10 steps to prepare your home for sale: A seller’s checklist for success

Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you can make in your life. Yet selling your home is right up there with buying as far as major decisions in your life. In fact, taking the time to properly prepare your home for sale can make all the difference in attracting buyers and securing the best possible price. Doing the work in advance will ensure you have the most success as you look to sell this year.

Whether you’re moving for a new job, downsizing, or upgrading, use the following checklist to get your home market ready with ease.

 Boost Curb Appeal

What is the first thing potential buyers see when they tour a home? The outside of the house. Make sure those buyers fall in love with your home from the start by focusing on your curb appeal. Start by mowing the lawn and trimming bushes. Then, add fresh mulch and seasonal flowers to make sure your yard looks its best. Make sure you power wash the driveway, sidewalk, and exterior of the home. And consider painting the front door for a welcoming touch as people enter your home.

 Declutter and depersonalize

First impressions matter. And that’s especially true for buyers who may be trying to envision themselves living in your space. It’s hard to see yourself in a space when there are personal items and clutter throughout the home. Pack away family photos, memorabilia, and any unnecessary furniture to create an open, inviting atmosphere. And get rid of any clutter that may be taking up space in your home. Decluttering and de personalizing should be one of the first things you do as you prepare your home for sale.

 Deep clean every room

A spotless home tells buyers that the property has been well-maintained. Before you list your home, go into deep cleaning mode and scrub it from top to bottom. Pay special attention to high-traffic areas like the kitchen and bathrooms. Consider professional cleaning services to ensure carpets, windows, and hard-to-reach areas shine.

 Make necessary repairs

Small issues like leaky faucets, chipped paint, or squeaky doors may seem minor. But even the smallest things can be red flags for buyers. Walk through your home with a critical eye and make any needed repairs. If there are larger problems, consider whether they should be addressed before listing or disclosed upfront. It may be worth it to invest in a contractor or handyman who can make bigger repairs as needed.

 Neutralize paint colors

You may use bold colors, which suit your personal style. Or maybe you’ve been experimenting with moody tones. While that’s great for a home you plan to live in, when it’s time to sell, you may need to reconsider your paint schemes. Neutral tones appeal to a broader audience. A fresh coat of paint in whites, grays, or beiges can make spaces feel bigger, brighter, more inviting, and even cleaner.

 Stage your home for success

Staging helps showcase your home’s best features. While you can hire a professional, it isn’t necessary. Small touches like rearranging furniture to maximize space, adding fresh linens, and setting the dining table can make a difference. In the kitchen, limit countertops to include only stylish must-haves. Hang fresh towels, put out plants, and add a pot of fresh herbs or a bowl of ripe fruit to make your home feel bright and clean. These little touches can help increase your selling price according to data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

 Enhance lighting in your home

Bright homes feel warm and inviting, so use that to your advantage. Open curtains to let in natural light and consider replacing heavier window treatments with sheer ones to help even more light come in. Wash your windows before you list to make sure you’re allowing the most light possible into your home. Be sure to replace dim bulbs with higher wattage ones and add strategically placed lamps to create a cozy ambiance. You can also decorate with smartly placed mirrors, which will reflect light and brighten darker rooms.

 Get a pre-listing inspection

Buyers typically get an inspection once they make an offer on a home. Yet once a buyer gets an inspection, it gives them the power over the seller to make requests before negotiations are finalized. When you, as a seller, get a pre-listing inspection, it can uncover potential issues before a buyer does. This gives you a chance to fix those issues or to price your home accordingly. It can also prevent surprises during negotiations. Your agent can help you make determinations about the updates you should consider before you list your home.

 Set the right price

Pricing your home correctly from the start is crucial. Fortunately, this isn’t a topic you have to tackle on your own. You’ll want to work with a trusted real estate agent. A great agent knows how to analyze market trends and determine a competitive price that attracts buyers without undervaluing your property. A great agent has the tools to price your home appropriately.

 Work with a highly experienced real estate agent

An experienced agent can provide expert advice, market your home effectively, and negotiate the best deal on your behalf. They should be able to come to the table with a plan in place for selling your home, so be sure to interview a few agents to find who has your best interest in mind. The guidance of a good agent ensures you don’t overlook important details that could impact your sale.

Get ready to sell fast this year

Preparing your home for sale takes time and effort, but following these steps can lead to a faster sale and a higher selling price. By presenting your home in the best possible light, you’ll increase your chances of impressing buyers and getting the offer you deserve.