Maximizing Your Home’s Appeal: What Sellers Need to Do (And What Your Agent Should Be Doing) to Get Your Home Sold

Selling your home can feel like a whirlwind, but with the right preparation and teamwork, you can make your property shine and attract the right buyers. In today’s competitive market, it’s all about creating the best possible impression from the moment buyers see your home online to when they step inside. Here’s what you need to know about getting your home ready and how your real estate agent should be supporting you through the process.

What Sellers Should Do to Make Their Home Show-Ready

Making your home look its absolute best is essential to attracting buyers and ensuring a smooth sale. Here are key steps you should take:

1. Declutter and Depersonalize

Buyers need to envision themselves living in your home, and that can be difficult when your personal items are on display. Start by decluttering each room, removing excess furniture, knick-knacks, and personal photos. Think “less is more” to create a spacious, inviting feel. Consider donating or storing unused items to make the space feel open and organized.

2. Deep Clean Everywhere

A sparkling clean home gives buyers confidence that it has been well-maintained. Clean every corner of your home, from baseboards to ceiling fans. Don’t forget often-overlooked areas like inside closets, cupboards, and appliances. If cleaning isn’t your forte, it’s worth investing in a professional cleaning service to do a thorough top-to-bottom clean.

3. Make Minor Repairs and Updates

Now’s the time to tackle those small repairs you’ve been putting off—whether it’s fixing leaky faucets, replacing cracked tiles, or patching up walls. You don’t need to invest in major renovations, but simple fixes and touch-ups can go a long way. Consider repainting rooms in neutral tones to create a fresh, modern look that appeals to a wider audience.

4. Boost Curb Appeal

First impressions matter, and your home’s exterior is the first thing buyers will see. Make sure your front yard is neat and welcoming—mow the lawn, trim bushes, plant fresh flowers, and clean up walkways. A fresh coat of paint on the front door and updated outdoor lighting can also make a big difference in creating curb appeal.

5. Stage the Space

Staging is all about creating a warm, inviting environment that helps buyers imagine themselves living in your home. You don’t have to go overboard—simple things like arranging furniture to highlight your home’s best features, adding fresh flowers, or setting the dining table can make a huge impact. If you're unsure, your agent can help guide you, or you can consider hiring a professional stager.

6. Keep It Light and Bright

A well-lit home feels more open and welcoming. Maximize natural light by opening curtains and blinds during showings. Replace dim bulbs with brighter ones, and consider adding floor lamps or accent lighting to darker areas.

What Your Agent Should Be Doing to Help Sell Your Home

While you’re busy making your home look its best, your real estate agent should be equally committed to getting your home in front of the right buyers and ensuring a smooth sale. Here’s what your agent should be doing:

1. Pricing Your Home Correctly

One of the most critical tasks your agent will handle is setting the right price for your home. They should perform a comparative market analysis (CMA) to evaluate recent sales of similar homes in your area, current market trends, and the condition of your property. Pricing your home too high can scare off buyers, while pricing it too low can leave money on the table. Your agent should strike the right balance to attract offers quickly.

2. Marketing Your Home Professionally

In today’s digital age, first impressions often happen online. Your agent should use professional photography and possibly even virtual tours or video walkthroughs to showcase your home in its best light. Beyond that, they should promote your listing across multiple platforms, including real estate websites, social media, and their own professional networks. Effective marketing is key to getting eyes on your property.

3. Managing Showings and Open Houses

Your agent should coordinate and schedule showings, making it as easy as possible for potential buyers to view your home. They may also host open houses to attract foot traffic. It’s important to be flexible with showing times so buyers can visit when it’s convenient for them, but your agent should handle all the logistics.

4. Providing Feedback from Showings

After each showing or open house, your agent should gather feedback from prospective buyers and share it with you. This insight can be valuable for making adjustments, such as lowering the price, addressing concerns, or making further staging improvements.

5. Negotiating Offers

When offers start coming in, your agent’s negotiation skills are crucial. They’ll guide you through each offer, help you understand the terms, and negotiate on your behalf to get the best deal possible. Your agent will also handle any counteroffers and work to close the deal at the most favorable terms.

6. Handling Paperwork and Closing Details

Selling a home involves a lot of paperwork, from offers and counteroffers to contracts and disclosures. Your agent should handle all the legalities, ensuring that every document is completed accurately and submitted on time. They’ll also coordinate with the buyer’s agent, inspectors, and title companies to ensure a smooth closing process.

The Perfect Partnership: Seller + Agent

Selling your home is truly a team effort! By getting your home in top shape for showings and working closely with your agent, you’ll maximize your chances for a successful sale. Your role is to make sure the home looks its best, while your agent focuses on marketing, attracting buyers, and managing the entire process from start to finish.

If you're thinking about selling and want an agent who’s dedicated to guiding you every step of the way, I’m here to help! And while you're at it, download my free guide below to get all the insider tips you need for a smooth home selling experience.

Happy staging!

Brigitte Keene

Real Estate Agent & Investor

Scottsdale, AZ

Direct: (602) 806-8928

Email: info@brigittekeenerealestate.com

Website: www.brigittekeenerealestate.com