So, you’ve decided to sell your home—congrats! Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, relocating, or just ready for something new, preparing your house for the market is a big (but exciting!) step. And while partnering with a great realtor takes a lot of stress off your plate, there are still a few key things you can do to get your home looking its best and ready to shine.
Here’s your go-to guide for getting your house ready to sell—with a realtor by your side every step of the way.
1. Team Up with the Right Realtor
Before anything else, make sure you choose a realtor who knows your area, understands your goals, and communicates well. A good realtor brings local market knowledge, pricing strategy, staging advice, and marketing expertise to the table. Think of them as your personal home-selling coach.
Pro tip: Interview a few agents. Ask about their recent sales, marketing approach, and how they’d position your home in the market.
2. Declutter Like You’re Moving (Because You Are)
Buyers want to imagine themselves in the space—not be distracted by yours. Start boxing up personal items, family photos, collectibles, and anything that makes the space feel too lived-in. Keep decor neutral, surfaces clean, and closets tidy.
This also makes packing later way easier. Win-win.
3. Deep Clean Everything
First impressions are everything. A sparkling home gives the impression of being well-maintained. This means:
- Scrubbing kitchens and bathrooms
- Washing windows (inside and out)
- Wiping baseboards, light switches, and handles
- Cleaning carpets and floors
Your realtor may even recommend a professional cleaner or staging company to take it to the next level.
4. Handle Small Repairs
That leaky faucet or squeaky door you’ve lived with for years? Time to fix it. Buyers notice the little things, and a long list of minor issues can lead them to wonder what else might be wrong.
Here’s a quick fix-it list:
- Patch nail holes and touch up paint
- Replace burnt-out bulbs
- Tighten loose hardware
- Fix or replace broken screens, handles, or hinges
Your realtor might walk through the house with you and point out buyer red flags you can easily address.
5. Boost Curb Appeal
The outside of your home sets the tone before buyers even step inside. You don’t need a full landscape overhaul, just a tidy, inviting vibe.
- Mow the lawn and trim shrubs
- Add fresh mulch or flowers
- Power wash the exterior and driveway
- Repaint or clean the front door
If you’ve got a porch, add a few chairs or planters to make it feel welcoming.
6. Stage for Success
Staging doesn’t mean bringing in all new furniture—it’s about arranging what you have to show off the space. Your realtor can help with layout suggestions or recommend a stager.
Key goals:
- Maximize natural light
- Open up traffic flow
- Highlight key features (like fireplaces, views, or built-ins)
- Keep it neutral and fresh
7. Set the Right Price
This is so important. Your realtor will run a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to determine what similar homes are selling for. Pricing too high can scare off buyers; too low, and you leave money on the table.
Lean on your agent’s expertise here—they know how to price to attract interest while maximizing value.
8. Prep for Showings
Once your home hits the market, it needs to be ready for showings, sometimes on short notice. Keep things clean, clutter-free, and smelling fresh. Have a plan for pets and a go-bag in case you need to clear out quickly.
Your realtor will coordinate the showings and collect feedback to fine-tune the strategy if needed.
Final Thoughts
Selling your home is a big deal—but with the right prep and a great realtor in your corner, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Invest a little time upfront, and you’ll not only make a better impression—you might even get better offers, faster.