How to Prepare Your Home for a Successful Sale

May 28

When selling your home, first impressions matter. Buyers are looking for a clean, well-maintained, and move-in-ready space. As Darla DeMorrow from HeartWork Organizing puts it, buyers want a home that feels "light, bright, airy, and spacious."

Since most home searches start online, your listing photos need to stand out. According to the National Association of Realtors’ 2023 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, all buyers used the internet in their search, with many viewing homes virtually before visiting in person.

If you’re preparing to sell, here’s how to make your home as attractive as possible to potential buyers.

1. Address Major Repairs

Before listing, take care of any significant maintenance issues like leaky windows, worn-out roofing, or faulty plumbing. Buyers often shy away from homes that require immediate repairs.

Some sellers opt for a pre-listing inspection, which costs about the same as a buyer’s home inspection (the 2022 national average was $340, per HomeAdvisor). This can help you address problems in advance or adjust your asking price accordingly.

However, be mindful of disclosure laws in your area—if you uncover a major issue, you may be legally required to inform potential buyers.

2. Give Your Home a Cosmetic Refresh

While not every home needs a full renovation, small upgrades can make a big difference. As real estate expert Brian K. Lewis explains, “Sometimes all you need is to deep-clean your appliances or replace outdated fixtures.”

Here are some simple ways to refresh your home’s appearance:

Deep clean everything. Focus on high-touch surfaces like doors, baseboards, and countertops.
Upgrade lighting. Brighter, whiter bulbs can make a home look cleaner and more inviting.
Remove outdated decor. Get rid of old wallpaper and opt for neutral wall colors to appeal to a broader audience.

3. Enhance Curb Appeal

The exterior of your home is the first thing buyers see, so it’s essential to make a great impression.

Follow these simple steps to improve curb appeal:

Trim overgrown bushes and mow the lawn.
Power-wash the siding and driveway.
Hide trash and recycling bins.
Add a fresh pop of color with seasonal flowers or greenery.

If selling in the winter, swap flowers for festive holly branches or pine boughs for a welcoming touch.

4. Declutter and Organize

Moving is the perfect time to declutter. Take a room-by-room inventory, sorting items into keep, donate, or toss piles. Avoid a "maybe" pile—it often ends up in costly storage units.

Less clutter makes your home feel more spacious and helps buyers envision their belongings in the space.

5. Depersonalize Your Space

Buyers should be able to imagine themselves living in your home. That’s harder to do if they see personal items like family photos, pet supplies, or bold decor choices.

Here’s how to create a neutral, buyer-friendly space:

Store personal photos and memorabilia.
Remove niche or highly stylized decorations.
Tone down bold wall colors with neutral shades.

6. Stage Your Home to Impress

Home staging isn’t just for empty houses. Most professional stagers work with the furniture and decor you already have, rearranging things to maximize space and highlight your home’s best features.

Even if you don’t hire a stager, consider these simple staging tips:

Arrange furniture to create open, flowing spaces.
Use mirrors strategically to reflect light and make rooms feel bigger.
Set the dining table or place fresh flowers in key areas to create an inviting atmosphere.

7. Work With Experienced Professionals

Selling a home involves more than just cleaning and decluttering. A qualified real estate agent can guide you through pricing, marketing, and negotiations. Many also have a network of professionals—from electricians to home stagers—who can help make the process smoother.

When choosing an agent, look for credentials like Certified Realtor® or Seniors Real Estate Specialist for specialized expertise.

Final Thoughts

Preparing your home for sale takes effort, but these steps can help you attract buyers, sell faster, and get the best possible price. By addressing repairs, decluttering, and making strategic upgrades, you’ll put your home’s best foot forward—both in listing photos and in-person showings.

Ready to sell? Start with these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to a successful home sale!

Citation: Adler, Sarah Elizabeth. "How to Prepare Your Home for a Successful Sale." AARP, 23 Feb. 2024, https://www.aarp.org/home-family/your-home/info-2024/things-to-do-before-selling-your-home.html.

Allyson Woods