Getting your home ready to sell in Riverwood Plantation can feel overwhelming, especially if you want strong offers quickly. You know first impressions matter online and in person, and you do not want last-minute surprises to derail your timeline. This simple 30-14-7 day plan shows you exactly what to do, when to do it, and why it helps you sell faster with fewer renegotiations. You will walk away with clear steps tailored to Evans and a quick checklist you can use the night before every showing. Let’s dive in.
Why this checklist works
Your goals are simple: shorten days on market, increase buyer appeal, and avoid inspection drama. Research-backed best practices support that approach. Listings with professional visuals get more attention, and clean, well-staged homes typically show better to buyers, as industry guidance from the National Association of Realtors emphasizes. Evans sits in a humid subtropical climate, so curb appeal, pest prevention, and timing for lawn care all matter, and the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension offers region-specific guidance on plants and pests.
Riverwood Plantation is a planned community, and it likely has HOA rules that affect signage, showings, and even drone photography. Confirm specifics with your HOA. Use this timeline to coordinate projects, reduce stress, and present your home at its best.
30 days before listing
Plan, repair, and organize
- Arrange a pre-listing home inspection (optional but recommended). It can flag roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC issues early so you can decide whether to repair or price accordingly. Fixing items now reduces buyer leverage later.
- Start safety and system repairs. Address loose railings, leaks, roof and gutter issues, and damaged windows or doors. Service the HVAC and water heater, and replace all filters to show systems are maintained.
- Check for pests and termites. Termites and moisture pests are common in Georgia. Hire a licensed pest professional, treat if needed, and keep the documentation. For local pest and termite guidance, consult the UGA Extension.
- Gather documents. Collect appliance manuals and warranties, service receipts, HOA covenants and resale package, property survey, and septic or well records if applicable. Having these ready speeds due diligence and boosts buyer confidence.
- Review HOA rules. Request covenants and architectural guidelines, fee details, and any rules about signage, exterior lighting, drone usage, and showing hours. Plan your listing strategy around these requirements.
Exterior maintenance to schedule now
- Gutter cleaning and roof check. Book roof or chimney inspections if needed.
- Power or pressure washing. Clean siding, walkways, and the driveway to cut mildew and grime.
- Landscaping and tree work. Schedule pruning, bed edging, and any large tree trimming that requires advance notice.
- Paint touch-ups. Tackle exterior trim or door refreshes early so they cure before photos.
Pro tip: Block time on your calendar to pack three boxes a day. Label and stack neatly in the garage or an organized storage area so closets and living spaces look open and calm.
14 days before listing
Deep clean, declutter, and refresh
- Deep clean every room. Shampoo carpets, wash windows, and scrub kitchens and baths. Odors and grime show up in photos and during showings.
- Declutter and depersonalize. Remove extra furniture, clear counters, and pack personal photos and memorabilia. Aim for simple surfaces and balanced seating arrangements.
- Paint touch-ups or neutral refresh. Fresh neutral paint is a cost-effective visual upgrade for scuffed rooms or bold colors.
- Minor repairs and quick updates. Replace burnt bulbs with warm LED 60W equivalents, re-caulk tubs and sinks, and consider updated cabinet hardware or basic fixture swaps for a modern feel.
Curb appeal and planting choices
- Finalize the lawn and beds. Mow and edge, add mulch or pine straw, and prune shrubs. Choose heat and humidity tolerant plants common in Evans, like azaleas, hydrangeas, or native perennials. For species and timing, check the UGA Cooperative Extension.
- Front entry refresh. Clean the front door, add simple planters, and ensure house numbers are visible.
Marketing prep and visuals
- Schedule professional photos, floor plan, and video. Strong visual assets make your listing stand out online, which aligns with guidance from the National Association of Realtors.
- Consider aerial footage. Drone operators performing commercial work typically need FAA Part 107 certification. Confirm HOA rules, and ensure your photographer complies with FAA requirements.
- Create a home highlights sheet. Include recent upgrades, utility averages, HOA fees, and community amenities provided by the HOA.
7 days before listing
Final staging and consistency
- Stage furniture for flow. If you are using a professional stager, finalize placement and styling now. Remove the last personal items.
- Clean again. Do a light second pass so rooms are photo-ready. Beds made, towels folded, counters cleared, and floors spotless.
- Exterior sweep. Power wash walkways if needed, clear yard debris, and check mailbox and curb appeal details.
Photo day and showing logistics
- Confirm photography and video. Plan for vacant shots. The home should be clear, blinds set, fans off, and all lights on.
- Pet plan and climate comfort. Arrange pet boarding or secure containment. Set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature for showings.
