Prepare

Trim the lawn, weed flower beds, wash windows, and paint the front door. First impressions start at the curb.

Pack away 30–50% of your belongings. Empty countertops, tidy closets, and clear surfaces make rooms feel larger.

Deep clean everything — floors, grout, appliances, and light fixtures. A sparkling home signals it's well maintained.

Remove family photos, personal collections, and religious items so buyers can imagine themselves in the space.

Fix leaky faucets, replace burned-out bulbs, patch nail holes, and touch up paint. Small issues can raise big doubts.

If it's not staying with the house, take it down or clearly label it excluded to avoid buyer disappointment.

Not everyone loves animals. Remove pet dishes, litter boxes, and toys during showings.

Secure valuables, medications, and sensitive documents before every showing.

Keep the home showing-ready. Great homes get last-minute requests — being flexible pays off.

Trust your agent's staging advice. What worked when you bought may not work when you sell.