What to Gather Before You List Your Home: A Seller’s Checklist for Single-Family Homes in Rhode Island

Selling your home can feel overwhelming—especially if you're trying to juggle life, work, and real estate prep all at once. That’s why I’ve created this checklist specifically for homeowners getting ready to sell a single-family home in Rhode Island. This guide outlines exactly what you’ll need to sign, fill out, and gather before we go live on the market. The goal? No last-minute scrambles, no avoidable delays—and a smoother, faster sale that puts you in the strongest possible position with buyers. But I need to stress to you---you have to be willing to take the time to go through the information carefully--please don't skimp on taking the time to fully understand this process. I know that it's a lot of info but in the case of selling your home Time is Money, as in if you take more time and get prepared you will be able to maximize your sale!

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Step 1: Sign the Required Paperwork (No Way Around It)

Before I can start prepping your property listing--way before I create a marketing plan your property, before I schedule photos, or even talking about next steps, we need to get the paperwork in place. This is the legal foundation of our working relationship. Am I your person? If so, we need to formalize it with the listing contract. Documents you’ll need to sign:

• Exclusive Right to Sell Listing Agreement This is our contract—it gives me permission to represent you, list the property, and get to work.
• Agency Disclosure This form legally confirms that I represent you as the seller.

Once these are signed, we both get to work. It’s a team effort from there on out.

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Step 2: Fill Out the Sales Disclosure Form

Next up is your Residential Property Disclosure, which is required by law in Rhode Island. This is where you provide honest information about the home’s condition—everything from when the roof was last replaced to whether there’s a crack in the driveway. Here’s the deal: ✔️ The more transparent you are now, the more trust we build with buyers. ✔️ You can write “Unknown” if you truly don’t know, but that shifts the responsibility to the buyer to investigate further. ✔️ If you’re unsure, consider a pre-listing home inspection or hire a contractor to check out your systems. You don’t have to—but it can save you time and stress later.

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Step 3: Gather Key Info That Buyers Will Ask For

This is where you do a little research, dig up old receipts or paperwork, and pull together details that make buyers feel confident. You don’t need a spreadsheet—but you do need to be thorough. Here’s what to gather:

🛠 Ages of Major Systems

Even an estimate is helpful:

• Roof
• Heating system
• Water heater
• Electrical panel
• Windows

🏗 Updates and Known Issues

• Make a list of any repairs or upgrades (and when they were done)
• Be upfront about deficiencies like:
  • Cracked windows
  • Water in the basement
  • Settling foundation
  • Broken steps or sticky doors

It doesn’t scare off the right buyer—it just helps manage expectations.

📊 Utility Info

Buyers always want to know what it costs to live in your home. Please gather recent or average monthly bills for:

• Electric
• Gas or Oil
• Water/Sewer
• Trash (if not city-provided)

I’ll use this to give buyers a realistic snapshot of ongoing costs.

🧾 Property Taxes

Send me your most recent tax bill or the annual property tax amount.

🧰 What’s Staying With the Home?

Let’s confirm which appliances and fixtures will transfer with the sale:

• Washer/Dryer
• Refrigerator
• Stove
• Dishwasher
• Window AC units, TV mounts, pellet stoves, etc.

Also: let me know if there’s anything you plan to take with you—it’s much easier to spell it out upfront than deal with confusion later.

💸 Home Equity Loans or Refinances

If you’ve taken out a HELOC or recently refinanced, make a note. This helps ensure a smooth closing when it’s time to request a payoff from the lender.

💧 Septic or Well Info (If Applicable)

If your home isn’t on public sewer or water:

• Date of last septic pump-out
• Info about any water treatment systems

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Step 4: Send Me a “Brain Dump” About the House

You know your home better than anyone. That personal insight helps me market it in a way that connects with buyers so I want your personal insight. Here’s what I’d love to hear from you:

• What do you love about the house?
• What quirks should a new owner know?
• What’s great about the neighborhood—parks, walkability, local spots?

Shoot me an email, voice memo, or jot it down however you want. I use these details to write the kind of listing description that stands out from the crowd and doesn't sound like it was generated by a robot.

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Final Thoughts

Selling a home doesn’t have to be overwhelming—but it does take some upfront effort. If you knock this checklist out early, we’ll have a faster and more successful sale. Remember: the more information you give me, the more power we have to attract qualified buyers and negotiate from a place of strength. Ready to get started? Let’s get those documents signed and move forward together. I’ve got you!