Getting Your Home Ready to Sell

Selling your home can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation, you can make your property stand out and attract serious buyers.

A well-prepared home not only sells faster but often fetches a better price.

Follow this comprehensive checklist to get your home market-ready and create a lasting impression on potential buyers.

1. Boost Curb Appeal: Make a Stellar First Impression

The exterior of your home is the first thing buyers see, whether in person or online. A polished and inviting exterior sets the tone for the entire space.

• Tidy up landscaping: Trim overgrown bushes, mow the lawn, and remove weeds. Add seasonal flowers or potted plants for a pop of color.
• Power wash surfaces: Clean the driveway, sidewalks, and entryway to remove dirt and grime.
• Refresh the front door: Repaint or stain the door if it’s faded, and polish or replace hardware for a modern look.
• Update small details: Swap out old house numbers, replace a worn mailbox, and add a fresh doormat to welcome guests.

Pro Tip: Stand across the street and evaluate your home’s curb appeal objectively. Does it look inviting? If not, make adjustments.

2. Declutter and Depersonalize: Let Buyers Imagine Themselves

Buyers need to envision themselves living in your home, which is hard to do if it’s filled with personal items or clutter.

• Remove personal items: Take down family photos, trophies, or quirky collections to create a neutral canvas.
• Clear surfaces: Keep countertops, shelves, and tables free of excess items. Less is more!
• Organize storage spaces: Buyers will peek in closets and cabinets, so make them look spacious and tidy.
• Downsize belongings: Donate, sell, or store items you won’t need during the selling process. Consider renting a storage unit for items you don’t need daily, such as furniture or boxes.

Pro Tip: Walk through your home as if you’re a buyer. If a space feels crowded or overly personal, simplify it.

3. Clean Until It Sparkles: A Spotless Home Sells

A clean home signals to buyers that it’s been well-maintained. Go beyond surface cleaning to make every corner shine.

• Deep clean every room: Scrub floors, wash windows, polish appliances, and sanitize bathrooms.
• Consider professional help: Hire a cleaning service for a thorough job, especially if you have a large home or a tight timeline.
• Refresh your carpets and rugs: Steam clean them or consider replacing them if they are heavily stained or worn.
• Eliminate odors: Address pet smells, smoke, or cooking odors with air purifiers, deodorizers, or professional treatments.

Pro Tip: Open windows to air out the home before showings, and avoid cooking strong-smelling foods during the listing period.

4. Tackle Small Repairs: Fix the Little Things

Minor issues can raise red flags for buyers, so address them before listing your home.

• Fix functional issues: Repair leaky faucets, squeaky doors, loose cabinet handles, or cracked tiles.
• Refresh walls: Patch holes and repaint scuffed or bold-colored walls in neutral tones, such as soft gray, beige, or white.
• Update the lighting: Replace burnt-out bulbs and ensure all fixtures are clean and in good working condition.
• Check doors and windows: Make sure they open and close smoothly, and replace any sticky locks or broken screens.

Pro Tip: Create a checklist of repairs and tackle them systematically to avoid missing anything.

5. Stage Your Home: Highlight Its Potential

Staging helps buyers see your home’s best features and envision how they would use the space. You don’t need to hire a professional—small changes can make a big difference.

• Rearrange furniture: Position furniture to maximize space and create a natural flow between rooms.
• Use neutral decor: Opt for simple, hotel-like touches like white towels, neutral throw pillows, or minimalist artwork.
• Refresh key areas: Add fresh towels in bathrooms, crisp bedding in bedrooms, and a set dining table for warmth.
• Highlight focal points: Draw attention to fireplaces, large windows, or built-in shelves with strategic decor.

Pro Tip: If your home is vacant, consider renting a few key furniture pieces to make it feel lived-in and inviting.

6. Brighten It Up: Create a Light and Airy Atmosphere

A bright home feels larger, warmer, and more welcoming. Maximize light to make your home shine.

• Maximize natural light: Open blinds, curtains, and shutters during showings to let sunlight pour in.
• Add artificial lighting: Place lamps in dark corners or rooms with limited natural light. Use warm-toned bulbs for a cozy feel.
• Incorporate light colors: Add light-colored throw pillows, blankets, or rugs to enhance the airy vibe.
• Clean mirrors and glass: Sparkling mirrors and windows reflect light, making spaces feel bigger.

Pro Tip: Turn on all lights before a showing, even during the day, to create a cheerful ambiance.

