10 Things To Do Before You Sell Your Home

Get top dollar, sell faster, and reduce stress with these smart prep steps.

Thinking of selling your home? Before you stick a “For Sale” sign on the lawn, there are a few key things you should do to make your property shine—and attract serious buyers. Here’s your go-to checklist:

1. Declutter Every Room

A clean, open space looks bigger and more inviting. Clear off countertops, pack away personal items, and donate or store anything you don’t need.

2. Deep Clean Everything

Buyers notice the details. Hire a professional cleaner or go all-in yourself —baseboards, windows, appliances, grout lines, and carpets included. We can send in our trusted professionals if this seems daunting!

3. Handle Minor Repairs

Fix leaky faucets, cracked tiles, squeaky doors, and chipped paint. Small issues make buyers wonder about bigger ones.

4. Boost Curb Appeal

First impressions matter. Mow the lawn, trim shrubs, plant fresh flowers, and make sure the front entry is clean and welcoming.

5. Depersonalize the Space

Remove family photos, kids’ artwork, and bold décor. The goal is to create a neutral space so buyers can picture themselves living there.

6. Stage to Highlight Space

You don’t need fancy furniture—just smart placement. Staging helps buyers see how each room functions. 81% of buyers say staging makes it easier to visualize a property as their future home. (NAR 2023). Homes that are staged spend 33–50% less time on the market compared to unstaged homes. (RESA). We believe in the power of staging, and have trusted industry professionals on speed dial to help should you choose.

7. Update Lighting

Bright spaces sell. Replace dim bulbs, open curtains, and consider adding lamps to dark corners. Natural light = buyer magnet. Pro tip: remove screens on windows to give a bright, clear view to the outdoors.

8. Professional Photos

Cell phone pics won’t cut it. High-quality, professional photography is essential for online listings and social media buzz.

9. Know Your Market

Work with an agent who understands your local market. A smart pricing strategy based on comps, timing, and trends can make or break your sale.

10. Pre-List Inspection (Optional but Powerful)

Consider a pre-inspection to catch surprises before the buyer does. It shows you’re proactive and can help you avoid renegotiations later.

Final Thoughts

Selling your home is both a financial decision and an emotional one—but being prepared makes it so much easier. If you're thinking about selling, I’d love to guide you through the process step-by-step and help you get the best possible outcome.

Maybe you're ready to roll up your sleeves and tackle the prep list yourself—or maybe you're not sure where to start. Either way, that’s where we come in. We’ll take the stress off your plate and connect you with trusted professionals to get your home market-ready with confidence.

📩 Thinking of selling? Let's chat. Your strategy starts here.