So, you’re ready to sell your house. Maybe you're upgrading, downsizing, relocating—or just testing the market. Whatever the reason, one thing’s for sure: preparation is everything.
Listing your home without prepping it first is like stepping on stage without rehearsing. And in a market where buyers have high expectations and short attention spans, your home needs to shine from the second it hits the MLS.
Here’s a full breakdown of the steps you should take before putting that “For Sale” sign in the yard—and trust me, every one of them can help you sell faster and for more money.
Step 1: Get Mentally Ready to Sell
Before we even touch a paintbrush or move a piece of furniture, take a breath. Selling a home is emotional. You’ve made memories here. But now it’s time to detach emotionally and start thinking like a seller.
This shift helps you make smart, market-driven decisions rather than sentimental ones. You're not just selling a home—you’re marketing a product. The sooner you adopt that mindset, the better every next step becomes.
Step 2: Hire the Right Agent (👋 That’s Me!)
You don’t have to do this alone. Working with an experienced, local agent (like yours truly) gives you a serious advantage. I’ll help you navigate pricing strategy, market timing, prep recommendations, and more.
More importantly, I’ll show you where to invest your time and money—and where not to. You don’t need to gut your kitchen. You might just need new lighting and better staging.
Step 3: Declutter Like You’re Moving (Because You Are)
Buyers want to walk in and imagine themselves living in the home—not distracted by your mail pile, collection of Funkos, or last season’s ski gear.
Here’s what to focus on:
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Clear countertops and surfaces
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Remove 50% of what’s in your closets
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Declutter entryways and hallways
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Pack up personal photos and niche décor
The goal: spacious, clean, and neutral. Less really is more here.
Step 4: Deep Clean Like You’ve Never Cleaned Before
We’re not just talking about sweeping the floor. We’re talking full-blown, white-glove clean:
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Baseboards
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Windows (inside and out)
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Light fixtures
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Appliances (yes, buyers look inside the oven)
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Bathroom grout
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Vents and fans
Consider hiring a professional cleaning crew for that next-level polish. Trust me—it’s worth it.
Step 5: Knock Out Repairs and Minor Upgrades
Now’s the time to tackle that to-do list you’ve been avoiding:
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Patch holes and touch up paint
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Fix leaky faucets
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Replace burnt-out bulbs
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Repair squeaky doors
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Update hardware or cabinet pulls
These details might seem small, but they add up to a home that feels well-maintained and move-in ready. And that’s what buyers want.
Step 6: Boost That Curb Appeal
First impressions matter, and your home’s exterior sets the tone. A buyer decides whether they’re interested within seconds of pulling up.
Here’s how to make it pop:
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Mow and edge the lawn
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Trim trees and shrubs
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Plant fresh flowers or greenery
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Clean the front door and porch
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Add a new welcome mat and house numbers
Pro tip: Paint your front door a bold, fresh color. It adds character without a huge price tag.
Step 7: Stage to Sell (Even If You’re Still Living There)
Staging doesn’t mean replacing all your furniture—it means arranging your home to appeal to the widest range of buyers. With strategic furniture placement, cozy lighting, and a few well-placed props, we can make your home feel inviting and polished.
Key staging tips:
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Highlight natural light—open those blinds
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Use mirrors to add space and brightness
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Add cozy touches (pillows, throws, greenery)
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Keep furniture proportional to the room size
Want to go all-out? I have access to professional stagers who can transform your space with a designer’s eye.
Step 8: Smell Check!
This one’s huge and often overlooked. Buyers are super sensitive to smell.
Make sure your home smells clean—not like pets, strong spices, or artificial sprays. A subtle candle or diffuser (think citrus or lavender) goes a long way. And if you've been in the same house a long time, ask a friend (or me!) to come over and give an honest opinion.
Step 9: Professional Photos and Marketing Magic
Once your home is looking its best, we bring in the pros. I use high-quality photographers who specialize in real estate—because smartphone photos won’t cut it in 2025.
Then, we launch your listing across multiple channels with customized marketing that highlights everything that makes your home unique. I’ll also make sure you’re showing up on all the major platforms—plus a few secret sauce strategies that get serious results.
Step 10: Set the Right Price (Not the Highest One)
This might be the most critical step of all. Price your home too high, and it’ll sit on the market. Too low, and you leave money on the table.
We’ll run a full Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to determine where your home sits in the current market, factoring in comps, condition, timing, and buyer demand.
The goal? Maximize your exposure, generate buzz, and attract multiple offers. Because that’s how we get the best terms—not just the best price.
Ready to Crush Your Sale? Let’s Do This
Prepping your home for sale isn’t about perfection—it’s about presentation, strategy, and momentum. With the right approach, you don’t just list your house—you launch it.
And with me by your side? You’ll do it with confidence, clarity, and (hopefully) some Crumbl cookies along the way.
If you're even thinking about selling this year, let’s connect early. The prep you do now can pay off big when that “just listed” sign goes up.
Want a Pre-Sale Walkthrough? Let’s Talk
I offer free walk-through consultations where I’ll give you a room-by-room breakdown of what to fix, stage, and highlight. No pressure, just real advice.
→ Send me a DM or reach out through my contact form. Let’s make your sale a success.
