6 Weeks Before Listing

Start with the two cheapest things you can do that move the most money: declutter and depersonalize. Buyers pay for space they can see themselves in, not for your memories.

• Declutter every room: Remove excess furniture, knick-knacks, and personal items.
• Depersonalize: Remove family photos, religious items, and political decor.
• Declutter closets: Buyers open closet doors. Remove half your belongings from each closet.

4 Weeks Before Listing

This is the week that separates a clean home from a freshly clean home, and buyers can tell the difference in the photos and at the door. Deep cleaning costs little and pays off in the final price.

• Deep clean everything: Carpets, windows, baseboards, appliances, light fixtures.
• Minor repairs: Patch holes, fix leaks, replace bulbs, touch up paint.
• Fresh neutral paint: Repaint rooms with bold colors in neutral tones.

2 Weeks Before Listing

Now the home has to look as good on the street as it does indoors, because the curb is the first photo buyers see and the first impression they judge.

• Curb appeal: Mow, edge, plant flowers, mulch beds, pressure wash.
• Staging: Arrange furniture for maximum space and flow.
• Professional photos: Schedule with a real estate photographer.

1 Week Before Listing

The heavy lifting is done, and this week is about polish. Buyers start their search online, so the photos and the first showings have to be perfect out of the gate.

• Final clean: One more thorough cleaning before photos and showings.
• Show-ready prep: Have supplies ready: fresh towels, neutral scents, good lighting.

Day of Showing

Every showing is a fresh first impression, so protect the routine. A bright, comfortable, pet-free home reads as well-maintained, and that is what buyers pay a premium for, Patriot Nation.

• Open curtains and turn on all lights for a bright, welcoming feel.
• Set a comfortable temperature (72 degrees is ideal).
• Remove pets and pet items from the home during showings.