Amid all the other essential steps in the home-selling process, one of the more undervalued yet impactful tasks is preparing the property itself.

Showcasing it in its best light can not only attract more potential buyers but also potentially lead to better offers and even a quicker sale. From creating a welcoming first impression to addressing small details, a little effort goes a long way in maximizing your home’s appeal.

Enhance curb appeal

Most people will begin forming an opinion on your home the second they pull up to it, making it crucial to get your exterior looking its best. Attend to your landscaping as appropriate for the season, such as by mowing the lawn in summer and raking leaves in fall. Then assess simple improvements you can make to your home’s facade. You could paint your front door or trim if these areas have seen better days, or update your house numbers and replace your mailbox to ensure that your home stands out when potential buyers first see it.

Declutter and depersonalize

When prepping your home, it’s essential to clean up any lingering clutter, rearrange furniture to open up the spaces, and remove personal belongings such as knickknacks and family photos. This will allow prospective buyers to better envision themselves living in the house. Additionally, if any rooms are painted in bold colors, consider giving them a fresh coat of paint in a neutral color, such as white, gray, or beige, to appeal to a wider range of tastes.

Deep-clean

A neat and tidy home is more appealing to buyers, so be sure to give yours a thorough cleaning, paying special attention to high-traffic areas like the kitchen and bathrooms. Try to think about what visitors are most likely to notice; for instance, wiping down appliances, scrubbing countertops, and sweeping and mopping the floors are absolute musts. If the task proves too much to fit into your schedule, it may be worth hiring a professional cleaning service to ensure a deep and thorough clean. Then all you need to do is maintain your home while it’s on the market.

Make necessary repairs

Leaky faucets, broken tiles, and squeaky doors can significantly decrease your home’s appeal and signal to visitors that it hasn’t been well taken care of. That’s why it’s essential to make necessary minor repairs before listing your home. If you or a loved one are handy, you can aim to fix these issues yourself, but a professional handyman can also help tackle these projects. By addressing seemingly small problems, you can avoid potential red flags during home tours that leave people crossing yours off their list.

Stage your home

As noted previously, you want to help potential buyers visualize themselves living there, so be sure to arrange furniture to maximize room size and create a natural flow. Further, add tasteful decor such as fresh flowers and throw pillows to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. By approaching each room’s layout from a buyer’s perspective, you can highlight its best features and make it more appealing.

If you’re ready to sell your home, be sure to work with a trusted real estate agent. They can help you better understand how you can prep your spaces and make the most of today’s market.