Selling your home? Make it shine with these essential tips! From decluttering and repairs to staging and curb appeal, learn how to prep your home for a faster sale and higher offers. Plus, discover how we can help make the process stress-free.
1. Start Decluttering Early (8–12 Weeks Before Listing)
One of the first steps in preparing your home for sale is decluttering. A clean, uncluttered home appears larger and more inviting to potential buyers.
- What to Do:
- Go room by room to sort items into keep, donate, sell, and trash piles.
- Store personal items like family photos or collections to create a neutral space for buyers to envision their own lives there.
- Tackle problem areas like basements, attics, and garages that tend to accumulate clutter.
- How We Can Help: Our junk removal services make decluttering a breeze. Whether it’s hauling away old furniture, clearing out a packed garage, or helping with donation drop-offs, we’re here to lighten the load.
Pro Tip: Aim to have all major decluttering done about two months before listing, giving you time to focus on staging and cleaning.
2. Make Repairs and Updates (6–8 Weeks Before Listing)
Once the clutter is gone, you’ll have a clearer view of your home’s condition and be ready to tackle necessary repairs and updates. Buyers notice even small issues, so addressing these now can make your home stand out.
- Key Repairs:
- Patch holes in walls and touch up paint.
- Fix leaky faucets, squeaky doors, or broken fixtures.
- Replace burned-out lightbulbs and consider upgrading outdated lighting for a modern look.
- Address larger issues, like roofing or HVAC repairs, if they could impact a buyer’s decision.
- Why Decluttering First Matters: With a clutter-free space, you’ll have easier access to walls, flooring, and fixtures, making repairs more manageable. Plus, an uncluttered home allows you to spot problem areas you might have missed before.
- How We Can Help: Need to clear out debris from a renovation project or haul away old appliances? We can remove construction waste or unwanted items quickly so you can focus on your updates.
Pro Tip: Neutral colors like light gray or beige on walls can appeal to a wider range of buyers.
3. Focus on Curb Appeal (4–6 Weeks Before Listing)
First impressions matter, and the exterior of your home is the first thing buyers see.
- What to Do:
- Mow the lawn, trim bushes, and add fresh mulch to flower beds.
- Power-wash sidewalks, driveways, and siding to freshen up surfaces.
- Repaint or touch up the front door for a welcoming look.
- Add a few potted plants or seasonal decorations to make the entryway pop.
- How We Can Help: From yard waste removal to clearing old outdoor furniture or décor, we can help you achieve a clean, inviting exterior.
Pro Tip: Clean windows inside and out to let in more natural light and improve the overall appearance of your home.
4. Deep Clean and Stage (2–4 Weeks Before Listing)
A sparkling clean home and thoughtful staging can help buyers imagine living there, increase offers, and expedite the process of selling your home.
- Deep Cleaning Checklist:
- Scrub floors, walls, baseboards, and windows.
- Clean carpets or refinish hardwood floors if needed.
- Dust and clean light fixtures, ceiling fans, and vents.
- Staging Tips:
- Rearrange furniture to highlight the flow and maximize space.
- Add fresh flowers or lightly scented candles to create a warm atmosphere.
- Keep décor minimal and neutral—less is more when staging.
- How We Can Help: We can remove bulky furniture or outdated items to give your home a more spacious, modern feel. Our team also assists with decluttering to get every room buyer-ready.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget closets—buyers will open them! A tidy, organized closet suggests ample storage space.
5. Post-Inspection and Final Touches (1–2 Weeks Before Listing)
Once a pre-listing inspection is complete, handle any minor fixes to avoid hiccups later in the process.
- What to Do:
- Address any issues flagged during the inspection that could impact the sale.
- Touch up paint, tighten hardware, and polish surfaces to give everything a final shine.
- Take listing photos during this time to capture your home at its best.
- How We Can Help: We’re here to assist with any last-minute cleanouts, yard waste removal, or junk hauling to ensure your home is picture-perfect.
Pro Tip: Schedule your home’s professional photos on a sunny day to maximize natural light and curb appeal in your listing.
Make the Selling Process Stress-Free with Our Help
Preparing a home for sale takes effort, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. From decluttering and junk removal to yard cleanups and furniture hauling, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Ready to get started? Schedule a time to talk about your projects with us so that prepping your home easier and faster!
When you are ready to sell your home, we always recommend working with our friend Holly West of Keller Williams. She makes buying and selling a house almost too easy!