Don’t Skip This Step: Why Your Listing Deserves a Final Walkthrough

If you’re gearing up to sell your home in Peoria, East Peoria, Pekin, or anywhere in Central Illinois, there’s one simple but powerful step that most sellers overlook:

📝 The Pre-Listing Walkthrough.

I’m not talking about a quick glance or a five-minute chat—I mean a real walkthrough with a professional who can spot the small things before buyers (and their agents) do. Let’s talk about why this step is crucial and how it could mean the difference between multiple offers and crickets.

🧭 What Is a Pre-Listing Walkthrough?

This is the walkaround that happens before photos, before showings, before the listing even hits the market. It’s your opportunity to see your home through a buyer’s eyes—with an experienced guide at your side (that’s me).

We’ll look at:

Curb appeal and first impressions
Paint, flooring, and fixtures
Lighting and staging potential
Odd smells or pet-related signs
Furniture layout and flow
Minor repairs that could raise red flags
How your home shows in daylight vs. evening

It’s like a dress rehearsal before opening night—except the audience has checkbooks.

🛠️ The Little Things Buyers Notice (But You Don’t)

You’ve lived in your house for years. You stopped noticing the scuffed baseboards and the squeaky door years ago.

But buyers? Oh, they notice everything.

They notice:

Burned out lightbulbs
Loose door handles
That one cabinet that doesn’t close right
Fingerprints on the glass
Overgrown landscaping
Weird smells (especially from pets or smoke)

These seem small—and they are. But they chip away at confidence. If the little things are neglected, buyers wonder what big problems are hiding.

💰 Why a Walkthrough Can Save—or Earn—You Money

I’ve seen sellers skip the walkthrough only to lose thousands in price negotiations over things they could’ve fixed for under $100.

Here’s how a walkthrough protects your profit:

Boosts your perceived value. The home looks well-cared-for, so buyers feel better about paying full price.
Reduces inspection surprises. Catch and fix issues early so they don’t derail the deal.
Improves photos and marketing. A clean, prepped home simply photographs better—which gets more clicks, showings, and offers.
Eliminates lowball bait. Buyers are less likely to offer way below asking when they see a polished, move-in-ready property.

🧹 How to Prep for the Walkthrough

This isn’t about perfection—it’s about potential. Here’s how to make the most of your walkthrough:

Declutter like you’re moving tomorrow. (Because you are!)
Tidy up the yard and entryway. Curb appeal matters more than ever.
Make a list of known issues. Don’t hide them—share them.
Open your mind to feedback. This isn’t personal—it’s professional.
Trust your REALTOR® to see what buyers will see. I’ll help you prioritize what matters and ignore what doesn’t.

👁️ Real-Life Example: The $50 That Made $5,000

A few months ago, I did a pre-listing walkthrough with a seller in the 61614 zip code. The home was solid but dated. I pointed out a few $20 light fixture swaps, a deep clean, and a fresh doormat.

The seller invested under $200 total. That home went under contract in 4 days with multiple offers—and sold $5,000 over asking.

Why? Because it felt fresh, cared-for, and easy to move into. That’s what buyers want.

🧠 The Takeaway: Don’t List Without It

The pre-listing walkthrough isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a competitive advantage. In today’s market, you need every edge you can get.

I don’t just list your home—I position it. And that starts with a trained eye and a strategic walkthrough.

📞 Ready for Your Walkthrough? Let’s Book It.

Whether you’re two weeks or two months away from listing, I’d love to walk your home and help you prep like a pro. No pressure—just expert insight.

📞 Real Estate? Call Duvall!

Don’t Skip This Step: Why Your Listing Deserves a Final Walkthrough