How to Get Your Home Market-Ready for Dummies

If you’re planning to list your home soon, getting it ready for the market isn’t something you want to leave until the last minute. Think of it like getting ready for a big date—you don’t just throw on any old outfit and hope for the best. A little bit of elbow grease and planning can go a long way in making sure your home stands out and gets top dollar. Here's your go-to guide for preparing your home before it hits the market!

First Impressions Matter: Start with Curb Appeal

The outside of your home is the first thing potential buyers will see, so let's make it count. A neat, welcoming exterior sets the stage for what’s inside. You want potential buyers to pull up and think, “Wow, this place looks inviting!” Take a weekend to:

• Tidy up the front yard: Mow the lawn, trim the bushes, and maybe even talk to your garden a little bit to encourage it to bloom. 

• Freshen up the flower beds: Plant some bright flowers or just slap on some fresh mulch if you don’t have a green thumb.

• Power wash the driveway or front porch to give everything a fresh look.

 Declutter Like a Pro

Okay, time for some tough love. If a buyer can’t see past your collection of beanie babies, they might miss out on the charm of the actual house. Start by decluttering every room—closets, countertops, even the garage. Here’s how:

Go room by room: Start with the living areas and work your way through. If you find anything that doesn’t spark joy, it’s time to donate it. Marie Kondo would approve.

Clear countertops:  Buyers want to see counter space, not your blender, toaster, and a hundred miscellaneous jars of spices. While I don't want you to get rid of your kitchen essentials, hiding these items before photos and showings is a PRO tip, trust me.

Organize closets: We know you’re cramming everything into that closet to avoid a total meltdown but trust us—buyers WILL open those doors. It won't be a dealbreaker if it's not totally organized, but it will help in your overall presentation during a showing. 

Take Care of Those Small Repairs

You know those little things you’ve been meaning to fix, but kept saying, “I’ll get to it later”? Guess what? Now’s the time. Buyers have a knack for spotting even the smallest flaws. So, get out the toolbox and start tackling:

 Patch holes in the walls and touch up paint where needed. Think of it like the house's version of putting on a little concealer—it’ll look flawless afterward.

Fix any leaky faucets or running toilets. Even small issues can be a big turnoff. Buyers will notice, and nobody wants to hear that dripping sound during a tour.

Repair broken tiles or loose cabinet handles because if you don’t, that wobbly knob will start to look like a “fixer-upper” project.

And if you’re planning to take the ornate chandelier your great aunt picked up on her European trip, use this time to replace it with a basic fixture.

Depersonalize the Space

It’s time to take down your Justin Bieber poster and those family photos—buyers need to see themselves in the space, not in your vacation photos from 2012. Here’s how to depersonalize:

• Remove personal photos, knick-knacks, and anything that might be too specific to your tastes. No one needs to know you went on 47 trips to Disney World (no judgment, though).

• If you have bold colors or patterns, consider neutralizing them to appeal to a wider audience.

• Clean out your garage, basement, or attic areas to make them look spacious and functional.

Clean, Clean, Clean

Here’s the deal: if your home is clean, it will sell faster. If it’s dirty? Well, it’ll just linger, and nobody wants that. So, channel your inner cleaning warrior and give your home a deep clean. If you don’t have time, hire a professional cleaner. 

• Clean the windows inside and out to let natural light shine through.
• Scrub bathrooms—toilets, sinks, mirrors, and showers should sparkle.
• Wipe down baseboards and ceilings to remove dust and cobwebs.

Here's Something You May Not Have Thought Of...

Focus on Lighting
Let’s talk about lighting—because if your home feels like it’s stuck in the 90s with those dim, flickering lightbulbs, we’ve got a problem. Brighten things up! Swap out your old-school bulbs for some snazzy, energy-efficient ones. Trust me, a well-lit room looks bigger, warmer, and less like a cave. Adding a few lamps or even some ambient lighting can really help turn your home from "meh" to “wow.” After all, everyone loves a cozy, inviting vibe—except maybe your ex, but that’s a whole different conversation.

Refresh the Front Door
The front door is like the “welcome mat” of your home—it sets the tone right as buyers walk up. Repainting the door, adding a new doormat, or installing a new hardware set (like a sleek doorknob or knocker) can make a big impression for not much effort.

Sweeten the Deal with Scents
Here’s a fun fact: your house has a smell. No pressure, but it’s a big deal. A clean, fresh-smelling home can make all the difference. 

. . . Then Take a Chill Pill 💊

Okay, now that you’ve tackled all those tasks, it’s time to breathe. Seriously. Don’t stress about the little things—buyers want to see your home, but they don’t expect it to be perfect (no matter how much Pinterest makes us think otherwise). So go ahead, take a deep breath, put your feet up, and maybe grab a glass of wine—you’ve done the hard work.

The market will appreciate what you've done to get your home ready. But the key is staying relaxed, knowing that you’ve set the stage for success. After all, if you get too caught up in making everything flawless, you might miss out on the fun part: letting buyers fall in love with your space. When the listing goes live, it’s showtime—and you’ve already done the prep. So, go ahead—chill out! You've earned it. 😎

And remember, you don’t have to do this alone! That’s where I come in—your friendly neighborhood real estate pro (yep, that’s me). I’m here to guide you every step of the way, from pricing your home just right to marketing it to the right buyers. Think of me as your secret weapon to get top dollar without breaking a sweat. Let’s make sure you don’t just list your home—let’s get it SOLD! You’ve got the prep down, and I’ve got the expertise to help you crush it in this market. 💪

Kelsey Easton
Your Go-To Austin Realtor & Local Expert

📧 [email protected]
📞 512-699-6091