Preparing to sell your house can bring all kinds of stress and uncertainty.
If you’re like most sellers, you’re not sure what to focus on — or what actually matters.
You’re worried about buyers not being interested.
And you’re anxious that your home won’t sell for the right price or within your ideal timeframe.
The good news?
Knowing how to get your house ready to sell the right way can take that pressure off.
This guide will walk you through what to do –– step by step –– so you can feel confident your home is market ready.
Let’s jump in.
When should you start getting your house ready to sell?
Ideally, you should start getting your home ready at least 30 to 60 days before you plan to list.
That gives most sellers enough time to tackle pre-listing tasks without feeling rushed.
But the right time depends on your situation.
For example, you’ll likely want to start several months in advance if you:
- Move before selling and plan to make small to medium improvements
- Intend to make extensive upgrades
- Need to sell before buying.
You probably won’t need as much lead time if you don’t plan to make any updates.
Or if you’re buying your next home before selling your current one.
The important thing is that you don’t procrastinate.
Do you need to have everything figured out when you start the process?
You don’t.
But giving yourself enough time will help you avoid last-minute stress.
Still early in the process?
Our full guide on how to sell a house breaks down everything you need to know — before, during, and after listing.
7 key steps to get your house ready to sell
There’s more to getting a house ready to sell than a quick clean or a fresh coat of paint.
It’s about having the right plan that puts you in the best position to sell quickly and for the highest possible price.
Here are seven key steps to help you get ready with confidence.
1. Set your selling timeline
Before you start any physical work, get clear on when you want to list your home.
This will help ensure every step that follows supports your goals from day one.
Start by asking yourself:
- Do I want to sell quickly, or wait for the highest possible price — even if it takes longer?
- Am I working toward a fixed move-out date, or is my timing flexible?
- Do I want to move fast, or take a more gradual approach?
- Will the property be occupied or vacant when it’s listed?
These answers will guide key decisions you’ll make as you get ready to sell, including:
- Which upgrades to prioritize (if any)
- Whether you should stage — and how
- When to hire a real estate agent.
Once you’ve answered these questions, choose an estimated list date that aligns with your goals.
This will set the foundation for your strategy.
It also reduces decision fatigue.
You won’t be scrambling at the last minute or second-guessing your next move.
You’ll know what to do — and when to do it.
Some real estate agents offer a “hand me the key and I’ll take care of everything” service.
But not all of them do.
So make sure your timeline includes time to coordinate those details yourself, if needed.
And if your timeline is flexible, you can also factor in seasonality.
Spring and early summer are often the best time to sell a house.
But that can vary based on your location and local demand.
2. Consider a pre-listing home inspection
A pre-listing home inspection can help you address potential issues before a buyer even steps through the door.
It’s one of the smartest — and most overlooked — investments you can make when getting your home ready to sell.
Why?
Because it reduces the number of surprises that can come up later.
And that means your buyer is less likely to back out or ask for repairs after their offer is accepted.
But getting an inspection before you list doesn’t mean you have to fix anything.
That part is entirely up to you.
You can get an inspection and still sell as-is.
The real value is transparency.
Sharing the inspection results up front gives buyers more confidence in your home, asking price, and terms.
And that peace of mind often far outweighs the cost (~$300-$700, depending on the property’s location and size).
If you decide to move forward, you can:
- Search for a licensed home inspector in your area
- Or, if you’re working with a real estate agent, ask if they have someone they trust.
Once you receive the inspection report, use it as a guide.
It can help you decide what’s worth fixing and what you can skip.
3. Make strategic repairs and improvements
Repairs and upgrades can make a major impact on how quickly your home sells — and for how much.
But too many sellers waste time and money on improvements that don’t add value.
Here’s how to approach repairs and improvements as you prepare to list your house.
Make the repairs that matter to buyers
The right repairs eliminate red flags that could turn buyers away.
A good first step is reviewing your inspection report (if you choose to get one).
Unless your home is newly built, it’ll likely include items worth addressing.
Common fixes that can make a difference include:
- Leaky plumbing or dripping faucets
- Broken or non-functioning windows
- Missing GFCI outlets in kitchens and bathrooms
- Non-working appliances
- Missing smoke detectors in bedrooms and hallways
- Signs of termite damage.
The goal is to focus on repairs that improve buyer confidence.
If you’re unsure which ones matter most, go over the report with your real estate agent.
They can help you determine which repairs are worth making and prioritize.
Then decide whether you’ll handle the work yourself or hire a handyman or contractor.
If you’re not planning to DIY, your agent may be able to refer someone reliable.
