Coastal Prep Checklist — Grand Strand Sellers

Before the photographs

Buyers see the pictures before they see the house — and decide from them whether to book a showing at all. Why the first showing happens on a phone

Declutter, room by roomCounters, closets, the garage. Buyers open everything.
Handle the obvious repairsThe things a buyer notices in the first minute — a dripping tap, a door that sticks, a cracked switch plate.
Walk it the way a buyer wouldFront door in. What do you see first? What do you smell?
Ask Robin what to clear, move or leaveRobin“What to clear, what to move, what to leave exactly where it is.” She'll tell you before the photographer comes.

Humidity, moisture and salt air are what inland checklists miss — and what a buyer's inspector will find. Prepare the home — selling guide, step 5

Look for humidity marksCeilings, closet corners, behind furniture on exterior walls.
Any sign of moisture intrusionAround windows and doors, under sinks, the crawl space or slab edge.
Anything exposed to salt airExterior fixtures, railings, the HVAC unit, screens — general upkeep on what the coast corrodes.
Decide about known issues nowIf there's something you're on the fence about repairing or disclosing, raise it with Robin and your attorney before a buyer's inspector finds it.

South Carolina puts the disclosure before the contract, and buyers' lenders expect HOA documents before closing. Seller disclosure requirements

Complete the SC Residential Property Condition DisclosureRequired in SCWater and sewer, roof and structure, mechanicals, wood-destroying insects, zoning, environmental hazards, rental agreements, HOA.
Pull the HOA declaration, bylaws and current financialsIf there's an HOA. Have them ready before you list, not when a buyer asks.
Find your survey, permits and warrantiesRobinAnything a buyer's attorney will want to see with the title work.
Choose your closing attorneyRequired in SCSouth Carolina requires one. You'll want your own, distinct from the buyer's — Robin can recommend one.

Robin works with the photographer on every listing so every picture is perfect.

Every light on, every blind openRobinBulbs matching, ceiling fans off for the photos.
Be out of the house for two hoursRobinPets included. The photographer works faster in an empty home.