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. Be sure to address odors as well. Eliminate any unpleasant smells by deep cleaning carpets and upholstery. Keep the home well-ventilated during showings. Avoid using air fresheners or scented candles.

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 the available space.

4. Repairs and Maintenance

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. 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 for creating dimension!

6. Maximize Natural Light

Open curtains and blinds to allow natural light to fill the rooms. Clean windows inside and out to ensure they are spotless and let in as much light as possible.

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

The kitchen is a crucial area for buyers. Update outdated fixtures, repair or replace damaged cabinets, and consider upgrading appliances if needed.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 Replace outdated fixtures, re-caulk bathtubs and showers, and add fresh towels and accessories.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

Adequate, modern lighting enhances the appeal of a home. Replace outdated or broken light fixtures and ceiling fans, and consider using energy-efficient bulbs (warm white!) to save on energy costs.

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 potential buyers. Savvy buyers will know if your home is overpriced and will most likely wait out a price drop. As with most “retail pricing”, shoppers wait for the sale. But once this happens buyers may start to wonder, “what’s wrong with it?”, especially in a hot seller’s market. Better to hit the pricing sweet spot when first entering the market than to lower it later on.

Remember, the specific requirements for preparing a home for sale 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 personalized advice tailored to your situation.