How to Prepare Your Home for Sale (and Impress Buyers!)

Selling your home is an exciting step, but it can also feel overwhelming. From pricing and marketing to negotiations and closing, there are many moving parts to manage. One of the most important steps, no matter the time of year, is preparing your home to make the best possible first impression on buyers.

The way your home looks and feels can have a big impact on how quickly it sells and the price you receive. Here’s Candace Fogolin’s guide to getting your home market-ready all year round.

1. Declutter and Depersonalize

Buyers want to picture themselves living in your home, and that’s hard to do if it’s full of personal items or excess clutter.

• Pack away family photos, collections, and personal keepsakes.

• Clear countertops, tables, and shelves to create a sense of openness.

• Organize closets and storage spaces, as buyers often look inside.

A cleaner, more neutral space helps buyers see the home’s full potential.

2. Make Necessary Repairs

Small fixes can make a big difference. Walk through your home and look for leaky faucets, squeaky doors, chipped paint, or broken light fixtures. These issues can give buyers the impression that the home hasn’t been well-maintained.

If larger repairs are needed such as roofing, plumbing, or electrical, Candace can help you determine whether to complete them before listing or disclose them to buyers.

3. Focus on Curb Appeal

First impressions start at the front door. No matter the season, make sure the exterior of your home looks welcoming.

• In warmer months: Keep the lawn mowed, trim hedges, and plant seasonal flowers.

• In winter: Clear walkways of snow and ice, and add a fresh wreath to the door for a cozy touch.

A tidy, inviting exterior signals to buyers that the home is well cared for.

4. Deep Clean Every Room

A spotless home instantly feels more appealing. Pay special attention to:

• Windows, light fixtures, and baseboards.

• Kitchens and bathrooms – clean appliances, grout, and faucets until they shine.

• Carpets and rugs – consider a professional cleaning if needed.

A clean home not only looks great but also shows buyers that it has been well-maintained.

5. Stage for Success

Staging highlights your home’s best features and helps buyers envision how they would use the space. This could mean rearranging furniture to make rooms feel larger, adding tasteful décor, or even renting furniture for vacant spaces.

Candace provides expert advice on staging – whether it’s simple tips for occupied homes or connecting you with trusted staging professionals.

6. Let the Light In

Natural light makes any space feel brighter and more inviting. Open blinds and curtains during showings, and replace any burnt-out bulbs. If a room lacks natural light, consider adding mirrors or warm-toned lamps to make it feel cozy and bright.

7. Create a Welcoming Atmosphere

Small touches can go a long way in making buyers feel at home. Before showings:

• Play soft background music.

• Light a subtle-scented candle or bake cookies.

• Add fresh flowers or greenery for a pop of colour.

It’s about creating a feeling … because buyers often remember how a home made them feel as much as how it looked.

Why Preparation Matters

A well-prepared home attracts more interest, sells faster, and can command a higher price. It also helps buyers focus on what matters – your home’s true value, rather than potential repairs or distractions.

Ready to Sell Your Home?

Selling doesn’t have to be stressful when you have the right guidance. Candace Fogolin combines local expertise, strategic marketing, and hands-on support to help you prepare, list, and sell with confidence all year round.

📩 Contact Candace today to get started and learn how to make your home shine on the market.