Thinking about selling your Englewood home? Getting market‑ready can feel overwhelming, especially when you are balancing timing, disclosures, and repairs. With a clear plan, you can reduce surprises, attract better offers, and move forward with confidence. This guide gives you a practical, Englewood‑specific checklist that covers what to do, when to do it, and what it may cost. Let’s dive in.
Plan your timing in Englewood
Buyer activity across the Denver metro, including Englewood, often runs highest in spring and early summer. If you can, align prep and photography ahead of that window. In today’s market, condition and presentation matter, so plan time for key inspections and simple fixes. Your pricing strategy should reflect current local supply and demand.
Gather your required disclosures and records
Seller’s Property Disclosure (Colorado)
Colorado sellers are expected to disclose known material facts using the state’s standard form. Review the Division of Real Estate guidance on the Seller’s Property Disclosure and complete it early so buyers can evaluate your home confidently. You can find details on the state’s guidance page for understanding Seller’s Property Disclosure forms.
Radon disclosures and testing
Colorado law requires disclosure of known radon test results and any mitigation history in real estate contracts. Many Englewood buyers will ask for a professional radon test during inspections, so plan ahead. Read the statute on radon disclosures in Colorado real estate contracts, and see CDPHE’s guidance on testing your home for radon.
HOA documents, if applicable
If your home is in an HOA, collect governing documents, recent budgets, meeting minutes, and assessment history. Colorado provides clear guidance for homeowners in common‑interest communities. Start with the state’s HOA frequently asked questions.
Pre‑1978 lead‑based paint
Homes built before 1978 require a federal lead disclosure, including the Lead Warning Statement and any available reports. Review the federal requirements so you can prepare the correct forms and pamphlet. Learn more from HUD on lead‑based paint disclosure rules.
Permits and unpermitted work
Englewood requires permits for most structural and many interior or exterior projects. Gather permits, final inspections, and contractor receipts for major work. If you suspect unpermitted work, review the city’s guidance on when a permit is required and consult the Building Division early.
Quick document checklist
- Completed Seller’s Property Disclosure and any prior inspection reports.
- Deed, mortgage payoff, recent tax bill, and any available survey or plat.
- Permits, final inspections, and warranties for renovations or major systems.
- HOA governing docs, budgets, minutes, assessment history, and management contacts.
- Appliance manuals, receipts for recent repairs, and utility bills for common questions.
Order smart inspections and safety checks
Pre‑listing home inspection
A pre‑listing inspection can reveal items that might stall your sale or trigger big credits later. If budget is tight, focus on areas that commonly raise flags, like roof, HVAC, electrical, moisture, and plumbing.
Radon test and mitigation
Short‑term professional tests typically run 48 to 120 hours and are the standard for transactions. If levels exceed 4.0 pCi/L, plan for mitigation, which is common and effective in Colorado. Start with CDPHE’s guidance on testing your home for radon.
Sewer line camera scope
Older lines can have root intrusion or breaks that surprise buyers during inspections. A sewer scope is a low‑cost way to get ahead of problems and plan repairs or credits. See typical national cost ranges for a sewer camera inspection.
Roof, HVAC, electrical, and pests
If your systems are older or performance is inconsistent, schedule targeted evaluations and tune‑ups. Provide receipts and warranties when available to strengthen buyer confidence.
Smoke and CO alarms
Verify working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in recommended locations and replace expired devices. Updated standards apply in Colorado, and buyers will notice if alarms are missing or not functioning. Review the state’s overview of carbon monoxide and smoke alarm requirements.
Get the house show‑ready
Immediate steps (1 to 2 weeks)
- Deep clean, declutter, and depersonalize high‑traffic areas.
- Replace burnt bulbs and fix small items like loose handrails or leaky faucets.
- Test alarms and add fresh batteries where needed.
- Book a professional photographer and confirm square footage if unclear.
High‑value fixes (2 to 4+ weeks)
- Order a pre‑listing inspection and address moderate issues or plan credits.
- Schedule a roof evaluation and minor repairs if shingles or flashing are worn.
- Service the HVAC and replace filters.
- Radon test and mitigation planning if results are over 4.0 pCi/L.
- Consider a sewer scope if the home is older or has mature trees near the line.
Cosmetic and staging (1 to 3 weeks)
- Touch up paint in neutral tones where scuffed or dated.
- Refresh kitchens and baths with lower‑cost updates like hardware, caulk, and grout cleaning.
- Boost curb appeal with trimmed landscaping, a clean entry, and polished front‑door hardware.
- Use professional or strategic staging for photos and showings.
Budget and timeline snapshot
- Radon mitigation in Colorado often ranges from about 1,000 to 3,000 dollars, depending on complexity. See CDPHE’s radon FAQs for context.
- Sewer scope commonly ranges from about 125 to 500 dollars. Check typical costs for a sewer camera inspection.
- Pre‑listing home inspections in the region often run a few hundred dollars depending on size and scope.
- Minor cosmetic updates and touch‑ups can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, based on materials and labor.
Typical timelines
- Document gathering and cleaning: about 1 to 2 weeks.
- Pre‑listing inspection and contractor bids: about 1 to 2 weeks.
- Radon short‑term test: 2 to 7 days including lab time, with mitigation install commonly scheduled within days to two weeks. See CDPHE on testing your home for radon.
- Permit checks or addressing unpermitted work can take days to months, depending on scope. Start with the City of Englewood’s page on permits.
Local resources for Englewood sellers
- City of Englewood Building Division for permit requirements and records.
- Colorado Division of Real Estate for Seller’s Property Disclosure forms and HOA guidance.
- CDPHE for radon testing and mitigation resources.
- Arapahoe County Assessor and tax search for parcel and tax details. Start at the Arapahoe County tax search.
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for smoke and CO alarm standards.
Getting your pre‑listing checklist right saves time and can help you net more at closing. If you want a tailored, Englewood‑specific plan and a modern marketing strategy, let’s connect. Reach out to Brandon Kass Real Estate powered by RE/MAX to start your sale with confidence.
FAQs
What should Englewood sellers do first before listing?
- Start by gathering disclosures and records, then schedule key inspections like radon testing and a general home inspection so you can plan repairs or credits with fewer surprises.
Do I have to test for radon before listing my Englewood home?
- You are not required to test before listing, but Colorado law requires disclosure of known results and buyers commonly test during inspections, so proactive testing can streamline negotiations according to state guidance.
How do I handle unpermitted work in Englewood?
- Disclose it and contact the City of Englewood’s Building Division early to understand options for retroactive permits or corrections, using the city’s permit guidance.
What documents will buyers usually request in Englewood?
- Expect requests for the Seller’s Property Disclosure, HOA documents if applicable, permits and warranties, utility information, the latest tax bill, and any inspection reports, per state disclosure guidance.
How much should I budget for common pre‑listing items?
- Plan a few hundred dollars for a general inspection, 125 to 500 dollars for a sewer scope, and about 1,000 to 3,000 dollars if radon mitigation is needed, based on CDPHE and typical cost surveys.
