Always prioritize structural and safety issues (foundation, roof leaks, serious electrical or plumbing problems) before cosmetic upgrades. Once major items are stable and insurable, focus on high-impact cosmetics like paint, flooring, and lighting that improve first impressions.

Ask specifically about price perception, condition, layout, and whether anything stopped them from making an offer. Questions like “How did the price feel compared to others you’ve seen?” and “What would need to change for this to be your top choice?” produce actionable feedback instead of vague comments.

Set clear boundaries and keep everything focused on the property—redirect personal questions and avoid oversharing about finances or motivation. Let your agent manage pushy or chatty visitors, and remember it’s okay to limit access to certain areas (locked cabinets, safes) and require appointments instead of drop-ins.

Full window replacement can help if your windows are clearly failing—fogged glass, drafts, won’t open, or visibly damaged frames—but it’s not always necessary. If they’re functional but dated, you may get more value from lower-cost improvements like sealing drafts, repainting frames, deep cleaning, and updating window treatments.

Prioritize repairs that affect safety, function, and first impressions: roof leaks, plumbing issues, obvious electrical problems, damaged flooring, and noticeable cosmetic flaws at the entry. Fixing simple, highly visible items and anything that might kill financing often yields a better return than tackling every small cosmetic issue.

Early possession means the buyer wants to move in before closing, which adds risk if the deal falls through. If you consider it, have a written occupancy agreement that covers rent, deposits, utilities, insurance, and what happens if the sale doesn’t close, and only proceed with strong legal guidance.