Top 10 Things Every Seller MUST Do Before Listing Their Home
Selling a home isn’t just about putting up a sign and hoping for the best. In today’s market, preparation is everything.
Recently on Real Estate Matters, we talked about how the homes that sell fastest — and for the strongest prices — are almost always the ones that feel intentional, well-maintained, and move-in ready. Buyers don’t just purchase square footage; they purchase confidence.
Here are the Top 10 things every seller must do before listing their home to maximize value, minimize time on market, and avoid painful price reductions.
1. Declutter Ruthlessly
Buyers need to imagine their life in your home — not yours.
Remove excess furniture, personal photos, collectibles, and anything that crowds surfaces or walkways. Less visual noise makes rooms feel larger, brighter, and calmer.
2. Deep Clean Everything
This isn’t a surface wipe-down. This is:
• Baseboards
• Windows
• Light fixtures
• Cabinets
• Appliances
• Carpets
A professionally cleaned home signals that it’s been well cared for — and that matters more to buyers than most sellers realize.
3. Fix the Small Stuff
Loose door handles. Squeaky hinges. Burned-out bulbs. Dripping faucets.
These tiny issues create a big psychological effect: buyers start wondering what else hasn’t been maintained.
4. Refresh Paint Where It Matters
You don’t have to repaint the entire house, but touch up scuffs and repaint heavily worn or bold-colored rooms.
Neutral, clean walls photograph better, show better, and sell better.
5. Maximize Curb Appeal
First impressions are not negotiable.
• Trim bushes and trees
• Edge lawns and walkways
• Power wash siding and driveways
• Add fresh mulch
• Clean the front door
If buyers aren’t excited when they pull up, you’ve already lost leverage.
6. Stage Key Rooms
You don’t have to stage everything.
Focus on:
• Living room
• Primary bedroom
• Kitchen
• Dining area
Good staging creates emotional connection — and emotional buyers pay more.
7. Let in the Light
Open blinds. Clean windows. Add brighter bulbs. Turn on lights during showings.
Light makes spaces feel bigger, warmer, and more inviting.
8. Organize Storage Areas
Buyers open closets, cabinets, and garages.
Half-empty, organized storage suggests abundant space — even if the home isn’t large.
9. Professional Photography
This one isn’t optional.
Online photos are the first showing.
Bad photos cost you showings.
Fewer showings cost you leverage.
Less leverage costs you money.
10. Price Strategically
Overpricing is the #1 mistake sellers make.
The first 7–14 days on market matter more than anything else.
Price correctly from day one and let demand work for you.
Bonus Step: Make the Garage Spectacular
Most sellers ignore the garage. Smart sellers turn it into a feature.
Here’s why it matters:
1. Clean It So Cars Can Be Parked
If buyers can’t see a car fit inside, they assume storage is inadequate.
2. Remove Cobwebs and Paint It a Bright, Welcoming Color
A clean, freshly painted garage feels like bonus square footage.
3. Paint Bare Concrete with Garage Floor Paint
This instantly upgrades the space, reduces dust, and adds visual appeal.
A spectacular garage signals pride of ownership — and that mindset carries through the rest of the home.
Final Thought
Homes that feel intentional sell faster and for more money.
The difference between a good sale and a great sale often comes down to preparation — not luck.
Real Estate Matters
Stories • Markets • Guidance
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