Deep-Dive Guides for Selling Your Home

This resource offers clear, professional advice on decluttering, repairs, staging, and cleaning. Use these guides to prepare your home for sale—DIY where suitable, or hire trusted professionals for bigger tasks. Download PDFs, watch videos, or view images to assist your process.
Decluttering

Why Declutter?

A tidy home feels spacious, inviting, and easier to sell. Clear surfaces and organized spaces help buyers imagine themselves living there.

DIY Tips

  • Start small: tackle one room or area at a time.
  • Use boxes and bags: separate items to keep, donate, or discard.
  • Focus on visible spaces: countertops, shelves, closets.
  • Keep essentials accessible; remove excess.

When to Hire a Professional

  • Overwhelming clutter that’s hard to sort.
  • Need help with estate or full-home decluttering.
  • Require efficient sorting or specialized organizing.

Pro Tip: Invest in a professional organizer if you’re short on time or feeling overwhelmed. Their expertise can streamline the process and optimize space.

See Decluttering Checklist
Repairs & Maintenance

Why Fix What’s Broken?

Addressing repairs increases home value and prevents issues from escalating. Small fixes can make a big difference in first impressions.

DIY Repairs

  • Fix leaky faucets, squeaky doors, or loose handles.
  • Repaint walls or touch up scuffs.
  • Replace worn fixtures or hardware.

When to Hire a Professional

  • Major plumbing, electrical, or structural issues.
  • Problems requiring specialized skills or permits.
  • When safety is a concern.

Pro Tip: Get a pre-sale inspection to identify hidden issues. Use professionals for complex repairs to ensure safety and compliance.

Decluttering Checklist
Staging & Presentation

Why Stage Your Home?

Staging helps buyers visualize living in your space and can significantly influence their decision.

DIY Staging

  • Clear clutter and depersonalize (remove family photos).
  • Use neutral, fresh decor.
  • Arrange furniture to maximize space and flow.
  • Add fresh flowers or simple accessories.

When to Hire a Professional

  • For full staging services or high-end styling.
  • When you need expert advice on layout and decor.
  • To optimize small spaces or challenging layouts.

Pro Tip: Even simple, professional-looking staging can make a big difference. Consider a consultation if unsure.

Cleaning

Why Clean Thoroughly?

A spotless home makes a strong, positive impression and indicates good maintenance.

DIY Cleaning Tasks

  • Vacuum and mop floors.
  • Clean windows and mirrors.
  • Wipe down surfaces, cabinets, and appliances.
  • Freshen carpets and upholstery.

When to Hire a Professional

  • Deep cleaning of carpets, tiles, or upholstery.
  • Window cleaning, especially for hard-to-reach areas.
  • Post-renovation or move-in/move-out cleaning.

Pro Tip: Schedule a professional clean just before showings for maximum impact.

See Cleaning checklist