Choose upgrades that actually add value
The best improvements are the ones that enhance what’s already there without going overboard.
Here are a few examples:
- If your kitchen is in good shape but has outdated countertops, upgrading to quartz can make a big impact.
- If your appliances work but don’t match or feel dated, switching to stainless steel can elevate the look.
- If your walls haven’t been painted in years (or are painted in bold colors), neutral tones can instantly refresh the space.
Small upgrades can go a long way too, such as:
- Updating window treatments with neutral blinds or curtains
- Upgrading an outdated thermostat to a smart model
- Replacing old light switch and outlet covers with clean, modern ones
- Installing new house numbers or a modern mailbox to freshen up the exterior.
Just keep in mind — not every project pays off.
Knowing what not to fix when selling a house can help you avoid wasting time or money on the wrong updates.
The point?
Making upgrades can help your home sell faster and for more money.
But making the right upgrades is what helps you get the best return on your investment.
4. Optimize your home’s space
Buyers notice how a home feels the moment they step inside.
If a space feels cluttered or cramped, it’s harder for them to picture themselves living there.
But if your rooms feel open and organized?
It creates a positive first impression.
And that can go a long way toward helping your home sell faster.
Here’s how to make your space work in your favor.
Declutter and depersonalize
Start by going room by room.
Decide what’s coming with you and what you can donate, toss, or store.
Focus on removing items that feel bulky, overly personal, or visually distracting.
Once each room is cleared, move on to closets.
Buyers want to see storage space, so avoid cramming closets full of loose items.
Pack things neatly in labeled boxes and seal them up.
If you have a garage, it’s perfectly fine to stack boxes there until you move.
Most buyers will peek inside, but seeing packed, organized boxes won’t hurt your showing.
If you have a basement, avoid stacking boxes there — it’s often a key selling feature, and you don’t want to obstruct the view.
Need more space?
Rent a storage unit or portable storage container.
Here’s a simple system to keep the process moving:
- Create three piles: keep, donate, and discard.
- Be honest — if you haven’t used it in over a year, you probably don’t need it.
- Focus on high-traffic areas first: kitchen, living room, bathrooms, and entryways.
And remove personal items like family photos, kids’ artwork, and anything that’s too specific to your taste.
Buyers need to see your home as a place they could make their own.
What feels cluttered?
What’s taking up too much space?
What might distract from the features you’re trying to showcase?
Decluttering may take time.
But it’s one of the simplest ways to make your home feel more spacious, more appealing, and more ready to sell.
5. Add polish with high-impact touch-ups
Now that your home is decluttered and organized, it’s time to polish the areas buyers will notice most.
Start by identifying anything that looks worn, outdated, or unfinished.
Small visual distractions can make your home feel less move-in ready — even if everything is functional.
Focus on updates that take little effort but create a strong first impression.
Here’s how to do it:
- Touch up scuffed walls, trim, and baseboards: Use leftover paint or a color-matched sample to refresh these areas without repainting everything.
- Swap outdated hardware: Replacing cabinet pulls, door handles, or light switch covers can modernize the space quickly.
- Update old light fixtures or ceiling fans: Choose simple, neutral options that improve lighting and match today’s styles.
- Replace worn shower curtains, towels, and bath mats: Stick with neutral colors to create a clean, spa-like feel in bathrooms.
- Add simple curb appeal: Paint your front door, add colorful plants, or place a new welcome mat at the entry.
Next, clean your home to reinforce the updates you’ve made.
Dust, grime, and lingering odors can undercut the effort you’ve put into touch-ups.
This is especially true in high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways.
Focus on wiping down surfaces, vacuuming corners, and freshening up any areas that still feel stale or overlooked.
You can hire a professional cleaner if you want a more thorough job.
But you don’t have to.
What matters is that your home feels clean, bright, and easy to walk through.
You can learn more in our guide on how to prepare your home for sale.
6. Decide whether to stage your home
Staging is one of the most effective ways to help buyers connect with your home.
Why?
Because it helps them visualize how they would live in the space.
And that emotional connection can make a big difference.
If done right, staging can:
- Highlight your home’s strengths
- Downplay its flaws
- And increase your home’s perceived value.
That can lead to stronger offers –– and a faster sale.
But staging only works when it’s tailored to the right audience.
If you choose to stage, here’s how to approach it strategically.
Start by identifying your ideal buyer
Your staging should reflect the lifestyle of the buyer most likely to purchase your home.
For example:
- A single-family home in a suburban neighborhood may attract a young family.
- A city condo is more likely to appeal to a working professional or couple.
- A rural home may be better suited to downsizers or retirees.
