What You REALLY Need to Do to Get Your House Ready to Sell...

What You REALLY Need to Do to Get Your House Ready to Sell

If you’ve started Googling “how to get my house ready to sell,” you’ve probably seen endless checklists with things like “paint your mailbox” and “add fresh flowers to the nightstand.” Cute? Sure. Necessary? Not always.

Here’s the real list of what actually makes a difference when selling your home—based on what buyers care about and what moves the needle in today’s market.

1. Clean Like You’ve Never Cleaned Before

No, not a quick vacuum and wipe-down. We’re talking baseboards, window tracks, ceiling fans, and behind the toilet. A spotless home feels well-maintained—and that sells.
👉 Pro tip: If it’s in the budget, hire a professional deep cleaner. It’s worth every dollar.

2. Declutter Ruthlessly

Buyers need to picture their lives in your home—not yours. That means clearing countertops, thinning out closets, removing excess furniture, and hiding personal items.
👉 If you wouldn’t see it in a model home, pack it up.

3. Fix the Obvious Stuff

That loose cabinet knob? The leaky faucet? The cracked tile in the hallway? Fix it. These little things make buyers think, “What else hasn’t been taken care of?”
👉 You’re not doing a remodel—just showing you’ve maintained the place.

4. Paint the Walls (Yes, Really)

If your walls are bold, dark, or dinged up—paint them. Fresh, neutral walls (think light gray or soft white) make the space feel bigger, brighter, and cleaner.
👉 It’s one of the highest-ROI prep items you can do.

5. Nail the Curb Appeal—Without Going Overboard

You don’t need a full landscaping makeover. Just mow the lawn, trim the bushes, plant some fresh mulch, and make the front porch inviting.
👉 First impressions matter. Buyers judge before they even walk in.

6. Let There Be Light

Natural light = homey and happy. Open the blinds. Replace burnt-out bulbs. Add brighter bulbs if rooms feel dim.
👉 Lighting changes how your home feels and photographs.

7. Deodorize (and Be Honest About It)

Your house has a smell. Every house does. Ask a friend or your agent to do a sniff test. Pet smells, smoke, or overly strong air fresheners can be a deal-breaker.
👉 Aim for “fresh and neutral,” not “overwhelming plug-in aisle.”

8. Stage Just Enough

You don’t need to rent furniture unless your home is empty, but you do need to arrange your rooms to make them look their best.
👉 The layout should feel spacious, functional, and appealing to most people—not just you.

The Bottom Line?

Getting your home ready to sell doesn’t mean spending a fortune or turning it into HGTV perfection. It means showing your house in its best light, making buyers feel confident, and helping them imagine living there.

Want a professional eye on what your home needs before you list? Let’s walk through it together—I’ll tell you what’s worth doing and what’s not.