Selling a home can be overwhelming with so many details to consider and decisions to make. Buyers form their first impression within seconds, so presenting your home in its best light is important. From the exterior to the interior, taking the time to prepare your home thoroughly can have a major impact on how buyers perceive it and the final sale outcome.
Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal
Your home’s exterior is the first thing potential buyers see. A well-kept exterior shows buyers that your home is cared for and maintained. Focus on landscaping, paint, and outdoor fixtures. Start by trimming shrubs, mowing the lawn, and weeding flower beds. Add pops of color with fresh flowers or seasonal plants to make the entrance inviting. Inspect walkways, driveways, steps, and porches for cracks or wear. Small touches like painting the front door or fence can give the exterior a crisp, polished appearance. Don’t forget functional details like cleaning gutters, repairing the roof if needed, and making sure outdoor lighting works.
Exterior Checklist
- Trim shrubs
- Mow lawn
- Weed flower beds and add colorful flowers
- Repair walk and/or driveway (consider resealing driveway)
- Repair steps and porch
- Clean porch light and post lamp
- Shovel walks and driveway during the winter
- Wash siding
- Paint trim and the front of the house
- Paint fence for a crisp appearance
- Paint sides and back of house (if necessary)
- Repair roof, gutters, and downspouts
- Paint front door and mailbox
- Repair or replace the storm door
- Clean or repair screens and storm windows
- Clean/paint/repair garage (dispose of what you don’t intend to keep)
- Remove yard debris
- Arrange porch and patio furniture as attractively as possible
Create a Welcoming Interior
Inside, buyers want a clean, spacious, and light-filled environment. Start with a fresh coat of paint in neutral or light colors to make rooms feel airy and versatile. Clean and polish floors, windows, and light fixtures. Ensure doors and windows operate smoothly, fix leaky faucets, and repair any minor wall or ceiling damage. Organize closets and storage spaces, removing excess clutter to emphasize the home’s storage potential. Small touches go a long way.
Interior Checklist
- Paint where necessary (use light colors)
- Clean and fix windows
- Clean and polish floors
- Replace burned-out light bulbs (brighten other lighting with more powerful bulbs)
- Make sure doors and windows are operating freely (lubricate if necessary)
- Arrange shades and drapes to give maximum light
- Fix light switches
- Repair or re-paint cracked walls and ceilings
- Fix faucet drips
- Clean fireplace and lay logs for fire
- Straighten all closets
- Use room deodorants to remove mustiness
- Vacuum and shampoo rugs
- Tidy up – throw away what you do not plan to move! (maximize your space – especially the attic and basement)
- Turn on all lights even during the day (open all drapes before showings)
- Place fresh flowers throughout the house when possible – the liberal use of plants will enhance your home (too many plants will make your rooms look smaller)
- Turn off the TV and play stereo softly for background music
Attention to Detail Matters
Buyers notice the little things. Make sure appliances work, clean and stage the fireplace if you have one, and fix any minor cosmetic issues. In the winter, keep walks and driveways shoveled, and in the summer, keep the yard vibrant. A home that feels well-cared-for signals to buyers that it’s been loved and maintained—encouraging higher offers and faster sales.
Preparing your home for sale isn’t just about cleaning. It’s about creating a space where buyers can imagine themselves living. A thoughtful approach to both the exterior and interior, along with attention to small details, can make your home stand out on the market and pay off when it comes to offers, negotiations, and the overall selling experience.
Ready to put your home on the market? We’re here to help guide you through every step.