Getting Your Home Market-Ready (Without Losing Your Mind)
So, you’ve decided to sell your home. Exciting! But also... overwhelming? Maybe a little. Prepping your home for the market isn’t just about scrubbing baseboards and lighting a vanilla-scented candle (though, let’s be honest, both help). It’s about presenting your home in a way that makes buyers fall in love at first sight—and more importantly, submit an offer.
Step 1: Declutter Like You Mean It
Buyers need to see your home, not your collection of quirky coffee mugs or the treadmill doubling as a clothing rack. Go room by room and be ruthless. If you don’t use it, love it, or plan to take it with you—donate it, sell it, or pack it up early. Less is always more when it comes to staging.
Pro Tip: Closets count! Buyers will open them. Overstuffed closets scream “not enough storage,” so tidy them up.
Step 2: Deep Clean (Yes, Even That Weird Spot Behind the Fridge)
A sparkling clean home signals to buyers that the home has been well cared for. If deep cleaning isn’t your thing, hiring a professional is worth every penny. Pay special attention to kitchens and bathrooms—grimy grout and streaky mirrors are a no-go.
Step 3: Minor Repairs = Major Payoff
The leaky faucet you’ve ignored for months? Fix it. That one light switch that does... nothing? Get it checked out. Small repairs can make a huge difference in how buyers perceive your home. If they see a bunch of small, neglected fixes, they start wondering about bigger, hidden issues.
Step 4: Boost Your Curb Appeal
First impressions matter, and that starts at the curb. A fresh doormat, neatly trimmed hedges, and some colorful flowers can make your home feel warm and welcoming before buyers even step inside. If your front door has seen better days, a fresh coat of paint can work wonders.
Step 5: Stage It (Without Making It Look Like a Furniture Showroom)
You don’t need to hire a professional stager (although it’s an option!), but you do need to think about flow, lighting, and making rooms look their best. Rearrange furniture to create open, inviting spaces. Add cozy touches like fresh throw pillows, neutral decor, and lots of natural light.
Bonus Tip: Homes with professional photography sell 32% faster—so make sure your agent invests in high-quality listing photos!
Step 6: Interview Your Agent Like You’re Hiring a CEO
Not all real estate agents are created equal, and this is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in the selling process. A great agent will price your home correctly, market it effectively, and negotiate the best deal for you. Don’t just go with your neighbor’s cousin’s best friend because they got their license last summer.
Here are a few key questions to ask any prospective agent:
How many homes did you sell last year? (Spoiler: In 2024, 74% of agents didn’t sell any homes. Yikes.)
What’s your marketing strategy for my home? (Listing on Zillow and crossing their fingers doesn’t count.)
How do you handle negotiations? (You want a pro who knows how to advocate for your bottom line.)
What’s your commission structure? (Cheaper isn’t always better—you want someone who earns their fee.)
Step 7: Price It Right
Even the best-prepped home won’t sell if it’s overpriced. Trust your agent’s expertise, look at the comps (comparable home sales in your area), and be realistic. Overpricing can leave your home sitting on the market while properly priced homes fly off the shelf.
The Bottom Line
Selling your home doesn’t have to be stressful if you have a plan and the right people in your corner. Do the prep work, hire a top-tier agent (like, oh, I don’t know... me?), and set yourself up for a smooth, successful sale.
Thinking about selling? Let’s connect! Click the “START HERE.”
