GETTING YOUR HOME READY TO SELL
Preparing your home carefully can help it make a strong first impression, attract more buyers, and show its best features. You do not necessarily need an expensive renovation. A clean, well-maintained, and welcoming home can make a meaningful difference.
START WITH A DEEP CLEAN
I cannot emphasize this enough: clean, clean, clean! Buyers notice cleanliness, and a spotless home suggests that the property has been cared for.
• Thoroughly clean every room from top to bottom.
• Wash windows, mirrors, window tracks, and screens.
• Remove cobwebs from walls, ceilings, corners, and exterior areas.
• Clean light switches, handrails, doorknobs, doors, and baseboards.
• Clean the kitchen, including appliances, cabinets, countertops, and sinks.
• Scrub bathrooms, tubs, showers, tile, toilets, and fixtures.
• Shampoo carpets and professionally clean them when necessary.
• Clean wood, tile, and other flooring according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Clean the fireplace and have the chimney professionally inspected or cleaned when appropriate.
• Address pet hair, litter boxes, smoke, cooking odors, and other noticeable smells rather than attempting to cover them with heavy fragrances.
DECLUTTER AND DEPERSONALIZE
Buyers need to imagine themselves living in the home. Removing excess belongings can make rooms appear larger, brighter, and easier to navigate.
• Remove unnecessary items from countertops, tables, shelves, and floors.
• Organize closets, cabinets, the pantry, garage, and storage areas.
• Pack away nonessential belongings and consider moving them to temporary storage.
• Reduce large or excess furniture that makes rooms feel crowded.
• Store personal photographs, collections, awards, and highly personalized décor.
• Secure medications, jewelry, financial documents, firearms, keys, and other valuables before showings.
MAKE SIMPLE REPAIRS
Small maintenance issues can distract buyers and cause them to wonder whether the home has larger problems.
• Repair damaged walls, doors, trim, cabinets, and other visible surfaces.
• Touch up paint or apply fresh paint in a neutral, broadly appealing color when needed.
• Repair dripping faucets, leaking showerheads, and running toilets.
• Clear slow drains and address visible plumbing concerns.
• Replace damaged toilet seats, worn shower curtains, and deteriorated caulking.
• Mend torn screens and repair windows or doors that do not open and close properly.
• Replace burned-out or mismatched light bulbs.
• Secure loose handrails and repair squeaking doors, stairs, or floorboards.
• Replace broken or noticeably outdated switch plates and outlet covers.
• Make sure heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical, and built-in appliances operate properly.
IMPROVE CURB APPEAL
The exterior creates a buyer’s first impression before they enter the home.
• Trim trees, shrubs, and other landscaping away from walkways and the home.
• Remove weeds, dead plants, leaves, and yard debris.
• Refresh gravel, mulch, or groundcover where needed.
• Sweep the entryway, sidewalks, patios, driveway, and garage.
• Remove oil stains from the driveway or garage floor when possible.
• Repair or seal visible cracks in concrete when appropriate.
• Clean and properly position gutters and downspouts.
• Wash exterior surfaces using a method that is safe for the home’s materials. Pressure washing may damage stucco, roofing, windows, paint, or other surfaces if performed incorrectly.
• Clean the front door and update worn exterior hardware when appropriate.
• Make sure the address numbers, mailbox, exterior lights, gates, and fencing are clean and in good condition.
• Add a healthy plant or simple seasonal accent near the entrance for a welcoming touch.
PREPARE FOR PHOTOGRAPHS AND SHOWINGS
• Open blinds and curtains to allow in natural light.
• Turn on lights and replace bulbs in dim areas.
• Make beds and put away clothing, laundry, dishes, toiletries, and cleaning supplies.
• Clear kitchen and bathroom countertops as much as possible.
• Remove trash and store garbage containers neatly.
• Set the home to a comfortable temperature.
• Arrange furniture to create open walkways and highlight each room’s purpose.
• Secure pets and remove pet bowls, toys, beds, and waste before showings when possible.
• Keep the home clean and ready for buyers throughout the listing period.
BEFORE SPENDING MONEY
Not every repair or improvement will provide a worthwhile return. Before repainting the entire home, replacing flooring, remodeling, or making another significant investment, speak with experienced local real estate professional Susie Schmitt. The improvements buyers value most can vary by neighborhood, price range, property type, and current market conditions.
YOUR REAL ESTATE RESOURCE
Susie Schmitt
REALTOR® | Associate Broker
Military Relocation Professional
Tierra Antigua Realty
(520) 508-6239
www.susieschmitt.com
I am happy to walk through your home with you and explain what prospective buyers are likely to notice. Together, we can identify the improvements that may help your property show its best without spending money unnecessarily.