Getting your home ready for sale is a bit like prepping for a big job interview. You want it to look appealing, inviting, and, ideally, at its best. A first impression can make all the difference, and your goal is to make potential buyers fall in love with your space at first sight. Whether you’re a first-time seller or just need a refresher, here’s a beginner-friendly guide to preparing your home for the market. From decluttering to minor repairs and adding that extra “wow” factor, we’ll cover all the essential steps to make your home stand out.
Declutter and Depersonalize
If you do nothing else, you must depersonalize and declutter. Start by packing up all the family photos (all of them!) and leave only a few tasteful, non-distracting pieces of art on the walls. A few large pieces are better than lots of smaller ones. If you're lacking big pieces, you can rent them online by the month for just a few bucks. Many local libraries also allow you to check out art.
Next, clear countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms as much as possible to make the spaces look larger and more functional. Pack or store the kitchen stuff you don't use often (like that big roasting pan, holiday platters, or the attachments to your food processor), so your cabinets also look spacious and well organized.
If your rooms are packed with furniture, consider putting a few pieces in storage. Too much furniture can make rooms feel small and cramped. Keep the minimum number of chairs around the dining table. Remove extra tables or baskets or bins. Keep coffee and end tables cleared.
Take a look at your closets, too. Buyers will almost certainly peek inside, so an organized closet gives the impression of ample storage space. Once again, a storage facility is a great place to stash extra stuff.
This step is all about creating breathing room, making your home look bigger, and making it easy for buyers to imagine their own belongings in the space. As a bonus, you’re getting a head start on packing for your move!
Make Those Minor Repairs and Updates You've Been Putting Off
Start with small repairs and updates that will make a big difference. While it may be tempting to leave those problems for the next homeowner, ignoring issues can make your home harder to sell and may reduce the asking price.
Walk through your house with a notepad and make a list of anything that’s broken, outdated, or looking a little worn. If you have a squeaky door, grab some oil to silence it. If faucets are leaky, either tighten them up or replace washers to stop the drips. And if your cabinets are showing their age, updating knobs and handles with something modern can instantly refresh them. These small fixes send the message that your home has been well-maintained. If you’re handy, you can tackle most of these repairs yourself. If not, consider hiring a professional for a day to take care of everything on your list. It’s a worthwhile investment that can boost your home’s appeal to buyers.
Boost Curb Appeal
The exterior of your home creates the first impression—so make it count. Start with the basics. Trim any overgrown bushes, water and feed your lawn, and make sure your plants and trees look neat and healthy. Adding a few colorful flowers can add charm and warmth to the entrance.
Next, clean everything. Wash the outside of your windows and doors, and hose off porch ceilings and railings. Consider hiring a service to wash the exterior and pressure-wash the driveway and walkways to give them a clean, fresh look.
Don’t forget about the front door, as it’s a focal point for buyers when they arrive. A new coat of paint or a touch-up can make the entrance pop and look inviting.
If your front entrance light is beat up or dated, get an inexpensive (but attractive) replacement. These simple outdoor updates give potential buyers the impression that the property is well-cared-for.
Update the Kitchen and Bathrooms
Kitchens and bathrooms are often the deciding factors for buyers in Lancaster, Lebanon, York, and Dauphin counties, so giving these rooms a little extra attention can go a long way. You don’t need a full remodel, but a few strategic updates can make these spaces shine.
Consider replacing old faucets or fixtures with modern ones to freshen up the look. If your cabinets are dated but still in good shape, a new coat of paint and updated hardware can give them a budget-friendly facelift.
Next, get rid of countertop clutter. This includes anything except hand soap. Keep your counters free of clutter and make sure they are sparkling clean. And don't forget to declutter your bath and shower areas. This is the time to put that shower caddy in storage, and neatly stow soaps, scrubbies, back scrubbers, and shampoos out of sight.
Adding or updating a backsplash in the kitchen is another cost-effective way to make the space pop. Choose a neutral, subtle design—while it may be tempting to go for a bold style, remember that your goal is to appeal to a broad range of buyers.
Finally, invest just a few bucks to replace old faceplates for light switches and electrical outlets. It makes the entire space feel cleaner and well-maintained. These simple updates will make your kitchen and bathrooms feel fresh and inviting, helping buyers imagine themselves cooking meals or unwinding in these spaces.
Repaint with Neutral Colors
Here’s where it might hurt a little, especially if you’re fond of bold colors. That bright orange accent wall may have been a fun addition, but now it’s time to go neutral. Buyers need a blank canvas so they can picture their own lives unfolding in each room. Choose colors like very light grays, pale beige, or whites. These shades are soothing, widely appealing, and make rooms look bigger and brighter.
Think of it as a spa treatment for your walls—clean, calm, and ready for anything. Painting isn’t just about changing color; it’s about refreshing the space. Even if you’re sticking with white, a fresh coat can make everything look cleaner and more polished. Don’t forget to paint the trim, too! Clean, glossy baseboards give a finished look and show buyers that you’ve paid attention to every detail.
Improve Lighting
Good lighting can make a room feel larger, more inviting, and, well, happier. Think of it as adding a flattering filter to your home. Start by replacing old bulbs with brighter, energy-efficient options that give off a warm glow. If certain rooms feel dark, consider adding floor or table lamps to brighten them up.
And don’t forget to let in as much natural light as possible by opening blinds or curtains. Clean windows, pull back heavy drapes (or even remove them), and let the sun shine in.
Central PA buyers LOVE good lighting. It not only makes your home look better but also highlights all the effort you’ve put into preparing it for sale. Bright, welcoming rooms help buyers see themselves living in the space, which is exactly the effect you’re aiming for.
Bring in the Experts
Getting your home ready to sell doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a bit of elbow grease, a few thoughtful updates, and some strategic staging, you can make your home look its best. The Brunner Group can help you ensure your home is inviting, well-maintained, and ready for someone new to move in and make memories.
We're here to help you set yourself up for a successful sale—usually in 20 days or less, and for over the asking price! If you want expert help in selling your house, contact us today. We're the home selling experts!
