
Prepare to Sell
Make a great first impression.
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Once you’ve decided to sell and set a price, it’s time to get your home show-ready. First impressions matter—both online and in person. Preparing your home properly can lead to faster offers, stronger interest, and higher sales prices. Together, we’ll focus on making your home look its best while keeping your time, budget, and energy in mind.
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Start with Decluttering & Cleaning:
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Remove personal items (photos, collections, memorabilia) to help buyers envision themselves in the space
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Minimize clutter on countertops, bookshelves, and surfaces
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Deep clean everything—especially kitchens, bathrooms, windows, baseboards, and floors
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Don’t forget garage, closets, and storage spaces—buyers look everywhere!
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Handle Repairs & Maintenance:
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Fix anything that’s broken, loose, or worn (leaky faucets, chipped paint, burned-out bulbs, etc.)
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Consider addressing deferred maintenance that could raise red flags during inspection
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Make minor, cost-effective updates like fresh paint, new hardware, or updated lighting
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I can help prioritize what’s worth fixing based on your timeline and return on investment
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Boost Curb Appeal:
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First impressions start at the curb—freshen landscaping, mow the lawn, trim hedges, and add some greenery or flowers
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Clean or repaint your front door and tidy up the porch or entryway
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Power wash driveways, walkways, and windows
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Consider Staging & Styling:
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Well-staged homes help buyers emotionally connect with the space
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We can bring in a professional stager or do light staging with your own furniture
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Focus on neutral, inviting spaces that highlight the home’s best features
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Don’t forget lighting—bright spaces feel bigger and more welcoming
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Professional Photography is Key:
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Your home’s online presence is your first showing
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I’ll coordinate high-quality photography (and video if needed) to showcase your home in its best light
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We’ll make sure everything is picture-perfect before the photographer arrives
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How I’ll Help:
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Walk through your home with a detailed pre-listing checklist
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Recommend trusted professionals for repairs, cleaning, staging, or landscaping
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Help you determine which improvements will offer the best return
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Create a custom timeline to get your home market-ready without unnecessary stress
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Preparing to sell doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right plan and support, you’ll have your home ready for market in no time—and positioned to attract the right buyer at the right price.
💬 FAQs About Preparing to Sell
Do I need to do a full remodel before selling?
Not at all. Small, cost-effective updates (like paint, lighting, and curb appeal) often bring the best return. I’ll guide you on where to focus for the most impact without overspending.
What if I’m still living in the home during showings?
That’s totally fine—and very common. I’ll help you keep the home “show-ready” in a manageable way and coordinate showings around your schedule when possible.
Should I stage my home?
Staging can absolutely help your home sell faster and for more money—especially in competitive markets. I’ll help you decide whether full staging, partial staging, or a simple refresh is right for you.
Do I need to remove all my personal items?
You don’t have to completely move out, but less is more. I’ll guide you on what to keep, what to pack away, and how to create a neutral, welcoming space for buyers.
How far in advance should I start preparing?
Ideally, start preparing 2–4 weeks before listing to allow time for cleaning, minor updates, and marketing prep. I’ll create a custom timeline that fits your schedule.
How do I know which improvements will give me the best return?
Not all upgrades are worth the cost before selling. I’ll walk through your home with you and identify the changes that will have the biggest impact on buyer appeal and sale price—often simple, cost-effective updates like fresh paint, lighting, landscaping, and minor repairs yield the highest return.