- Access and security. Create a key and lockbox plan. Store valuables and sensitive documents out of sight.
- Quick-showing checklist. Write a 10-minute routine for lights, shades, trash removal, and a fast wipe-down of bath and kitchen surfaces.
If photos reveal any gaps, complete small touch-ups now so the home matches the online presentation.
Day-of showings and open houses
- First impressions count. Keep the entry spotless, lawn trimmed, and porch simple but welcoming.
- Lighting and air. Turn on all lights and open curtains to maximize brightness. Keep temperature comfortable.
- Neutral scents only. Avoid strong air fresheners or cooking odors on showing days.
- Information at a glance. Leave a one-page highlight sheet with updates, utility averages, and HOA amenity notes.
- Flexibility wins. Offer reasonable showing windows where possible. Weekend and early slots can broaden interest.
Night-before and 15-minute showing checklists
Night-before checklist
- Run the dishwasher and empty trash. Wipe sinks and counters clean.
- Lay out fresh towels and make beds with neutral linens.
- Sweep porches and entry. Place simple, healthy plants near the door.
- Stage the living areas. Hide remotes and cords, clear coffee tables, and align chairs.
- Confirm access. Check lockbox, spare keys, and showing instructions.
15-minute quick prep
- Lights on, shades up, ceiling fans off.
- Hide pet bowls and toys, remove litter boxes if possible.
- Quick wipe of primary bath counters and mirrors.
- Collect any visible mail and personal items.
- Exit a few minutes early to give agents space to arrive.
Smart tradeoffs and budget priorities
- Low cost, high impact. Deep clean, declutter, paint touch-ups, lawn mowing, and basic hardware updates punch above their weight.
- Medium cost, medium impact. Partial staging, a landscaping refresh, carpet cleaning, and professional photography are strong value plays.
- Higher cost, situational impact. Major kitchen or bath remodels only if needed for your price band or inspection expectations. For larger items, disclose and consider a credit if repairs are not feasible before listing.
- Repair or credit. If a repair is a small percentage of the expected sale price, fix it before listing. For bigger projects, weigh market demand and timing with your agent.
Costs vary by contractor and scope. Get multiple local quotes for photography, landscaping, handyman work, and pest treatments.
Evans and Riverwood considerations
- Climate timing. Spring and fall are ideal for planting and lawn work in Evans. Mildew and pests are more common in heat and humidity, so schedule cleaning and prevention early. The UGA Extension can guide plant selection and pest management.
- HOA expectations. Riverwood Plantation likely has HOA covenants that cover signs, parking, and exterior changes. Confirm any rules that could affect photography, drones, or showings. Gather HOA resale documents in advance.
- Compliance and disclosures. If your home was built before 1978, review federal guidance on lead-based paint disclosures at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. For state-specific requirements, consult a Georgia real estate professional or attorney.
Ready to put this plan into action with professional staging and marketing that reach more buyers? Partner with Ehrin Fairey for a data-informed listing strategy, premium presentation, and a mission-driven experience that gives back locally.
FAQs
Should I get a pre-listing inspection in Riverwood Plantation?
- Yes, in many cases it helps. You can find and fix issues before buyers do, which reduces the risk of renegotiation during inspections.
How much do professional photos matter for Evans listings?
- High-quality photos, video, and floor plans drive online engagement, which is essential since most buyers start their search online. Industry guidance from the National Association of Realtors supports investing in professional visuals.
Is drone photography allowed for my listing?
- It depends. Confirm HOA rules in Riverwood Plantation and ensure your photographer follows FAA Part 107 requirements for commercial drone work.
What curb appeal upgrades work best in Evans’ climate?
- Focus on mowing and edging, fresh mulch or pine straw, shrub pruning, and region-appropriate plants. For plant selection and timing, check the UGA Cooperative Extension.
Do I need to worry about lead paint when selling an older home in Georgia?
- If your home was built before 1978, federal law requires lead-based paint disclosures. Review guidance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and consult your agent or attorney for state-specific steps.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal, financial, tax, or real estate advice. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, real estate laws, regulations, market conditions, pricing, availability, and terms are subject to change and may vary by location and individual circumstances.
All real estate decisions should be made in consultation with qualified professionals, including licensed real estate agents, attorneys, lenders, inspectors, and tax advisors. Readers should not rely solely on the information contained herein when making real estate decisions.
Caleb Fairey is a licensed real estate agent in the State of Georgia and is affiliated with eXp Realty, LLC. This blog does not constitute an offer to sell, lease, or solicit real estate services in jurisdictions where Caleb Fairey is not licensed.
Equal Housing Opportunity.