Stage your home to match their lifestyle
Once you’ve identified your target buyer, stage your home to help them feel like they already belong there.
Here’s how:
- Remove excess or oversized furniture to make rooms feel larger.
- Use clean, neutral decor to create an inviting atmosphere.
- Stage one bedroom as a child’s room if you’re targeting families.
- Set up a functional home office for remote workers.
- Add modern, minimalistic touches to appeal to younger professionals.
Take an objective approach.
Your agent — or a professional stager — can offer feedback on layout, colors, and decor to help your home show its best.
Explore your staging options
You don’t need a full redesign to make staging work.
Sellers typically take one of three approaches:
- DIY staging using your existing furniture and decor
- Virtual staging to enhance online photos
- Professional staging for in-person showings and marketing.
Some agents offer staging consultations as part of their listing package.
And some will cover staging costs (usually only in higher-priced markets).
Once your home is staged, don’t skip the most important follow-through: professional photos.
7. Get professional listing photos
Your listing photos are the first showing.
Here’s what I mean…
Most buyers will see your home online before they ever step inside — if they decide to visit at all.
According to the National Association of Realtors, over 90% of home buyers search online.
That means your photos (along with your home’s price) will be the first thing they judge.
And if the photos don’t look great?
They’ll keep scrolling.
That’s why professional photography is non-negotiable.
Don’t take the photos yourself.
And don’t let your agent take them with a phone.
A skilled real estate photographer knows how to capture lighting, angles, and composition to make your listing shine.
The goal isn’t just to make the home look good.
It’s to create enough interest for buyers to schedule a showing.
Most real estate agents include professional photography in their marketing.
Here’s what to do before the photographer arrives:
- Clean your home thoroughly and remove clutter from all rooms.
- Turn on every light and replace any burned-out bulbs.
- Open blinds and curtains to bring in natural light.
- Put away pet items, laundry, trash cans, and personal belongings.
- Make all beds, clear countertops, and tidy up nightstands.
- Hide distracting items like power cords, fridge magnets, and toiletries.
Ask your agent to review the shot list with the photographer.
Some negative features — like high-voltage lines, worn landscaping, or cramped bathrooms — should be left out of the photos entirely.
Your job is to make your home look its best.
And let the photos do what they’re supposed to do: bring buyers through the door.
Final tips before you list your home
Even small decisions can make a big difference before your house hits the market.
Use these three tips to avoid common missteps and give your listing a stronger start.
Shift from homeowner to seller
Want to increase your chances of selling faster and for the best price?
Then change your mindset as you’re getting ready to put your house up for sale.
You don’t have to let go of every memory tied to your home.
But you do need to start seeing it the way a buyer would.
Because homebuyers make emotional decisions.
And you can benefit from that –– if you remove your personal attachment.
Many sellers don’t.
They make key decisions as if the home is still going to be theirs.
Don’t do that.
Your specific taste in something might not appeal to the largest pool of potential buyers.
So you’ll reduce your audience if you make decisions tied to your personal preference.
Instead, treat the process of getting your home ready as a marketing strategy.
You’re preparing to sell a product.
And you want that product to appeal to as many people as possible.
Shift to this mindset and you’ll attract serious buyers –– faster.
Don’t rely on online home estimates
Websites like Zillow and Redfin can estimate your home’s value.
But they don’t know what buyers in your market are actually willing to pay.
Because buyers don’t base offers on algorithms.
They compare your home to recent sales in your area — and adjust for features that matter.
Things like layout, condition, views, lot size, and location.
They also rely on their agent’s guidance.
And you should do the same before setting your list price.
Online estimates can give you a rough range.
But they’re not a pricing strategy.
Buyers will scroll past your home if the price doesn’t match what they’re seeing in your market.
It won’t matter how nice it is.
Don’t wait to find the right listing agent
The right agent doesn’t just help you list your home.
They help you get it ready to sell — the right way.
They’ll guide you on what to fix (and what not to).
They’ll also help you time your sale and price your home in a way that attracts serious buyers.
But many sellers wait until the last minute to bring someone in.
This usually happens for one of two reasons:
- They assume an agent can’t help until the home is “ready.”
- They want to handle everything themselves before looping in a professional.
Don’t make that mistake.
An experienced listing agent can save you time, money, and stress.
But only if they’re involved early.
That’s when their advice makes the biggest impact.
The key is knowing how to choose the right real estate agent.
Conclusion
Getting your house ready to sell takes planning, effort, and the right mindset.
But that’s only one part of your home selling journey.
What comes next is just as important.
Learn how to stay ahead by knowing what to expect during the home selling process.
