Think like a buyer
Buyers want to imagine their own life in the home. Remove personal photos and highly specific decor so rooms feel open and neutral.
Walk through the home from the curb to the back door as a visitor would.
Note what feels dark, cramped, dated or cluttered.
Take photos of each room as it is today and look at them critically. Photos reveal clutter and awkward layouts that you stop noticing in daily life.
Declutter and clean
Clear counters, closets and shelves so rooms look larger. Pack away extra furniture and seasonal items.
Clean windows, floors and fixtures and fix small repairs such as loose handles or chipped paint.
A clean, empty-feeling home reads as well cared for.
Ask a friend or an agent to walk through the home and tell you what they notice first. First impressions are valuable.
Update the basics
Fresh neutral paint, good lighting and clean floors make the biggest impact for the cost. Replace dated light fixtures and dim bulbs.
Update hardware on cabinets and doors if it is inexpensive and easy.
Keep changes simple and focused on what buyers notice.
Keep paint colors consistent through connected rooms so the home feels larger and calmer.
Arrange furniture well
Pull furniture away from walls where it helps and create clear conversation areas. Make sure each room has an obvious purpose.
Use smaller pieces to show room size, and remove pieces that block paths.
Add a rug, lamps and a few simple accessories to warm the room.
Rearrange furniture to show the purpose of each room, such as a desk in a spare room or a table in a nook.
Boost curb appeal
The first photo is often the exterior. Mow, edge, trim and mulch, wash the front door and add potted plants.
Replace worn house numbers and mailbox if needed.
Make the entry welcoming with a clean mat and good lighting.
Look at the home from the street at dusk. Lights on and a clean entry make a strong impression.
Prepare for photos and showings
Open blinds, turn on lights and style surfaces simply. Remove pet items and cars from the driveway.
Keep a short checklist for quick touch-ups before showings.
Photograph rooms in good daylight with everything in place.
Make a list of what to do the morning of each showing so it takes only a few minutes.
Think like a buyer, clear the clutter, update the basics, arrange rooms simply and prepare the exterior for the first photo.
