Preparation is key when selling a house.
What you do to your home before listing it can make all the difference in capturing the attention of the right buyers.
And it determines what price and terms are included in the offer you get.
But prepping your home for sale is a crucial and often challenging part of selling a house.
The typical home seller encounters questions like…
How do I make my home stand out in a competitive real estate market?
Which upgrades can make me more money?
What are buyers looking for in a house?
The key is to only spend your time and money on profitable tasks that will make your home more appealing.
So how do you choose the most important prep work?
Here are the key actions to take to confidently prepare your house for sale.
1. Walk through your property like a buyer
The first step in preparing your home is to view it from a buyer’s perspective.
Why?
To gain insight into how potential buyers will perceive the areas of your property that may need some attention.
Start by grabbing a pen and paper to make a list.
Walk across the street and look at your house to see if anything sticks out to you.
How’s the condition of your garage door?
Is your front yard lacking color?
Could your front door use fresh paint?
Note anything that catches your attention.
Now walk back into your house and pretend you’re seeing it for the first time (not an easy task).
Walk slowly room by room.
Are there any visible holes in your wall?
Open and close your windows and doors. Do they function properly?
Are your AC filters dirty?
Do your bathroom fixtures work?
Flush all your toilets and let your sinks run.
Are there any leaks or running water?
Turn on all your kitchen appliances to make sure they’re working.
The goal here is to spot any signs of neglect, whether something is in disrepair, disorganized, or simply dirty.
Because these are the things most buyers will scrutinize.
Once you have your list, you have two options:
- Address any minor tasks you can complete quickly on your own.
- Hold off on tackling larger repairs or fixes until you’ve consulted with your real estate agent for guidance.
And here’s one important thing to remember…
Avoid falling into the trap of trying to address every single issue when prepping your home.
Pursuing projects that don’t add profitable market value will cost you a boatload of time and money.
2. Make repairs and upgrades that pay off
How do you decide which home improvements are worth making?
Start by determining your selling goals as part of the broader process of getting your house ready to sell.
Your goals will shape your decisions, whether your priority is to sell quickly or maximize your sale price.
Consulting your real estate agent can provide valuable insight into which improvements will significantly impact your home’s perceived value.
And a pre-listing home inspection can help you understand which issues are serious and which ones are superficial.
Follow these guidelines to prioritize your efforts and get the best possible return on your investment.
Exterior repairs: Focus on functionality and structural integrity
Potential buyers will form their first impression based on the outside of your home.
But they won’t just focus on your home’s aesthetics –– they’ll pay attention to its functionality too.
So making important repairs to the exterior of your property is vital.
Does that mean you need to fix everything?
Nope.
For example, driveway cracks are a common sight on a home listed for sale.
Which is why they are a prime example of what not to fix when selling.
Only consider items that can bring you the most value at the lowest cost.
Things like:
- Broken entry doorknobs
- Dysfunctional sliding doors
- Broken entryway lighting
- Defective garage door and remote.
Structural integrity should also be on your list of important repairs.
Any red flags related to the following issues will likely surface during a home inspection –– so addressing them beforehand is beneficial:
- Drainage: Check whether water collects near the foundation and ensure gutters and downspouts are directing water away from the home.
- Foundation: Look for concerning signs like cracks, doors that don’t close properly, or sagging floors, as these could indicate deeper structural issues.
- Roof: Check whether the roof is nearing the end of its lifespan. Water stains on ceilings can be a warning sign, but a professional inspector can identify other issues. Avoid replacing the roof prematurely; if the inspector estimates at least five to seven years of remaining life, a new roof likely won’t yield a worthwhile return.
- Eaves: Inspect for rot, water damage, or signs of pest activity that could lead to further problems. These issues aren’t uncommon, so you can save time and money by addressing only those that are significant.
Interior upgrades: Remove roadblocks for buyers
Most real estate agents say the kitchen and bathrooms sell homes.
While that can be true, only certain upgrades are worth your time and effort.
