What Actually Matters When Preparing Your Home to Sell (and What Doesn’t)

If you ask five people how to prepare a home for sale, you’ll get five different answers - many of them expensive, overwhelming, or unnecessary.

As a realtor, I see sellers stress themselves out over the wrong things all the time. They repaint rooms that didn’t need it, replace items buyers won’t notice, or delay listing because they feel the house has to be “perfect.”

The truth is simpler — and far less exhausting.

Here’s what actually matters when preparing your home to sell, and what usually doesn’t.

What Actually Matters

1. Cleanliness (More Than Updates)

A clean home signals care. Buyers may not remember your countertops, but they will notice dirt, odors, and clutter.

Focus on:

• Deep cleaning kitchens and bathrooms

• Clean floors, baseboards, and windows

• Neutral smells (no heavy candles or air fresheners)

Clean doesn’t mean staged — it means well cared for.

2. Function Over Finish

Buyers are far more concerned with whether things work than whether they’re trendy.

Make sure:

• Doors and windows open smoothly

• Lights, fans, and outlets function properly

• Faucets don’t drip

• Toilets flush correctly

These are small fixes that prevent big red flags during showings and inspections.

3. First Impressions Still Matter

You don’t need magazine-worthy landscaping, but you do want buyers to feel comfortable walking up to the house.

That usually means:

• Trimmed lawn and simple yard cleanup

• Clear entryway and visible front door

• Seasonal but understated touches

This sets the tone before they even step inside.

4. Decluttering (Not Depersonalizing)

Buyers need to see how a home lives — not imagine it as a blank box.

Aim for:

• Clear countertops

• Open walkways

• Closets that feel usable

You don’t need to remove every personal item. You do want the home to feel spacious and easy to move through.

What Usually Doesn’t Matter as Much as You Think

1. Major Renovations Right Before Listing

Kitchens and bathrooms don’t need to be brand new to sell well — especially in strong, high-demand areas.

Large renovations often:

• Don’t recoup full cost

• Delay listing unnecessarily

• Add stress without adding value

If an update truly makes sense, I’ll tell you. Otherwise, it’s often better to price appropriately and let the next owner decide.

2. Perfection

No home is flawless — and buyers don’t expect it to be.

They’re looking for:

• Solid condition

• Fair pricing

• Transparency

Trying to fix everything usually creates burnout and diminishing returns.

3. Over-Staging

Staging can help, but it’s not always required — especially for homes that are already clean, neutral, and well laid out. Sometimes less is more.

The Bottom Line

Preparing your home to sell isn’t about chasing trends or spending money blindly. It’s about:

• Cleanliness

• Functionality

• Honest presentation

My job is to help you focus on what will actually move the needle — and avoid what won’t.

If you’re considering selling and want straightforward guidance (no pressure, no upselling), I’m always happy to walk through your home and talk it through.