Getting your home ready to sell doesn’t have to be overwhelming, but it does have to be intentional. Whether you’re working with a real estate agent or going the For Sale By Owner (FSBO) route, how you prepare your home can make a huge difference in how fast it sells and how much you get for it.

In today’s market, buyers are looking for move-in ready. That doesn’t mean you have to remodel your kitchen or stage like a magazine spread. But it does mean tackling small fixes, making things feel fresh, and helping people picture themselves living there.

Let’s see what to exactly do, inside and out, to make your home stand out from the moment buyers click on your listing to the minute they walk through the door.

1. Declutter, Clean, and Depersonalize

Before you touch a paintbrush or worry about curb appeal, the very first step is to clear the visual noise.

Declutter

Less stuff makes your space feel bigger. Go room by room and remove anything you don’t use daily. Think: excess furniture, overflowing shelves, countertop appliances, and piles of shoes by the door. If you’re serious about selling, it’s time to pack some things early or rent a storage unit if needed.

Deep Clean

You might not notice the grime in baseboards or the smudges on light switches, but buyers will. A thorough clean (or hiring professionals) makes your home feel cared for. Pay special attention to kitchens, bathrooms, and windows (they catch the most scrutiny).

Depersonalize

Buyers need to imagine themselves living in your home, not feel like they’re visiting yours. Take down family photos, kid artwork, bold artwork, or any strongly personal decor. You don’t need to make it sterile just neutral enough that anyone could see it as their space.

2. Minor Repairs & Maintenance Matter

You don’t have to do a full remodel, but small fixes go a long way in making your home feel move-in ready.

Handle the Honey-Do List

Leaky faucets, loose doorknobs, flickering lights, cracked outlet covers – these things might seem small, but together they signal neglect. Buyers will wonder what else hasn’t been maintained.

Patch and Paint

Touch up scuffed walls or repaint rooms that are too bold or dated. Stick with light, neutral tones like soft grays, beiges, or whites. A fresh coat of paint is one of the cheapest ways to make a home look clean and updated.

Check All Systems

Make sure everything works. Ceiling fans, HVAC, garbage disposals, toilets, garage door openers – everything should work. You don’t want a buyer flipping a switch and finding nothing happens.

3. Boost Your Curb Appeal

First impressions matter and your home’s exterior sets the tone before a buyer even walks in.

Tidy the Yard

Mow the lawn, edge the driveway, trim bushes, and remove any dead plants or weeds. Add fresh mulch or pine straw for a clean, finished look.

Touch Up the Exterior

Paint or power wash where needed, especially the front door, shutters, and porch area. Clean the windows. If the mailbox or house numbers are faded or outdated, replace them for a quick refresh.

Add a Welcoming Touch

Potted plants, a clean doormat, and simple outdoor lighting help make your entry feel inviting. If your porch light doesn’t work or the bulb’s dim, change it – small details matter.

4. Stage Your Home to Sell

Staging isn’t just for luxury listings; it’s about helping buyers picture themselves living in your space. Reread that.

Declutter Ruthlessly

Start by removing excess furniture, knickknacks, and personal items like family photos or collections. The goal is to make each room feel open, neutral, and spacious.

Rearrange for Flow

Arrange furniture to highlight the room’s best features, like a fireplace or big window, and to create clear walking paths. Less is more important here.

Add Light and Warmth

Open blinds or curtains, replace burnt-out bulbs, and use warm light to make the space feel cozy. A few lamps in dark corners can make a big difference.

Make It Smell Good (But Not Overpowering)

A clean, fresh scent matters. Skip strong air fresheners and aim for subtle, natural smells like citrus, lavender, or a freshly baked batch of cookies before showings.

Consider Hiring a Stager

If your home is empty or you’re not sure how to arrange things, a professional stager can help highlight your home’s potential. Some real estate agents even include staging services as part of their package.

5. Take Professional-Quality Photos

Your online listing is your first impression and in most cases, it’s make or break. Great photos get clicks. Bad photos get skipped.

Use Natural Light Whenever Possible

Shoot during the day with curtains open to let in sunlight. Turn off overhead lights that cast harsh shadows and rely on lamps for a warmer tone if needed.

Shoot from the Corners

Capturing photos from the corners of rooms helps make spaces look larger and more inviting. Show the full layout, not just details.

Highlight What Matters Most

Include wide shots of each main room, plus close-ups of standout features like custom tilework, a walk-in closet, or upgraded appliances.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

No tilted angles. No photos with clutter. And absolutely no mirror selfies or shots of toilets with lids up. If it feels like a “real estate fail,” it probably is.

Consider Hiring a Pro

Even if you’re selling FSBO, a local real estate photographer can usually shoot your home for $150–$300. That investment can easily pay off in interest and higher offers.

6. List Your Home Effectively

Once your home is prepped and photographed, it’s time to go live. Where and how you list it can make a huge difference.

