Preparing your home for sale can be a daunting task, but taking proactive steps can make the process smoother and more efficient. Whether you're planning to list your home soon or just want to get a head start, there are several things you can do today to make your property more appealing to potential buyers. This comprehensive guide covers five essential steps you can take right now to prep your home for sale.
5 Things You Can Do Today to Prep Your Home for Sale
Getting your home ready for the market involves several key actions that can enhance its appeal and attract buyers. This guide explains the following:
- Declutter and organize
- Deep clean your home
- Make minor repairs and touch-ups
- Improve curb appeal
- Stage key rooms
Here’s a closer look at each.
Declutter and Organize
One of the most impactful steps you can take today is to declutter and organize your home. Removing excess items and organizing your space makes your home look larger, cleaner, and more inviting. Start by going room to room and sorting items into categories: keep, donate, sell, and trash.
Focus on clearing countertops, shelves, and other flat surfaces. Store away personal items, family photos, and knick-knacks to create a neutral space that allows buyers to envision themselves living there. Use storage bins, baskets, and organizers to keep everything tidy and in its place. Consider renting a storage unit for items you want to keep but don't need on a daily basis.
Related: Scottsdale real estate advice for buyers and sellers
Deep Clean Your Home
A clean home is essential for making a good impression on potential buyers. Take time today to deep clean every room in your home. This includes vacuuming carpets, mopping floors, dusting surfaces, and cleaning windows. Pay special attention to high-traffic areas like the kitchen and bathrooms, as these are often the most scrutinized by buyers.
In the kitchen, clean appliances inside and out, wipe down cabinets, and sanitize countertops. In the bathrooms, scrub tiles, clean grout, and ensure that fixtures are shiny and free of water spots. Don’t forget to clean less obvious areas like baseboards, ceiling fans, and light fixtures.
Make Minor Repairs and Touch-Ups
Addressing minor repairs and touch-ups can significantly improve the overall appearance of your home. Walk through your home and make a list of any issues that need to be fixed, such as leaky faucets, cracked tiles, or squeaky doors. These small repairs can prevent potential buyers from being deterred by minor flaws.
Consider touching up paint on walls, trim, and doors to give your home a fresh look. Choose neutral colors that appeal to a wide range of buyers. If you have outdated fixtures or hardware, consider replacing them with more modern options to give your home an updated feel.
Related: What your real estate agent can’t tell you — and why
Improve Curb Appeal
First impressions matter, and improving your home’s curb appeal can make a big difference in attracting buyers. Spend time today enhancing the exterior of your home. Start by mowing the lawn, trimming hedges, and removing weeds. Power wash the driveway, walkways, and siding to remove dirt and grime.
Add some color and life to your front yard with potted plants or flowers. Ensure that your front door is clean and consider giving it a fresh coat of paint. Make sure that outdoor lighting is functional and adds to the welcoming atmosphere. These simple improvements can create a positive first impression and draw buyers in.
Related: Ready to stop renting and buy? Here’s how to tell
Stage Key Rooms
Staging your home can help buyers visualize themselves living there and highlight the best features of your property. Focus on staging key rooms like the living room, kitchen, and master bedroom. Arrange furniture to create an open and inviting layout that maximizes space and flow.
In the living room, use neutral colors and simple décor to appeal to a broad audience. Add a few decorative touches, such as throw pillows, rugs, and artwork, to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. In the kitchen, keep countertops clear and add a bowl of fresh fruit or a vase of flowers for a touch of color.
In the master bedroom, create a relaxing retreat by using soft, neutral bedding and minimal décor. Ensure that closets are tidy and organized to showcase the available storage space. Staging these key rooms can make a significant impact on potential buyers and help your home stand out.
FAQ About Prepping Your Home for Sale
Check out these commonly asked questions about prepping your home for sale. If you don't see your question here, please call our office and we'll find you the answers you need.
How Can I Make My Home More Appealing to Buyers?
Decluttering, deep cleaning, making minor repairs, improving curb appeal, and staging key rooms are all effective ways to make your home more appealing to buyers. These steps can help create a positive first impression and highlight the best features of your property.
What Are the Most Important Areas to Focus On When Preparing My Home for Sale?
Focus on high-traffic areas like the kitchen and bathrooms, as well as the living room and master bedroom. These are the areas that buyers typically pay the most attention to during showings.
How Can I Improve My Home’s Curb Appeal Quickly?
Simple tasks like mowing the lawn, trimming hedges, adding potted plants, and power washing the exterior can quickly improve your home’s curb appeal. A fresh coat of paint on the front door and functional outdoor lighting can also make a big difference.
Should I Hire a Professional Cleaner Before Listing My Home?
Hiring a professional cleaner can ensure that your home is thoroughly cleaned and ready for showings. Professional cleaners have the tools and expertise to tackle deep cleaning tasks that you may not have time for.
Related: 5 things to ask yourself before you buy a vacation home in Scottsdale
How Can Staging Help Sell My Home?
Staging helps buyers visualize themselves living in your home and highlights the property’s best features. A well-staged home can create a positive impression, make rooms feel more spacious, and ultimately help your home sell faster and for a higher price.
Prepping your home for sale involves taking proactive steps to enhance its appeal and attract buyers. By decluttering, deep cleaning, making minor repairs, improving curb appeal, and staging key rooms, you can create a welcoming and attractive environment that potential buyers will love. Follow this comprehensive guide to prepare your home for sale and increase your chances of a successful transaction.
Are You Buying or Selling a Home in Scottsdale?
If you’re selling a luxury home in Scottsdale, we can help. You can use our home value calculator to get a ballpark idea on what your home may be worth – and you can call us at 602-694-3200 to talk to a REALTOR® about how we can market your home to all the right buyers.
If you're also looking for a new home, we’ll be happy to show you the homes that interest you most. While you’re here, explore all our Scottsdale real estate listings or look in specific communities:
- Ancala homes for sale
- Boulders homes for sale
- Cactus Corridor homes for sale
- Scottsdale Country Club homes for sale
- Scottsdale Ranch homes for sale
- Old Town Scottsdale homes for sale
- Paradise Valley homes for sale
Don Matheson
REALTOR® | Founder
The Matheson Team
RE/MAX Fine Properties
21020 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85255
602-694-3200
[email protected]
