The Ultimate Guide to Prepping Your Home for Buyers
When preparing your home for sale, first impressions can make all the difference.
You want potential buyers to walk through the door and immediately envision themselves living in the space. This requires more than just a quick clean-up; it's about staging your home to appeal to the widest range of buyers. Whether you're selling for the first time or you've sold homes before, setting the stage properly can lead to faster offers and a higher selling price.
Start with the Big Picture: Declutter and Depersonalize
One of the first things we tell our sellers is that less is more. Potential buyers need to imagine themselves in your home, and that means packing away personal items like family photos, religious or political decor, and anything that reflects your personal life. It's not forever, but it helps potential buyers focus on the home, not the current residents. Think of it as giving yourself a head start on packing!
Another key aspect of this is decluttering. Aim to edit each room down to just the basics—remove about 50-75% of the items in every room. Less clutter makes rooms appear larger and gives buyers the impression that the home has ample storage space. If possible, store packed items offsite, but if that's not an option, the garage is a good backup for temporary storage.
Let There Be Light: Brighten Your Space
Buyers are drawn to homes that feel light and bright, so your goal is to maximize the light in every room. Open all the drapes, turn on all light fixtures, and even consider adding a few extra lamps to create warmth. Make sure all light bulbs are at their highest recommended wattage—we love using soft white LED bulbs to achieve a clean, modern look.
While showing your home, ensure that the temperature is comfortable—between 68 and 72 degrees—to create an inviting atmosphere.
Kitchen: Keep it Clean and Tidy
The kitchen is one of the most important spaces in the home, so it needs to be presented in the best possible light. Start by limiting small appliances on the counters to just two daily-use items (think coffee maker and toaster). Removing excess items helps the kitchen feel more spacious and clean.
Replace your everyday kitchen towels with new, decorative towels that add a pop of color and look fresh. Additionally, make sure to remove everything from your refrigerator doors—no magnets, family schedules, or artwork. A clean, clutter-free kitchen is always appealing to buyers.
Bathrooms: Spa-Like Cleanliness
Much like the kitchen, bathrooms should feel fresh and clean. Remove all your everyday toiletries from counters, and replace your bathroom towels with new, decorative ones. Clean countertops and well-maintained spaces help potential buyers picture themselves in a calming, serene environment.
Bedrooms: Simple and Inviting
In the primary bedroom, replace your current bedding with fresh, white sheets for a clean, hotel-like look. The simplicity of white bedding creates an inviting and neutral space that buyers will find attractive.
Closets: Show Off Storage Space
Buyers love storage space, so show off your closets by organizing them and leaving them no more than 50% full. Overstuffed closets make it seem like the home lacks storage, so pack away what you don't need for the time being to showcase how roomy your closets can be.
Outdoor Appeal: Clean and Manicure
Curb appeal is the first thing buyers see, so it’s important to make your home’s exterior as appealing as possible. Weed flower beds, trim trees and shrubs, and remove any lawn ornaments to create a clean, manicured appearance. Consider adding mulch to flower beds and putting a pot of flowers near the front door for a welcoming touch.
Power-wash your walkways, driveway, and decks to remove dirt, grime, or moss, making them look fresh and maintained. If you have any signs of pets (toys, dishes, crates), make sure to tuck them away for showings.
Safety First: Inspections and Detectors
It’s crucial to ensure your home is up to code for inspections, which means having appropriate smoke detectors/CO detectors and ensuring that your water heater is properly strapped. These are small details, but they are often required for the final sale process.
Final Touches: The Little Details Matter
Once the big tasks are done, don't forget the smaller details that can make your home more inviting. Add a new doormat, make sure all light bulbs are working, and check that all your outdoor lights are functioning. Small touches like these make the home feel well-maintained and move-in ready.
Conclusion: The Key to a Successful Sale
Preparing your home for sale doesn’t have to be overwhelming, but it does take a little bit of effort. By decluttering, depersonalizing, and making strategic updates, you can create a space that buyers will love. It’s all about helping them envision themselves living in the home, and every small step you take brings them closer to that feeling. If you need more personalized advice on preparing your home for sale, we're always here to help!
At Campbell Salgado Real Estate Group, we understand that selling your home is both a financial and emotional journey.
As experienced real estate brokers, we’ve spent over a decade helping clients prepare their homes for sale in a way that maximizes value while also simplifying the process. With our artistic backgrounds and hands-on experience as homeowners and remodelers, we bring a creative and strategic approach to every home we list.
We believe that preparing your home for sale doesn’t just attract buyers—it enhances your pride in your space and helps you get the best possible return. Whether it’s decluttering, staging, or making those small but impactful updates, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. If you’re ready to get started or need more personalized advice, give us a call or text at 503-951-8547 for a complimentary, no-pressure consultation. Let’s work together to make your home shine!
