Listing Your Home? Do These Things To Make A Great First Impression—And Sell Faster!

Declutter, Depersonalize, and Clean

Before diving into deep cleaning or renovations, start with the basics: declutter and depersonalize. A cluttered home feels smaller and less inviting, which can turn buyers off.

Depersonalize:

• Remove family photos
• Take down personal decorations, trophies, or medals
• Anything that could prevent buyers from imagining their own belongings in the space

Declutter:

• A tidy home feels larger and more welcoming. Make sure everything is organized.
• Clean out closets, shelves, and storage areas.

Tip: Rent a storage unit for excess furniture or personal items.

Sanitize:

• Clean every surface, from floors to windows to countertops.
• Vacuum carpets, mop hardwood, and scrub tile grout.
• Clean windows inside and out—clean windows let in more light, making the space feel brighter.
• Clean the kitchen: wipe down cabinets, counters, and sinks, and make sure appliances are spotless.
• Scrub bathrooms and touch up scuff marks on walls and baseboards.

Tip: If needed, hire professional cleaners for a deep clean, especially if you’ve lived in the house for years.

Make Small Repairs

Fixing small issues will make a big difference. Buyers look for signs of deferred maintenance, so address any visible problems. You don’t need to do major renovations—just focus on easy, cost-effective repairs.

What You Should Do:

• Refresh paint on walls and doors
• Upgrade flooring or touch up scuffed areas
• Fix leaky faucets
• Ensure all lights work
• Repair any broken items

Boost Curb Appeal

The first thing buyers see is the exterior of your home, so make sure it looks inviting.

What You Should Do:

• Trim hedges and mow the lawn to create a welcoming vibe.
• Paint or touch up the front door for a fresh, appealing look.
• Add potted plants or colorful flowers near the entrance.

Tip: Use a power washer to clean the driveway, walkways, and the exterior of the home. It’ll remove dirt and grime and give everything a fresh look.

A Great First Impression

Preparing your home for sale starts with creating a clean, welcoming, and well-maintained space. Declutter, make small repairs, and focus on curb appeal to ensure your home makes a great first impression. In the next blog, we’ll discuss how staging can further boost your home’s appeal.

Ready to sell? Contact me for a free home valuation and personalized selling strategy! Let’s get started today.