confident when it is time to list.

Decluttering and Depersonalizing Matters More Than Most Sellers Expect

One of the most underestimated parts of preparing a home for sale is decluttering and depersonalizing.

Most sellers live comfortably in their homes, so it can be hard to see how personal style, collections, or everyday clutter might affect a buyer's experience. Buyers are not just touring one home. They are comparing everything they see, often back to back.

Too much furniture, crowded countertops, or highly personal decor can unintentionally isolate buyers who are trying to imagine themselves in the space. Platforms like Realtor.com and Zillow both emphasize that buyers respond better to homes that feel clean, neutral, and easy to visualize.

This does not mean your home needs to feel empty or staged beyond recognition. It means being intentional about what stays and what goes so the home photographs and shows at its best.

Before Photos, Walk the Home With a Professional Eye

Before professional photos are ever scheduled, I strongly recommend that sellers walk their home with me and a stager.

Photos are where most buyers form their first impression. A stager's guidance can help identify simple changes that make a big difference on camera, from furniture placement to lighting to small visual distractions that sellers often overlook. My stager will also work with your existing furniture whenever possible to help keep prep costs down and avoid unnecessary purchases during the preparation phase.

This is also the stage where I wish more sellers would think about smell. It is simple but true. If it smells, it will not sell. Buyers notice immediately, and scent can be very hard to overcome once it creates a negative impression.

And finally, curb appeal matters more than ever. Even after seeing photos online, many buyers will drive by the home before scheduling a showing. A little attention to landscaping, the entryway, and the exterior condition goes a long way toward reinforcing that positive first impression.

Pricing Is Not a One Day Decision

Many sellers assume pricing happens right before the home hits the market. In reality, pricing strategy begins much earlier.

Understanding recent sales, current competition, and seasonal trends allows us to position the home correctly from day one. National resources like Zillow and NAR often note that homes priced appropriately from the start tend to experience fewer price reductions and a smoother selling process.

Starting these conversations early gives sellers time to digest the data and ask questions rather than feeling rushed into a number at the last minute.

Planning Early Reduces Stress Later

Sellers who start early usually experience a calmer process overall. They have time to declutter gradually, address maintenance items, plan for moving logistics, and make decisions with clarity.

Waiting until the last minute often leads to rushed choices and unnecessary stress. Early planning does not lock you into a timeline. It simply gives you options.

Final Thoughts

If you are thinking about selling in Redmond, Oregon, whether in a few months or next year, the best place to start is a conversation.

I offer in home consultations designed to help sellers plan early, understand their options, and feel prepared long before listing day. If you enjoy learning through video, I also share weekly market insights and seller education on my YouTube channel.

There is no pressure to list right away. The goal is to help you feel informed, confident, and ready when the time comes.

Sources

Seller preparation guidance informed by resources from the National Association of Realtors, Realtor.com, and Zillow. Content has been adapted for Redmond, Oregon homeowners and reflects local market experience.