7. Invest in Professional Photography: Showcase Your Home Online

Most buyers start their home search online, so high-quality photos and videos are critical to making a strong first impression.

• Hire a professional photographer: Great photos highlight your home’s best features and attract more clicks.
• Consider virtual tours: A 3D tour or video walkthrough lets buyers explore your home remotely.
• Showcase unique features: Use drone shots for large lots, scenic views, or special amenities like pools or gardens.
• Time it right: Schedule photography on a clear day with good lighting to capture your home at its best.

Pro Tip: Review the photos before they’re posted to ensure they accurately represent your home’s appeal.

8. Prepare Paperwork: Stay Organized

Having all necessary documents ready streamlines the selling process and builds buyer confidence.

• Gather key documents:
  • Home warranty information (if applicable).
  • Repair and maintenance history (e.g., HVAC servicing, roof repairs).
  • Appliance manuals for items staying in the home.
  • Solar lease or panel details, if applicable.
• Organize financials: Locate your mortgage details, including loan balance and payoff date.
• Review utility bills: Buyers often ask about average monthly costs for electricity, water, gas, or internet.

Pro Tip: Create a binder or digital folder with all documents for easy access during negotiations.

9. Set the Right Price: Align with the Market

Pricing your home correctly is crucial to attracting buyers and avoiding delays.

• Work with a real estate agent: Use their expertise to analyze local market trends and comparable sales (comps).
• Avoid overpricing: Online estimates like Zillow’s Zestimate can be misleading. Trust your agent’s data-driven approach.
• Find the sweet spot: Price your home competitively based on your neighborhood’s demand and current market conditions.
• Be strategic: Consider pricing slightly below market value to spark interest and potentially trigger a bidding war.

Pro Tip: Discuss pricing goals with your agent early to align expectations and create a plan.

10. Be Show-Ready: Make Every Viewing Count

Once your home is listed, it needs to be ready for showings at a moment’s notice.

• Maintain a show-ready state: Keep surfaces clear, make the beds, and put away dishes daily.
• Plan for pets: Arrange for your pets to be out of the home during showings, and remove their bowls and litter boxes.
• Set the scene: Leave lights on, blinds open, and soft music playing to create a welcoming atmosphere.
• Vacate during showings: Give buyers space to explore without feeling rushed or observed.

Pro Tip: Create a quick “pre-showing checklist” to run through before leaving the house.

🎯 Bonus Tip: Presentation Pays Off

The effort you put into preparing your home can directly impact its sale price and the time it stays on the market.

A clean, decluttered, and well-staged home not only attracts more buyers but also signals that it’s been lovingly maintained.

As the saying goes: “The better your home shows, the faster it sells—and usually for a better price!”

By following this checklist, you’ll position your home to shine in a competitive market. Work closely with your real estate agent to execute these steps, and you’ll be well on your way to a successful sale.

Happy selling!

☕  Let’s Connect!

Have questions about buying, selling, or the real estate market in general? I’d love to help! Set up a time to chat with me using my calendar link—it’s quick and easy to find a time that works for you. Whether it’s an in-depth discussion or a casual Q&A, I’m here to answer your questions and help you navigate your real estate journey.

Please feel free to schedule time on my calendar. Pick a meeting time.

🏡 Discover Your Home’s True Value Instantly!

Are you curious about your home’s worth in today’s market? My free instant home analysis provides an accurate, up-to-date estimate of your property’s value. For those looking for a deeper dive, I also offer a personalized, in-depth analysis tailored to your unique property and neighborhood trends. Whether you’re considering selling, refinancing, or simply staying informed, this tool and my expertise take the guesswork out of real estate decisions. Let’s start planning your next move with confidence!

Get a free home evaluation: Instant home evaluation.

😍 Find Your Perfect Home with Ease

Looking for your dream home? My website makes exploring available listings in the Coachella Valley and beyond simple. Use the advanced search tools to filter properties by location, price, size, and features that matter most to you.

Whether you are searching for a mid-century modern gem in Palm Springs, a luxury estate in Indian Wells, or an investment property in Indio, you’ll find up-to-date listings and detailed information to help you make informed decisions.

Start your search today and take the first step toward finding your perfect place!

Browse Desert Properties.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely my own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices or its affiliates. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, or investment advice. Readers should conduct their own research and consult with a professional before making any real estate or investment decisions.

DRE# 02246347