How to Prepare Your Home to List: Do’s & Don’ts for Maximum Impact

Getting ready to sell your home? Awesome. But before you slap that "For Sale" sign in the yard, there’s some prep work to do to make sure your listing shines and attracts the right buyers (and top offers). Here's your guide on what to do—and what to absolutely not do—when prepping your home for the market.

✅ DO: Declutter Like You’re Moving Tomorrow

Buyers want to see your home, not your stuff.

• Remove personal items, bulky furniture, and excess décor.

• Keep countertops, closets, and shelves clean and minimal.

• Think: "model home vibes."

  

  
  

❌ DON’T: Shove Everything in Closets

Buyers will open them. An overflowing closet screams “not enough storage.”

✅ DO: Deep Clean Everything

We're talking baseboards, windows, carpets, grout—go full Cinderella mode.

• If cleaning isn’t your thing, hire a pro. It’s worth it.

❌ DON’T: Mask Odors With Strong Scents

Candles and air fresheners can be a turn-off. Go for neutral smells (or no smell at all). A clean house should smell... clean.

✅ DO: Touch Up Paint and Patch Walls

A fresh coat of neutral paint (think whites, greiges, or soft taupes) = instant refresh.

• Patch nail holes and scuffs.

• Repaint bold accent walls to appeal to a broader audience.

  
  

  

  
  

❌ DON’T: Overdo the Renos

Don’t start a full kitchen remodel days before listing. You won’t get the ROI in time. Focus on small upgrades that matter—like lighting, hardware, or curb appeal.

✅ DO: Boost Curb Appeal

First impressions happen in 3 seconds.

• Mow the lawn, trim shrubs, and clean the porch.

• Add a new welcome mat and maybe some potted plants. Instant charm.

  
  

  

  
  

❌ DON’T: Ignore the Backyard

Outdoor space is a big deal now. Clean it up, power wash, and stage if possible. No one wants to imagine BBQs next to a rusty trampoline and broken planters.

✅ DO: Stage for Flow and Function

Help buyers picture themselves living there.

• Set the table. Add throw pillows. Create cozy nooks.

• Let each room show off its purpose.

❌ DON’T: Leave It Empty

Empty homes feel cold and smaller than they actually are. If you’ve already moved out, consider virtual staging or renting key pieces.

Final Tip: 📸 Professional Photos or Bust

You’ve done the work—don’t sabotage your listing with bad phone pics. Invest in pro photography (and video, if possible) to make your home stand out online, where buyers are scrolling first.

Ready to list like a pro? Start here, and you’ll be miles ahead of the “just winging it” crowd. A little prep goes a long way when it comes to selling fast—and for top dollar.