Look for simple improvements that give these areas a polished touch, such as:
- Installing new sinks
- Changing cabinet hardware
- Replacing faucets and shower heads
- Updating light fixtures (especially adding under-cabinet lighting).
These inexpensive fixes can remove unnecessary distractions for house hunters.
But outdated appliances, damaged flooring, worn-out vanities, or old countertops may require a bigger investment.
That said, unless you’re in a high-end neighborhood, you don’t need top-of-the-line appliances or the priciest finishes.
Outside of the kitchen and bath, enhancing the rest of your home’s interior is all about eliminating potential deal-breakers for prospective buyers.
You don’t want anything standing out or popping up during an inspection that feels like an eyesore or a looming expense.
Flooring is often the priciest update in this category, but it can be worth it — especially if old carpeting clashes with other upgrades in your home.
Here are other issues to consider:
- HVAC and water heater: Ensure they’re leak-free, in good working condition, and have recently been cleaned or inspected.
- Wall and ceiling repairs: Patch any cracks or holes before applying a fresh coat of paint.
- Electrical issues: Correct any electrical wiring or circuit breaker/fuse box issues that need attention. You may have to fix these before completing the sale.
3. Boost your curb appeal
Improving the appearance of your home from the street is your chance to create a memorable first impression with buyers.
But don’t worry — you don’t have to spend a fortune to make it happen.
You can make your home’s exterior pop by planting colorful plants and flowers such as annuals, ground cover plants, and flower bulbs.
These simple landscape upgrades are a great way to improve curb appeal –– and shouldn’t cost you more than a few hundred dollars at any local home improvement retailer.
Drought-tolerant plants can also be a great investment (many buyers like them for their low maintenance requirements).
And applying mulch can cover up the “wasted” areas with an updated look.
Another simple but effective trick?
Spray-painting your grass.
It’s one of the best tips to help you secure the best offer for your home.
Beyond landscaping, things like painting (or replacing) a garage or front door can also impress homebuyers.
The garage door takes up a lot of visual space –– so an outdated door or mismatched color can throw off your curb appeal.
You should also consider repainting or replacing your mailbox or address numbers.
Want to save time and keep it really simple?
The cobwebs and dust in and around your front door can make buyers wonder how dirty the rest of your house is.
Cleaning this area can help remove those doubts.
You get the idea — aim for inexpensive but visually impactful tweaks that catch your eye.
4. Declutter (and depersonalize) your home
Clutter can be a major distraction when you’re trying to sell your home.
Messy, disorganized counters or living areas make the house seem smaller.
And having too many of your own things around can cloud a buyer’s ability to imagine their own furniture and possessions in place of yours.
Your goal should be to clear out as much as possible when decluttering to sell your home.
You want buyers to see a home that’s ready for them to move in and make their own.
Of course, there are the obvious items like:
- Removing coats and shoes from the entryway
- Clearing most surface space and organizing drawers in the kitchen
- Minimizing the amount of children’s toys in living areas and bedrooms
- Organizing bathrooms.
But decluttering involves a lot more than those basics.
Closets are especially important — and often overlooked.
Clear out extras and organize remaining items to make the space look as large as possible.
Selling a house with a basement? Be sure it’s clean and well-organized.
In the main living areas, remove personal photos and any overly specific décor.
Pare down furniture and eliminate clutter to create a blank slate where others can envision their own belongings.
Tidying your house room by room will reveal its full potential to prospective buyers.
5. Neutralize the décor and colors
Is painting your house before selling worth prioritizing?
What about updating the décor?
In most cases, the answer is yes — and not just because your colors or curtains are outdated.
A fresh coat of paint is almost always a profitable prep task that significantly impacts how buyers perceive your home’s value.
The goal is to create a neutral palette that appeals to interested parties.
This means removing bold colors or décor choices that might not resonate with a wider audience.
Opt for warm, neutral tones and styles instead of personal favorites.
These colors are broadly appealing and can make rooms feel more spacious.
Here are some of the most popular choices:
- Swiss Coffee
- Frost
- Wise Owl
- San Francisco Fog
- Agreeable Gray
- White Flour.
