Selling your house can be both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you’re moving into a larger property, downsizing, or relocating, preparing your home before putting it on the market is key to maximizing its value and attracting serious buyers. Fortunately, there are clear steps you can take to make the process smoother, more profitable, and less stressful. One of the most important decisions you’ll make is working with a successful local real estate agent who can guide you every step of the way.
Here are 12 things to do before selling your house to ensure you get the best results.
1. Work With a Successful Real Estate Agent
The very first step when selling your home is to choose an experienced and successful real estate agent. A skilled agent knows the local market, understands pricing strategies, and has the tools to market your home effectively.
Why it matters:
They’ll help you price your home correctly so you don’t leave money on the table.
They’ll handle marketing, negotiations, and paperwork.
They’ll guide you on which improvements and repairs will yield the best return on investment.
Selling on your own might seem like a way to save money, but in reality, most homeowners end up selling for less without professional guidance.
2. Declutter Every Room
Buyers want to imagine themselves living in your house, and clutter makes that difficult. Before listing, take time to remove excess belongings.
Tips:
Pack away seasonal clothes, extra kitchen gadgets, and personal collections.
Donate items you don’t use anymore.
Rent a storage unit if needed for furniture or boxes.
Decluttering makes rooms look larger, brighter, and more appealing.
3. Deep Clean the Entire Home
A spotless home shows buyers that the property has been well cared for. Consider hiring professional cleaners for a full deep clean.
Areas to focus on:
Carpets and rugs
Bathrooms and kitchens (especially grout, sinks, and appliances)
Windows inside and out
Baseboards, doors, and light fixtures
A fresh, clean smell makes a powerful first impression.
4. Make Small Repairs
Minor issues can give buyers the impression that the home hasn’t been maintained. Fixing small problems goes a long way.
Examples:
Leaky faucets
Loose door handles
Squeaky hinges
Cracked tiles
Burned-out light bulbs
These little fixes can make your home feel more move-in ready.
5. Improve Your Curb Appeal
The outside of your home is the first thing buyers see, and it sets the tone for their entire visit.
Budget-friendly ideas:
Mow the lawn and trim bushes.
Plant colorful flowers or add potted plants.
Power wash the driveway and walkways.
Repaint the front door or replace the doormat.
A tidy and inviting exterior can instantly make your home more attractive.
6. Neutralize Your Home’s Décor
While bold paint colors or unique décor may suit your taste, they may not appeal to buyers.
What to do:
Repaint walls in neutral shades like beige, gray, or off-white.
Remove highly personal artwork or themed decorations.
Simplify furniture layouts to highlight space and flow.
Neutral décor allows buyers to imagine how they would personalize the space.
7. Stage Key Rooms
Staging helps showcase your home’s best features and creates an emotional connection for buyers.
Focus on:
Living room
Kitchen
Primary bedroom
Bathrooms
Simple touches like fresh linens, accent pillows, or a vase of flowers can make rooms feel warm and inviting.
8. Gather Important Documents
Buyers and their lenders will ask for information about your home, so being organized will save time.
Documents to prepare:
Mortgage details
Property tax records
Utility bills
Warranties for appliances or upgrades
Records of repairs or renovations
Having everything ready makes the transaction smoother and instills confidence in buyers.
9. Highlight Energy Efficiency
Energy-efficient features are increasingly important to today’s buyers.
Ideas:
Replace old light bulbs with LED bulbs.
Highlight upgrades like new windows, insulation, or energy-efficient appliances.
Provide utility bills to show savings.
Buyers see energy efficiency as a long-term benefit, which can make your home more appealing.
10. Consider Pre-Listing Inspections
While not required, a pre-listing inspection can identify potential problems before buyers do.
Benefits:
Gives you time to fix issues on your terms.
Prevents surprises during negotiations.
Builds trust with buyers.
This proactive step can help you avoid delays or last-minute deal breakers.
11. Set the Right Price
Pricing your home correctly is one of the most important factors in how quickly it sells and for how much.
Why working with an agent matters:
They provide a comparative market analysis (CMA).
They understand current market trends.
They know how to price competitively while maximizing your profit.
Overpricing can turn buyers away, while underpricing may leave money on the table. A skilled agent helps strike the perfect balance.
12. Prepare Emotionally
Selling a home can be an emotional process, especially if you’ve lived there for years. Preparing yourself mentally will make the transition easier.
Tips:
Think of the sale as a business decision.
Focus on your future plans.
Remember: preparing well now helps you maximize your return.
Working with a real estate agent also helps by keeping negotiations professional and objective.
Final Thoughts
Selling your home involves more than just putting a “For Sale” sign in the yard. From decluttering and making repairs to staging and pricing, each step plays a critical role in attracting buyers and getting the most money for your home.
The single most effective step you can take is working with a successful local real estate agent. Experienced agents bring market knowledge, pricing expertise, and strong negotiation skills to ensure you sell for the best possible price.
By following these 12 steps and partnering with a professional, you’ll be well on your way to a smooth and profitable home-selling experience.
King & Edge Real Estate Agents in Boise, Idaho
As experienced Boise real estate agents, we are honored to have the opportunity to serve you and be a part of your real estate journey. Let us guide you towards a successful and rewarding experience, where your goals become our goals, and your vision becomes a reality. Contact us today and discover the unparalleled service and expertise that sets King & Edge Real Estate apart as we help you sell your home in Boise or find your place to call home.
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Stacey King Boise Real Estate Agent
Raised in a family engaged in custom building and real estate appraisal, Stacey was destined for a career in real estate. Moving to Boise in 2010, she developed a deep love for the area, purchasing her first home in 2016, a step that ignited her passion to help others experience the transformative power of homeownership. Stacey has built her business on integrity, exceptional client experience, meaningful relationships, and community investment. She dedicates a portion of each commission to support local and global charities, with a special passion for the Women’s and Children’s Alliance, aiding victims of domestic abuse. Stacey’s commitment to her clients and her community has paved the way for enduring friendships and a fulfilling career.
