Getting a house ready to sell can create all kinds of stress and uncertainty.
If you’re like most sellers, you’re not sure where to start — or what actually matters.
You’re nervous about buyers not being interested.
And you’re worried your home won’t sell for the price you want.
The silver lining?
A little preparation and the right approach can attract your ideal buyer.
And the right insights can make getting your house market-ready feel a lot less overwhelming.
But the key is knowing exactly which steps to take — and in what order.
If you don’t, you could waste time, burn through money, and end up with a home that still isn’t ready to impress buyers.
This guide will help you avoid that.
Here are the key steps to getting your house ready to sell.
1. Make your pre-listing fix-it list
Start by creating a list of anything that might raise a red flag for potential buyers.
Why?
Because the best way to get your home ready is to spot what buyers might notice (and question).
Even if you’re planning to make minimal repairs, this list still matters.
It gives you a clearer view of what buyers will weigh when deciding how much your home is worth.
Grab a notepad and walk through your property like you’re seeing it for the first time.
Stand across the street.
What immediately sticks out to you?
Is your front yard lacking color?
Does your garage door need attention?
Could your front door use a fresh coat of paint?
Note anything that catches your attention.
Now step inside and try to view your home with fresh eyes.
Walk slowly, room by room.
Are there any visible wall marks or holes?
Open and close your windows and doors. Do they work properly?
Are your air filters clean?
Do your sinks, toilets, and fixtures all function properly?
The goal is to spot signs of neglect.
Whether it’s something broken, messy, outdated, or just overlooked, these are the things buyers notice first.
Once you have your list, do one of two things:
- Handle the easy fixes.
- Hold off on making repairs until you get guidance (I’ll explain shortly).
But don’t go down the rabbit hole of fixing every little thing.
Tackling projects that won’t improve your sale price is a waste of your time — and money.
2. Declutter and depersonalize your house
Decluttering your home can be one of your biggest payoffs.
Why?
Space.
Buyers love to see space and storage.
The more, the better.
But it can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to start.
So, here’s my advice…
Grab trash bags and moving boxes.
If you need smaller bins, Home Depot has plenty of affordable storage options.
Then go room by room.
Decide what’s coming with you — and what can be tossed, donated, or stored.
Stay focused by concentrating on one area at a time, including closets.
Label boxes, tape them shut, and set them aside.
If you have a garage, it’s perfectly fine to stack boxes there until you move.
Buyers will peek inside the garage — but seeing storage boxes there won’t hurt your sale.
If you’re selling a house with a basement, avoid storing things there.
A finished or unfinished basement can be a major selling point.
So you don’t want to block a buyer’s view of the space.
If you run out of room — or have bigger items that need storing — look into renting a storage unit or portable container.
Set aside anything you don’t want to keep for a junk removal service.
The key to decluttering is to think like a buyer.
What feels crowded?
What’s taking up too much visual space?
Do you have personal items or photos on display?
Are there outdated or unique decor choices that might turn buyers off?
Removing these distractions helps buyers focus on your home’s potential.
And that can lead to better first impressions, more impactful photos, and stronger offers.
3. Hire the right listing agent
Some sellers wait to hire an agent until their home is nearly ready to list.
But that delay can cost you.
Why?
Because a good real estate agent can make the pre-selling process easier.
And help prepare your home for the strongest possible offer.
The key is hiring the right person.
Not just someone who comes recommended.
But someone who’s best qualified to sell your specific property.
And that qualification comes down to experience, integrity, and fit.
Here’s what that means:
- Relevant selling experience: Your agent should have a strong track record of selling homes in your area that are similar to yours, both in property type and price range.
- A history of low dual agency: Agents who primarily represent only one party in a sale (the seller or the buyer, but not both) are more likely to prioritize your best interests. Make sure you hire someone with a clear track record of avoiding dual agency — because that’s a key sign of trustworthiness.
- A great reputation with past sellers: Prioritize agents with excellent reviews from past seller clients. Their feedback will give you insight into how the agent communicates, negotiates, and performs under pressure.
- A cancellable listing agreement: Make sure your contract includes a cancellation clause that lets you terminate without owing commission. This keeps your agent accountable — and gives you peace of mind.
