4 Steps To Make Your Home Market-Ready

By Linda Welsh

Specialize in representing savvy Buyers and Sellers for residential, second home, vacation properties, lake and hill country properties, new and existing homes, land and lots. Relocation services include area, community and neighborhood expertise and helping the entire family to find the perfect home to meet their needs and wish list.

What should you do if you’re considering selling your home? Having moved 15 times myself — including six cross-country moves — I know how important it is to approach the process strategically. Selling a home means shifting your mindset from homeowner to home seller, and focusing on the steps that make your property as appealing as possible. So, how exactly do you prepare your home for selling? Here are four steps to help you get started.

1. Look at your home from a buyer’s perspective. It’s easy to overlook details when you live in a home every day, so I recommend taking photographs of every room first. Viewing your home through the lens of a camera helps highlight clutter, worn finishes, and minor issues that need attention.

It’s also valuable to walk through your home with a professional contractor, handyman, or inspector. They can point out repairs you might not notice. Many sellers even choose to order a pre-inspection to proactively identify potential concerns.

2. Keep up with preventive maintenance. Staying ahead of maintenance issues protects the value of your home and prevents last-minute problems. Services like Prefix offer regular checks, including draining water heaters, cleaning dryer vents, and inspecting HVAC systems for leaks. Addressing these items in advance ensures your home is in strong condition when buyers view it.

3. Make targeted updates. Strategic improvements can significantly enhance your home’s market appeal. Replacing fans and light fixtures, updating bathroom lighting, refreshing the front door and hardware, and improving landscaping are all upgrades that create a positive first impression.

If you’re concerned about funding these updates, Compass Concierge is a useful tool. It allows you to cover improvement costs through your home’s equity and helps you complete key projects without paying upfront.

4. Stage for a strong presentation. After repairs and updates are complete, staging ensures your home looks its best. Whether we work with your existing furniture or bring in full professional staging, the goal is to create a clean and inviting atmosphere that buyers can picture themselves living in. Key areas typically include the main living space, primary bedroom, and kitchen.

If selling is on your horizon, beginning the preparation process six to twelve months in advance is ideal. I’m happy to visit your home and create a detailed plan tailored to your timeline and goals. Don’t hesitate to give me a call at 512-657-4033 or send an email to www.LindaWelshRealty.com. I would love to help you prepare.