Touch-up paint works for rooms with whites, off-whites, or light grays — provided the existing paint isn’t too old or worn.
But bold choices like that deep purple accent wall? It’s time to say goodbye.
Approach décor updates with the same mindset.
Whether you hire a professional home stager or handle it yourself, steer clear of trendy styles or quirky designs.
Instead, focus on timeless accents and accessories:
- Hang neutral, attractive artwork.
- Add greenery or fresh flowers to create a natural, inviting feel.
- Use décor that complements your home’s architectural style.
If you’re leaving furniture, choose pieces with broad appeal.
Don’t have neutral furnishings?
Renting a few stylish, understated items can go a long way.
When in doubt, consult your real estate agent.
6. Enhance your lighting
When buyers visit your home, you want to show it in its best possible light.
Literally.
Future homeowners want to see your house well-lit, and lighting gives you the opportunity to highlight its best features.
Start by assessing each room for dark corners or dimly lit areas that may need attention.
Replace burned-out bulbs, and consider upgrading to higher-wattage bulbs to brighten things up.
Make sure your fixtures and lamps give off warm, inviting light to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Notice any outdated fixtures?
Swapping them for modern designs instantly refreshes a space and keeps buyers from wondering if other aspects of your home are outdated too.
Want to take it a step further?
Consult with your real estate agent to decide if recessed lighting is worth the investment.
Recessed lights can be especially impactful in dim living rooms, family rooms, and kitchen workspaces.
Pendant lights or under-cabinet fixtures can also draw attention to key features like kitchen islands or updated countertops.
Adding layers of light — like table lamps or floor lamps — can make living areas feel more cozy and visually dynamic, complementing overhead lighting.
Upgrading to LED bulbs is another smart move.
Today’s LED options include styles like Edison bulbs and smart bulbs that can switch between warm and cool tones, making them energy-efficient and buyer-friendly.
You can find good deals on Amazon.
Don’t forget to showcase your natural light either!
Give your windows a deep cleaning — inside and out — and make sure your window coverings are fully open before showings and open houses.
7. Deep-clean every room
Potential buyers are going to walk through your home with a fresh set of eyes.
They will notice things you won’t.
Like dirty baseboards or grimy stovetops.
Or that musty smell in your basement.
And you can bet they’ll see the fur on your furniture if you’re selling a house with pets.
That’s why a deep clean is a mandatory part of your home sale prep checklist.
It’s the final touch to beautify your house and give it a sparkle.
And you should do it right before staging.
Because a freshly cleaned and staged home will stand out in professional photos and leave a strong impression when listed for sale.
If you have the time and want to put in the work, you can do this yourself.
But hiring a professional cleaner can save you time and stress and ensure you don’t miss anything.
Here are the key tasks to focus on when cleaning a house to sell:
- Dust corners and fixtures: Get all the cobwebs out from corners and from around the front porch/doorway, and dust all light fixtures so they shine.
- Clean surfaces and appliances: Your countertops, stovetops,and bathroom vanities should sparkle.
- Deep-clean kitchen and bathrooms: Leave no stone unturned in these areas. The stove, microwave, and refrigerator should be immaculate, and sinks, tubs, and tile must be free of grime and mildew.
- Wipe down windows and mirrors: Get rid of all smudges and remove window screens to wash them.
- Clean floors: Give your carpets a deep clean, scrub and polish wood floors, and consider restaining to breathe new life into them.
- Freshen up odors: Use cleaning products with fresh scents and consider deodorizers, essential oil diffusers, or candles to create inviting and relaxing scents and remove pet odors or other off-putting smells.
Get help preparing your home for the market
Prepping your house for sale takes a lot of work — especially if you hope to fetch top dollar.
You’ll have to choose your repairs wisely and enhance your home’s visual appeal.
And you’ll need to ensure your house is organized and tidy when it’s listed for sale.
But…
You don’t have to go through this process alone.
A good agent is an invaluable ally who understands your real estate market and home value — and knows how to best prep before listing your property.
They also understand exactly what buyers in your area are looking for in a home.
The key is choosing the right realtor to guide you through the process.
