In today’s competitive real estate market, first impressions are everything. Preparing your home before it goes live can make a significant difference in how quickly it sells—and for how much. From curb appeal to staging, these five steps will help ensure your home stands out online and in person.
1. Enhance Curb Appeal
Buyers often decide how they feel about a home within the first few seconds—curb appeal matters.
- Tidy the yard, mow the lawn, and trim hedges
- Add pops of color with flowers or seasonal decor
- Repaint the front door and clean windows
- Swap out old house numbers, light fixtures, or the mailbox for updated touches
- Lay down a new welcome mat
Your home’s exterior should be warm, welcoming, and photo-ready.
2. Declutter and Depersonalize
When buyers walk in, they should be able to picture themselves living there.
- Pack away personal photos, collections, and knick-knacks
- Clear countertops and surfaces to create a sense of space
- Organize closets to showcase storage capacity
- Rent a storage unit to temporarily store excess furniture or belongings
Creating a clean, neutral environment helps buyers focus on the home’s features—not your things.
3. Make Necessary Repairs
Small issues can raise big red flags. Take care of:
- Leaky faucets or running toilets
- Squeaky doors or windows that stick
- Cracked tiles, scuffed walls, or chipped paint
For larger items, consider a pre-listing inspection to catch major repairs early. A move-in-ready home reassures buyers and preserves your home’s value.
4. Stage the Home
Strategic staging can highlight your home’s best assets and help buyers emotionally connect.
- Rearrange furniture to emphasize flow and space
- Use neutral tones and minimal decor to appeal to a broad audience
- Add touches like fresh flowers, mirrors, or cozy textiles
- Define the function of each space so buyers can see how it could work for them
Even minor changes in layout or decor can have a big impact.
5. Deep Clean Everything
A spotless home communicates care and value. Key areas to focus on:
- Kitchens and bathrooms: sanitize surfaces, scrub grout, polish appliances
- Flooring: clean carpets and shine hardwoods
- Windows, baseboards, and ceiling fans—don’t overlook the details
- Eliminate odors and ensure the home smells clean and fresh
Hiring a professional cleaning crew before listing can be a smart investment.
Your home only gets one chance to make a first impression. I work closely with each of my seller clients to ensure their home is presented in the best possible light—online and in-person. From preparing your home for photos to getting it show-ready, I’ll guide you through every step of the process. Reach out to Amie Pisano today.
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: 914-715-2632
