Preparing Your Home for Sale
Exterior
Make sure your lawn is always mowed and edged. The first impression a buyer has of your home is from the outside, and curb appeal is very important. If you don’t have the time to keep the lawn maintained, consider hiring a service to ensure it’s always ready for showings and open houses. Trim all trees and shrubs on your property. If you don’t have the equipment or ability to reach certain areas, you may want to hire a landscaping company or rent equipment to do it yourself.
Plant flowers or display large flower pots to brighten up your yard and enhance curb appeal. Inexpensive pots and plants can be found at places like Home Depot, Target, or even garage sales. Sweep and clean all sidewalks and pathways, and if you live in a snowy climate, clear them of ice and apply salt to avoid accidents. Always ensure toys, papers, and tools are picked up and not left in walkways.
Repair and clean all windows, replacing any cracked or broken panes, and make sure they look well maintained. Clean eaves and drain spouts to prevent blockages that could lead to costly damage. A ladder and small tools can do the job, or you can hire a handyman. Touch up exterior paint where needed; peeling or chipped paint gives a neglected impression. Clean or replace door knobs, making sure the entrance looks polished. Lastly, keep the garage door closed. Even though the garage is an important space, leaving the door open creates the wrong impression and may make buyers think they should enter through it.
Interior
Remove all family photos, trophies, and personal crafts. These items prevent buyers from visualizing themselves in the home and can distract from its features. Declutter by removing newspapers, boxes, and other items, as this will make the home feel larger. Keep kitchen and bathroom counters clear, and always make sure dishes are done and put away.
Clean all carpets thoroughly. If replacement is needed, choose a neutral color. Otherwise, rent a carpet cleaning machine or hire a professional. Repair or repaint any chipped or dirty walls, choosing neutral tones rather than bold colors that may not appeal to everyone. If the walls only need cleaning, wash the entire surface rather than just spots. Ensure that doors and windows open and close easily; a little oil will usually fix any sticking.
Take care of minor repairs such as cracked plaster, loose wallpaper seams, or creaking floorboards. Wallpaper paste, plaster touch-ups, or a flooring specialist can help as needed. Adding some indoor plants is another simple touch—both green and flowering plants can make the home feel warmer and more inviting.
Additional Tips for an Open House
If possible, keep pets out of the home during showings or open houses. Even friendly pets can make buyers uncomfortable or cause distractions. Fresh flowers in a vase add warmth and color to a room. Make the house smell pleasant by baking cookies, simmering cinnamon sticks in water, or lighting a scented candle.
Clear all table tops, desks, and shelves, as clutter takes away from the home’s features. Create as much light as possible by opening blinds and curtains, cleaning windows, and turning on lights. Add fresh towels and small decorative soaps in the bathrooms for a welcoming touch.
Turn off televisions, computers, and other electronics during showings, as these can distract buyers. Soft background music can help create a calm and relaxed atmosphere. Never hold an open house alone—always have another adult with you, and keep a phone handy with quick access to emergency services. When showing rooms, let buyers walk ahead of you so the exit is never blocked. If your home has a basement, make sure lights are on and buyers enter first, again leaving you access to the exit.
Open houses can be scheduled any day, not just on weekends, but they should always be during daylight hours and end before dark.
✨ By following these steps, you’ll make your home feel clean, spacious, and welcoming—helping buyers imagine themselves living there.
