Selling your home is a big deal, probably one of the largest financial transactions you’ll ever make. The difference between a well-prepared home and one that hits the market “as-is” can mean thousands of dollars in your pocket and weeks (or even months) saved on the market.

If you’re thinking about listing your property, you might be wondering how to get ready to sell your home. Should you paint first or repair that leaky faucet? Is it worth fixing the crack in the driveway?

The good news is that preparing your home for sale doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With some planning and strategic effort, you can highlight your home’s best features while minimizing its flaws.

Conduct a Pre-Sale Inspection

One of the smartest moves you can make when learning how to get your home ready to sell is scheduling a pre-sale inspection. Think of a pre-sale inspection as reconnaissance—you’re gathering intelligence before entering negotiations. When buyers discover issues during their inspection, they gain leverage to negotiate price reductions or request repairs. By identifying these problems first, you control how and when to address them.

The beauty of finding these issues early is that you can decide which ones warrant fixing and which ones you’ll disclose but sell “as-is” with appropriate pricing adjustments.

Determine Your Home’s Value

Before you start making improvements or setting a listing price, you need a realistic understanding of what your home is worth. Many homeowners begin their value research with online estimation tools that can give a ballpark figure. For a more accurate valuation, work with a real estate agent who can prepare a comparative market analysis (CMA). A good CMA examines:

• Recently sold properties comparable to yours.
• Currently listed competition in your neighborhood.
• Expired or withdrawn listings (properties that failed to sell).
• The specific condition of your home compared to others.
• Unique features that might increase or decrease value.

Unlike online estimates, a CMA involves human judgment and local market expertise. Your agent will adjust for differences between your home and comparable properties, giving you a clearer picture of your home’s true market value.

Do Necessary Repairs

When buyers tour your home, they’re mentally calculating how much work they’ll need to do after moving in. Every dripping faucet, cracked tile, or sticky door becomes a potential negotiation point or reason to move on to the next property. Addressing repairs and maintenance before listing is one of the most effective ways to get your home ready to sell for top dollar.

Not all repairs offer equal return on investment. Prioritize these high-impact fixes:

• Plumbing issues
• Electrical problems
• Structural concerns
• Roof or gutter repairs
• HVAC maintenance

After addressing functional problems, turn your attention to cosmetic issues that buyers notice:

• Fill nail holes in walls, repair dents, and apply fresh paint in neutral colors.
• Fix or replace cracked tiles in bathrooms and kitchens.
• Repair grout and caulking in kitchens and bathrooms.
• Replace worn carpet or refinish hardwood floors.
• Fix doors that stick or don’t close properly.

Refresh Your Home’s Appearance

After handling the necessary repairs, it’s time to focus on transforming your home’s appearance from “lived-in” to “move-in ready.”

Paint

Nothing refreshes a space more effectively than fresh paint. It’s relatively inexpensive but delivers impressive results. Plan to paint about one month before listing. This provides the perfect balance—walls will still look freshly painted when buyers tour, but you’ll have completed some packing and moving, reducing the risk of scuffing your new paint job.

Flooring

Floors receive more wear than almost any other part of your home. Professional steam cleaning can revitalize carpets that are in decent condition but need freshening. If deep cleaning won’t cut it, replacing carpet offers an exceptional return on investment. Choose neutral, mid-grade options that appeal to most buyers.

Update Fixtures and Hardware

Small hardware updates can make your home feel current without major renovations:

• Replace dated pulls and knobs on cabinetry.
• Update outdated fixtures, especially in entryways, dining areas, and bathrooms.
• Replace old faucets and showerheads.
• Replace yellowed, painted-over, or cracked plates and outlet covers.
• Install fresh doorknobs and hinges.

Boost Curb Appeal

The exterior of your home creates the first impression that sets the tone for the entire showing.

• Paint the front door in a welcoming color.
• Replace dated or tarnished exterior light fixtures.
• Trim overgrown shrubs, add fresh mulch, and plant seasonal flowers for color.
• Power wash siding, walkways, and driveways to remove dirt, mildew, and stains.
• Replace or repair address numbers.

Stage Your Home

Once you’ve repaired, cleaned, and refreshed your home, staging is the final step that turns your home into a product that will sell.

Entryway

• Create a welcoming first impression with a clean, clutter-free entry.
• Ensure adequate lighting that creates a warm glow.
• Remove personal items like family photos or children’s artwork.

Living Room

• Remove excess furniture that makes the space feel cramped.
• Position furniture to showcase architectural features like fireplaces or views.
• Add strategic accent colors through pillows or throws that complement your neutral palette.

Kitchen

• Clear countertops of everything except 1-2 decorative items.
• Replace kitchen towels and small rugs with new, neutral options.
• Remove refrigerator magnets, papers, and personal items.

Dining Room

• Set the table with simple, elegant place settings to help buyers envision entertaining.
• Use a centerpiece that adds height without blocking sightlines.
• Make sure chairs are evenly spaced and aligned with the table.

Bedrooms

• Position beds as focal points with fresh, neutral bedding.
• Remove personal items and photos from nightstands.
• Clear closet floors and aim to show 20-30% empty space on shelves and racks.

Bathrooms

• Remove all personal care items from counters and showers.
• Display fresh, folded towels in coordinating colors.
• Add a new shower curtain and bathmat if needed.

Highlighting Your Home’s Best Features

Every home has standout features that deserve special attention:

• Natural light: Remove heavy window treatments and clean windows to maximize brightness
• High ceilings: Draw the eye upward with strategically placed artwork or tall plants
• Fireplaces: Style the mantel with simple, elegant accessories and ensure the hearth is clean
• Outdoor spaces: Arrange patio furniture to suggest comfortable outdoor living
• Architectural details: Ensure crown molding, built-ins, and other unique features are clean and well-lit

Final Preparations Before Listing

You’ve made repairs, freshened your home’s appearance, and staged it. Now it’s time for those final steps that ensure your property makes a stunning debut on the market. These last preparations can impact how quickly and profitably you sell your home:

• Invest in professional photographers to showcase your home at its absolute best. For distinctive properties, discuss aerial drone photography, twilight exterior shots, or virtual tours with your agent.
• Prepare an information package that answers buyers’ questions and highlights your home’s value. Include square footage, room dimensions, the age of major systems (roof, HVAC, appliances), and recent improvements.
• Work with your agent to craft compelling, accurate text highlighting your home’s best features. Ensure address information is accurate and consistent across online platforms.

The difference between a home that’s simply “for sale” and one that’s truly “ready to sell” can mean thousands of dollars in your pocket and weeks saved on market time. Each repair completed, each room decluttered, and each thoughtful staging touch contributes to creating that perfect first impression that motivates buyers to act. Contact your local REMAX real estate agent for more information on how to get ready to sell your home.