Selling your home can be a daunting and stressful experience – even for sellers who have sold a home before. For first time home sellers it can be overwhelming. The effort you put in can pay off in a quicker sale and a better price.

The goal is to create a home that appeals to the broadest group of buyers by making it clean, well-maintained, and visually appealing. Sellers who devote the time to prep their home 6-12 months before going on the market can make the process smoother and help sell you home for the highest possible price.

1.Clean and Declutter Your Home

A clean and decluttered home is more inviting and helps buyers visualize themselves living there. You want to create a neutral, spacious environment that makes the home feel move-in ready.

• Go through each room and remove excess furniture, personal items, and anything that might make the space feel crowded. The goal is to create a more open, airy feel.
• Tidy up closets, drawers, and storage spaces. Buyers will often look inside, and organized spaces make a better impression.
• Consider professional cleaning for carpets, windows, and hard-to-reach spots. Don’t forget areas like baseboards, light fixtures, and ceiling fans. Clean homes feel well-maintained and cared for.
  

2. Make Necessary Repairs
Addressing any necessary repairs will keep your home in good condition and inform buyers that that home has been maintained. Repair leaky faucets, pipes, and any areas where water damage is visible. Walk through your home and look for the following items:

• Fill in nail holes, patch cracks, and give walls a fresh coat of paint, especially in neutral colors like whites, grays, or light tans.
• Make sure that your HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems are functioning properly. If needed, hire a professional for an inspection to avoid surprises later.
• Fix Flooring Issues: Whether it’s patching hardwood, repairing tile, or re-carpeting, floors can make a huge difference in appeal. Replace or fix damaged flooring.
  

3. Enhance Curb Appeal
The front of your house is the first image most buyers will see and it will make a first impression – either positive or negative.  A neat, attractive exterior invites buyers to step inside.

• Keep your yard trimmed and tidy. If you have a garden, add a few colorful plants or flowers for a welcoming touch.
• Clean the Front Door. The front door should look inviting—consider repainting it, adding a new doorknob, or updating the hardware.
• Neatly trimmed shrubs and trees create a more organized appearance.
• Power Wash the exterior. Clean your driveway, walkway, and the exterior of the home with a pressure washer to remove dirt, grime, or mold.

4. Neutralize the Decor
The goal is to make your home feel like a blank canvas, so buyers can imagine themselves living there. Personal items, bold colors, or overly specific styles might distract them.

• Remove family photos, religious symbols, and items that are too personal. You want buyers to see the space, not your personal life.
• Repaint Bold Colors. If your walls are painted in very bold or dark colors, consider switching to neutral tones like soft grays, whites, or beige. These colors make spaces look larger and more inviting. Painting the interior also leaves a positive impression on buyers
• Remove Excess Furniture. If rooms feel cramped, removing a few pieces of furniture can help buyers see the space clearly. Minimal furniture makes rooms look bigger.

5. Organize and Clean the Garage, Basement, and Attic
While these areas may not be part of the regular living space, they are still important to buyers, and they want to see storage potential. Having these areas clean and organize leaves a positive impression and sends the message that the home has been lovingly maintained.

• Remove unnecessary items, boxes, and anything that could make these spaces feel cramped or disorganized.
• Sweep, wipe down surfaces, and ensure these areas are free of dust or cobwebs. A clean, organized garage or basement can make a significant difference in the buyer’s perception of your home’s overall maintenance.

Getting your home ready for sale is an important step in the home selling process. Smart sellers will start planning how to prepare their home for sale 6-12 months before going on the market.  That allows for a less stressful process and time to address any surprises that may come up.

If you have any questions about preparing your home for sale please reach out to the FOCUS on NoVA team.