As a service member, you know that Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves are a part of military life, happening every two to four years — with the actual relocation often occurring in spring or early summer.

If you’re a homeowner, moving across the country or around the world may mean selling your home in as little as six weeks. While the process can feel overwhelming, starting in January or February will get you ready for the early spring buying season.

Here’s a week-by-week breakdown to help you prepare for a no-hassle home sale.

Related: How to Sell Your Home Quickly in Any Market

Week 1: Do Some Local Market Research

To properly assess your home’s market value — or what a buyer would be willing to pay for it — take time to explore online listings for homes similar to yours and pay attention to listing prices of comparable homes in your neighborhood. What features or upgrades in those homes make them stand out? Is there an outdoor kitchen? Was the master bathroom or kitchen recently remodeled? Is it in a quiet cul-de-sac? Does it back to park land or green space?

Changes to agent roles and commissions has made it more difficult to visit listings on your own if it’s listed by a realty company. However, you should plan to attend a few open houses in your area to see your “competition” and start thinking about how you can make your listing stand out.

Related: 4 Tips for Working With a Real Estate Agent

Week 2: Hire an Agent

A skilled real estate agent is a key partner in your home sale. How do you find the right agent? Ask friends, neighbors, and coworkers for recommendations or search online for agents with the “Military Relocation Professional (MRP)” designation — a credential that signals expertise in assisting military clients.

Your agent will handle critical aspects of the sale, including pricing, marketing, staging, negotiating, and sourcing professionals like photographers or contractors. Choosing the right agent now can save you time and delay later.

Week 3: Make Repairs

Schedule a pre-listing home inspection to identify issues that might turn off buyers, such as leaky faucets, faulty wiring, or HVAC problems. While an inspection may cost you a few hundred dollars, it could save you from surprises that come up during the buyer’s inspection of your property.

Large items, such as a malfunctioning air-conditioner or foundation crack, should be addressed before you list your home, but even fixing minor issues can help it show better and sell faster.

Be sure to get a licensed and insured contractor for outdoor work as early as possible since they may have a busy schedule or wait list, and inclement weather could put your project on hold for days or even weeks.

Related: 3 Pre-listing Ideas to Get the Best Price for Your Home

Week 4: Declutter and Deep Clean

Buyers want to see a clean, neutral space where they can envision their own lives. That means decluttering, depersonalizing, and deep cleaning.

Kitchens should be as decluttered as possible with few appliances if any on countertops. (Buyers will not be impressed by your crock pot or waffle iron.) Clean cabinets, shelves, and countertops to showcase your kitchen’s usable space. In bathrooms, remove non-essential items, store toiletries out of sight, and clean thoroughly.

In bedrooms, tuck away those photos of your pets and grandkids and tidy up personal belongings, Put away clothing and, if possible, remove everything you can so closets look more spacious. Flat surfaces should be clear and dust-free.

Week 5: Boost Curb Appeal

According to the National Association of Realtors® (“NAR”), 92% of real estate agents suggest sellers improve their curb appeal before listing a home for sale.

With just a week or two left in your prep timeline, now is the time to make your home stand out from other listings. First impressions matter, and small upgrades can have a big return on investment (ROI). Here are some high-impact ideas:

A fresh coat of neutral-palette paint on the exterior revitalizes your home’s appearance and protects against the elements, which can prevent damage and deterioration. And while you’re out there, it might be time to repaint the numbers at the curb or replace a sagging mailbox. Fresh mulch, trimmed hedges, and colorful flowers in beds or pots can add thousands in value with an average ROI of 104%, says NAR.

Week 6: Stage Your Home

Staging can enhance your home’s appeal, making it easier for buyers to imagine themselves living there. According to NAR, staging the living room was found to be most important for buyers (39%), followed by staging the primary bedroom (36%), and staging the kitchen (30%). Ideas include removing unnecessary items and rearranging furniture to create open, inviting spaces.

To make your home inviting, set up a game on a living room table, set the formal table with your best china and a vase of fresh flowers, add throw pillows for a cozy look and be sure to remove personal items, such as family photos or children’s artwork.

Hiring a professional stager can elevate the process, with staged homes often selling for 13% more than unstaged ones, says NAR.

Week 7: Now Focus on Your Own Move

Once your home is listed, your agent will take the lead on marketing, showings, and negotiations. This frees you up to focus on your next chapter — researching the location of your new duty station, including schools, medical providers, and local amenities. (Remember, you can reach out to AMS Military Mortgage Advisors, who are licensed mortgage loan originators, for expert guidance on buying in your new location.)

By starting the home sale prep process in January or early February, you’ll be well-prepared to list your property by April 1, just as spring home shoppers are starting to look for “fresh” listings.

We’re Here to Help

Whether you’re thinking about buying, ready to start home-shopping in earnest, or considering a refinance, an AMS Military Mortgage Advisor will be happy to provide you with an honest and fair comparison of your mortgage options, including a wide range of affordable mortgages designed to meet your needs.

Ensuring AAFMAA Members obtain the best mortgage possible is our mission. Get your free mortgage assessment today or give us a call at 844-422-3622!