With its longer days, warmer weather, and landscape blooming with new life, spring offers the ideal opportunity to showcase your property at its best.

But with so many homes hitting the market during this season, how can you make yours stand out from the rest? Here are some practical tips to ensure that your listing doesn’t just blend in but shines above the competition.

Boost your curb appeal

The first impression is everything, and in real estate, that starts with curb appeal. Begin by refreshing your landscaping—a well-manicured lawn and lush garden beds will make your home look cared for and well maintained. First, trim your bushes, edge the lawn, and remove any dead plants or leaves. Then take advantage of spring’s new growth by planting a few flowers like tulips, daffodils, or pansies; such color can help your front yard feel inviting and vibrant. You could also consider adding some shrubs or trees if you have the space.

Additionally, make sure to spruce up your entryway. For instance, you could incorporate a seasonal vibe with a welcoming doormat featuring pastel accents or a wreath adorned with yellow and orange daisies. And you can’t go wrong with a fresh coat of paint on the front door or some potted plants for that extra touch.

Highlight natural light and fresh air

Spring’s natural light is one of its greatest assets, so let it work in your favor. Clean all your windows inside and out to let the sunlight shine through, and pull back heavy curtains and drapes to make your rooms feel bright and open. Alternatively, you could swap said window coverings for paler-hued or sheer options that will diffuse light for a warm, gentle glow.

Equally appealing about the season is the abundant fresh air, which you can mimic by opening doors and allowing air to circulate better. This will help potential buyers feel at ease and comfortable during a showing and, as a bonus, create the illusion of more space.

Declutter and deep-clean

A clean home speaks volumes, but go beyond the regular tidying up to ensure that it sparkles from top to bottom. Before anything else, clear away any excess furniture, knickknacks, and personal items; buyers want to imagine themselves in your spaces, and that’s difficult to do if they feel crowded or see your presence everywhere. Similarly, you’ll want to organize your closets, shelves, and other storage areas so they appear spacious, enabling visitors to get a sense of the possibilities. Once all that is squared away, it’s time to clean—wash the walls, scrub the baseboards, shampoo the carpets, and tackle any other forgotten corners, bringing your home to picture-perfect condition.

Update the kitchen and bathrooms

Kitchens and bathrooms are two of the most important areas to potential buyers, and while you don’t have to do a full renovation, small updates can go a long way. For example, a fresh coat of paint on cabinets or new hardware on drawers and doors can instantly modernize a space. And if your countertops are outdated, consider adding a layer of epoxy or even replacing them with something more trendy like quartz or granite.

For your bathrooms specifically, replace old caulking, grout, and any worn-out fixtures. Also factor in the little details; fresh towels, a clean shower curtain, and a few seasonal touches like a small vase of flowers or a stylish tray can help the space feel like a spa retreat.

Stage for spring

The way you stage your home can make a big difference in how it’s perceived. For spring, use soft, neutral colors for your furniture and decor, and add pops of pastel or floral accents to evoke the freshness of the season. If your furniture feels heavy or outdated, it might be worth swapping a few pieces out with lighter, more current alternatives. Do the same with your outdoor space, whether you have a deck or patio. Stage it with comfortable furniture, cozy throws, and maybe even a small firepit, allowing buyers to envision themselves enjoying warm evenings outdoors.

Use professional photography and virtual tours

Today’s buyers start their home searches online, so your listing photos need to be top-notch. While you may be able to achieve this on your own, professional photography will guarantee that you showcase your property’s best features. Clear, bright, and high-quality, an expert’s work will perfectly highlight the natural light, spacious rooms, and cozy nooks that make your space unique. Further, offering a 3D tour or video walkthrough lets buyers to explore your home remotely, giving them a sense of it before they even step inside.

Selling a home in spring offers an abundance of opportunities to make a memorable first impression. By taking the steps above, you can make your listing stand out in a crowded market to have prospective buyers flooding in. Just as important, remember to work with a real estate agent who knows the local market and can help guide you through the process to ensure that you get the best possible offer.