Published June 30, 2025

The Power of Preparation: 5 Essential Tips to Get Top Dollar When Selling Your Home

Written by Jessica Corners

If you're thinking about selling your home, one of the most important things you can do is prepare it properly. These days, your first showing doesn’t happen at the open house—it happens online. With buyers scrolling through listings at lightning speed, your photos need to stand out right away. It’s not just about putting a “For Sale” sign in the yard and hoping for the best—strategic preparation can drastically reduce your days on market and boost your sale price.

Over the years, our team has experienced time and again how a well-prepared home stands out, sells faster, and often garners stronger offers, even sparking bidding wars. So, if you're aiming for a smooth sale and a great return on your investment, here are 5 essential tips to help you prepare your home the right way:

1. Declutter & Depersonalize

Buyers want to imagine themselves living in your home—not feel like they’re visiting yours. Start by clearing countertops, closets, and shelves. Remove family photos, unique collectibles, and anything that might distract from the home itself. A clean, minimal space allows buyers to focus on the features of the home rather than the stuff in it. Check out our quick and easy checklist to prepare for photo day!

2. Deep Clean Everything

A sparkling clean home tells buyers it's been well-cared for. From baseboards and ceiling fans to windows and grout lines, make sure every inch of your home is spotless. Don’t forget often-overlooked areas like vents and light fixtures, those fine details matter! Busy? Hiring a professional cleaner is often cheaper than you think and we have trusted vendors who can take this off your hands!

3. Tackle Small Repairs

Leaky faucets, cracked tiles, loose door handles—buyers notice these things and often assume they’re signs of bigger problems. Taking care of minor repairs ahead of listing helps buyers feel confident in your home and prevents them from low-balling you to account for "fixes."

4. Boost Curb Appeal

First impressions start at the curb. Make sure your lawn is freshly mowed, landscaping is tidy, and the front door looks inviting (a new welcome mat and a potted plant can go a long way). A great exterior shot can be what gets buyers through the door—or scrolling past it online.

5. Stage for Success

Whether you hire a professional stager or simply rearrange furniture for better flow, staging helps highlight your home’s best features. Aim to create open, welcoming spaces that feel warm but neutral. The goal is to help buyers emotionally connect with your home—and imagine making it their own. Did you know that we offer three different marketing packages that include varying levels of staging? From light greenery and throw pillows to coordinating a full home stage with couches and bedroom sets, we have you covered!

Final Thoughts:

A well-prepped home doesn’t just look better—it sells better. Homes that shine from day one tend to sell faster and for more money, especially in a competitive market. Want help getting your home market-ready? That’s what we’re here for.

Let’s get your home looking its best so you can move forward with confidence—and a great offer in hand.

Jessica Corners, Director of Operations, Realtor®

KW Premier Realty Lake Minnetonka | Powered by PLACE

(763) 710-3386