Hiring the right agent early can make the entire prepping process easier, faster, and more profitable.
Learn more about how to choose the right real estate agent to sell.
4. Get a pre-listing home inspection
Do you need a home inspection before putting your house on the market?
No.
But getting a pre-listing inspection can be one of the smartest investments you make as a seller.
Here’s why…
A property inspection answers the unknowns before a buyer ever makes an offer.
And the fewer surprises they uncover on their own, the less likely they are to:
- Ask you to make repairs or lower the price after going under contract
- Back out of the sale altogether.
But here’s the key…
Getting a home inspection doesn’t mean you’re required to fix anything.
Making repairs is entirely optional.
You can still sell your home as-is — even after disclosing the report.
The real value is transparency.
You’re showing buyers what’s “under the hood” of your home up front.
That builds trust.
And that trust can lead to a faster offer and a higher selling price.
You can order a pre-sale home inspection in two ways:
- Find and contact a licensed home inspector directly.
- Ask your real estate agent for a trusted referral.
You should get the full report within 1-2 days after the inspection is complete.
5. Make strategic repairs
Now it’s time to decide which repairs are worth making.
Start by reviewing your fix-it list and inspection report (if you got one).
Your agent can tell you which items (if any) are worth fixing — and which ones you can skip.
Unless your home is newly built, your inspection will call out numerous items.
That’s normal.
Inspectors flag anything that could raise liability concerns.
But not everything they note is worth fixing.
For example, it’s not uncommon for exterior cracks around a property to show up in a report.
That’s a perfect example of what not to fix when selling a house.
Instead, focus on repairs that:
- Are quick wins
- Leave a strong first impression
- Could raise red flags during showings or inspections.
Here are some common examples:
- Broken or missing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Leaky faucets or plumbing issues
- Missing GFCI outlets in kitchens and bathrooms
- Broken or non-working appliances
- Termite damage or signs of pests
- Cracks in walls, ceilings, or the foundation
- Outdated or failing HVAC systems.
These issues can erode buyer confidence — even if the rest of your home is in good shape.
Once you’ve identified which items to address, make a plan.
Will you handle the repairs yourself, or bring in a pro?
If you’re working with an agent, ask for handyman or contractor recommendations.
They’ll often have trusted contacts who can get things done quickly and affordably.
The goal is to fix what matters most — so buyers have fewer concerns and more confidence in your home.
6. Choose upgrades that pay off
Not all home improvements add value.
Some drain your time and budget without moving the needle.
So ask your listing agent which upgrades will help your home sell faster or for a higher price.
From there:
- Weigh the cost of each upgrade against the potential resale value.
- Get quotes from two to three contractors or specialists.
- Decide which projects are worth moving forward with.
- Schedule the work with a clear timeline.
The best upgrades are the ones that make your home feel more modern and move-in ready.
In other words, they enhance your home’s visual appeal.
And they often don’t require a major remodel.
Here are a few examples:
- Outdated countertops? Swapping tile or Corian for quartz can completely transform the look of your kitchen.
- Mismatched appliances? Upgrading to stainless steel helps the space feel cohesive and higher-end.
- Walls painted in bold or dated colors? A fresh coat of neutral paint can make your home feel brighter, cleaner, and more appealing to a wider pool of buyers.
Even smaller updates can make a difference:
- Replace outdated bathroom or kitchen fixtures.
- Upgrade light switch or outlet covers.
- Add modern cabinet hardware or door handles.
- Swap dated window treatments for clean, neutral blinds.
The goal is to make your home more desirable — without spending more than you’ll get back.
Choose strategically, and your upgrades will deliver a strong return.
7. Boost your curb appeal
Your front yard is the first impression buyers will have.
And it sets the tone for how they perceive the rest of your home.
But improving your curb appeal doesn’t have to be expensive.
You just need the right tweaks in the right places.
Start by walking through the front exterior of your home with your fix-it list.
If you’re working with a real estate agent, ask them to walk with you.
They’ll often spot things you might overlook — especially from a buyer’s perspective.
Then, decide which updates are worth making and how you’ll get them done.
Will you handle them yourself, or hire a landscaper or handyman?
