Preparing your house to sell involves a combination of activities to make it appealing to potential buyers. Focus on first impressions, address needed repairs and depersonalize each room. Follow us for essential tips on getting your home market-ready and maximizing your sale! Decluttering is one of the best starting points and it can even make you money or uncover forgotten treasures. A comprehensive decluttering checklist includes removing items you no longer use, need or love and then organizing the remaining items. Focus on one room or area at a time, sort items into “keep,” “donate” and “discard” piles and find a designated place for everything that stays. Get rid of extra stuff before you put your house on the market. Rooms and wardrobes will look so much bigger to prospective buyers.
A well-kept yard instantly makes a property more inviting to buyers. Mow the lawn so it looks even and fresh, trim the edges along walkways and driveways and clear out weeds that distract from the home’s appearance. In the garden, prune overgrown shrubs, remove any dead plants and add a layer of mulch or fresh soil to give beds a clean, finished look. Even small touches, like planting a few colourful flowers near the entrance, create a welcoming first impression. These low-cost steps show buyers the property has been cared for and can help it stand out in the market.
Adding a few well-chosen potted plants to the patio or front veranda instantly makes a property feel warm and inviting. Bright flowers or lush greenery create a welcoming entrance that appeals to buyers before they even step inside. Choose low-maintenance plants in clean, modern pots for a polished look and group them in odd numbers (like three or five) for a balanced display. Seasonal blooms or evergreens work well, as they add colour and life without requiring much upkeep. This simple, low-cost touch adds charm, highlights outdoor living spaces and helps buyers imagine relaxing there themselves.
Keeping tables and countertops clear of clutter is one of the simplest yet most powerful steps when preparing a property for sale. Buyers are naturally drawn to clean, open spaces that feel spacious and functional. When surfaces are free of personal items, paperwork, appliances or everyday mess, it allows them to focus on the property itself rather than being distracted by belongings. Clutter-free countertops in the kitchen highlight the amount of workspace available, making the area feel larger and more practical. In dining and living areas, a clear table or coffee table creates a sense of elegance and order, giving buyers the impression of a well-maintained home. This small adjustment doesn’t just improve the visual appeal, it also helps buyers imagine their own lifestyle in the home, which is key to creating emotional connection and encouraging stronger offers.
Use an essential oil diffuser to create a welcoming atmosphere. A light, pleasant scent can instantly make a home feel inviting, fresh and well cared for. Subtle fragrances such as lavender, citrus or eucalyptus help buyers associate the space with comfort and cleanliness, while avoiding the overpowering effect of sprays or candles. The right scent can create a positive emotional connection, making it easier for buyers to picture themselves living there.
Emptying the rubbish bins before a showing is a quick, free step that can make a surprisingly big difference in how your home feels to buyers. Overflowing or even half-full bins can leave behind odors and give the impression that a home isn’t as clean or well cared for. By taking out the trash and giving bins a quick wipe down, you ensure that rooms smell fresh and look tidy. It’s one of those small details that buyers may not consciously notice when done, but will definitely notice if skipped. Keeping bins empty helps maintain that crisp, welcoming atmosphere that makes your home more appealing.
Making the beds is one of the simplest yet most effective staging steps you can take when preparing your home for showings. A neatly made bed instantly makes bedrooms look more polished, tidy and inviting. Smooth, clean linens in neutral tones create a hotel-like feel that appeals to buyers and helps them picture the space as their own. Adding a throw blanket at the foot of the bed and a few plush pillows can elevate the look without much cost, turning the bedroom into a cozy retreat. Best of all, it’s completely free, just a few extra minutes of care before a showing can make a lasting impression.
Putting out a vase of fresh flowers before a showing is a small but powerful touch that adds warmth and life to your home. Fresh flowers instantly brighten up a room, provide a subtle natural fragrance and make the space feel more welcoming and cared for. A simple arrangement on the dining table, kitchen counter or entrance hall can act as a cheerful focal point without being overwhelming. You don’t need to spend much. Seasonal flowers from a grocery store, farmers market or even your own garden can do the trick beautifully. This inexpensive detail leaves buyers with a lasting, positive impression, helping them picture the home as both inviting and well loved.
Placing a few plush pillows on sofas and beds is an easy and affordable way to make your home feel cozy, stylish, and move-in ready. Soft, well-chosen pillows add a touch of warmth and texture that instantly makes living areas and bedrooms look more inviting in person and in photos. Stick to neutral tones with maybe one or two subtle accent colors to keep the look fresh and appealing to a wide range of buyers. You don’t need to splurge.
Using white towels in the bathrooms is a simple, budget-friendly staging trick that instantly makes the space feel fresh, clean and spa-like. White towels give off a hotel-style vibe, signaling cleanliness and making the bathroom feel more luxurious without a big investment. They also brighten up the space, especially when paired with neutral walls and good lighting and they photograph beautifully for online listings. Best of all, you don’t need to buy expensive sets. This small detail helps buyers imagine themselves unwinding in a relaxing, well-cared-for home.
Making your entrance hall welcoming is a powerful way to set the tone for buyers the moment they step inside. Since first impressions matter, focus on creating a bright, clean and inviting space. A fresh coat of neutral paint, clutter-free surfaces and good lighting instantly make the area feel open and cared for. Adding small, affordable touches like a mirror to reflect light, a simple rug or a plant can create warmth without costing much. If you have a coat rack keep it tidy so the space feels organized rather than crowded.
When getting your home ready to sell, painting colorful walls a more neutral color is one of the smartest, low-cost upgrades you can make. Bold colors can feel personal and may not suit every buyer’s taste, while neutral tones like soft grays, warm beiges or clean whites create a blank canvas that helps buyers imagine the home as their own. Neutral walls also make spaces appear brighter and more spacious, complementing natural light and making listing photos pop. A fresh coat of neutral paint signals that the home is well-maintained and move-in ready, often giving buyers a more positive first impression. Plus, paint is relatively inexpensive, especially if you shop clearance sections at hardware stores or pick up discounted mis-tinted paint.
When preparing your home to sell, a simple and budget-friendly upgrade is swapping in bright LED light bulbs. Good lighting instantly makes rooms feel larger, cleaner and more inviting, both in person and in listing photos. Consistent lighting throughout the house creates a polished look, while daylight or soft white bulbs in kitchens, bathrooms and living spaces highlight key areas buyers care about most. Don’t forget the exterior. Bright bulbs on the porch or walkway boost curb appeal and make the home feel welcoming at night.