How to Get Your Home Ready for the Market in 30 Days

Selling your home can feel overwhelming, especially when you're facing a tight deadline. But with the right plan and some strategic steps, you can successfully get your property market-ready in just 30 days. Whether you're searching for tips on "how to sell my home" or looking for advice from a trusted Realtor, this guide will walk you through the essential steps to prepare your home for a smooth sale. From decluttering to curb appeal, you'll learn how to prepare your home to sell in a way that attracts the right buyers and maximizes your home’s potential. With a little elbow grease and focus, your home can be ready to list and shine for potential buyers in no time.

Day 1-7: Declutter and Deep Clean

Start by decluttering every room. Go through closets, cabinets, and storage spaces to get rid of anything you don’t need. Remember, less is more when it comes to selling—buyers want to see the space, not your stuff. Consider renting a storage unit if necessary, or donate, sell, or toss everything extra.

Next, give your home a deep clean. Scrub floors, wipe down walls, clean baseboards, and make sure every nook and cranny is spotless. If it feels like too much to tackle, don’t shy away from hiring a professional cleaning service. A clean home feels well cared for and leaves a great first impression.

One of my favorite secret weapons is the Magic Eraser! If you haven't used one before, grab some and get to work. It's amazing on clearing smudges from railings, eliminating marks on doors and trim and freshening up your cabinet fronts.

The professional deep clean is one of the initial steps in my Listing Launch plan.  And it's included as part of my services! While you're focusing on clearing, decluttering and packing up personal items, I'll have my crew go in and scrub the nooks for you. If you want more info on what all is included in my Listing Launch, grab a spot on my calendar and let's talk.

Day 8-14: Focus on Repairs and Maintenance

Now that your home is clean and decluttered, it’s time to handle any small repairs or maintenance issues you’ve been putting off. Fix leaky faucets, tighten loose cabinet handles, patch up holes in the walls, and touch up paint where needed. Don’t forget the little things like squeaky doors or burnt-out light bulbs. And please make sure those bulbs all match! These small items go a long way to making a home feel well-maintained.

Next, take a critical look at your home’s exterior. Curb appeal matters (a lot!), so make sure your lawn is mowed, bushes are trimmed, and flower beds are weeded. As we head into Fall, keep the leaves from piling up in the corners. Clean the gutters if necessary, power wash the siding, and make sure the front door looks inviting. A little attention to the outside will help draw buyers in.

Want a pro tip?  Lock your front door, grab a key and use it to open the lock from outside. Most of us enter our homes through our garage and our front door gets neglected. Look around the frame - are there cobwebs to clear? Debris in the crooks? How does the paint, window and handle look?  If your handle is marred or worn looking, consider an easy fix of taping it off and spraying it with a Rustoleum paint product to make it feel fresh and new.  When you turn the key, does it open easily?  If not, make adjustments, use WD-40 and ensure your home is easy to access. As a final step, throw down a fresh welcome mat to greet your potential buyers. 

Day 15-21: Make Small Upgrades That Pack a Punch

You don’t need to overhaul your home before you sell, but small, budget-friendly upgrades can make a big difference in your home’s perceived value. Think about giving rooms a fresh coat of neutral paint, replacing outdated light fixtures, or updating hardware in the kitchen and bathrooms. These quick fixes can give your home a more modern feel without breaking the bank.

Another smart move? Stage your home to make it look its best. Rearrange furniture to open up spaces and add a few simple, stylish touches like fresh flowers or new throw pillows. If you’re not sure where to start, consider hiring a professional stager—they can work wonders with what you already have.

Day 22-27: Get Professional Photos

Great photos can make or break a listing. Once your home is in tip-top shape, hire a professional photographer to capture it at its best. Bright, high-quality images will help your home stand out online and attract more potential buyers. If you’ve got a good eye and the right equipment, you can DIY the photos, but in most cases, it’s worth investing in a pro.

One of my pet peeves is seeing homes listed with photos that were obviously taken with a cell phone. You only get one chance to make a first impression! And that first impression is usually online phootos. Without attractive and inviting photos that showcase your home's features in the best light, the potential buyers might pass you up. Don't take that chance!  

Day 28-30: Prepare for Showings

With everything ready to go, it’s time to prepare for showings. Make sure your home is always clean and tidy, and remove any personal items like family photos or personal collections. Buyers need to picture themselves in the space, so aim for a neutral, welcoming vibe.

Before each showing, turn on lights, open curtains, and make sure your home smells fresh. A little extra effort here can help buyers feel comfortable and make your home more inviting.

P.S. An excellent real estate agent can guide you through this process step-by-step, including connecting you with trusted professionals like cleaners, contractors, stagers, and photographers—and we’ll handle the entire showing process too. Get in touch to make your home sale easy.