Courtney Warren is a Texas-based interior designer whose work has been featured in Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, Good Housekeeping, Apartment Therapy, and Today.com. She is a frequent consultant on Fox 4 TV’s Good Day program in Dallas, was ranked in the top 3 percent of interior designers in the US by Houzz.com, and starred in the Dallas episode of TLC’sFour Houses. She delights in helping overwhelmed clients create beautiful spaces—and will never turn down a warm chocolate chip cookie or Diet Dr Pepper.

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Practical Tips for Selling Your Home That Experts Aren’t Telling You

This kitchen is filled with clutter- normal stuff when living there, but not for staging photos.

Preparing Your House to Sell: Key Steps for a Successful Sale

Selling your house can be a stressful process, but with a little preparation, you can make your home stand out to potential buyers. Here are two essential steps to help you prepare your house to sell:

1. Take Photos of the Rooms Before the Official Photos and Make Improvements

Before you call in a professional photographer, take your own photos of each room. This allows you to see your home from the buyer’s perspective. Look at the photos critically and identify areas that need improvement. Maybe the furniture arrangement feels cramped, or the decor looks dated. Use these insights to make strategic changes that enhance the appeal of your home.

Lighting: Ensure rooms are well-lit. Replace dim bulbs and open curtains to let natural light flood in.
Decor: Update or remove old decor items. A fresh coat of neutral paint can make a significant difference.
Furniture: Rearrange or remove furniture to create an open, inviting space.
Remove all magnets off the refrigerator

Even just removing the clutter and magnets from the fridge make a significant difference in the photos. The toaster is gone, the cords are corralled, and the fridge is wiped down and clean.

2. Clear Clutter

One of the most important steps in preparing your house to sell is clearing out clutter. A clutter-free home appears larger, cleaner, and more inviting to potential buyers.

Declutter: Go through each room and remove unnecessary items. This includes excess furniture, knick-knacks, and personal belongings.
Organize: Neatly organize remaining items. Consider using storage solutions like bins and baskets to keep things tidy.
Depersonalize: Remove personal items like family photos and unique decor pieces. This helps buyers envision themselves living in the space.

3. Make Strategic Home Improvements

Small changes can make a big impact on potential buyers. Consider making minor upgrades that can enhance your home’s appeal and increase its value.
Paint Cabinets: A fresh coat of paint on kitchen or bathroom cabinets can modernize the space and make it more attractive.
Redo Backsplash: Updating the backsplash in your kitchen can give it a fresh, contemporary look without a major renovation.

*This home on RodHolland.com is updated, fresh and ready to sell!*

This dramatic before and after is simply PAINT AND BACKSPLASH. Minimal investment, but HUGE results!

Curb Appeal: Don’t forget the exterior! Simple landscaping, fresh paint on the front door, and clean windows can significantly boost your home’s first impression.

By taking photos of your rooms and making necessary improvements, along with clearing out clutter, you can present your home in the best possible light. These simple yet effective steps will help attract buyers and ensure a successful sale.