By Jaime Silveria

You’ve decided to sell your home! Congratulations! Whether you’ve decided to sell in order to relocate to another town or state or you’re simply wanting to move somewhere nearby, it’s a big decision and one that comes with a lot of consideration. There are so many moving parts to a successful real estate transaction, but one you may not necessarily think about is how to present your home to potential buyers while still living in it. Sometimes life is messy and that can translate to our surroundings. Selling your home while living in it can be a challenge and, at times, feel inconvenient, but it is definitely doable and worth the effort. 

Even though you are the seller, we want to start thinking like a buyer. What?! Thinking like a buyer will allow you to see your home through a different lens thus helping you to understand what will attract potential buyers. These days, with social media making it appear as though people live in a showcase home and with prices that continue to rise, buyer expectations are high. You will need to consider how your choice of paint, furniture layout, or home decor may impact a potential buyer. My top advice for sellers: declutter and depersonalize. It’s a widely recommended strategy because a clean, neutral space helps buyers imagine themselves living there.

The question is always asked, how much should you declutter and depersonalize a space? Take the kitchen, for example, less is more on the countertops. A few decorative touches are fine, but too many items or small appliances can make the space feel cramped. Clearing counters not only makes the kitchen look larger but also shines in listing photos. A clutter-free space helps buyers see the full potential and imagine themselves cooking there.

Another tip I give sellers is to remove furniture that looks worn or damaged. Furniture that is in poor condition can make buyers question how well the home has been maintained. In smaller rooms, I often suggest removing larger pieces of furniture or rearranging the furniture to make the space feel bigger. How do your closets look? Overflowing closets make a buyer feel like they won’t have enough room for their belongings or there isn’t enough storage in the home. So, those jeans you’ve been holding on to for over a decade because one day maybe they’ll fit again, it’s time to donate them. Additional items you’re keeping should be packed away and neatly stored in the garage or in a low-traffic room. 

Depersonalizing your home goes hand in hand with decluttering. Depersonalizing means removing or minimizing personal items and touches to make the space more neutral and appealing to potential buyers. The goal is to help buyers envision themselves living in the home, rather than feeling like they’re visiting your space. This includes taking down family portraits, vacation photos or school photos which can distract buyers and make it harder for them to imagine the home as theirs. I also recommend putting away collections, religious items, political or controversial decor and children’s toys (at least most of them). Now, you might be saying, but these items are what make my home, home or you’re getting rid of all the character/warmth. That’s exactly the point. Potential buyers don’t just buy a home; they buy the idea of living there. Depersonalizing helps them project their own lives and tastes onto the space, which can speed up the sale and sometimes even increase the offer.

The outside of your home can be just as important as the inside, so make sure it’s show-ready. You want to grab a buyer’s attention from the moment they drive by or arrive for a showing. The exterior of your home should be attractive and inviting because it sets the tone for the rest of the showing. Basic yard maintenance like mowing the lawn, trimming bushes, pulling weeds, and removing any trash is the minimum. To really make your home stand out, consider inexpensive improvements. Things like adding fresh mulch to the landscape, painting the front door, power washing the walkways or even adding seasonal flowers in pots around the yard can up the curb appeal. You need interest to have prospective buyers walk through the front door or you won’t sell your home. Strong curb appeal can significantly impact a buyer’s interest and even your home’s perceived value.

Getting your home ready to sell starts with a few key steps: decluttering, depersonalizing, and boosting curb appeal. Removing personal items and excess belongings helps create a clean, spacious atmosphere where buyers can easily imagine themselves living. First impressions matter, and a well-maintained exterior can make your home feel warm and inviting from the moment someone pulls up. These efforts not only help your home stand out from the competition but can also attract more interest and lead to faster, stronger offers. Since market conditions are always changing, your Realtor® will guide you through the process, tailoring a strategy to your unique situation. With the right plan in place, what might feel overwhelming becomes manageable — and the ultimate goal of a successful sale becomes much more attainable.

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