How to Prepare My House for Sale
Preparing your home properly means giving potential customers the right feel to sell you house right away.
Why Prepping Your Home Matters
Getting your home ready before selling it is super important. Why? Because people decide how they feel about a home very quickly — sometimes in just a few seconds! A clean, neat, and welcoming space helps buyers see how great your home really is. When your house looks its best, it can sell faster and maybe even for more money. That’s why taking time to fix it up and make it shine is totally worth it.
Potential buyers get an impression of your home – either positive or negative – within 30 seconds of walking through the door. Having them see your home in tip-top selling shape is an absolute must.
There are countless ways to put the freshest face on your home, many of them costing little more than a bit of your time. Here are a few pointers for the most significant impact.
This guide will tell you how to prepare your house for sale:
Outside: “The Power of Curb Appeal”
• Clear any clutter and keep lawn decorations to a minimum.
• Mow your lawn and trim shrubs.
• Add bushes and/or colorful flowers.
• Sweep sidewalks, porch and driveway.
• Remove or update any dated or personalized fixtures.
• Put all toys away.
• Fix damaged gutters, shutters, siding or roof shingles.
• Add a tasteful welcome mat to the front door.
• Clean all windows inside and out.
Andrew Boast, the founder of SAM Conveyancing and a property expert, shared crucial advice with GB News to help homeowners secure a quick sale.
"First impressions are crucial, and kerb appeal plays a key role in that. When buyers have a positive feeling as they approach the home, they’re likely to carry that positive impression with them throughout the viewing."
Source: MSN
TIP:
Leave your house while it's being shown to potential buyers. Your presence can make them feel anxious and awkward.
Write a letter about your neighborhood that I can share with potential buyers. Include information on local events, neighborhood amenities and other factors that define the community.
Inside: “Leave No Trace”
Clean everything! Check for cobwebs on ceilings, dust on baseboards – everything.
De-clutter. Then de-clutter again. Rent a storage locker if you need to. This is very important for increasing your home's appeal.
• Add a fresh coat of paint to the walls.
• Remove family photos and excessive wall decorations.
• Remove personal items, such as DVD collections and trophies.
• Replace worn carpets, and shampoo carpets that are dirty but still in good shape.
• Polish wood floors.
• Add fresh flowers or plants, but don't overdo it.
• Maximize your home's natural light by opening blinds and shades.
• Do a smell check and address any odors.
• Pet owners: Take Fido or Fluffy with you while your home is being shown.
I can provide additional advice on prepping your home, right pricing, and also give you insights into the preferences of local buyers. Chat with me today!
About the Author
Aaron Jones is an award-winning real estate professional, recognized in the RE/MAX Hall of Fame with a Lifetime Achievement Award. As an Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) and Seller Representative Specialist (SRS), he is dedicated to helping clients navigate the home-buying process with confidence. Licensed in Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska, Aaron brings local expertise and a commitment to exceptional service.
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