Getting your home ready for sale can make a big difference in attracting buyers and securing the best possible price. While I’ve seen a few homes that were already show-ready, that’s the exception rather than the rule. Most of us need to put in some effort to prepare our homes for the market.
With that in mind, I’ve created a list of steps tailored for busy families who have about a month to prepare and a budget of under $5,000. Here are my top recommendations to help you get started.
Hire a Stager for a Consultation
This should be one of the first steps in preparing your home for sale. I believe it’s so important that I include a stager as part of my listing service. Together, the stager, the homeowner, and I walk through the home to assess each room and find ways to make it look its best. If your agent doesn’t offer this service, you can hire a stager for a few hundred dollars to provide expert recommendations on how to enhance your space using the furniture and decorations you already have.
If your budget allows, you might even want to consider having your home professionally staged. Staging works! I work with a lot of buyers, and I’m always amazed at how staged homes attract more interest, potential buyers, and offers.
Neutralize with Fresh Paint
A fresh coat of paint is one of the smartest investments you can make when selling your home. Choosing neutral tones, such as beige, gray, or soft whites, is key—Agreeable Gray is a timeless favorite. These shades not only appeal to a wide range of buyers but also help rooms feel more spacious and cleaner, which photographs beautifully. A few dollars spent on paint can translate to thousands in added value. Painting is an affordable way to refresh your space and create an updated, move-in-ready look.
Neutralizing your home before putting it on the market is a lot like preparing a dish for a crowd—you want to appeal to the widest range of tastes. Imagine you’re making a big pot of chili for a party. Even if you love it spicy, you’d likely tone it down so everyone can enjoy it. Selling your home works the same way. Neutral paint colors create broad appeal and help buyers envision themselves in the space. Bold colors might reflect your personal style, but neutral tones make it easier for potential buyers to see your home as their future home.
Decluttered Spaces
When staging your home, remember that less is more. Declutter every room by removing personal items, excess furniture, and knick-knacks. The goal is to create a spacious environment where buyers can imagine themselves living. Be sure to clear all countertops—my rule of thumb is if it’s smaller than a grapefruit, put it away.
I often suggest that clients designate a specific area, such as the garage or basement, for neatly packing and storing items. Stack them in a way that allows for easy access, as buyers and inspectors prefer not to see entire walls blocked. Start donating or discarding items you don’t plan to take with you. Since you’ll need to pack eventually, why not get a head start now?
Curb Appeal Enhancement
Stand in front of your house and take a good look—what do you see? As real estate expert Barbara Corcoran suggests, “Buyers decide in the first eight seconds of seeing a home if they’re interested in buying it.” Walk in their shoes, and see what they see within those crucial first moments. First impressions are everything, and curb appeal can significantly influence how buyers perceive your home. Simple tasks like mowing the lawn, trimming bushes, and adding fresh mulch can dramatically enhance your exterior. A well-maintained yard signals that your home has been cared for inside and out.
Don’t forget to sweep the porch, deck, driveway, and patio areas. If your exterior looks grungy, consider investing in power washing. You might also want to paint your front door—Zillow’s research shows that homes with black front doors can sell for an average of $6,449 mor
Staged Furniture
Staging your home doesn’t necessarily mean you have to rent new furniture. You can work with what you already own by rearranging and simplifying the layout. As I mentioned earlier, hiring a professional stager for a consultation can be a great investment. For a few hundred dollars, they can offer expert advice on how to make the most of your existing pieces. Removing bulky items and creating open, flowing spaces helps make rooms feel more inviting. Adding neutral throw pillows or a cozy blanket can also enhance the look.
When staging, keep in mind the “60/40 rule” for balancing furniture and open space. This guideline suggests that about 60% of the floor space should be filled with furniture, while 40% should remain open. This balance ensures the room feels neither too crowded nor too empty, making it more appealing and harmonious. The proper balance of furniture and open space can make a room appear larger and more welcoming, which is crucial when preparing your home for sale.
Additionally, ensure each room is returned to its original function. For example, if a bedroom was being used as an office, stage it back as a bedroom. Lastly, be sure not to block any entryways or windows, as this can disrupt the flow of the room and make the space feel cramped.
Depersonalized Rooms
Helping buyers envision themselves in your home is key, and one of the easiest ways to achieve this is by depersonalizing your space. Remove family photos, personal collections, and any items that reflect your unique taste. The goal is to create a blank canvas that allows buyers to imagine making the space their own.
Floors
Your flooring is one of the first things buyers will notice, so giving it some extra attention before showings is crucial. Whether you have hardwood, tile, laminate, or carpeting, sprucing up your floors can make a significant difference. For hardwood floors, a simple polish can restore their shine. If they’re looking especially dull, a product like Minwax Floor Reviver can work wonders to bring them back to life—without the need for a full refinishing. For tile and laminate, ensure they’re thoroughly cleaned and free of scuffs. If your carpets need a refresh, consider renting a carpet cleaner or hiring a professional to get them looking their best.
Fresh Linens and Towels
Though it may seem like a small detail, fresh linens and towels can significantly enhance the look of your bedrooms and bathrooms. Opt for crisp, clean bedding that complements your neutral decor, and choose new towels, ideally white, neatly folded and displayed in the bathroom. Think of the feeling you get when you walk into a luxury hotel or spa—these thoughtful touches make your home feel inviting and move-in ready for potential buyers.
Lighting
Lighting can transform a room, making it either warm and inviting or dim and unwelcoming. To showcase your home in the best light, ensure all rooms are well-lit with bright, consistent bulbs. Replace any dim, mismatched, or burnt-out bulbs with new ones that provide a soft, warm glow. Good lighting not only creates a welcoming atmosphere but also highlights your home’s best features.
Consider removing heavy window treatments and replacing them with light, airy sheers that allow natural light to flood in. Clean your windows thoroughly, and if screens are dirty, consider removing them altogether. In darker rooms, use the maximum wattage allowed for your fixtures, and layer your lighting with strategically placed lamps and fixtures. Mirrors can also work wonders by reflecting light and making spaces feel larger and brighter. Lastly, trim any overgrown bushes or trees blocking light from your windows to let as much natural light in as possible.
Deep Cleaning
This final step is probably one of the most important. Cleaning is absolutely essential when preparing your home for sale. A deep, thorough clean will ensure your home looks its best and smells fresh. Don’t forget to tackle often-overlooked areas like windows, baseboards, and light switches. Kitchens and bathrooms should be your main focus—clean all countertops, grout lines, stainless steel, faucets, and more. If your budget allows, consider hiring a professional cleaning service. Some companies even specialize in cleaning homes specifically for sale. While these services may cost more, they know how to prepare your home to look its best for showings and photos. A spotless home makes a strong first impression and reassures buyers that the property has been well-maintained.
Final Thoughts
Preparing your home for sale doesn’t have to be an expensive or time-consuming process. By focusing on these essential tasks, you can make a significant impact without overspending. A fresh, clean, and well-lit home with neutral decor will attract more buyers and help you sell your home faster. Happy selling!
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