If you go the professional route, get quotes from 2-3 local companies and compare pricing, timelines, and availability.
Your agent can help coordinate all of this if you’re short on time.
Here are a few cost-effective curb appeal upgrades that make a big impact:
- Add fresh mulch to bare areas and flower beds.
- Plant seasonal flowers or low-maintenance greenery.
- Trim overgrown bushes and trees.
- Power wash your walkway, porch, or siding.
- Repaint or replace your front door or garage door.
- Clean or upgrade your house numbers and mailbox.
- Sweep away cobwebs and dirt from the entry area.
Even the smallest details matter.
A dusty front door or overgrown yard can make buyers wonder how well the rest of the home has been maintained.
The goal is to create a clean, inviting exterior that makes a buyer want to see what’s inside.
8. Deep-clean every room
Buyers will notice things in your home that you’ve stopped seeing.
Dusty baseboards.
Smudged mirrors.
That faint pet smell in the living room.
Even the grime behind your faucet handles.
That’s why deep-cleaning is one of the most important steps to get your home ready to sell.
It’s the final touch that shows your home has been well cared for.
Do it right before staging and photos so your home shines online and in person.
If you want to tackle it yourself, give yourself enough time.
If not, hiring a professional cleaner can be well worth the cost.
Here’s where to focus:
- Dust from top to bottom: corners, ceiling fans, vents, light fixtures, and baseboards.
- Wipe down all surfaces: kitchen counters, stovetops, appliances, bathroom vanities, and sinks.
- Scrub the kitchen and bathrooms: Remove grime, soap scum, mildew, and any lingering odors.
- Wash mirrors and windows: Remove streaks and wash window screens if needed.
- Deep-clean the floors: Shampoo carpets, polish wood floors, and mop tile thoroughly.
- Eliminate odors: Open windows, use neutral-smelling cleaners, and remove pet smells at the source.
This is more than just tidying up.
A clean home shows better, smells better, and feels move-in ready.
And that’s exactly what motivates buyers to make a competitive offer.
9. Stage your home for the right buyer
Staging is one of the most powerful ways to make buyers fall in love with your home.
But it works best when you tailor the space to your ideal buyer.
Start by getting expert input.
Ask your listing agent for a staging consultation or a referral to a local stager.
Once you have feedback, determine the cost of full or partial staging. (Some agents cover the cost in mid- to higher-end markets.)
Your agent can walk you through options based on your timeline, budget, and goals.
If the home is vacant, staging is almost always worth it.
Empty homes feel colder, smaller, and harder to visualize living in — which makes it more difficult for buyers to connect.
Ideally, you’ll want to stage the entire home.
But if you need to prioritize, focus on the spaces that showcase functionality and lifestyle:
- The living room
- The kitchen and dining area
- The primary bedroom
- Any awkward or undefined spaces that could benefit from staging.
If you’re still living in the home, you can still stage it effectively — and you should.
Here’s how:
- Remove or rearrange bulky furniture to create more space.
- Use neutral decor and soft textures to create a warm, modern look.
- Clear surfaces, remove personal items, and highlight each room’s best features.
- Consider partial staging if you only want help with a few rooms or accessories.
The goal isn’t to decorate.
It’s to create a layout that feels livable, open, and buyer-ready.
Once your home is staged, capture it with professional photos that sell the experience.
Strong listing photos drive clicks, boost showing activity, and set the tone for a faster, more competitive sale.
The ultimate checklist to get your house ready to sell
Looking for a step-by-step list to make the prepping process easier?
This checklist covers everything you need.
Use it to stay organized, reduce stress, and make sure nothing slips through the cracks before you list.
Conclusion
Getting your house ready for sale isn’t just about checking boxes.
It’s about making the right moves in the right order.
From the first repair to the final photo, every step influences how buyers see your home.
So follow a proven plan, take your time where it counts, and lean on expert guidance to avoid costly mistakes.
Because the better prepared you are, the better your results will be.
Need help getting your home ready?
The right real estate agent can make the entire process easier — and more profitable.
We can match you with a top local agent who has the right experience, track record, and seller-focused approach.
Learn how our free agent matching service works so you can glide through the process with confidence.
