5 Essential Steps to Prepare Your Home for Sale

Step 1 – Declutter and Depersonalize We all accumulate too much stuff, which can distract potential buyers. To create a welcoming space, minimize clutter—store away books, knick-knacks, storage boxes, off-season clothes, and other excess items. Neutralize the space by putting away personal photos, mementos, and collections. This helps buyers envision themselves in your home.

Step 2 – Deep Clean Prepare your home to a “hotel standard” of cleanliness. Wash baseboards, clear cobwebs, deep-clean inside your fridge and oven, organize closets and cupboards, and dust thoroughly—even in hidden spots. Consider professional carpet cleaning for extra impact. Keep the home consistently clean while it’s on the market, making beds, doing dishes, and tidying up daily.

Step 3 – Stage Your Home Staging enhances the appeal of each room by making smart use of space, lighting, and decor. This might mean turning a home office into a bedroom, rearranging furniture, painting walls, or adding new light fixtures. Whether you hire a professional stager or work with your Realtor, staging doesn’t have to be costly but does require time. A well-staged home can reduce selling time and increase your sale price.

Step 4 – Make Repairs and Minor Renovations Fix any small issues, like a leaky faucet, peeling wallpaper, or loose gutters. These minor repairs reassure buyers that your home is well-maintained. Bringing in a handyman to complete these quick fixes can make a big difference, and be sure all light bulbs are working!

Step 5 – Get a Pre-Listing Home Inspection A pre-listing inspection can help identify potential issues that might become buyer objections. For example, if the roof needs replacing, you can choose to fix it before listing or adjust your asking price accordingly. Sharing an inspection report with buyers can also encourage confident offers, especially if you’re aiming for a bidding war.