7 Essential Steps to Prep Your Home for Sale
Even in a hot market, proper home preparation is key to attracting serious buyers and securing top dollar. Today’s buyers are looking for move-in ready homes—and skipping these steps could mean leaving money on the table. Here are seven essential things every seller should do before listing a home.
1. Fresh, Neutral Paint
This is one of the easiest and most impactful updates a seller can make. Repainting in a neutral gray or beige helps modernize the space and appeals to a wide range of buyers. Bold or outdated colors—like red dining rooms or pink kids’ rooms—can distract and even turn buyers away. A clean, neutral palette allows the home’s features to shine.
2. Replace Worn Carpet
Old or heavily worn carpet can be just as off-putting as loud wall colors. Carpet more than five years old—or newer carpet with visible wear, pet damage, or bold colors—should be replaced. Even well-maintained carpet often shows its age along the edges, where it meets the baseboards. A fresh, neutral carpet can dramatically improve the feel of a room.
3. Deep Clean Everything
Yes, it needs to be spotless—beyond vacuuming and dusting. Deep clean the carpets, baseboards, ceiling fans, light fixtures, and windows. Remove cobwebs from corners and scrub every surface. Buyers notice the details, and cleanliness sets the tone for how well a home has been cared for.
4. Refresh the Landscape
First impressions are critical. Curb appeal can determine whether a buyer is even willing to walk through the front door. Fresh mulch, trimmed hedges, clean windows, a manicured lawn, and a pressure-washed driveway all go a long way. Consider a fresh coat of paint on shutters, a new front door, and seasonal flowers to add welcoming color.
5. Make Obvious Repairs
Walk the property and take note of any visible issues—damaged trim, loose railings, broken fixtures, or soft wood. Anything that stands out will stand out to a buyer too. Proactive repairs can reduce inspection issues later, which are one of the leading causes of deals falling apart. Pay special attention to often-overlooked areas like the roof and crawl space—hire professionals if needed.
6. Declutter and Depersonalize
Buyers need to see the space, not your stuff. Remove excess furniture, clear off countertops, pack away collections and personal items, and minimize what’s on walls and shelves. Use baskets to organize closet clutter and remove everything from the top and front of the refrigerator. A clean, simplified space helps buyers envision their own lives in the home—and that sells.
7. Hire a Knowledgeable Realtor
A great Realtor isn’t just for marketing and negotiations—they’re a valuable resource when preparing your home for sale. The right agent can advise you on which updates will make the biggest impact and what to skip. With experience across countless listings, a seasoned agent understands buyer expectations and how your home compares to others on the market. Their guidance during the prep phase can mean the difference between sitting and selling.
Final Thoughts
The most important time for your home on the market is the first two weeks. That’s when it gets the most attention—and when it needs to look its best. Rushing to list without proper prep often leads to price reductions and regrets. Taking the time to do it right from the start will result in a faster sale and a higher offer. Invest the effort now, and enjoy the payoff later.
Want to know what your home is worth? Get your free estimate here.
-by Samara Presley, licensed Realtor at Smart Choice Realty