Getting ready to put your home on the market? Consider these top tasks for your to-do list (you may need to do more or less depending on your home’s current condition.)
1. Deep Cleaning
Ensure your home is spotless. Clean carpets, wash windows, and scrub floors. Pay attention to often overlooked areas such as baseboards, light fixtures, and grout lines. A clean and fresh-smelling home makes a positive impression, so be sure to address odors as well. Eliminate any unpleasant smells as best you can and keep your home well-ventilated. I recommend avoiding use of air fresheners or scented candles, however. Overly scented rooms can sometimes raise suspicion about what’s being covered up.
3. Declutter and Depersonalize
Remove excess belongings to make your home appear more spacious and allow potential buyers to envision themselves in the space. Pack away personal items like family photos and keepsakes. Clear countertops, closets, and storage areas to showcase available space.
4. Repair and Maintain
Fix any visible issues such as leaky faucets, broken tiles, cracked walls or stained ceilings. Ensure that all systems and appliances are in good working condition. Consider replacing appliances that are nearing end of life.
2. Enhance Curb Appeal
First impressions matter! Enhance your home's exterior by mowing the lawn, trimming hedges, planting flowers, and adding fresh mulch during warmer months. In winter, be sure sidewalks and driveway are clear of snow. Consider repainting the front door, updating hardware and adding new house numbers.
5. Neutralize and Paint
Consider repainting rooms with neutral colors to create a blank canvas for potential buyers. Neutral tones appeal to a broader range of people and make it easier for them to imagine their furniture and belongings in the space. Though a pop of color on an accent wall works well in photos and creates dimension!
6. Maximize Natural Light
Open curtains and blinds to allow natural light to fill the rooms. Clean windows inside and out. It will let in more light and make your whole place feel cleaner. Hire window washers if need be — it’s worth it!
7. Stage Your Home
Arrange furniture and decor to highlight the home's best features and create an inviting atmosphere. I strongly recommend hiring a professional stager to help you with this! Their approach is to market to specific buyers in your area at your price point. Stagers can also offer design recommendations for paint colors, refreshed lighting, bath fixtures, flooring, and much more.
8. Refresh Kitchen & Bathrooms
Update outdated fixtures, and repair or replace damaged tile, counters and cabinets. Consider upgrading appliances if needed. Clean and repair any issues in the bathrooms. Replace outdated fixtures, re-caulk bathtubs and showers, and add fresh towels and accessories.
9. Update Lighting
Updating light fixtures can be a simple, inexpensive way to enhance appeal. Replace outdated or broken lights and ceiling fans with on-trend styles that blend with your home. Replace blown-out bulbs, matching wattage and color in multi-bulb lights. Choose warm whites bulbs and add lamps if needed.
10. Set an Appropriate Price
Work with a real estate agent to determine a competitive and realistic listing price based on market trends, location, and the condition of your home. Pricing your home accurately is crucial for attracting buyer attention right out of the gate. When overpriced homes have price drops, buyers often ask “what’s wrong with it?” Better to hit the pricing sweet spot when first entering the market than to lower it later on.
Specifics for preparing a home to sell may vary depending on its condition, location, and target market. It's always a good idea to consult with a local real estate professional for advice tailored to your situation.
Heidi Swanson is a Realtor® based in St. Paul, Minnesota. She writes to inform buyers and sellers on variety of topics including market conditions, tips for selling and buying, homeownership trends, and more. Reach her at heidi@lyndenrealty.com or 651-503-1540.
This content was created by a human writer and has not been generated by AI.