Choose the Right Platforms

If you’re using a Realtor, they’ll handle MLS and syndication to sites like Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com.

If you’re selling by owner, post to:

• Zillow FSBO section
• Facebook Marketplace and local real estate groups
• Craigslist (yes, still!)
• FSBO-specific sites like ForSaleByOwner.com

Write a Strong Description

Lead with the best features: “Updated 4BR home with pool and fenced yard, walking distance to schools.”
Mention upgrades, location perks, and recent improvements. Avoid all caps or overly salesy language, just be clear and confident.

Don’t Skip the Details

Include square footage, lot size, number of beds/baths, recent updates, and anything that sets your home apart (no HOA, solar panels, RV parking, etc.).

Price Attractively

Even if you’re emotionally attached, price based on the market. A well-priced home gets more attention and can create bidding pressure, especially in a competitive market.

Be Responsive

Whether you or your agent is handling inquiries, respond quickly. Most buyers move on if they don’t hear back within a few hours.

7. Show Your Home Like a Pro

A clean listing gets attention but a great showing closes the deal. Whether it’s an open house or private tour, how your home feels in person can seal the buyer’s decision.

Time It Right

Weekends and early evenings are ideal for showings. Aim for bright daylight hours and avoid overlapping with noisy events like yard work or trash pickup.

Create a Welcoming Atmosphere

• Turn on all the lights
• Open curtains and blinds
• Set the thermostat to a comfortable temp
• Play soft background music (optional)
• Light a lightly scented candle or bake cookies (the cliché works!)

Be Ready to Leave

Buyers need space to explore and speak freely. If you’re selling FSBO, greet them warmly, give a quick intro, then step back or let them walk through alone.

Have Marketing Materials Ready

A simple flyer with highlights, recent updates, and contact info helps buyers remember your home. Include QR codes to your online listing if possible.

Secure Your Valuables

Before each showing, stash away jewelry, prescriptions, mail, and anything you wouldn’t want handled by a stranger.

Follow Up

After the showing, follow up with interested parties or their agents. A friendly message or prompt response can help move the deal forward.

8. Handle Offers Strategically

Once your listing is live and showings are happening, expect offers to start coming in – sometimes fast, sometimes after weeks. Either way, knowing how to evaluate and respond is key to getting the best deal.

Review the Full Package

Don’t just look at the offer price. Consider:

• Contingencies (financing, inspection, appraisal)
• Closing timeline
• Requested concessions (repairs, credits, covering closing costs)
• Type of financing (cash, conventional, FHA, VA)

Negotiate with a Clear Goal

Be realistic, but don’t be afraid to counter. Decide what’s most important: price, speed, fewer contingencies, or the buyer’s financing strength.

Be Professional

Even if you’re selling by owner, keep emotions out of the negotiations. Respond promptly and clearly. If you’re working with a Realtor, lean on their experience to handle back-and-forth.

Get It in Writing

Verbal agreements mean nothing in real estate. Always get revised terms in a signed written offer or addendum before celebrating.

Be Ready for Multiple Offers

If demand is high, you might get several offers. In that case, weigh each based on overall strength—not just top dollar. A slightly lower offer with fewer contingencies may be more reliable.

9. Final Steps Before Closing

You’ve accepted an offer! now comes the home stretch. These final steps are all about staying organized, meeting deadlines, and keeping the deal on track.

Complete Inspections & Appraisal

The buyer will likely schedule a home inspection and, if financing is involved, an appraisal. Be flexible with access and prepared to respond to repair requests or price renegotiations if issues come up.

Work Through the Contingencies

Most offers come with conditions (called contingencies) that must be met before closing. These might include:

• Buyer securing financing
• Passing inspections
• Appraisal meeting value
• Sale of buyer’s existing home

Stay in communication and meet your obligations on time to keep things moving.

Hire a Real Estate Attorney (if FSBO)

In some states, it’s required. In others, it’s just smart. A real estate attorney can help review the purchase agreement, coordinate paperwork, and ensure a legal and smooth transfer.

Schedule a Final Walkthrough

The buyer will usually do a final walkthrough 24-48 hours before closing to confirm the home’s condition hasn’t changed and any agreed repairs are done.

Don’t Forget Your Move-Out Checklist

Clean thoroughly, remove all personal items, leave behind manuals or spare keys, and turn off utilities effective the day after closing. It’s a good look and good karma.

Selling with Confidence

Whether you’re working with a Realtor or going the FSBO route, preparing your home for sale is one of the most important steps in the selling journey. A clean, well-presented, and properly priced home stands out—and often sells faster and for more money.

The key is to approach the process with clear goals, realistic expectations, and a willingness to put in some work up front. From small repairs and staging to gathering paperwork and knowing your local market, each step builds momentum toward a successful closing.

Selling a home can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right prep, the right support, and a little patience, you can move on to your next chapter with confidence and maybe even a little extra profit.